Patent Application
20170265380
The present invention relates generally to a plant irrigation dispenser and method for controlled dispensing. More so, the present invention relates to a plant irrigation dispenser that selectively and controllably dispenses nutritional compositions to a plant for irrigation, oxygenation, and feeding; whereby the plant irrigation dispenser provides a housing defined by a first end and a second end that forms a channel and includes a plurality of impaling members; whereby the housing is sized to house a plurality of chambers that are defined by a filling end and a dispensing end that forms an opening; whereby the chambers are sized to contain a plurality of nutritional compositions; whereby rotatably manipulating and axially displacing the chambers in relation to the housing works to tear a membrane that covers the openings of the chambers, so that the nutritional compositions is free to flow through the channel in the housing onto the plant; whereby a press is in communication with the nutritional compositions in the chambers, so that axially displacing the press in a downward direction forces the nutritional compositions through the opening in the chambers; and whereby a valve assembly for manipulating a plurality of plugs that are aligned with the openings in the chambers works to selectively couple and decouple the respective openings, so as to restrict and enable flowage of the nutritional compositions through the openings in the chambers, and through the channel in the housing, and finally onto the plant.
The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
It is known in the art that for optimizing plant growth, it is desirable that the plant be supplied with nutriment at an essentially constant rate, e.g. that the concentration of nutrient to which the root structure of the plant is exposed be maintained at an essentially constant predetermined level or range. Often, nutriments, such as fertilizer, mineral trace elements, etc., are administered intermittently, e.g. by occasional applications of fertilizer. As a result, the plant is exposed to high concentrations of nutriments directly after feeding, a procedure which may be dangerous to the plant and which is wasteful of the nutriment.
In many instances, plants require feeding or otherwise supplementing with liquid nutrition at least once weekly to grow and survive. This may be accomplished by using an irrigation bottling apparatus and feeding system, which typically involves the use of separate bottles due to the composition of the ingredients in which such ingredients should not be mixed prior to being placed into a reservoir with water. If the ingredients are previously mixed and set with one another long enough, the ingredients can become compromised and ineffective.
Various plant feeding apparatus and systems have been developed, but such conventional apparatus and systems are not specifically designed for consolidation of the feeding process. It would thus be desirable to have an improved apparatus and system for feeding plants and the like, which avoids the disadvantages of the known apparatus and systems.
Other proposals have involved controlled dispensing of nutritional liquids to feed plants. The problem with these plant feeding apparatus and systems is that they do not consolidate the feeding process. Also, the dispensed ingredients for the nutritional composition are difficult to mix and controllably dispense. Even though the above cited plant feeding apparatus and systems meet some of the needs of the market, a plant irrigation dispenser and method for controlled dispensing that selectively and controllably dispenses a plurality of nutritional compositions to a plant for irrigation, oxygenation, and feeding; whereby the plant irrigation dispenser provides a housing, a plurality of chambers sealed with a membrane, an impaling device to puncture the membrane, a capping member to enable application of rotational and axial forces, and a valve assembly to regulate flow of nutritional composition is still desired.
Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a plant irrigation dispenser and method of selective dispensing nutritional compositions on a plant. The plant irrigation dispenser is configured to selectively and controllably dispense a plurality of nutritional compositions to a plant for irrigation, oxygenation, and feeding. The nutritional compositions may be dispensed together onto the plant, or dispensed independently of each other, so that only a portion of the nutritional compositions are dispensed at any one time.
In some embodiments, the plant irrigation dispenser provides a housing that encloses a substantial portion of the components of the device. The housing is defined by a housing sidewall that forms an enclosed region, a first end, and a second end. The second end forms a channel that is in communication with the enclosed region and the outside of the housing. An air bleed valve forms in the housing sidewall to enable entry of air into the enclosed region of the housing. A plurality of impaling members extend inwardly from the second end to the first end. In one embodiment, the impaling members are configured to tear, or puncture a membrane that covers the opening of the chambers. In this manner, the nutritional composition in the chambers may flow for dispensing.
In some embodiments, the housing is sized and dimensioned to house a plurality of chambers. Each chamber stores and dispenses a nutritional composition. The chambers may follow various shapes and dimensions, such as a radial arrangement of cylindrical chambers, or a linear arrangement of square chambers. The chambers may be segregated by a plurality of longitudinal dividers.
