AU2005100386A4 - Clear plastic extendable garden stake with drip feeder. Ties & guage. - Google Patents

Description

Title: Clear Plastic extendable garden stake with drip feeder, ties and gauge and extension.

This invention relates to device for watering and feeding plants, and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to a plant watering and reeding device which can be used to supply water and/or t&rtiliser to plants at root level, and which can also be used as a stake for providing support to plants as they grow.

IND

00 Traditionally plants are provided with water and fertiliser at ground level. As water and feed must penetrate earth or plant soil in order to reach the roots of plants, soil and/or environmental conditions can affect the overall supply of nucrients to a plant. [f the soil is V) hard, or if the external environment is warm or the plant is in direct sunlight, a significant 1o amount of nutrients can be lost due to evaporation or poor drainage. For this reason some plants require watering up to two times a day to provide sufficient nutrients to encourage plant growth. In times of drought, watering of plants twice a day can be perceived as excessive or undesirable. In instances where plants are dusted with fertiliser at ground level, wind or watering can blow or wash away this fertiliser, minimising the effectiveness is thereof. Run-off of fertiliser or pesticide due to watering also poses an issue due to the effects the same can have on the surrounding environment.

It is therefore an object of the present invention is to provide a device for watering and feeding plants which can supply water and/or fertiliser to the root vicinity of plants surrounded by earth or plant soil.

With these objects in view the present invention in one aspect may provide a plant watering and feeding device including an elongate tubular body having ani upper portion and a lower portion, said elongate tubular body defining a hollow cavity for receiving water and feed therein, said upper portion having an opening in fluid commrunication with said hollow cavity for supplying said water and feed into said device, said lower portion having a plurality of through-extending apertures in fluid comnmunication with said hollow cavity and the exterior of said device, wherein said device is positionable relative to a plant such that said lower portion of said device is surrounded by soil proximate the roots of said io plant, and wherein said water and feed may be introduced into said device through said opening and subsequently slowly released into said soil proximate said roots of said plant via said apertures.

Preferably said tubular body is cylindrical and is constructed out of a transparent plastics Smaterial to permit a visual inspection of the level of said water and feed within Ssaid hollow cavity of said device. Said transparent tubular body providing a means of gauging the amount of water and feed introduced into said device to facilitate visualisation of the amount of nutrient being supplied to said plant.

It is further preferred that said lower portion of said device terminates in a point in order \0 0 0 to facilitate ease of introduction of sad device into said soil proximate said plant by the application of an appropriate downward force on said device.

t n Tapered wedge shaped bottom increases stability.

0C 10 In a practical preferred embodiment said tubular body is provided with a number of fluid level rings or markings arranged at appropriate spaced intervals on the outer surface of said tubular body of said device. Said fluid level rings each representing a measured level of the contents of said device in any appropriate scale, such as, for example, litres, wherein a person supplying water and feed into said device may do so until a desired level is reached by visually monitoring the internal level until the same reaches one of said fluid level rings.

In a further practical embodiment said device is used instead of a supporting stake for plants requiring support, such as, for example, tomatoes, capsicums or the like, wherein said device may be positioned proximate a plant and said plant can be tied to said device for support by means of string, ties or the like. Preferably said fluid level rings protrude outwards from said outer surface of said device. Said protruding fluid level rings providing a flange for supporting said string to stop said string from slipping down said outer surface of said device beyond said flange. Said device therefore providing not only water and feed to said plant but also support for the plant as it grows.

In yet a further practical embodiment the length of said device may be extended by way of adding one or more extension-sections to said device to obtain a new desired overall length of said device so that said device may accommodate support for plants of varying height.

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect there shall now be described in detail preferred constructions of a plant watering and ;Z feeding device.

00 Accordingly the ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative examples only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. I is a perspective view of a plant watering and feeding device made in ;Z 5 accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the plant watering and feeding device of Fig. I.

shown positioned in the ground next to a plant; Fig. 3a is a perspective view of the plant watering and feeding device of Figs. I IND 2, shown with an extension-section arranged ready for attachment to the device; to1 Fig. 3b is a perspective view of the plant watering and feeding device of Fig. 3a, shown with the extension-section fitted to the device; Fig. 4 is an enlarged partial view of the plant watering and feeding device of Figs. I to 3b, illustrating a water and feed level gauge of the device; and ri Fig. 5 is a similar view to that of Fig. 4, showing a plant attached to the device for support.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals correspond to like parts throughout, in Fig. I there is shown a plant watering and feeding device 10, including a hollow tubular body 12 of any suitable length, having an upper open end 14 and a lower tapered or pointed end 16. Tubular body 12 may be constructed out of any suitable material, such as, for example, metal, glass or plastics material, or a suitable combination thereof, but is preferably constructed of a cylindrical plastics material which is at least partially transparent in sections so as to permit a visual inspection of the hollow cavity contained therein. Further, although shown as having a tapered or pointed lower end 16, it is to be understood that lower end 16 of device 10 may be constructed in any number of varying ways, for example, lower end 16 may be spiralled so as to provide a means of screwing device 10 into the ground, and as such the invention Is not intended to be limited to the specific example -as shown.

