Plant husbandry – Plant irrigators and/or fertilizers – apparatus or method
Reexamination Certificate
2001-03-21
2003-02-11
Poon, Peter M. (Department: 3643)
Plant husbandry
Plant irrigators and/or fertilizers, apparatus or method
Reexamination Certificate
active
06516562
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field Of The Invention
Disclosed is a drip irrigation/fertilization filter apparatus for watering and fertilizing plants and trees with a generally continuous flow of liquid rather than an applied pool of water. The disclosed apparatus comprises a portable stabilized reservoir having an automatic filling system, internal filtration system, and a passive drip delivery means.
The device of the present invention improves upon the related art by preventing internal algae growth on the primary filter element and corresponding clogging due to light entry into the reservoir. The present invention also improves upon the related art by disclosing a novel primary filter element, which is more durable, versatile, and effective than traditional filters. In addition, the present invention improves upon the related art by allowing for use in extremely muddy conditions, and at the same time extending the time period between required filter changes. The present invention also improves upon the related art by permitting a user to employ an easily constructed, relatively inexpensive, and effective way to water plants and trees with a virtually continuous flow of filtered water and fertilizer and at the same time conserve water. Additionally, the present invention improves upon the related art by disclosing a design adapted to sit directly atop soil near plants or trees to be watered, which obviates the need for a support base, spikes, or other means for supporting the reservoir.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various drip irrigation filter devices have been previously developed. These devices lack an effective means for diminishing light entry into the liquid reservoir, and corresponding algae growth and clogging on the primary filter element. Also, known irrigation filter devices are not equipped for use with muddy water, such as that found in irrigation ditches and other agricultural settings, and are designed primarily for use with individually potted plants rather than plants and trees situated directly in the ground.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,601 discloses a drip watering apparatus. The apparatus includes a reservoir having a bottom surface with a plurality of apertures, and a base for supporting and stabilizing the reservoir. The reservoir cover can be adapted with a perimeter overhang, which helps shade the reservoir from direct sun exposure. The disclosed apparatus also includes an outlet control system, comprising a support member formed from rigid material and having a plurality of apertures. Spacers are used to elevate the support member above the reservoir bottom. A filter sheet, made from materials such as cloth, paper products, and natural or synthetic polymers, is positioned atop the support member, and a layer of particulate matter rests directly atop the filter. The disclosed liquid inlet control system comprises a float, which is connected to an inlet/cut-off valve via a connecting arm. Liquid, which is added to the reservoir either manually or through a hose attachment, rests above the layer of particulate matter. As the float is forced upward by incoming liquid, the inlet/cut-off valve is adjusted to stop the water flow. As the water level decreases during the irrigation process, the float lowers and activates the inlet/ cut-off valve to allow more liquid into the reservoir.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,527,353 discloses an irrigation/fertilization control and distribution system. The system includes separate water valve and fertilization mechanisms. The water valve mechanism consists of a water reservoir, which is open to atmospheric pressure and is connected to a sealed water chamber. When the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined level, air expansion forces water out of the chamber and into the water reservoir, and simultaneously opens a valve allowing pressurized water to flow through a water distribution network and ultimately to plants situated in a connected hydrophonic growth conduit. As atmospheric pressure increases, the valve is closed, and water supply to the distribution network is terminated.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,582 discloses a tree irrigator comprising a tree trunk encircling container, which includes an inner water container and an outer support container. The inner water container bottom has a water exit hole, and the outer support container bottom has holes for delivering water to the encircled tree. Between the inner and outer containers are a support pad, spacers, and a wire mesh for aiding in structural support and drainage.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,905 discloses a plant watering device comprising a self-contained cylindrical reservoir that surrounds a plant. The device contains an adjustable drip valve means in fluid communication with the reservoir that delivers water or nutrients dropwise to the plant.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,375,860 discloses an irrigation appliance having a combined support and water delivery hollow spike. The spike is inserted into the ground to be watered. Water is held in an upper first container and percolated into a lower second container having fertilizer. The fertilizer solution then exits into the spike and, via apertures in the distal end of the spike, escapes from the device to water the ground near the plant.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,026,827 discloses a plant watering and feeding device having a perforated spike that is inserted into the ground for delivering water. Included is a plant food container and associated valves for selectively extracting the food into the delivered water.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,856,205 discloses a siphon type plant watering device with an attached hollow spike that is inserted into the ground to be watered and controls additional water delivery. When the ground becomes dry, the hollow spike communicates this condition to the apparatus by allowing air to pass into a controlling system that then delivers water to the ground, and subsequently turns water delivery off when the ground is wet, thus blocking air passage into the controlling system.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,231,188 discloses a method and system for propagating plants housed in individual containers. The bottom side of individual plant containers are adapted with porous prongs, which pierce an irrigation tray support containing a sand layer sandwiched between a top and bottom water impermeable plastic opaque sheet. Water from the irrigation tray support passes up through the prongs and into the plant container via capillary action. The disclosed plant container covers holes resulting from each prong, which prevents light entry into the system and corresponding algae growth. The system may employ a conventional filter.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,168,224 is a drip feed device, which is designed to be clipped to the rim of a soil containing pot. Water is delivered from a reservoir container into a tile basin, via an adjustable drip valve. When the tilt basin is filled, it tips and applies water to the soil.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,908,986 discloses a plant fertilizing and watering device for fertilizing and watering individually potted plants. The primary component of this invention is a disk made of synthetic resin or foam, which has a centrally located recess that holds fertilizer and is covered by a porous plug made of the disk material. The disk containing fertilizer is placed in a potted plant's reservoir and covered with water, after which the pot containing the plant is watered periodically. Water and fertilizer pass through the disk's plug via a hole in the bottom of the plant pot by capillary action.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,835 discloses a device for continuously irrigating soil of plants growing in individual pots. The device's primary components include a wooden or styrofoam block, which is wrapped in a plastic tape layer having a single sand layer adhesively attached to the tape's inner surface. The block and tape assembly is placed in a shallow container of water, and an individually potted plant is placed atop the block's upper surface in contact with the tape layer, so that the internal sand layer facilitates capillary water flow to and f
Bertani Pamela W.
Poon Peter M.
Weintraub Genshlea Chediak Sproul
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