AU2009277955A1 - Sprinkler support - Google Patents

Description

WO 2010/013243 PCT/IL2009/000742 SPRINKLER SUPPORT FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an irrigation assembly support system arrangement and particularly, to an assembly for supporting and stabilizing a sprinkler array. 5 The term sprinkler as used herein in the specification and the claims denotes any type of irrigation unit, e.g. a mini sprinkler, a sprinkler, a sprayer, etc. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION One type of a commonly used irrigation system is illustrated in Fig. 1. This system comprises a main fluid supply conduit, a sprinkler, and a ground support-stake 10 having a sprinkler carrying portion and a ground engaging portion adapted to be inserted into the ground. Typically, the sprinkler is vertically supported at an uppermost end of the ground support-stake. The sprinkler is connected to the main fluid supply conduit through a flexible irrigation tube connected at its one end to the conduit and at its 15 opposite end to the sprinkler. The ground engaging portion of the support-stake is inserted into the ground so as to anchor the system and provide a stable support for the sprinkler. In order to ease the insertion of the support-stake into the ground, just above the ground engaging portion, outwardly projecting arms are provided which are stepped onto upon insertion 20 of the stake into the ground. In the event that the user wishes to move the irrigation system to another location, the support-stake has to be pulled out and inserted at the new location. Such an operation is extremely time consuming and has to be performed manually in order to prevent damage to the system. Moreover, pulling the support-stake too fast or with too 25 much force may cause damage to the irrigation system; if upon insertion, the terrain is hard, the stake may bend and thus the irrigation angle will be distorted. In addition, after installation, the fluid supply conduit may twist and/or change its length with changes in environmental temperature, e.g. high and low ambient air WO 2010/013243 PCT/IL2009/000742 -2 temperatures, solar radiation and the like, and due to residual stresses developed during manufacturing, storage and installation. As a result of such twisting, the orientation of the irrigation tubes and/or the sprinklers attached thereto consequently resulting in a failure to precipitate the desired area or at times, the irrigation tube may even disconnect 5 from the fluid conduit (or from the sprinkler). Moreover, due to such tension applied on the assembly, the support-stakes may bend or even be pulled out and the irrigation will thus be distorted. This often causes a loss of fluid and/or loss of crops in some instances which can only be remedied by considerable labor in checking and resetting the many outlets of such a system. 10 Various types of combined irrigation system and support-stake or raiser assemblies are known in the art. For example, a device for positioning irrigation pipes and attaching risers thereto is disclosed in US3,843,059. This document is directed towards a device for permanently positioning irrigation pipes and attaching risers for sprinklers thereto. The device comprises a supporting base plate which is integrally cast 15 with a half-shell of a clamp, the other complementary half-shell of the clamp being made integral with a fitting for a riser carrying a sprinkler and having a bore communicating between said fitting and the inside of the half-shell, the clamp being adapted to position an irrigation pipe and to provide communication between the irrigation pipe and the riser. 20 Another type of irrigation system support assembly is disclosed in US4,275,839. This document is directed towards a combination stabilizer and sprinkler support for surface hose comprising a two-piece stabilizer for holding a surface hose or fluid conduit in place on the ground to prevent twisting or turning normally caused by residual stresses. A lower base member has a central saddle portion with outwardly 25 extending arms. A clamp member connectable with the base member by irreversible integral pins secures the base in place and prevents it from turning. The clamp member includes a spigot portion on its bottom side for penetrating the hose to form a fluid connection and a retaining sleeve portion on its upper side to hold a riser or sprinkler device. 30 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The term "fluid" as used herein refers to any type of liquid as well as a gas.

