GB2472270A

GB2472270A - Suspended plant waterer

Info

Publication number: GB2472270A
Application number: GB0913423A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kevin Rickard; Anthony Kevin Rickard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-01
Filing date: 2009-08-01
Publication date: 2011-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-01
Also published as: GB0913423D0; GB2472270B

Abstract

A suspended plant waterer comprises a reservoir10for containing water12to water plants. The reservoir comprises a enclosed, rigid walled container, an unrestricted water outlet30at the bottom, a restricted air inlet32at the top of the container and support means for supporting the container above a plant growing location wherein the support means comprises a bracket receiver20which is arranged to receive part of a bracket 14 in order for the reservoir to be supported by the bracket. The bracket receiver20maybe in the form of a passageway through the container. The bracket may support a hanging basket16. The plant growing location may be a growing bag.

Description

lmprovements in and relating to Plant Waterers

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a reservoir for containing water for watering plants and, in particular, for watering plants in hanging baskets. Specifically, the present invention relates to a mounting arrangement for mounting a reservoir to a support structure.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Hanging baskets are very attractive ways of displaying growing flowers, but they require a great deal of maintenance, especially feeding and watering.

Conventionally, hanging baskets are suspended from brackets fixed at a high point, usually above eye level, in order to achieve the desired visual effect. It is then difficult to water the contents of the basket and to ensure that it is properly maintained.

Towns and villages are often decorated with hanging baskets suspended from brackets on a lampposts or walls. Keeping these baskets properly watered throughout the growing season is a time consuming and labour intensive operation.

Reservoirs for watering plants may be secured to a post using straps. However, such straps may be damaged or may eventually fail. In addition, such straps may be vandalised and the straps may enable the reservoir to be moved relative to the hanging basket such that the water is not delivered to the right location.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a reservoir containing water to water plants, the reservoir comprising an enclosed, rigid-walled container, an unrestricted water outlet from the bottom of the container, a restricted air inlet at the top of the container and support means for supporting the container above a plant growing location wherein the support means comprises a bracket receiver which is arranged to receive a part of a bracket in order for the reservoir to be supported from the bracket.

Preferably, the bracket receiver comprises a shaped region defined within the rigid-walled container.

The shaped region may provide an aperture through the rigid walled container.

The rigid walled container may comprise an annular container, The bracket may be arranged, in use, to locate in the hole or aperture provided in the annular container.

The reservoir may be supported solely by the action of gravity on the reservoir whilst the bracket is located within the bracket receiver.

Preferably the reservoir comprises a front face and a rear face. Preferably the bracket receiver provides a passageway extending from the rear face to the front face. The passage way may have a uniform cross section throughout its length.

The rear face of the reservoir may be arranged, in use, to locate adjacent to a support structure. The support structure may comprise a post or may comprise a wall.

Preferably the passageway comprises a vertically arranged elongate slot.

Preferably a front part of the bracket is arranged, in use, to project outwardly from the front face of the reservoir. Preferably the front part of the bracket provides suspension means in order to suspend a plant growing location therefrom.

Preferably, the suspension means prevents or inhibits the reservoir from being dismounted from the bracket.

The plant growing location may require removing from the bracket to enable the reservoir to be mounted to or dismounted from the bracket.

Preferably the water outlet comprises an internal flow pipe which extends inwardly from outlet and downwardly towards the base of the container. Preferably the internal flow pipe provides an open end which allows water to flow through the internal flow pipe and out of the water outlet. Preferably the open end locates adjacent to an internal base of the enclosed container.

Preferably the air inlet comprises a section of tube which provides a thin passageway there through. The section of tube may comprise a section of glass tube. The length of the section of tube may be predetermined to set the drip rate of water out of the water outlet.

The reservoir may comprise an air outlet to enable air to escape as the reservoir is filled with water.