The chambers are defined by a filling end and a dispensing end that forms an opening. The chamber sidewall, the filling end, and the dispensing end form a chamber cavity in which the nutritional composition is contained. In one embodiment, the chamber cavity for each chamber is sized to contain a plurality of nutritional compositions, with each chamber containing a different nutritional composition, in one embodiment.
The nutritional composition dispenses form at least one of the plurality of chambers. An air bleed valve at the dispensing end of the housing permits the passage of air and nutritional composition from the chamber cavities, through the enclosed region of the housing, and finally through the channel for dispensing. Upon dispensing of the nutritional composition from at least one of the chambers, a combination of any compositions may be dispensed for use by the plant.
In one embodiment, a membrane may cover the openings of the chambers. The membrane inhibits passage of the nutritional composition until the membrane is torn or punctured, as described below.
In some embodiments, the dispenser provides a press to forcible displace the nutritional composition from the chamber. The press is in communication with the nutritional compositions in the chamber cavity for each chamber. A downward axial force may be applied to the press, such that the press slides through the chamber cavities, from the filling end to the dispensing end. This works to force the nutritional compositions through the openings in the chambers.
The press is defined by a sidewall, a bottom panel, a cap end, and multiple longitudinal slots extending from the bottom panel to the cap end. The slots of the press are sized and dimensioned to receive, and slide along, the longitudinal dividers that segregate the individual chambers. This enables the press to control movement in the chambers when the longitudinal dividers are fits into the longitudinal slots. The bottom panel forms a snug fit with the chamber sidewalls to create sufficient pressure to force the nutritional composition towards the opening in the chamber. In this manner, axially displacing the press in a downward direction forces the nutritional compositions through the opening in the chambers.
In some embodiments, a capping member may couple to the cap end of the press. The capping member may have multiple ridges that fit into the slots at the cap end of the press. This mating relationship enables the application of a rotational torque and an axial force on the capping member, which then rotatably manipulates and axial displaces the press along the chambers.
Consequently, this rotatable and axial manipulation of the chambers works to tear a membrane that covers the openings of the chambers works to tear the membrane that covers each opening of the chambers. After the membrane is torn, punctured, or ripped, the nutritional compositions is free to flow through the openings, and through the channel in the housing onto the plant.
In some embodiments, a valve assembly is used to selectively block and enable passage through the openings in the dispensing end of the chambers. This may be useful after the membrane has been torn, and the openings are not covered. The valve assembly comprises a plurality of receptacles that retain a plurality of plugs in alignment with the openings in the chambers. The plugs are sized to selectively couple and decouple the plugs with their respective openings, so as to restrict and enable flowage of the nutritional compositions through the openings in the chambers, and through the channel in the housing, and finally onto the plant.
In one aspect, a plant irrigation dispenser comprises:
In another aspect, the housing has a cylindrical shape.
In another aspect, the plurality of impaling members are oriented towards the first end of the housing.
In another aspect, the plurality of impaling members are sharp.
In another aspect, the plurality of chambers comprises six chambers.
In another aspect, the plurality of chambers are disposed in a radial arrangement.
In another aspect, the plurality of chamber cavities are configured to contain a plurality of nutritional compositions.
In another aspect, the capping member has a generally disc-shape.
In another aspect, the valve assembly comprises a valve handle.
In another aspect, the valve assembly comprises a plurality of receptacles configured to retain the plurality of plugs.
In another aspect, the valve assembly has a generally circular shape that aligns with the plurality of openings in the dispensing end of the plurality of openings.
In another aspect, the plurality of plugs are configured to form a friction fit relationship with the plurality of openings formed in the dispensing end of the plurality of chambers.
In another aspect, the dispenser further comprises a plurality of chamber caps configured to detachably attach to the plurality of openings, the plurality of chamber caps defined by an orifice.
In another aspect, the plurality of plugs are configured to form a friction fit relationship with the orifice.
In another aspect, the valve handle passes through the channel in the housing.
In another aspect, the dispenser further comprises a valve plunger disposed between the membrane and the second end of the housing, the valve plunger configured to at least partially block passage through the channel in the housing.
In another aspect, the dispenser further comprises a sleeve disposed between the housing and the plurality of chambers.
In another aspect, the membrane comprises six small membranes configured to cover each opening for each chamber separately.
