GB2269973A - Apparatus for automatically watering and feeding plants. - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for automatically watering and feeding plants includes a container divided by a recessed division wall into a soil chamber 117 on the top and a water reservoir on the bottom, which recessed division wall 17 has air vents in communication with the soil chamber and the water reservoir and a hole through which a wick 20 is inserted to guide water from the water reservoir into the soil supported inside the soil chamber, which water reservoir comprises an internal float 111 for controlling an intake valve on a water intake pipe 115 to the water reservoir and an external float 220 for controlling an air valve 352 in opening/closing the air vents, a plant food absorber is divided into a liquid plant food storage chamber 470 on the top and a float chamber 31 on the bottom in communication with the liquid plant foot storage chamber through a valve for feeding a liquid plant food into the water reservoir. <IMAGE>

Description

APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY WATERING AND FEEDING PLANTS The present invention relates to an apparatus for watering and feeding plants automatically so that plants can be remain unattended for substantial lengths of time.

A wide variety of plants have been utilized for beautifying and enriching different places.

Different plants may require different extents of care and attention so that they can be maintained strong and health. In many instances, various plants are located in environments which render them easy to maintain and care for, However, often such plants are utilized in environments or situations which render their attention and care difficult and/or sporadic. For example, such plant enhancements are frequently located in areas which are difficult to access such as upper portions of rooms or building exteriors. Similarly, such plants are also frequently used within the dwelling places of person traveling a great deal and therefore absent for prolonged periods of time. Several devices and systems have been disclosed for watering and feeding plants automatically so that the plants can be maintained strong and health with little or attention.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,534,498 issued to Herrli discloses a plant watering system which utilizes a porous elongated wick to communicate water to the plant soil from the reservoir by capillary action of the wick. U.S. Pat.

No. 3,747,399 issued to Treirat describes a plant watering system utilizing a capillary material in combination with a porous wick to control soil moisture.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,261,125 issued to Arkebauer discloses a motion controlling system for plants which utilizes a wooden block as sensing means for the control and operation of the watering system. U.S. Pat. No.

3,775,904 issued to Peters describes a double-walled plant supporting device within which a vacuum is created and therefore relieved in a controlled process to flow water to the plant soil at the appropriate rate. U.S.

Pat. No. 2,095,083 in the name of Fah published in 1982 describes a plant container having a double wall and double bottom in which a supply of water is maintained at a controlled level between the device bottoms by a float system and in which a porous wick extends from the water supply to the plant soil. U.S. Pat. No.

4,557,071 issued to Fah discloses an automatic watering and feeding system for plants in which a plant container includes a soil section supporting soil and plants and a reservoir section for accommodating water. A porous wick communicates water from the reservoir to the soil and a pair floats in communication with the reservoir operate first and second magnetic means which cooperate to maintain the appropriate water mark and provide for periodic operation of a food dispenser.

The foregoing described prior art devices are still not satisfactory in use. There remains a need in the art for a fully automated reliable and selfsustaining automatic system for plant watering and feeding.

The invention present invention has been accomplished under the aforesaid circumstances. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an automatic apparatus for watering and feeding plants automatically. It is another object of the present invention to provide an automatic apparatus for watering and feeding plants automatically which is operable when coupled to water systems having different residual pressures. It is still another object of the present invention to provide an automatic apparatus for watering and feeding plants automatically which utilizes a plant fertilizer dispenser which operates consistently notwithstanding wide temperature variations and which is easier to maintain and refill.In accordance with the invention, there is provided an improved apparatus for irrigating plants having a soil retaining vessel and a watering reservoir in communication via a porous wick.

Water level control means are coupled to a conventional water supply and are operative to maintain the water mark in the reservoir within a predetermined range. A plant food reservoir includes means for periodically dispensing a quantity of plant food when the water mark in the water reservoir reaches a predetermined level.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the annexed drawings in which: FIG 1. shows a pictorial view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention following the completion a replenishment cycle; FIG 2. shows a pictorial drawing of the preferred embodiment of the present invention following an extended period of water usage; FIG 3. is a pictorial drawing of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing that the water has been consumed to the minimum water mark; and FIG 4. shows a pictorial drawing of the preferred embodiment of the present invention near the completion of a replenishment cycle.