The air outlet may comprise a conduit which extends from the top of the container downwards and then upwards such that a water trap is created. The water trap may be arranged, is use, to retain a volume of water therein such that air is not drawn into the container as water exits the container through the water outlet.

Preferably the reservoir is arranged, in use, to be filled with water through the water outlet.

Preferably the reservoir is arranged, in use, to be filled with water through a lance which sealingly engages with the water outlet to deliver water through the water outlet into the reservoir.

Preferably the reservoir comprises a one-way valve at the top of the container to allow rapid expu'sion of air when the internal air pressure rises so that water can be pumped in from below to displace the air from the top of the container.

By using such a reservoir, it is possible to fill it rapidly with a relatively large quantity of water, and then to control the outflow of water by restricting the rate at which air can enter the container so that a partial vacuum is formed in the chamber above the water. This partial vacuum then controls the rate at which water is dispensed. No restriction is needed in the water outlet which is advantageous because restrictions in water outlets are notoriously prone to blockage.

Preferably at the end of filling the reservoir with water, the outflow of water will once again be controlled by the air entering through the restrictive air inlet.

There may be one, two or more water outlets from the bottom of the container.

Each outlet is preferably associated with a length of tubing which will direct water to a plant growing location, normally a hanging basket suspended from the bracket beneath the reservoir.

The air inlet is preferably adjustable to vary the rate of air entry and thereby to vary the rate at which water leaves the outlet.

The container walls must be sufficiently rigid not to collapse and not to flex significantly under the differential pressure resulting from atmospheric pressure acting on their outer surfaces and a sub-atmospheric pressure inside. Suitable materials are metal and rigid plastics, and the cross-sectional shape of the container may also contribute to the required rigidity Preferably, the reservoir is arranged to store the water at ambient temperature.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a self watering plant growing assembly comprising a support structure including a bracket and a reservoir containing water to water plants, the reservoir comprising an enclosed, rigid-walled container, an unrestricted water outlet from the bottom of the container, a restricted air inlet at the top of the container and support means or supporting the container above a plant growing location wherein the support means comprises a bracket receiver which is arranged to receive a part of the bracket in order for the reservoir to be supported from the bracket of the support structure.

The assembly may comprise a lance for filling the container with water. The lance may comprise a tip which is arranged, in use, to be sealingly engaged with the water outlet in order for water to flow through the lance and into the container.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of watering a plant growing location comprising: supplying water to a reservoir wherein the reservoir comprises an enclosed, rigid-walled container, an unrestricted water outlet from the bottom of the container, a restricted air inlet at the top of the container, supporting the container above the plant growing location wherein the support means comprises a bracket receiver which is arranged to receive a part of a bracket in order for the reservoir to be supported from the bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a reservoir for containing water to water plants.

Figure 2 is a view of a preferred embodiment of a reservoir for containing water to water plants.

Figure 3 is a side view of a hanging basket suspended from a bracket showing the relative position of an embodiment of a reservoir for containing water to water plants.

Figure 4 is a view of an embodiment of a reservoir for containing water to water plants mounted on a bracket.

Figure 5 is a view of an embodiment of a reservoir for containing water to water plants.

Figure 6a is a third embodiment of a reservoir for containing water to water plants.

Figure 6b is a fourth embodiment of a reservoir for containing water to water plants.

Figure 6c is a fifth embodiment of a reservoir for containing water to water plants.

Figure 6d is a sixth embodiment of a reservoir for containing water to water plants.

Figure 6e is a seventh embodiment of a reservoir for containing water to water plants.

Figure 6f is an eighth embodiment of a reservoir for containing water to water plants.

Figure 7 is a side view of an embodiment of a reservoir for containing water to water plants in a grow bag mounted to a bracket on a pole.

Figure 8 is a front view of an embodiment of a reservoir for containing water to water plants in a grow bag mounted to a bracket on a pole.

Figure 9 is a side view of an embodiment of a reservoir for containing water to water plants in a tub mounted on a bracket on a pole.

