Fluid handling – Systems – Multiple inlet with single outlet
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-23
2001-03-27
Chambers, A. Michael (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Systems
Multiple inlet with single outlet
C137S888000, C239S201000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206046
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND-FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to fertigation and chemical dispensing systems for lawns and gardens.
BACKGROUND-DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
A wide variety of devices for feeding plant fertilizer to a continuously flowing stream of water are known. Such devices are used, for example, for fertilizing and applying beneficial chemicals to lawn and garden areas.
A review of the currently available devices and systems reveals them to be complex, expensive, time consuming and/or unsightly.
Also, a review of existing devices and systems reveals them to be difficult to install, use, and maintain. The difficulty of installation of many existing devices to a new or existing system has deterred most lay persons from installing these devices. Many of them require professional installation.
Many of the existing devices are limited to attachment to either an above ground system or a subterranean. Rarely are they adaptable to both. Many of those made available for subterranean attachment require additional unwanted excavations to accommodate their bulky designs.
Very few devices or systems address disconnection or intentional disabling of their systems should the need dictate.
Many existing systems procedures require close attention to water ratios and their distribution. The complexity of these devices can easily explain why such devices have not achieved wide acceptance in the art. Those systems requiring elaborate mixing, dispersion and even pumping devices have also not achieved wide acceptance in the art.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,974,847(Hodges), U.S. Pat. No. 3,943,960(Syrenne), U.S. Pat. No. 3,118,462(Pannutti), and U.S. Pat. No. 1,855,323(Sirch) incorporate complex valves, intricate linkages, and expensive fittings to disperse and apply chemicals. These designs employ an overabundance of hardware which increase manufacturing cost, consumer price, and maintenance fees. As a result, the foregoing have met with little consumer approval.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,351,290 to Baldwin suggests the supporting ring-type stand 'preferably [be] screened from view behind shrubbery', suggesting it lacks aesthetic appeal.
SUMMARY
The present invention provides for easy attachment to water flow system for the application of fertilizers and other beneficial chemicals to lawn and/or garden areas. The invention consists of a stand, a chemical vessel, a vessel sleeve, a vessel cap with dual port (internal/external) bulkhead union, an optional filter attachment, a chemical feed tube, and a control valve tap connected to a water flow supply.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Several objects and advantages of my invention include:
A) The stand serves to keep the vessel from sitting on the ground. It is also used for aesthetics. The whimsical look of a medical IV gives this system a memorable advantage over many existing systems on today's market. The stand can be made of a variety of materials. It can be so fashioned so as to decorate a user's yard or garden. Landscapers are widely using ornamental iron in yards and gardens, nowadays. This stand could easily be shaped to achieve a decorative element, without sacrificing utility. A variety of inexpensive materials may be used. Where it may be impractical to shove the stand into the ground, an above ground stand with legs may be used equally as well.
B) The leak-proof vessel will contain beneficial chemicals to be distributed. Because the vessel can be manufactured inexpensively from plastic or some similar material, it can be discarded after each use. A new vessel with new or different beneficial chemicals can be easily reattached to the vessel cap when the consumer is ready. The disposable vessel would allow for pre-mixed pre-packaged chemical solutions designed specifically for the individual needs of each consumer. These needs include, but are not limited to: coverage per square footage, specific pest problems, climactic zone needs and soil needs per type.
C)The vessel sleeve, also inexpensive to manufacture, can be manufactured with decorative or functional printings; designs, chemical manufacturer logos or brand names, warnings (as to chemical type/application) or other useful decorations or writings are some examples. The sleeve could be made from such things as woven materials, decorative cloths, or (as submitted) a simple “plastic bag” type sleeve.
D) The leak-proof vessel cap is fitted with a dual port bulkhead union. The external port has a quick fit coupling to receive the chemical feed tubing. The internal port also has a quick fit coupling to receive an internal filter to allow only liquid chemical passage. The internal filter would allow for the use of dissolvable granular or solid chemicals in the vessel. The cap allows for quick connection and disconnection for the consumer. A replacement dosage of beneficial chemicals can quickly and easily be attached to the system.
E) The chemical feed tube is the connection between the cap and external bulkhead and the control valve. It, too, could be brightly colored and incorporated into the decorative design of the invention. It, too, could be used for advertisement or warnings or other similar uses similar to that of the vessel sleeve.
F) The control valve tap allows for easy installation. A saddled clamp requires the consumer to merely drill a hole and attach the valve, thus, eliminating consumer's fears of incompetence or failure. If a self piercing valve is used, it further reduces the anxiety of attachment by the consumer by eliminating need for drilling.
G) The system can easily be fitted to be used where the consumer needs coverage by tapping an adapter for a garden hose. The rest of the system remaining the same, the invention, as a unit, may be easily relocated. The adapter is threaded to receive and continue on with an ordinary pair of garden hoses.
H) This device can be attached any where along the sprinkler system lines. It can be used to dispense beneficial chemicals to an entire system by attaching it prior to the sprinkler system's manifold or it may be attached to a single zone if the consumer so desires it.
I) This invention does not require the system to be monitored during chemical application. If the consumer so desires, with a garden hose attachment, he may monitor the system for exact location(s) of application.
J) The invention's attachment requires no professional skills to install. Familiarity with a drill and a screwdriver is enough to install the device.
K) Because the invention attaches at the level of the water supply line, there is no additional excavation needed for attachment.
L) If this invention needs to be disconnected for seasonal or other needs, the valve allows for blowout of the device by merely removing the vessel from the device with the valve open. The chemical feed may be shut off merely by closing the valve at the control valve tap, thus, preventing any unwanted flow or leakage.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 345411 (1994-03-01), Jernigan, Sr.
patent: 1855323 (1932-04-01), Sirch
patent: 3118462 (1964-01-01), Pannutti
patent: 3943960 (1976-03-01), Syrenne
patent: 3968932 (1976-07-01), Kimmell
patent: 3974847 (1976-08-01), Hodges
patent: 4026673 (1977-05-01), Russo
patent: 4115270 (1978-09-01), Phillips
patent: 4250910 (1981-02-01), King
patent: 4250911 (1981-02-01), Kratz
patent: 4333493 (1982-06-01), Smiesko et al.
patent: 4555347 (1985-11-01), O'Dowd et al.
patent: 5178181 (1993-01-01), Craig
patent: 5246168 (1993-09-01), Williams
patent: 5301718 (1994-04-01), Bolhofner
patent: 5303729 (1994-04-01), DeMarco
patent: 5353990 (1994-10-01), Williams
patent: 5364030 (1994-11-01), Murdock et al.
patent: 5653261 (1997-08-01), Dalhart et al.
patent: 5666987 (1997-09-01), Combs
Chambers A. Michael
McShane Thomas L.
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