WO 2010/013243 PCT/IL2009/000742 -3 The term "conduit" is used herein in its conventional sense, meaning a pipe, tube or the like for conveying a fluid. One aspect of the present invention is directed to a conduit engagement assembly comprising a base member having a top side and a ground facing surface; and 5 at least one gripping member provided at the base member, adapted to detachably engage the conduit, and having a longitudinal axis co-axial with a longitudinal axis of the conduit when received therein. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a sprinkler support assembly comprising a base member having a top side and a ground facing side; at least one 10 gripping member provided at the base member, adapted to detachably engage the conduit, and having a longitudinal axis co-axial with a longitudinal axis of a fluid conduit; and a support-stake detachably attachable to the base member, the support stake formed with a sprinkler carrying portion, for supporting a sprinkler being in a fluid communication with the conduit through an irrigation tube. 15 Any one or more of the following features may be applied to any one of the aspects subject of the present invention: - the gripping member may be provided on the top side of the base member, according to another embodiment the gripping member may be provided on the bottom surface of the base member; 20 - the gripping member may be detachably attachable to the base member; - the gripping member may be an integral part of the assembly and optionally, a detachably attachable gripping member adapted to engage conduit having smaller diameter may be fitted thereon; - the gripping member may be adapted to securely lock the conduit 25 however, allowing axial displacement of the conduit within the gripping member; - the base member may comprise a ground support arrangement having at least one ground support arm laterally extending from the longitudinal axis of the base member; 30 - at least one of the ground support arms may be formed with a top surface constituting a foot step to facilitate manipulating of the assembly; - the base may be provided with a receptacle for accommodating an irrigation tube; WO 2010/013243 PCT/IL2009/000742 -4 - the ground support arrangement may assume a variety of shapes, such as for example one or more laterally extending arms, symmetrically or asymmetrically extending with respect to the base member; - the ground support arrangement may have a substantially round shape; 5 - the ground support arms may project downwardly from the base member, such that the conduit engaging element is elevated above the ground; - the assembly may comprise a support-stake attachable to the base member for supporting a sprinkler at an elevated position, the support stake being formed with an attachment portion for rigid engagement to 10 the base member and a sprinkler carrying portion, for supporting a sprinkler being in a fluid communication with the conduit through an irrigation tube; - the support-stake may be hollow and the irrigation tube is attachable to a fluid passage extending through the base member, the fluid passage 15 formed with a fluid inlet connectable to the irrigation tube and a fluid outlet constituting the support-stake attachment portion, such that the sprinkler and the irrigation tube are in fluid communication through the support-stake; - the fluid passage may be fitted with a filtering member; 20 - the fluid passage may be fitted with a flow governing member, e.g., pressure regulating valve, check valve, etc.; - the base member may be provided with at least one support-stake locking arrangement; - the support-stake may be detachably attachable to the base member; 25 - the attachment portion of the support-stake may be L-shaped having an attachment portion adapted for engagement by an arresting element of the base member so as to maintain the support-stake substantially upright; - the arresting element engages with an attachment portion of the support stake, however facilitating pivotal displacement of the support-stake with 30 respect to the base member; - the arresting element lies substantially under the gripping member; WO 2010/013243 PCT/IL2009/000742 -5 - the base member further comprises at its top side a support-stake restraining member; - the attachment portion is threaded and is adapted to be screwed into the base member; 5 - the support-stake is pivotally displaceable between operable, substantially upright position, and a non-operative position wherein the support-stake extends substantially parallel to the ground; - the support stake is detachable from the base unit only once it has been pivotally displaced with respect to the base member; 10 - the gripping member snappingly receives the conduit; - the at least one gripping member is dimensioned such as to allow relative longitudinal displacement of the conduit along the longitudinal axis thereof; - the assembly is adapted for nestable stacking within like assemblies; and 15 - the base member comprises an arresting portion for detachably securing the support-stake when in a non-operable, parallel to the ground position. All of the components of the sprinkler support assembly, according to the invention, may be made of relatively inexpensive materials, in large quantities, using conventional molding and manufacturing techniques and procedures. Therefore, the 20 sprinkler