Portable irrigation pipe installation and removal system

• US 6,561,731 B1
• Filed: 03/09/2000
• Issued: 05/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Golden State Irrigation Services, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Golden State Irrigation Services, Inc.
• Inventors: Clare, James Carter, Brodie, Stewart Bradley, Conrad, Michael Eugene
• Primary Examiner(s): LEE, JONG SUK
• Application Number:
  US09/521,804
• Time in Patent Office: 1,160 Days
• Field of Search: 405/154.1, 405/155, 405/184.4, 405/184.5, 405/36, 405/166, 405/167, 405/168--16, 405/170, 405/303, 414/745.1, 414/745.4, 414/745.5, 414/746.4, 414/746.7, 414/528, 414/537, 414/559, 414/571, 414/575, 414/584, 292/37, 294/261, 294/263, 298/901.4, 239/600, 239/726, 239/750, 239/734, 239/741, 239/742
• US Class Current: 405/36
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 25/02 Watering arrangements located above the soil which make use of perforated pipe-lines or pipe-lines with dispensing fittings, e.g. for drip irrigation
• CPC Class Codes: E02B 11/02 Drainage device- laying apparatus, e.g. drainage ploughs
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/5367 Coupling to conduit

Abstract

A portable pipe irrigation system that is used primarily for temporary drip and sprinkler installations includes a unique trailer that comprises a platform which simplifies installation and removal of the irrigation system. The trailer is either self propelled or pulled by a tractor. A magazine in the central portion of the trailer is of a sufficient length to accommodate pipe of various lengths and cross sections. A work platform is located at either end of the magazine, allowing workers to manipulate the pipe in the magazine and load the pipe into one of two installation chutes. Catwalks are located on one or both sides of the magazine. Two chutes or channels are located on the platform at a comfortable work level. A primary chute is located closest to the magazine and is fitted with a fixed stop on the front end and a pushing lever on the rear end. A secondary chute is provided for final assembly of the pipe sections. The secondary chute has a lever of a much longer radius that travels along the length of the chute. The two chutes define work areas where the pipe sections are assembled or disassembled. At the rear of the trailer/platform are outriggers that assist in the accurate placement of pipe in the field.

Claims

1. A portable pipe installation and removal system, comprising:

a movable platform having;

a central magazine of a predetermined length to accommodate pipe of various lengths and cross sections;

at least one work platform located at either end of said magazine for allowing workers to manipulate the pipe in said magazine;

at least one catwalk located on at least one side of said magazine for allowing the workers to walk safely and freely along the sides of said magazine; and

at least two chutes located on said platform, said chutes comprising;

a primary chute located closest to said magazine, wherein said primary chute is fitted with a fixed stop on a front end; and

a secondary chute having a conveyer for assembly of pipe sections;

wherein said chutes define work areas where the pipe sections are assembled or disassembled.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one outrigger at a rear of said platform for assisting in the accurate placement of the pipe in a field.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said platform comprises:

a trailer that is either self propelled or pulled by a motorized vehicle.

4. The system of claim 1, said platform further comprising:

a wheeled chassis, wherein said platform is readily moved through a field during a pipe installation and removal.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said conveyor effects joining of a first pipe section with a coupler and a second pipe section with a coupler.