Figure 10 is a side view of an embodiment of a reservoir for containing water to water a tree mounted on a bracket on a pole.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a reservoir 10 for containing water 12 to water plants. In particular, a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a reservoir 10 which is arranged to be mounted directly on a bracket 14 wherein the bracket 14 supports a hanging basket 16. The preferred embodiment comprises mounting means to mount the reservoir 10 directly onto the bracket 14 such that no further supporting apparatus is required and the reservoir 10 delivers the water directly to the growing area of the hanging basket 16.

The reservoir 10 comprises a bracket receiver 20 in the form of a passageway 20 defined in the reservoir 10. The reservoir 10 is mounted to the bracket 14 by simply placing the reservoir 10 such that the bracket 14 locates through the passageway 20 defined the reservoir 10. Once mounted, the hanging basket 16 can be mounted to a front part of a bracket 14 in a conventional manner. The mounting of the hanging basket 16 prevents the reservoir 10 from being easily and/or inadvertently removed from the bracket 14.

Plant waterers may be provided which are mounted to walls and similar structures using wall plugs and screws. Accordingly, such fixing apparatus is time consuming to install. Alternatively, rubber straps or similar securement members are used to mount the plant waterers to support structures. These securement members are easily vandalised and/or may deteriorate with time. The present invention seeks to provide a plant waterer which is quick and easy to mount and which remains stable as the water empties from the reservoir. In addition, the present invention seeks to provide a plant waterer which is not susceptible to vandalism and/or inadvertent removal from its intended position. Furthermore, the plant waterer of the present invention is quick and easy to refill and does not require the removal of a lid or top or the use of a ladder. In addition, the inlets/outlets of the present invention do not include moving parts which can be susceptible to failure and/or blockage.

As shown in Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3, the reservoir 10 for containing water for watering plants comprises an enclosed, rigid walled container 22 comprising a front face 24 and a rear face 26. The container 22 provides a passageway 20 extending from the rear face 26 to the front face 24 to enable a hanging basket bracket 14 to locate there through.

The reservoir 10 comprises an outlet pipe 30 or nozzle which is unrestricted and allows an unrestricted flow of water 12 out of the reservoir 10. However, the reservoir 10 comprises a restricted air inlet 32 which is arranged to control the flow of water 12 out through the unrestricted outlet 30.

As shown in Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3, the container 22 is arranged to be filled with water 12 or other fluid to be delivered to a planting area. For example, the water 12 may include a plant food or other supplement. The reservoir 10 comprises an enclosed container 22 having rigid walls, The reservoir 10 further comprises a water outlet 30, an air inlet 32 and an air outlet 34.

The enclosed container 22 comprises a bracket receiver 20 in order for the reservoir 10 to be quickly and easily mounted to a bracket 14 above a plant growing location. The bracket receiver 20 comprises a shaped area into which a part of the bracket 14 can locate. The action of gravity on the reservoir 10 then solely supports the reservoir 10 on the bracket 14 without the use of any extra equipment or apparatus. This bracket receiver 20 thereby provides a reliable and fast mounting method.

In the preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3, the bracket receiver 20 comprises a passageway 20 that passes all the way through the container 22 from a rear face 26 to a front face 24. The enclosed container 22 is, therefore, effectively an annular container 22 or sleeve with the centre of the annulus forming the bracket receiver 20. Since the bracket receiver 20 is located centrally in the container 22, the container 22 is stable on the bracket 14 and the water 12 will freely empty whilst maintaining the stability of the container 22. The bracket receiver 20 is also located such that the majority of the weight of the water 12 is always below the supporting surface of the bracket 14 and this ensures that the container 22 is securely supported by the bracket 14.