In another aspect, the plurality of chambers comprises a generally square shape, the plurality of chambers disposed in a linear arrangement.
In another aspect, the housing has a generally cubicle shape.
In another aspect, the capping member comprises a cap handle configured to enable facilitated rotation of the capping member.
In yet another possible embodiment of the dispenser, there is provided herein a multi-chamber bottling dispenser for consolidating the feeding process of plants with liquids, nutrients and/or fertilizers contained in a single bottle or container or for consolidating the drinking or feeding process of users with a plurality of plurality of nutritional compositions. The nutritional compositions may include, without limitation, water, drink mixtures, nutrients, fertilizers, nutrients, plant enhancement ingredients, and other ingredients for consumption by a plant, animal, or human.
The dispenser includes a geometrically shaped housing of variable size having a first end and a second end, an outer capping member secured to the first end of the housing, and a valve assembly slidably disposed at the second end of the housing. The housing is configured to cover the valve assembly and form a pathway for nutritional compositions to funnel out of the channel in the second end of the housing.
The dispenser further includes a plurality of chambers that are sized and dimensioned to containing the plurality of nutritional compositions. The chambers are enclosed inside the housing. The chambers are defined by a filling end and a dispensing end that forms an opening. An inner capping member detachably covers the filling end of the chambers. Each nutritional composition is segregated in one of the chambers. A plurality of chamber caps detachably couple to the respective openings in the chambers. The chamber caps seal the chambers while the valve holder remains in a non-pulled position.
In some embodiments, the plurality of caps secure the plurality of chambers in place and funnel the nutritional compositions into a channel when the valve holder is in a pulled position. In other embodiments, the capping member is secured to the housing by a bayonet mechanism, thread and the like.
In some embodiments, the valve assembly is secured to the housing by at least one of ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding, friction and the like.
In some embodiments, the valve assembly is configured to extend downwardly from a valve holder assembly of variable size and shape.
In some embodiments, the valve assembly is configured to slidably receive a plurality of plugs from top of the assembly.
In some embodiments, the plugs are connected to the valve holder assembly and are configured to enter the plurality of caps for closing the chamber opening when the valve holder is in a non-pulled position.
In some embodiments, when the valve assembly is pulled down by the user, the plurality of plugs are lowered from the plurality of openings, which allow the nutritional compositions contained in the chambers to exit the bottom of the valve assembly through the channel in the housing, and at the same time and be mixed together.
In some embodiments, the nutritional compositions contained in the chambers use gravity to exit the chambers.
In some embodiments, the housing is geometrically shaped as a cylinder.
In some embodiments, the dispenser is configured to be disposable after one or more uses or reusable after several prior uses.
In some embodiments, the dispenser can be made by at least one of the following processes: blow molding, roto molding, gas assisted injection molding, injection molding, and the like.
In some embodiments, the dispenser can be fabricated of at least one of the following materials: high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP), styrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polycarbonate (PC), Delrin, urethane, rubber, thermoplastic rubber, silicon, and the like.
Various advantages of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. Other systems, dispensers, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
A plant irrigation dispenser 100 and method 300 of selective dispensing nutritional compositions on a plant is referenced in
The nutritional compositions 160a-c are contained in a plurality of chambers 118a-f that use gravity and forcible axial displacement to dispense of the nutritional compositions 160a-c contained therein. The dispenser 100 enables a controlled, selective dispensing means controlled through manipulation and impalement of a press 132, a membrane 166, a valve assembly 146 and plugs 150a-f, and chamber caps 158a-d. In this manner, the nutritional composition 160a-c can be applied to the plant in a controlled manner that allows for selective mixing of different nutritional compositions and drip irrigation.
In one embodiment, the plant irrigation dispenser 100, hereafter “dispenser 100”, is operational to consolidate the feeding process of plants with pre-packaged, or non-prepackaged nutritional composition 160a-c, such as liquids, nutrients and/or fertilizers contained within the chambers or a single bottle or container. This eliminates the need for use of multiple bottles or containers in the feeding process. The term “pre-packaged” means that the dispenser 100 is manufactured with an entire formulation or recipe contained in a single bottle or container allowing for easy use by the end consumer. The term “non-pre-packaged” means that the user adds the ingredients to the dispenser 10 rather than purchasing the dispenser 100 with pre-packaged ingredients for use in feeding plants and the like.