support assembly is particularly well adapted for ease and economy of manufacture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, 25 with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is an illustration of a known in the art irrigation system; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a sprinkler support assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is an illustration of the sprinkler support assembly according to the 30 embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, receiving a fluid conduit, raised by a user above the ground surface; WO 2010/013243 PCT/IL2009/000742 -6 Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a sprinkler support assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, receiving a fluid conduit; Fig. 4B is a perspective view of only the conduit engagement assembly shown in Fig. 4A; 5 Fig. 4C is a perspective view of nestably stacked conduit engagement assemblies in accordance with the embodiment shown in Fig. 4B; Fig. 5A is a perspective view of a sprinkler support assembly in accordance with a modification of the present invention, receiving a fluid conduit; Fig. 5B is a perspective bottom view of the sprinkler support assembly shown in 10 Fig. 5A; Fig. 5C is a perspective top view of a stack of sprinkler support assemblies fitted with support-stakes in a non-operable position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5D is a perspective side view of a stack of sprinkler support assemblies 15 devoid the support-stake in accordance with the embodiment shown in Fig. 5C; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of stack of sprinkler support assemblies in accordance with yet an embodiment of the present invention; Figs. 7A and 7B are an illustration of a sprinkler support assembly with the support-stake in an upright and parallel to the ground position, respectively; 20 Fig. 8 is a perspective top view of a sprinkler support assembly in accordance with yet a modification of the present invention; Fig. 9A is a perspective side view of a sprinkler support assembly in accordance with yet another modification of the present invention; Fig. 9B is a partially cross sectioned view of the sprinkler support assembly of 25 Fig. 9A; Fig. 9C is a side perspective view of a sprinkler support assembly of Fig. 9A, with the restraining member in an unlocked position; Fig. 9D is a partial cross section of a sprinkler support assembly of Fig. 9C; Figs. IOA and 10B are perspective views of a sprinkler support assembly in 30 accordance with yet modifications of the present invention each having a different gripping member at a disengaged and partially engaged positions, respectively; Fig. 11A is a perspective view of a sprinkler support assembly in accordance with yet another modification of the invention, fitted with a hollow support-stake; and WO 2010/013243 PCT/IL2009/000742 -7 Fig. 11B is a partially cross sectioned and exploded view of a sprinkler support assembly of Fig. 11 A, with the support-stake in a disengaged position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 5 Attention is first directed to Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings illustrating a conduit engagement assembly generally designated 20 formed with a base designated 24 having a top side 26A and a ground facing surface 26B. The base member 24 is fitted with a conduit gripping assembly 28 in the form of a pair of gripping members 30 both having a substantially U-like shape, coaxially extending along a longitudinal axis A and formed 10 with outwardly extending shoulders 32 to facilitate easy snapping engagement of a fluid conduit 36 (Fig. 3). Transversely extending from the base 24 there are provided a pair of ground support lateral arms 42A and 42B rigidly secured to the base 24 and constituting a ground support arrangement. A sprinkler support stake 50 has a generally L-like shape comprising an upright 15 sprinkler carrying portion 52 and an attachment portion 54 suited for locking engagement within the base of the conduit engagement assembly as will become apparent hereinafter with reference to the following examples. The sprinkler support stake 50 is a long, elongate rod, made of sturdy material, such as steel, PVC, fiberglass, etc. fitted for supporting a sprinkler at its uppermost end, 20 at a suitable height for desired irrigation of crops. It is appreciated that the sprinkler support stage should be rigidly and firmly coupled to the base so as to overcome those forces rising during rotary of a rotary sprinkler mounted thereon. For that purpose, various support and locking means are provided at the base member. In the example illustrated in Fig. 3, a fluid conduit 36 is supported by the 25 conduit engagement assembly 20 and a sprinkler S is mounted at the top end of the sprinkler support stake 50, with a flexible irrigation tube 60 extending between the fluid conduit 36 and the sprinkler S, however leaving sufficient slack irrigation tube so as to overcome axial displacement and twisting of the fluid conduit 36, e.g. under the change of environmental conditions, or unintentional displacement of the fluid conduit 36. As 30 illustrated in Fig. 3, the conduit engagement assembly 20 together with the sprinkler support-stake 50 can be easily lifted from the ground and shifted from place to place, need that often rises when cultivating crops.