At the lower section of plant watering and feeding device 10, arranged on and near tapered end 16, are a plurality of apertures 18 which communicate with the hollow cavity of tubular body 12 and extend length ways around plant watering and fieding device 10 in a spaced relationship. As can be best seen in Fig. 2, apertures 18 permit the nlow of water and fertiliser (not shown) from within plant watering and feeding device 10 into the earth or plant soil 20 surrounding a plant 22, in the direction of arrows x.

The design of plant watering and feeding device 10 and the manner of usage of the same is ;Z 5 best described with reference to Fig. 2. Here it can be seen that plant watering and feeding device 10 may be positioned in the earth or plant soil 20 proximate a plant 22, such that apertures 18 are arranged relative to the roots 24 of plant 22. Once suitably positioned IND next to plant 22, an appropriate amount of water and fertiliser (not shown) may be poured 00 or fed into plant watering and feeding device 10, through upper open end 14. Water and t0 fertiliser now contained within plant watering and feeding device 10 may then slowly release into plant soil 20 in the direction of arrows x, proximate roots 24, via apertures 18, so as to provide a means of slowly and continually suppling water and fertiliser to plant 22 around roots 24.

is As best seen in Figs. 2 5, plant watering and feeding device 10 may also be used as a stake-like support for attaching plant 22 thereto ibr bracing as the same grows. Here, a plant 22 requiring support as it grows, such as a tomato plant, may be attached to device by any suitable means, such as string or ties 26 as shown. By doubling as a stake-like support, plant watering and feeding device 10 can be used instead of a conventional stake and can therefore provide an all-inone means of supporting, watering and feeding plants 22 as they grow.

A fiurther feature of the invention is best seen in Figs. 2, 3b 4, where it is shown that plant watering and feeding device 10 is provided with a series of [luid level rings 28.

Level rings 28 are formed integral with device 10, or can be secured to device separately via glue or the like, and extend around the periphery of tubular body 12 and protrude outwards -therefrom for ease of visualisation and gauging of the water and feed level 30 (Fig. 4) contained within device 10. In use, water and feed can be supplied into plant watering and feeding device 10, through open end 1 4, until water and feed level reaches a desired level as gauged visually compared to any one of level rings 28.

In Fig. 5 it can be seen that the protruding design of level rings 28 results in a flange or rim 29 upon which string 26 may rest to stop string 26 from slipping down the outer surface of device 10. The inclusion of flanges 29 provided by level rings 28 provides multiple fixed points at which string 26 may be tied to plant 22 and maintained thereabouts. if appropriately tied, string 26 will not slip past flanges 29 as a result of, for example, wind or increase plant weight, as flanges 29 provide a ledge for supporting string 26 which restricts any downward movement of string 26 relative to device Referring to Fig. 2, where it can be seen that level rings 28 are arranged at a series of marked intervals A to D. In a preferred design, level rings 28, from marking A to marking D, represent an internal level of water and feed within device 10. starting at I litre IND (marking up to 4 litres (marking with level rings 28 designated by marking% BC, M j o each representing a I litre interval therebetween. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the arrangement of level rings 28, represented by markings A to D, is such that the upper most portion of device 10 at open end 14 represents a fifth or 5 litre, interval E. It is to be understood that any number of level rings 28, each representing any suitable measurement (71 interval, can be provided and as such are intended to be included within the scope of the isj present invention. The present invention is therefore not intended to be limited to the specific example as shown.

A final feature of the invention can be seen in Figs. 3a 3b. Here, first referring to Fig.

3a, it can be seen that a hollow tubular extension-section 32 is arranged ready for application to plant watering and feeding device 10. Extension-section 32 includes a lower open end 34, which forms a mating surface for cooperation with open end 14 of plant watering and feeding device 10, and an upper open end 36. The design of plant watering and feeding device 10 is such that at open end 14, hojlow tubular body 12 has an enlarged portion 3 8, relative to the diameter of the remaining length of tubular body 12, to receive lower open end 34 of extension-section 32. In use, extension-section 32 is fitted to plant watering and feeding device 10 in the direction of arrowy, by way of a frictional I connection between respective open ends 14,34, so that a composite plant watering and feeding device 10 results, as shown in Fig. 3b. In composite form; water and feed (not shown) is supplied through open end 36 of extension-secion 32 in the same mahnnerihwhich it would be supplied through open end 14, if extension-section 32'were, not fitted to device 10. Accordingly, water and feed is supplied to plant watering and feeding device through open end 36, and travels out through apertures 18 in the direction of arrows k (Fig. 2) in the manner described above. By providing a means of exteniding thie length of device 10, if plant 22 grows, an extension-section 32. or more than one exterision-section (not shown), can be added as needed to provide a resultant plant watering and feeding device 10 capable of supporting plants 22 of varying height.