The dispenser 100 may also be used for consolidating the drinking or feeding process of the user with various pre-packaged (or non-prepackaged) drink mixtures, nutrients and/or other ingredients contained within a single bottle or container for consumption by the user.
In addition to the advantages set forth above, the dispenser 100 provide efficiency in the feeding process; the dispenser is fabricated from inexpensive materials with a low cost to manufacture; the dispenser provides a compact design for packaging and shipping, is easy to assemble and use, and is disposable or reusable, among other desirable features as described herein. It is contemplated by the present disclosure that the multi-chamber bottling dispenser and system may be used with any suitable plant growing medium (e.g., Rockwool, soil, and the like) in a substrate growing system.
For purposes of the present disclosure: The terms “feeding” and “watering” are used interchangeably herein and are intended to have the same meaning with respect to the treating of a plant with liquid nutrition so that the plant may grow and flourish. The term “irrigation” refers to the application of water to soil or another medium by artificial means to foster plant growth. The terms “growing medium,” “medium,” or “media” refer to a liquid or solid in which organic structures such as plants are placed to grow. The term “nutritional composition” refers to any form of liquid nutrition for a plant, including water and the like. The term “Rockwool” refers to the inorganic mineral based horticultural grade Rockwool primarily sold as a hydroponic substrate in the horticultural industry. The phrase “substrate growing system” is a hydroponic system in which the root zone is physically supported by media and the plants are fed by applying nutrient solution to the media. The terms “multi-chamber bottling dispenser” and “dispenser” are used interchangeably herein.
The housing 102 also provides a channel 112 that forms a pathway for nutritional composition 160a-cs to funnel out of the channel 112 at the second end 110. The housing 102 is also configured to cover a valve assembly 146 that regulates dispensing of the nutritional composition 160a-c. The valve assembly 146 can be secured to the housing 102 by ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding, friction and the like.
As shown in
As referenced in
In some embodiments, the impaling members 114a-d are spikes that are oriented towards the first end 108 of the housing 102. Though in other embodiments, the impaling members 114a-d may include any sharp or serrated mechanism configured to tear, puncture, or damage a membrane 166, as discussed below. Additionally, an air bleed valve 116 forms in the housing sidewall 104 to enable entry of air into the enclosed region 106 of the housing 102.
The rotational and axial manipulation that is applied to tear the membrane 166 is illustrated in
In some embodiments, the housing 102 is sized and dimensioned to at least partially enclose a plurality of chambers 118a-f. Each chamber 118a-f stores and dispenses a nutritional composition 160a-c. The chambers 118a-f may follow various shapes and dimensions, such as a radial arrangement of six cylindrical chambers 118a-f, or a linear arrangement of six square chambers 218a-f. The chambers 118a-f may be segregated by a plurality of longitudinal dividers 120a-e. In one embodiment, the chambers 118a-f have equal sizes and are symmetrical in their radial arrangement.
Turning now to
It should be understood that the chambers 118a-f can be configured of any suitable geometric shape and size as the dispenser 100 is a scalable design solution. It should be further understood that the volume of nutritional composition 160a-c, liquids, nutrients and fertilizers that the plurality of chambers 118a-f can hold varies as the dispenser 100 is sized to scale.
As the illustration in
The nutritional composition 160a-c is generally viscous enough to flow freely through the openings 126 in the chambers 118a-f and the channel 112 in the housing 102. In some embodiments, the nutritional composition 160a-cs may include, without limitation, water, drink mixtures, nutrients, fertilizers, nutrients, plant enhancement ingredients, and other ingredients for consumption by a plant, animal, or human.
Turning now to
Looking ahead to
As illustrated in
This rotational and axial motion works to urge the membrane 166 into an agitated engagement with the impaling members 114a-d, so as to achieve the tearing function. In one embodiment, the membrane 166 may include a pliable material that is easily impaled, torn, or punctured with the impaling members 114a-d at the second end 110 of the housing 102. In one alternative embodiment, smaller, individual membranes 174a-f cover each opening of the chambers 118a-f separately. In any case, the effect is substantially the same.
As shown in the views of
Looking at
The bottom panel 136 of the press 132 forms a snug fit with the chamber sidewall 128 to create sufficient pressure to force the nutritional composition 160a-c towards the opening in the chambers 118a-f. In this manner, axially displacing the press 132 in a downward direction forces the nutritional composition 160a-cs through the opening 126 in the chambers 118a-f.