The bracket receiver 20 comprises a passageway 20 having two lateral side walls and upper wall and a lower wall. In the preferred embodiment, the profile of the passageway 20 is constant and uniform throughout its length. In use, the upper wall of the passageway 20 is urged by gravity into contact with the upper surface of the bracket 14. The upper surface of the bracket 14 is generally horizontal and this provides a stable supporting surface. In addition, since the bracket 14 is generally supported against a wall or other supporting structure, this supporting structure acts as a shield to prevent forces (for example, wind) from urging the container to move along the bracket 14. In addition, this supporting surface may also act to prevent or inhibit an object from being easily located against the rear face 26 of the container 22 in order to enable the container 22 to be easily pushed off the supporting bracket 14.

Furthermore, the front part of the bracket 14 generally comprises a supporting portion 15 which may be in the form of a downwardly extending hook portion 15 or other suitable shaped portion. This hook portion 15 is arranged to retain an upper -10 -part of a suspension member 17 (for example, a section of a chain 17) from which the hanging basket 16 is suspended. Accordingly, in order to mount the reservoir to the bracket 14 the hanging basket 16 must first be removed from the chain 17 or both the chain 17 and hanging basket 16 must be removed from the bracket 14. Similarly, in order to dismount the reservoir 10 from the bracket 14 the hanging basket 16 must first be removed from the chain 17 or the chain 17 and hanging basket 16 must both be removed from the bracket 14. Accordingly, this arrangement ensures that the reservoir 10 will not inadvertently fall from the bracket 14. In addition, this inhibits vandals from removing the reservoir 10 in a spur of the moment decision.

The upwardly elongate or vertical slot shape of the passageway 20 also ensures that the reservoir 10 does not easily move with respect to the bracket 14. In particular, the shape prevents the bottom of the reservoir 10 from oscillating or swaying with respect to the top supported part of the reservoir 10.

Since the reservoir 10 is enclosed and includes rigid walls, as water flows out of the water outlet 30, a partial vacuum is created in the container 22. This partial vacuum prevents further water 12 freely flowing out of the outlet 30. The air inlet 32 comprises a restricted air inlet which restricts the air flowing into the container 22. However, as air slowly enters through the air inlet 32, this allows the water 12 to slowly flow out of the water outlet 30. Accordingly, the rate of water 12 flowing out of the reservoir 10 is controlled by the rate that air can flow into the container 22 which is controlled by the air inlet 32.

The air inlet 32 comprises a section of tube 36 having a thin passageway 38 defined there through. In the preferred embodiment, this section of tube 36 comprises a glass tube. The thin passageway 38 provides a restricted air flow to control the rate of flow of the water 12 out of the reservoir 10. In particular, the air inlet 32 includes no moving parts and is simple and reliable over a prolonged period of time. The rate at which water 12 is able to leave the container 22 can be set by cutting the length of the glass tube 36 to a predetermined length. The -11 -shorter the length of tube 36, and hence the length of the thin passageway 38, the greater the rate that air will flow into the container 22 and, therefore, the greater the rate that water 12 will flow out of the unrestricted outlet 30.

Prior art watering systems may require a lid to be removed in order for the container to be filled. Due to the elevated position of these containers, this therefore either requires the person to climb up a ladder or requires the user to remove the container from the installed position. However, the present invention also provides a refilling system that does not require either. The reservoir is arranged to be filled through the unrestricted outlet 30 using a lance or a suitable hose.

The end of the lance is arranged to be inserted into and engaged with the water outlet 30. In particular, the water outlet 30 includes a concave outer surface or shaped surface which guides the end of the lance into the water outlet 30. The end of the lance is arranged to be retained therein using a push fit or interference fit. Once the end of the lance or hose is engaged with the water outlet 30, water 12 can flow through the water outlet 30 and into the reservoir 10. Generally, the water will be pumped into the container 22.

As water 12 flows into the container 22, the air must be displaced out of the container 22. The restricted air inlet 32 is restricted such that this only allows air to escape very slowly which would thereby severely restrict the filling speed.

