Irrigation System

Abstract

An irrigation system that includes a carriage may move along a predetermined path in a reciprocal manner. The carriage supports one or more exit ports that are fed plant growth material by a pressurized delivery arrangement. One or more plant stands are configured and arranged to straddle the carriage as it moves along the predetermined path. The one or more plant stands form a chamber into which plant roots may extend, and into which the one or more exit ports are able to discharge their plant growth material. The one or more plant stands may include side panels and a cap to reduce infiltration of light and contaminants, and to enhance the plant root-plant growth material interface and absorption rates. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may include friction reducing elements that facilitate transverse movement. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may be supported by a modular framework.

1 . A plant stand suitable for use with an irrigation system, the plant stand comprising:
 a. a first frame having a top member, opposing side members and a bottom member; and,   b. a second frame having a top member, opposing side members and a bottom member, with the first and second frame connected to each other adjacent their respective top members and with the respective bottom members spaced apart from each other by a distance that is greater than a distance between the top members.   
     
     
         2 . The plant stand of  claim 1 , further comprising a plant holder, with the plant holder secured to one of the first or second frames, and wherein the plant holder includes an aperture that is configured and arranged to allow a plant root to extend therethrough. 
     
     
         3 . The plant holder of  claim 2 , wherein the aperture comprises web. 
     
     
         4 . The plant stand of  claim 1 , further comprising a plant holder, with the plant holder secured to one of the first or second frames, and wherein the plant holder includes a pocket having an aperture, with the aperture configured and arranged to allow a plant root to extend therethrough. 
     
     
         5 . A framework suitable for use with an irrigation system, the framework comprising:
 a. a first sub-frame having a center post;   b. a second sub-frame having a center post, with the second sub-frame spaced from the first sub-frame; and,   c. a guide assembly connected to the center posts of the first and second sub-frames.   
     
     
         6 . The framework of  claim 5 , wherein the guide assembly comprises crossbeams and a guide member, wherein a crossbeam is connected to each of the center posts of the sub-frames, wherein the guide member is connected to the crossbeams and wherein the guide member includes a carriage engagement portion. 
     
     
         7 . The framework of  claim 5 , wherein the carriage engagement portion comprises a slot that extends along a longitudinal length of the guide member. 
     
     
         8 . The framework of  claim 5 , wherein each sub-frame further comprises an outer post, with the outer post connected to the center post by a crossbar. 
     
     
         9 . A carriage suitable for use in an irrigation system, the carnage comprising: a body having a platform with first and second surfaces, a first strut and a second strut, with the first and second struts being substantially parallel, and with the first and second struts generally orthogonal to a plane defined by the second surface of the platform, and with each of the first and second struts including at least one friction reducing element, wherein the at least one friction reducing element is configured and arranged to support the carriage as it is moved from a first position to a second position. 
     
     
         10 . The carriage of  claim 9 , wherein each of the first and second struts includes an inwardly facing surface, and wherein the friction reducing element comprises at least one wheel that is rotatably mounted to the inwardly facing surface. 
     
     
         11 . A plant stand suitable for use with an irrigation system, the plant stand comprising:
 a. a first frame having a top member, opposing side members and a bottom member;   b. a second frame having a top member, opposing side members and a bottom member, with the first and second frame connected to each other adjacent their respective top members and with the respective bottom members spaced apart from each other by a distance that is greater than a distance between the top members; and,   c. a plant holder, wherein said plant holder is secured to one of the first or second frames, and wherein said plant holder includes an aperture that is configured and arranged to allow a plant root to extend therethrough.   
     
     
         12 . The plant stand of  claim 11 , wherein the aperture comprises a web. 
     
     
         13 . The plant stand of  claim 12 , further comprising a cap, wherein the cap is configured and arranged to cover a gap that is formed between the top members of the first and second frames. 
     
     
         14 . The plant stand of  claim 13 , further comprising a panel, with the panel configured and arranged to extend between side members of the first and second frames. 
     
     
         15 . The plant stand of  claim 12 , further comprising a crossbar that extends between the opposing side members of at least one of the first and second frames, the crossbar configured and arranged to support a portion of said plant holder. 
     
     
         16 . The plant stand of  claim 12 , wherein said plant holder comprises flexible, opaque material.