Referring to Fig. 1, the apparatus 1 includes a side wall 15, a side wall 19 and a bottom wall 18 joined to form a continuous surrounding container having an open top portion. A wall 16 is spaced from the wall 19 and extends downwardly to join the bottom wall 18. A flat plate 14 extends inwardly from the wall 15 and defines a recess 17. The flat plate 14 joins the wall 16 forming a soil vessel 117 between the flat plate 14, the wall 16 and the wall 15. The soil vessel 117 deposits a quantity of soil 228 and in accordance with conventional planting techniques a plant 118 is supported within the soil 228 such that a plurality of roots 119 extend outwardly to substantially permeate the soil 228. A continuous wall 25 forms an interior compartment 114 having an aperture 24 and an inwardly extending flange 116.The wall 25 further defines an input pathway 10 which is coupled to a flowpipe 115. A water valve 112 is supported by the wall 25 and defines a valve seat 11 and a valve seat 12. The flowpipe 115 may, for example, comprise a conventional coupling to a standard water supply. A switch 111 includes an extended arm 21 coupled to the flange 116 by a hinge 113. In accordance with conventional fabrication techniques, the switch 111 is substantially lighter than the water it displaces and therefore is pivotably moved about the hinge 113 in response to changes in water mark within compartment 114. A valve rod 22 terminates in a valve stop 13 within the water valve 112 at one end and a pivotal attachment 26 at the other end. The pivot 26 is secured to arm 21 of the switch 111 in a pivotal attachment.

A plant food reservoir 470 is formed between walls 16 and 19 and maintains a quantity if plant food therein having a plant food level 476. The plant food reservoir 470 further includes a downwardly extending pathway. A valve 472 includes a valve seat 473 in communication with the pathway and a valve seat 474 extending downwardly therefrom. A compartment 475 is formed between walls 16 and 19 and is separated from the plant food reservoir 470 by a wall. The compartment further defines an aperture 44 and a recess 45. The recess 45 is surrounded by an inwardly extending lip 30.

A switch 31 is configured to correspond generally to the compartment 475 and defines a downwardly extending recess 32. A switch 33 having a general convex configuration is adapted to generally fit within the recess 32 and defines an upwardly extending valve rod 44. The valve rod further defines a valve stop 45.

A wall 27 extends across the bottom wall 18 and upwardly therefrom to the flat plate 14 to form a compartment 225. The wall 27 further defines an inwardly extending flange 226. The compartment 225 receives and continuously surrounds the compartment 114 and defines an aperture 224 and an aperture 227. An air valve is defined within the wall 25 and includes a valve seat 353 within the compartment 114 and a valve seat exterior to the compartment 114. A switch 220 includes a balancing weight 223 and an extended arm 351. The arm 351 terminates in a hinge 21 which is pivotably secured to the flange. A valve bar 352 having a pivot 350 at one end is secured to the arm 351 and defines a valve stop 353 supported within air valve at the other end.

A compartment 355 is formed between the wall 27 of the compartment 225 and the wall 16 of the compartment 475 and receives downwardly extending recess 17. The recess 17 defines a plurality of eyelets 40 communicating the compartment 355 with the soil vessel 117. In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, an elongated porous wick 20 is received partially within the compartment 355 and extends through a selected one of the eyelets 40 and therefrom extends upwardly into soil vessel 117. An overflow pathway 50 extends upwardly from the compartment 355 and is coupled to a similar overflow pathway exterior to the compartment 355 by a coupling, The overflow pathway 50 together with the coupling provide an overflow mechanism limiting the water mark within the compartment 355 in accordance with the operation shown below in greater detail.In operation, a quantity of water is received within compartments 355, 114, 225 and 475 during the replenishment cycle described below. As mentioned above, FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the present invention apparatus 1 which results following the completion of a replenishment cycle. Accordingly, a quantity of water is present within compartments 355, 114, 225 and 475 having the water mark 42, 23, 41 and 43 respectively. It should be noted that in accordance with the apparatus operation shown below in greater detail at the completion of a replenishment cycle, water marks 42, 23, 41 and 43 within the apparatus are substantially equal.In the position shown, the switch 111 is submerged beneath water mark 23 and due to its buoyancy produces an upward force upon the rod 22 which in turn forces the stop 13 against the valve seat 11 of the water valve 112 causing a closure of input pathway 10 and inhibiting the flow of water through the input pathway 10 from the flowpipe 115.