Accordingly, the reservoir 10 is provided with an air outlet 34 which provides an air trap with no moving parts. The air outlet 34 comprises a conduit 35 which extends from an upper surface of the container 22. The conduit 35 then extends to a position below the bottom of the container 22 and then extends upwardly to a position above the top of the container 22. As water is pumped in to the container 22 through the water outlet 30, air is displaced through the conduit 35. When the reservoir 22 is full, water will then flow out of the container and immediately signal to the person that the container 22 is full. -12-

The conduit 35 may locate adjacent to the rear wall 26 of the container 22 such that the conduit 35 is concealed from view and shielded. Alternatively, the conduit could extend around the periphery of the container 22, i.e. when viewed from in front, the conduit 35 could be wrapped around the container 22.

Once the container 22 has been filled, the end of the lance can be disengaged from the water outlet 30. The conduit 35 of the air outlet 34 will now be filled with water which will prevent air from entering the container 22 through the air outlet 34. Accordingly, the only way that air can enter the container is through the restricted air inlet 32 which thereby regulates the flow of water out of the container 22.

The unrestricted water outlet 30 also comprises a flow regulator in the form of an elbow extension 40. The elbow extension 40 comprises a short tube which extends inwardly from the outlet nozzle and extends downwardly to provide an open end of the oufflow tube which locates adjacent to the bottom of the container 22. The elbow extension 40 means that the container 22 will empty completely since the opening of the elbow extension 40 is adjacent to the base of the container 22. In addition, this arrangement also prevents air from entering into the container 22 through the water outlet 30 particularly if the container 22 is knocked or shaken. Such a movement can cause an uncontrolled outflow of water from a container which has an unrestricted outflow with no regulator mechanism. Again, this mechanism is simple and includes no moving parts which may fail or may be easily blocked.

In the preferred embodiment, the enclosed container 22 comprises two lateral side walls which are generally extended at a lower portion towards the front wall to create a J-shaped container. This arrangement directs the water 12 towards the water outlet 30 such that substantially all of the water 12 can flow from the container 22 and the reservoir 10 will not be left with a significant pool of water 12 which cannot flow out of the water outlet 30. -13-

Further shapes of reservoir and/or containers can easily be incorporated with the present invention and the container 22 may comprise a generally oval shape, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5. Alternatively, the bracket receiver 20 can be provided in other shapes of container 22 which would all provide stable reservoirs 10 for hanging baskets and the like, as shown in Figure 6a to Figure 6f.

The present invention may also be used to water and/or feed/treat plants which may not be located in hanging baskets. The requirement for the present invention is a support structure on which a bracket is secured such that the reservoir 10 can be quickly and easily suspended from the bracket in order to accurately deliver a steady flow of liquid to the plant growing location.

The plant watering assembly may comprise a pole 50 including a free standing base 52. The pole 50 has a bracket 14 supported towards an upper end thereof.

As previously explained, the reservoir 10 can then be solely supported by the bracket 14 to deliver the water accurately to the plant growing location. In the example shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8, the reservoir is used to water plants contained in a grow bag 54.

As shown in Figure 9, the reservoir 10 together with a free standing support pole may be used to water a tub 56 containing plants. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 10, a pole 50 (free standing or otherwise retained upright) including a bracket 14 and a reservoir 10 may be used to water a young tree 58. In this example, the free standing base 52 may be crescent shaped to provide a stable base whilst positioning the water outlet 30 to deliver water to near the base of the tree 58.

The present invention also provides a reservoir for delivering water (or liquid) at a steady rate (preferably at a drip rate) over a prolonged period of time.