WO 2010/013243 PCT/IL2009/000742 -8 Reverting now to Fig. 2, the gripping members 30 snap onto the fluid conduit 36, however, the gripping members 30 will not prevent axial displacement of the fluid conduit 36 with respect to the base 24. Even more so, the pair of ground support lateral 5 arms 42A and 42B prevent the assembly 20 from tilting over, e.g. under influence of the moment of inertia developed owing to an irrigating sprinkler. Further seen in Fig. 2, the attachment portion 54 of the sprinkler support stake 50 is snugly received within a support stake receptacle 62. The attachment portion passes through and is retained by the bore 63 formed in the base 24 to thereby facilitate 10 only pivotal and axial displacement which are prevented by means of a locking arrangement generally designated 70 comprising an arresting plate 72 formed with a snap-arrest 74 for snapping engagement of the support stake 50 whilst displaced into its upright position in direction of arrow 76. Thus, the support stake 50 will not spontaneously displace or disengage from the conduit engaging assembly 20, but only 15 upon intentional unlocking in direction opposite to that of arrow 76. It is further seen in Fig. 2 that the gripping members 30 co-axially extend along the axis A whilst the sprinkler support stake 50 projects substantially normal thereto, with the attachment portion 54 transversing the axis A and at the assembled position extends below the fluid conduit 36. 20 In the example of Figs. 2 and 3 the conduit engaging assembly 20 is composed of several components assembled and fixed together, made for example of plastic material, wood, metal, or a combination of materials. However, in the following examples, the entire conduit engagement assembly is a uniform element, typically made of plastic molded material, as will be disclosed hereinafter. 25 In the following examples, like elements will be designated with reference numbers similar to those designated in connection with Figs. 2 and 3, however shifted by 100 per each example. In Figs. 4A to 4B, the conduit engaging assembly 120 is a uniform device made of molded plastic material having a generally cross-like shape with a pair of conduit 30 gripping members 130 integrally molded with the base 124 with pair of ground engagement lateral arms 142A and 142B. In the present example, there is a saddle-like portion 173 extending between the two gripping members 130 extending in alignment with a support-stake receptacle 162. Support stake receptacle 162 comprises an WO 2010/013243 PCT/IL2009/000742 -9 upwardly projecting housing 164 formed with an L-like shape recess 166 shaped and sized for snappingly arresting the attachment portion 54 of the sprinkler support stake 50 as can be seen in Fig. 4A. As seen, the attachment portion 54 faces laterally outwardly, i.e. from the central 5 axis A. Also noted, the support-stake 50 may assume an upright, operative position as in Fig. 4A or it may be pivotally knocked down, in direction of arrow 176 whilst still coupled to the support assembly, however at a position substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A. Fig. 4C illustrates the conduit engaging assembly 120 of Figs. 4A and 4B in a 10 stack where a plurality of like support assemblies are nestingly staked over one another. Turning now to Figs. 5A to 5B there is illustrated yet another example of a conduit engaging assembly in accordance with the present invention generally designated 220. The device, whilst following the same principles as in accordance with the previous examples, has a general oval shape, nevertheless formed with conduit 15 gripping assembly 228 (best seen in Fig. 5C) with a central conduit gripping member 230 which is somewhat wider than in the previous examples. In order to render the assembly with support, also under conditions of pressure within the conduit, and during operation of a sprinkler mounted on a sprinkler support-stake, the assembly comprises a wide base with its edges 275 serving a ground support arms. 20 The structure of the conduit engaging assembly 220 facilitates that a sprinkler support-stake may be assembled thereto at either of its two sides as it is fitted with two support-stake engaging arrangements 262 (best seen in fig. 5C) each formed with a receptacle 279 for a sprinkler-support attachment portion 54 and two locking mechanisms, namely one extending at a top surface 226A of the device, in the form of a 25 snap engagement 274 (Fig. 5A), adapted for snapping arresting of the upright portion 52 of the irrigation stake 50, and the other (seen in Fig. 5B) in the form of a receptacle bore 263 suited for arresting the attachment portion 54 of the irrigation support stake 50. In the example of Figs. 5A-5B, the attachment portion 54 of the irrigation support stake 50 extends under the fluid conduit 36. 30 As can further be seen, the conduit engaging assembly 220 is formed with a sprinkler support-stake holder assembly, in the form of a longitudinal recess 280 formed at each side of the device, such that a support-stake may be snappingly arrested thereto during storage of the device, as can be seen in Fig. 5C. Fig. 5D illustrates the conduit WO 2010/013243 PCT/IL2009/000742 -10 engagement assemblies 220 stacked upon one another, however without the sprinkler support-stakes. The receptacle bore 263 illustrated in Fig. 5B may just as well be an open type receptacle, i.e. a snap-type engagement for snappingly arresting the attachment portion 5 54 of the sprinkler support stake 50. The examiner of Fig. 6 illustrates a conduit engagement assembly 320 being substantially similar to the embodiment disclosed in connection with Figs. 5A-D, however with the difference at the knocked-down position of the sprinkler support-stake 50, it may be retained within the conduit engagement assembly 320 centrally, within a 10 recess 381 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the assembly 320. For minimizing the volume of a stack of like conduit engagement assemblies 320, each of the base members 324 is formed with a recess 390 formed at its bottom surface positioned such that at the stacked position a sprinkler support stake 50 of one conduit engagement assembly 320 projects into, and is received by, the recess 390 of an upper 15 conduit engagement assembly 320. Figs. 7A and 7B illustrate a sprinkler support assembly comprising a conduit engagement assembly 220, a sprinkler support 50 and an