In Fig. 3b, in a preffred design, level ring 28 of extension-section 32, designated by ;Z s marking F, and open end 36, designated by marking G, both represent flurther mneasurement markings in litres of plant watering and feeding device 10. Here, markings F& G, follow- M on from markings A to E of Fig. 2, in that the overall 6omposite plant watering and feeding INDdevice 10 has markings A to G each representing I litre intervals, staring from I litre 00 (marking A) up to?7 litres (marking G).

The present invention therefore provides a simple plant watering and feeding device which provides a means of slowly and continually watering and feeding plants in order to provide the required nutrients to encourage plant growth directly in the vicinity of the roots of a plant. By watering and feeding at root level, as opposed to conventional ground level watering and feeding, many advantages are achieved, of which the following are noted.

Plants do not need to be frrtilised as often, as fertiliser which is traditionally dusted around the ground level of a plant is not being blown or washed away due to the harsh conditions of the environment. Earth or plant soil surrounding a plant is less likely to erode as plants are provided with a constant supply of nutrients directly in the vicinity of their roots as 2o compared to repeated pround level watering which can sometimes lead to soil erosion and exposure of the plant roots which may endanger the plant. Plants can be watered and/or fed at anytime of the day as compared to the orthodox way which can see watering and feeding limited to times of the day when, for example, the sun is low, so as not to burn or severely damage plants by the suns rays. Plants can be fed a vast variety of food, such as pot-ash, directly to the roots and with minimal watering required to supply such food directly to the roots of a plant. Watering and feeding at root level does not generally ifeed weeds or grasses at ground level and as such does not encourage excessive growth of the same. Lastly and most Importantly, root level watering saves water as compared to orthodox watering methods which usually see plants wvatered twice a day to deliver the same amount of water to the roots as compared to the device of the present invention.

The invention will be understood to embrace many further modifications as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the an and which will be deemed to reside within the broad scope and ambit of the invention, there having been set forth herein only the broad nature of the invention and certain specific embodiments by way of example.

1 00

C)

IND

00 We believe our garden stake is unique for four reasons 1 It is the first garden stake ever to have a fuel gauge, which is very important when it comes to administering water or fertilizers, such as potash where the correct dosage is vital. In the past we had to mix these products in a can or some other receptical and guesstimate the dosage. These gauges are marked by protruding rings, which double as ties for securing and supporting the plant.

2 Our garden stake is transparent which gives a window to see the gaugemarks and to see when the stake needs replenishing.

3 Our garden stake has infinite extension. There is no limit to the height or size of the plant, which it feeds and supports.

4 Our garden stake has a radical taper wedge shape bottom, which gives it much greater stability when in the earth in comparison to the ordinary pointed or cone shaped bottom

Claims (2)

1. 2. A plant watering and feeding device according to claim I wherein the tubular body is cylindrical and is consructd out of a transparent plastics material to permit a visual inspection of the level of said water and feed within said hollow cavity of said device
2. 3. A plant watering and feeding device according to claim 2 wherein the transparent tubular body providing a means of gauging the amount of water and feed introduced into sid device to facilitate visualisaton of the amount of nutrient being supplied to said plant 4 A plant watering and feeding device according to claim I wherein the lower portion of said device terminates in a point or tapered wedge shaped button in S order to facilitate ease of introduction of said device into said soil proximate said plant by the application of an appropriats downward force on said device A plant watering and feeding device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the tubular body is provided with a number of fluid level rings or markings arranged at approprite spaced intervals onthe outer surfac of said tubular body of said device COMS ID No: SBMI-01361241 Received by IP Australia: Time 09:32 Date 2005-07-19 19/07/2005 09:38 WINDMILL AGRICULTURAL 4 0262837999 N0.066 [04 11/07/205 11:59 PIPERS MELBOURNE 4 05sra2dU S6. A plant watering and faeding device according to claim 5 whereia the flid level rings protrude outwards from said outer surface of said device S7. A plant watering and feeding device according to any one of the preceding Sclaims wherein the length of said device may be extended by way of adding one or more extension-sections to said device to obtain a new desired overall length \0 of said device so tha said device may accommodate support for plants of 00 C varying.. 0 S8. A plant watering and feeding device as substantially herein before described o n with reference to the accompanying drawings -9- COMS ID No: SBMI-01361241 Received by IP Australia: Time 09:32 Date 2005-07-19