Accordingly, the reservoir could be used to feed bees if they wake from hibernation too soon or the reservoir could be used to provide drinking water for young birds, chickens etc.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A reservoir containing water to water plants, the reservoir comprising an enclosed, rigid-walled container, an unrestricted water outlet from the bottom of the container, a restricted air inlet at the top of the container and support means or supporting the container above a plant growing location wherein the support means comprises a bracket receiver which is arranged to receive a part of a bracket in order for the reservoir to be supported from the bracket.
2. A reservoir according to Claim I in which the bracket receiver comprises a shaped region defined within the rigid-walled container.
3. A reservoir according to Claim 2 in which the shaped region provides an aperture through the rigid walled container,
4. A reservoir according to any preceding claim in which the rigid walled container comprises an annular container.
5. A reservoir according to Claim 4 in which the bracket is arranged, in use, to locate in the hole or aperture provided in the annular container.
6. A reservoir according to any preceding claim in which the reservoir is supported solely by the action of gravity on the reservoir whilst the bracket is located within the bracket receiver.
7. A reservoir according to any preceding claim in which the reservoir comprises a front face and a rear face.
8. A reservoir according to Claim 7 in which the bracket receiver provides a passageway extending from the rear face to the front face.
9. A reservoir according to Claim 8 in which the passageway has a uniform cross section throughout its length.
10. A reservoir according to any preceding claim in which a front part of the bracket is arranged, in use, to project outwardly from a front face of the reservoir.
11. A reservoir according to Claim 10 in which the front part of the bracket provides suspension means in order to suspend a plant growing location therefrom.
12. A reservoir according to Claim 11 in which the suspension means prevents or inhibits the reservoir from being dismounted from the bracket.
13. A reservoir according to any preceding claim in which the plant growing location requires removing from the bracket to enable the reservoir to be mounted to or dismounted from the bracket.
14. A reservoir according to any preceding claim in which the water outlet comprises an internal flow pipe which extends inwardly from outlet and downwardly towards the base of the container.
15. A reservoir according to Claim 14 in which the internal flow pipe provides an open end which allows water to flow through the internal flow pipe and out of the water outlet.
16. A reservoir according to Claim 15 in which the open end locates adjacent to an internal base of the enclosed container.
17. A reservoir according to any preceding claim in which the air inlet comprises a section of tube which provides a thin passageway there through.
18. A reservoir according to Claim 17 in which the section of tube may comprise a section of glass tube.
19. A reservoir according to Claim 17 or Claim 18 in which the length of the section of tube is predetermined to set the drip rate of water out of the water outlet.
20. A reservoir according to any preceding claim in which the reservoir comprises an air outlet to enable air to escape as the reservoir is filled with water.
21. A reservoir according to Claim 20 in which the air outlet comprises a conduit which extends from the top of the container downwards and then upwards such that a water trap is created.
22. A reservoir according to Claim 21 in which the water trap is arranged, is use, to retain a volume of water therein such that air is not drawn into the container as water exits the container through the water outlet.
23. A reservoir according to any preceding claim in which the reservoir is arranged, in use, to be filled with water through the water outlet.
24. A reservoir according to Claim 23 in which the reservoir is arranged, in use, to be filled with water through a lance which sealingly engages with the water outlet to deliver water through the water outlet into the reservoir.
25. A self watering plant growing assembly comprising a support structure including a bracket and a reservoir containing water to water plants, the reservoir comprising an enclosed, rigid-walled container, an unrestricted water outlet from the bottom of the container, a restricted air inlet at the top of the container and support means or supporting the container above a plant growing location wherein the support means comprises a bracket receiver which is arranged to receive a part of the bracket in order for the reservoir to be supported from the bracket of the support structure.
26. A method of watering a plant growing location comprising: -17-.supplying water to a reservoir wherein the reservoir comprises an enclosed, rigid-walled container, an unrestricted water outlet from the bottom of the container, a restricted air inlet at the top of the container, supporting the container above the plant growing location wherein the support means comprises a bracket receiver which is arranged to receive a part of a bracket in order for the reservoir to be supported from the bracket.
27. A reservoir for containing water to water the plants substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.
28. A self watering plant growing assembly substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.
29. A method of watering a plant growing location substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.