irrigation assembly comprising the fluid conduit 36 and the irrigation tube 60 fitted with a sprinkler S. Fig. 7A illustrates the sprinkler support-stake 50 is at its operative position namely substantially 20 upright extending, and in Fig. 7B the sprinkler support-stake is at its non-operative, collapsed state, i.e. extending substantially parallel to the fluid conduit. This position may be useful for example while carrying out this agricultural processes on a field such as harvesting, etc. It is noticed that the flexible irrigation tube 60 is sufficiently long and flexible whereby pivotal displacement of the sprinkler support-stake, or axial 25 displacement of the fluid conduit 36, will not result in malfunctioning of the system, namely disengagement of the flexible tube from either the main supply conduit 36 or the sprinkler S. The devices illustrated in Figs. 8 to 12B differ in their general appearance from the previous embodiments in that a conduit gripping assembly substantially shorter than 30 the width of the device extending along the lateral ground support arrangement. In Fig. 8, the device 420 comprises a pair of saddle-like gripping members 430 coaxially extending, with a sprinkler support-stake arresting mechanism 470 in the form WO 2010/013243 PCT/IL2009/000742 - 11 of an L-shaped recess extending downwardly from the top surface 426A and between the gripping members 430. In order to retain the sprinkler support-stake 50 at its upright position, in a firm state, a retention member 472 is provided in the form of a snap coupler fitted for sliding 5 mounting over the sprinkler support-stake 50 and arresting at its lower face, over a suitable locking surface on the top side of the assembly 420. As can be seen, the base member is formed with an opening 486 for threading the flexible irrigation tube 60 therethrough, such that the tube remains articulated to the device upon transporting of the assembly and further prevents its tangling with other 10 such devices. Even more so, the device 420 is fitted with a stepping surface 491 so that an individual may step on the device from its top surface and use his hands to manipulate the sprinkler support stake, the irrigation tube or a fluid conduit. The assembly illustrated in Figs. 9A to 9D is substantially similar to that illustrated in Fig. 8, however with the exception that the irrigation support-stake is 15 securely arrested at its upright position by means of a pivotal lock mechanism in the form of a lever 573 pivotally secured through the base at 575 and being formed at its free end with a snap-arresting aperture 579 for snapping engagement with the support stake 50. In Figs. 9A and 9B the locking lever 573 is illustrated at its closed, locked position whilst in Figs. 9C and 9D the lever is at its pivoted, open position whereby the 20 irrigation support stake 50 may be disengaged from the snap arresting aperture 579 within the assembly 520 for its withdrawal. For that purpose, a central aperture 584 (seen in Fig. 9C and into which the lever 573 pivots) is of substantially equal length as the support stake attachment portion 54. Furthermore, the assembly 520 comprises snap receptacles 572 provided on both sides of the base, adapted for snappingly retaining the 25 irrigation tube 60. When snapped into the receptacles 572, the irrigation tube 60 remains articulated to the base member upon transporting of the assembly 520 preventing its tangling with other such devices. Whilst in the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 4 to 9D the device was of uniform structure, and made of an integrally plastic molded device, in the embodiment 30 exemplified in Figs. 10A and lOB the gripping members 630 are detachably attachable to the base 624. This arrangement is useful, in particular, when the assembly 620 is to be used with tubes of different diameters. For that purpose the inner surface 687 may be formed with diameter adjusting ribs 688 so as to meet the nominal diameter (external WO 2010/013243 PCT/IL2009/000742 -12 diameter) of the supply tube. In addition, the gripping member is provided with locking mechanism 670 formed with a snap arrest 674 for snapping engagement of the support stake 50. Furthermore, the assembly 620 comprises a receptacle 672 for snappingly 5 retaining the irrigation tube 60 as described with reference to Figs. 9A-9D. In accordance with an example of the invention illustrated in Figs. 11 A and 1 B, a base 724 is formed with a fluid passage 701 formed with a fluid inlet 710 connectable to the irrigation tube 60, and a fluid outlet 711, constituting a support-stake 750 attachment portion. The support-stake 750 according to this example is hollow such that 10 the sprinkler (not seen) and the irrigation tube 60 are in fluid communication through the support-stake 750. The support-stake 750 is threadably attached to the base member at the fluid outlet 711 through a threaded end 725. Alternatively, the support-stake may be snapped into the base at the fluid outlet711. The assembly further comprises a filtering member 707 for filtering the fluid passing through fluid passage 701 from the 15 irrigation tube 60 and into the support-stake 750. It will be appreciated that the assembly may be provided with any type of fluid governing member, such as a pressure regulating valve, etc. The conduit engagement assemblies illustrated in Figs. 4A- llB can be made of plastic materials comprising a variety of resins and additives to meet particular needs 20 for the conduit engagement assembly and the environment in which the conduit engagement assembly will be used. For example, the material can be reinforced by introduction of nylon fibers, the surface of the conduit engagement assembly can be given a roughened, coarse, or grained texture, etc. The conduit engagement assembly may also be molded or coated with agents such as UV retardants, protective coating 25 (e.g. against corrosive liquids), etc.. Moreover, conduit engagement assembly may be co-molded form different types of material. While the present invention is described herein with reference to sprinkler irrigation systems, it is to be understood at the outset that persons skilled in the art may utilize the embodiments disclosed herein for other systems. Accordingly, the description 30 is to be understood as a broad informative disclosure directed to persons skilled in the appropriate art and not as limitations of the present disclosure.

