Fluid tight joint and system of distributing fluids

A system for distributing fluids over a generally planar surface of indefinite area in accordance with a predetermined fluid distribution pattern comprising a plurality of length of rigid perforate tubing;

• a plurality of fluid-tight articulated joints, each joint having an inlet port and a discharge port, and lengths of tubing and said joints being connected ad seriatim with joints interposed between adjacent lengths of tubing whereby said tubing can be arranged in accordance with said distribution pattern over a portion of said indefinite area;
• each port communicates with a body element having a central bore and a peripheral flange, the flange of the inlet port mating with the flange of the discharge port so that the central bores fall into register with one another and the body elements of the respective ports communicate so that fluid introduced into said inlet port exits through said discharge port;
• fastener means received in said bores for securing said body elements together while providing an axis for relative motion between said ports;
• and seal means sandwiched between said flanges and said bores for maintaining a fluid-tight connection while permitting said relative motion of said ports about said axis;
• each of said perforate tubing is perforated such that the fluid is discharged on one side of each tubing and in the same direction;
• at least one of the body elements additionally comprises a water introducing aperture wherethrough water is discharged into the joint;
• said water introducing aperture is situated in the joint that is in proximity to the middle of the system;
• said flanges are generally L-shaped and part of the exterior surface of each body partially generally defines a cone including a recess, said central bores extend through said partial cones from the recesses;
• said system additionally comprising a sleeve means extending through said central bores, said sleeve means being flared at each end and flushed against the bottom of each recess;
• said seal means is sandwiched against said sleeve means, and said fastener means extends through said sleeve means and includes ends which are flushed against the flared ends of the sleeve means.