Thus, the water valve 112 is closed and remains so until the upward force upon the switch 111 caused by the water mark 23 is removed. Similarly the switch 220 is floatably supported by the water within the compartment 225 causing arm 351 to assume a generally horizontal position about the hinge 21. It should be noted that the weight 223 is selected to provide the proper angular position of the arm 351 when water mark 41 reaches the level shown at the completion of a replenishment cycle. The bar 352 coupled to the arm 351 is maintained in the intermediate position shown such that stop 353 is spaced from both seats 353 and 354 of air valve. Thus, the air valve is open providing an air pathway between compartments 225 and 114. Within compartment 355 the quantity of water provided by the previously occurring replenishment cycle is present at water mark 42.The water within compartment 355 is carried by the wick 20 upwardly in accordance with conventional capillary action within the wick 20 and is drawn into the soil 228 within the soil vessel 117. The capillary action of wick 20 provides the primary movement of water to soil 228 for use by the plant 118.

With a quantity of water within compartment 475 rising to water mark 43 as shown, switch 31 is urged upwward by its buoyant force which in turn provides an upward force against the switch 33. Thus, in accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, switches 31 and 33 are generally coupled together as a single unit so long as a buoyant force is applied to switch 31 urging it upwardly. The upward force upon switch 33 produces an upward motion of rod 34 within valve 472 forcing valve stop 35 against valve seat 473. The pressure of stop 33 against valve seat 473 closes pathway 471 and isolates compartment 475 from plant food reservoir 470. Thus, in the position shown, flowpipe valve 112 is closed precluding the flow of water from flowpipe 115 into compartment 114.Air valve 222 is open permitting an air coupling between compartments 114 and 225 and valve 472 is closed which cuts off the flow of plant food from plant food reservoir 470 into compartment 475. With the situation as depicted in FIG. 1, the pathway of time causes water to be steadily drawn upward through wick 20 for absorption into soil 228 as needed by plant 118. This process continues which gradually depletes the flowpipe from compartment 355, 114, 225 and 478 until the configuration shown in FIG. 2 results.FIG.2 shows the present invention apparatus following an extending period of time during which a quantity of water has been drawn upwardly through wick 20 by the action of plant 118. It should be noted that the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is identical to that shown in FIG. 1 with the sole differences between FIG. 1 and 2 being those position changes in the present invention apparatus which result from the foregoing absorption of water by the plant 118. By comparison of FIG. 1 and 2, it should be noted that water mark 42 within compartment 355 has been substantially reduced from the level shown in FIG.

1 following replenishment. Correspondingly, the communication of water between compartments 225 and 355 via aperture 224 and the equalizing of air presser therebetween via aperture 227 provides that water marks 41 and 42 remain equal to each other. Similarly, r the communication between compartments 475 and 355 via aperture 44 causes water mark 43 within compartment 475 to be similarly reduced and equal to water mark 41 and 42. The reduction in water mark 43 within compartment 475 permits switch 31 to move downwardly which in turn removes the upward pressure upon switch 33 causing stop 35 to be removed from valve seat 473 which in turn permits a flow of plant food from plant food reservoir 470 through Pathway 471 and valve 472 into compartment 475.The flow of plant food from reservoir 470 is carried generally downwardly across the upper portion of switch 33 and accumulates within recess 32 of switch 31.