WO 2010/013243 PCT/IL2009/000742 - 13 Whilst some embodiments have been described and illustrated with reference to some drawings, the artisan will appreciate that many variations are possible which do not depart from the general scope of the invention, mutatis mutandis.

Claims (21)

1. A conduit engagement assembly comprising: - a base member having a top side and a ground facing surface; and - at least one gripping member provided at the base member, adapted to 5 detachably engage a conduit, and having a longitudinal axis co-axial with a longitudinal axis of the conduit when received therein.

2. An assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the gripping member is detachably attachable to the base member.

3. An assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the gripping member is provided on 10 the top side of the base member.

4. An assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a ground support arrangement having at least one ground support portion laterally extending from the longitudinal axis of the base member.

5. An assembly according to Claim 1, comprising a support-stake attachable to the 15 base member, the support-stake formed with an attachment portion for rigid engagement to the base member and a sprinkler carrying portion, for supporting a sprinkler being in a fluid communication with the conduit through an irrigation tube.

6. An assembly according to Claim 5, wherein the support-stake is hollow and the irrigation tube is attachable to a fluid passage extending through the base member, the 20 fluid passage formed with a fluid inlet connectable to the irrigation tube and a fluid outlet constituting the support-stake attachment portion, such that the sprinkler and the irrigation tube are in fluid communication through the support-stake.

7. An assembly according to Claim 5, wherein the base member is provided with at least one support-stake locking arrangement. 25

8. An assembly according to Claim 5, wherein the attachment portion of the support-stake is L-shaped having a leg member adapted for engagement by a locking arrangement of the base member so as to maintain the support-stake substantially upright.

9. An assembly in accordance with Claim 8, wherein the arresting element lies 30 substantially under the gripping member.

10. An assembly in accordance with Claim 8, wherein the base member further comprises at its top side a support-stake restraining member. WO 2010/013243 PCT/IL2009/000742 - 15

11. An assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the gripping member snapingly receives the conduit.

12. An assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the at least one gripping member is dimensioned such as to allow relative longitudinal displacement of the conduit along the 5 longitudinal therein.

13. A sprinkler support assembly comprising: - a base member having a top side and a ground facing side; - at least one gripping member provided at the base member, adapted to detachably engage the fluid conduit, and having a longitudinal axis co-axial with 10 a longitudinal axis of a fluid conduit; and - a sprinkler support-stake detachably attachable to the base member, the support stake being formed with a sprinkler carrying portion, for supporting a sprinkler being in a fluid communication with the fluid conduit through an irrigation tube.

14. An assembly according to Claim 13, wherein the gripping member is detachably 15 attachable to the base.

15. An assembly according to Claim 13, wherein the support-stake is hollow and the irrigation tube is attachable to a fluid passage extending through the base member, the fluid passage formed with a fluid inlet connectable to the irrigation tube and a fluid outlet constituting the support-stake attachment portion, such that the sprinkler and the 20 irrigation tube are in fluid communication through the support-stake.

16. An assembly according to Claim 13, wherein the base member is provided with at least one support-stake securing element.

17. An assembly according to Claim 13, wherein the attachment portion of the support-stake is L-shaped having a leg member adapted for engagement by an arresting 25 element of the base member so as to maintain the support-stake substantially upright.

18. An assembly in accordance with Claim 17, wherein the arresting element lies substantially under the gripping member.

19. An assembly in accordance with Claim 17, wherein the base member further comprises at its top side a support-stake restraining member. 30

20. An assembly according to Claim 13, wherein the gripping member snapingly receives the conduit. WO 2010/013243 PCT/IL2009/000742 -16

21. An assembly according to Claim 13, wherein the at least one gripping member is dimensioned such as to allow relative longitudinal displacement of the conduit along the longitudinal axis therein.