As the flow of liquid plant food through pathway 471 and valve 472 downwardly into recess 32 continues, switch 33 is forced upwardly by its own buoyant force within recess 32 due to the accumulated liquid plant food within recess 32. At some point, the upward force upon switch 33 becomes sufficient to again force stop 35 against valve seat 473 and thereby close pathway 471 and terminates any further flow of plant food from plant food reservoir 470. As a result, switch 31 and 33 assume the positions shown in FIG. 2 in which an accumulated supply of liquid food has collected within recess 32 and supports switch 33. Concurrently, the reduction of water mark 41 permits switch 220 to pivot about hinge 221 in a counterclockwise direction which in turn forces bar 352 downwardly within air valve until stop 356 is forced against seat 353 closing air valve. With air valve closed, the flow of equalizing water through aperture 24 which would otherwise maintain water mark 23 at the same level as water mark 41 is precluded. Thus, the continued absorption of ate b the plant 118 through wick 20 is carried forward without further reduciny water mark 3 within compartment 114. As a result, notwithstanding the further drops in water marks 41, 42, and 43 in compartments 225, 355 and 475 respectively, the maintenance of water mark 23 at a higher level due to the closure of air valve provides a continued closure of water valve 112 precluding the addition of any more water to the system. The above described absorption of water by plant 118 through wick 20 continues to deplete the supply. of water in compartments 225, 355 and 475 until the apparatus reaches the situation shown in FIG. 3.FIG. 3 shows the present invention apparatus as it appears when the use of water by plant 118 has caused the reduction of water marks to reaches their minimum levels. As is seen in FIG. 3, the continued absorption of water by wick 20 has reduced water mark 42 within compartment 355 to a point below aperture 44 causing a retention of water within recess 45. Correspondingly, the reduction of water mark 43 within recess 475 causes switch 31 to rest upon lip 30 above recess 45 prohibiting further downward movement of switch 31. As switch 31 is moved downward in the transition from the water marks shown in FIG. 2 to the minimum levels shown in FIG. 3, the above described operation of switch 33 and valve 472 continue to transport quantities of liquid plant food from plant food reservoir 470 to recess 32 of switch 31.

As a result, a substantial quantity of liquid plant food resides within recess 32 of switch 31.

Concurrently, the reduction of water mark 42 has reached a point below apertures 24 and 224. The reduction of water mark 41 within compartment 225 causes switch 220 to continue to maintain closure of air valve.

However, the reduction of water mark 41 beneath aperture 24 permits the bubbling via air bubbles 46 into compartment 114. Thus, as air bubbles 46 diffuse upwardly within compartment 114, sufficient air pressure is provided above water mark 23 notwithstanding the closure of air valve to permit water to flow outwardly through aperture 24 into compartments 225 and 355 to supply wick 20 with additional water for absorption by plant 118. This operation continues as air bubbles 46 diffuse upwardly permitting the flow of water from compartment 114 and causing a gradual reduction in water mark 23.This process contiiiues until the reduction of water level 23 reaches a sufficiently low level to permit switch 111 to movie downwardly causing a counterclockwise rotation of arm 21 about hinge 113 which in turn relieves the closing force of stop 13 against valve seat 11 of water valve 112 allowing the apparatus to initiate a replenishing cycle.

As can be seen, the downward motion of switch 111 described above has resulted in the opening of flowpipe valve 112. With the opening of valve 112, pressurized water flows from flowpipe 115 through input pathway 10 and valve 112 into compartment 114. As water flows into compartment 114, water mark 23 is raised which in turn causes closure of aperture 24 causing a cessation of the above described air bubbling action.

Because switch 220 remains in its downward position within compartment 114 once again sealed and a body of air is captivated within compartment 114 above water mark 23. Because of the pressure within the flowpipe system to which flowpipe 115 is coupled, the flow of water through water valve 112 continues causing water mark 23 to rise and causing the trapped air within compartment 114 to become pressurized. Thereafter, the combination of pressure of the trapped air within compartment 114 and the water pressure of the flowpipe to which input 115 is coupled, causes water to flow outwardly from compartment 114 through aperture 224 into compartment 355. As water flows outwardly from compartment 114 into compartments 225 and 355, water marks 41 and 42 respectively again being rising.As water marks 41 and 42 continue to rise, water mark 42 rises above the lower portion of aperture 44 permitting water to once again flow into compartment 475. The flow of water into compartment 475 forces switch 31 upwadrly which in turn forces switch 33 into recess 32 such that liquid plant food is displaced from recess 32 and flows downwardly within compartment 475 to mix into the accumulated water within compartments 475 and 355.

Thus, liquid plant food is mixed into the apparatus' water reservoir and particularly within compartment 355.

The filling process continues and water marks 41, 42 and 43 continue to rise until water mark 41 again reaches switch 220 and begins moving switch 220 upward.

FIG 4. shows near the completion of the above described replenishment cycle in which water mark 41, 42 and 43 have risen to a sufficient level that water mark 41 within compartment 225 begins raising switch 220 causing a rotation of arm 351 in the clockwise direction. It should be noted that weight 223 is selected to control the point at which water level 41 again raises switch 220. The raising of switch 220 and the clockwise rotation of arm 351 caused thereby raises bar 352 which removes stop 356 from seat 353 of air valve. As a result, the air pathway to compartment 114 is again opened and the pressurized air trapped above water mark 23 is released which in turn permits water mark 23 to rise to the same levels as water marks 41, 42 and 43.As water level 23 rises, switch 111 is carried upward rotating arm 21 in the clockwise direction about hinge 113 and causing stop 13 to be forced against valve seat 11 and close input pathway 10 prohibiting any further flow of replenishing water into the apparatus. During the time that water marks 31, 42 and 43 are raised to the final water marks shown in FIG.

1, switch 31 is forced upwardly against switch 33 causing the displacement of virtually all of the plant food collected within recess 32. The displaced plant food continues to flow downwardly about the exterior of switch 31 within compartment 475 and is mixed with the water supplies within compartments 475 and 355 and to a lesser extent, compartments 225 and 114. As a result, once the apparatus completes its replenishing cycle and returns to the positions shown in FIG. 1, a complete fresh charge of plant food and water mix has once again been stored within compartments 475, 355, 225 and 114 and the replenishing cycle is complete.

As can be seen, the above described replenishing cycle takes place automatically without the need of any care or attendance and provides for a systematic and consistent infusion of plant food to the water supply to plant 118. As will be further apparent, the apparatus is independent of flowpipe pressure in that the flow of water and the levels to which the water is permitted to rise within the apparatus are controlled solely by the valve mechanisms and are independent of the flowpipe pressure. As a result, the apparatus is not effected by changes in flowpipe pressure while left unattended. Similarly, it should be noted that the volume of liquid plant food dispensed during each replenishing cycle is consistent and is unaffected by the pressure of the flowpipe system and is equally unaffected by variations in ambient temperature and other like environmental circumstances. As a result, the apparatus function reliably, efficiently and consistently requiring nothing more than periodic replenishing of the supply of liquid plant food within plant food reservoir 470.

The embodiment described is simple in structure and therefore functional. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope and basic teachings of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown in the drawings and described in the specification.

Claims (7)

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for watering and feeding plants automatically, the apparatus comprising: a first receptacle having a closed continuous wall defining a first interior cavity and first, second and third apertures; a second receptacle having a second closed wall defining a second interior cavity communicating with said first interior cavity through said first and second apertures; a third receptacle having a third closed wall , .

defining a third interior cavity and fourth aperture communicating with said second interior cavity; a fourth receptacle having a fourth closed wall defining a fourth interior cavity communicating with said first cavity through said third aperture; a soil chamber for supporting a quantity of soil; transfer means coupled between said first interior and said plant container; inlet means for introducing water into said third interior cavity from a water source having a water valve controlling water flow and a first witch operatively coupled to and controlling said water valve, water introduced into said third interior cavity being capable of flowing into said second, first and fourth interior cavities through said fourth, first and third apertures respectively; an air valve extending through said third continuous wall for venting said third interior cavity; a second switch movably supported within said second interior cavity and operably coupled to said air valve; transfer means for coupling water from said first interior cavity to said soil chamber; plant food dispensing means for introducing plant food into said fourth cavity in response to variations of the water mark within said fourth interior cavity.

2. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said plant food dispensing means includes: a third switch movable within said fourth interior cavity defining a recess; a fourth switch having a convex portion received within said recess; a plant food reservoir for supporting a quantity of plant food; and a food valve operatively coupled to said fourth switch opening when said fourth switch descends to cause a flow of plant food into said recess and close said food valve at a predetermined level.

3. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said third switch is driven upwardly by increases of water mark within said fourth interior cavity forcing said third and fourth switches together and expelling said plant food from said recess.

4. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said transfer means includes a porous wick extending between said first cavity and said soil container.

5. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said first closed wall defines a recess and a plurality of recess apertures therein such that additional water is passed into said soil chamber when the water mark within said first interior cavity rises above said plurality of recess apertures.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first receptacle includes an overflow pathway for permitting excess water to escape.

7. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.