As
Thus, applying a rotational torque 170 and the axial force 172 to the capping member 142 rotates and axially displaces the press 132 and the plurality of chambers 118a-f. In this manner, the rotation and axial displacement of the plurality of chambers 118a-f engages the membrane 166 with the plurality of impaling members 114a-d. This consequentially works to at least partially tear the membrane 166 when the membrane 166 engages the impaling members 114a-d in this agitating manner. In one embodiment, the capping member 142 has a generally disc shape and ribs that form at the perimeter to provide grip for rotating the capping member 142.
For example,
Consequently, this rotatable and axial manipulation of the chambers 118a-f works to tear the membrane 166 that covers the openings 126 of the chambers 118a-f. After the membrane 166 is torn, punctured, or ripped, the nutritional composition 160a-cs is free to flow through the openings 126, and through the channel 112 in the housing 102 onto the plant. However, the dispenser 100 provides yet another unique mechanism to restrict flow of the nutritional composition 160a-c after the membrane 166 has been torn—a valve assembly 146.
From the enclosed region 106 of the housing 102, the valve assembly 146 is used to selectively block and enable passage through the openings 126 in the dispensing end 124 of the chambers 118a-f. This type of regulation may be useful after the membrane 166 has been torn, and the openings 126 are not covered. The valve assembly 146 can be secured to the housing 102 by ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding, friction and the like.
The valve assembly 146 comprises a plurality of receptacles 148 that retain a plurality of plugs 150a-f in alignment with the openings 126 in the chambers 118a-f. The valve assembly 146 further comprises a valve handle 152 that passes through the channel 112 in the housing 102. The valve handle 152 may be axially manipulated through the channel 112 to align and bring the receptacles 148 in contact with a respective openings 126 in the chambers 118a-f, or orifice 162 in the chamber caps 158a-d. In one embodiment, the valve assembly 146 has a generally circular shape that aligns with the openings 126 in the chambers 118a-f.
In some embodiments, the plugs 150a-f may be sized and dimensioned to selectively couple and decouple with their respective openings 126. Though in other embodiments, the plugs 150a-f couple and decouple with the orifices 162 in the chamber caps 158a-d that cover the openings 126. In one embodiment, the plugs 150a-f are configured to form a friction fit relationship with the openings 126 formed in the chambers 118a-f, or the orifice 162s formed in the chamber caps 158a-d.
An exemplary use of the valve assembly 146 is shown in
Thus aligning and coupling the plugs 150a-f with the openings 126 of the chambers 118a-f, or the orifice 162s in the chamber caps 158a-d works to at least partially restrict passage of nutritional composition 160a-c through the openings 126. In operation, the valve handle 152 is pulled to decouple the plugs 150a-f from the openings 126. This enables the nutritional composition 160a-c to dispense from the opening 126. Reversibly, the valve handle 152 is pushed into the channel 112 to couple the plugs 150a-f with the respective openings 126, so as to restrict flow of the nutritional composition 160a-c.
In this manner, the plugs 150a-f work to restrict and enable flowage of the nutritional compositions 160a-c through the openings 126 in the chambers 118a-f, through the channel 112 in the housing 102, and finally onto the plant. In some embodiments, the plugs 150a-f may include elongated rubber stops that fully mate with the orifice 162s in the chamber caps 158a-d.
In yet another embodiment that is illustrated in
As discussed above, the housing 102 and the chambers 118a-f of the present invention may take multiple shapes and dimensions, since the dispenser 100 is scalable.
Correspondingly, the valve assembly 246 is shaped linearly to accommodate the linear arrangement of chambers 218a-f, and thereby align with the openings 226. This alternative embodiment of dispenser 200 operates in substantially the same manner as the cylindrically shaped version of the dispenser 100.
In some embodiments, the various components of the dispenser can be constructed by various processes, including, but not limited to, blow molding, roto molding and/or gas assisted injection molding (i.e., outer capping member, inner container), injection molding (i.e., outer press, housing, valve plunger), and the like.
In other embodiments, the various components of the dispenser can be fabricated of the following materials: high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) (i.e., capping member, chamber, impaling members) and styrene (i.e., capping member); PP, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polycarbonate (PC) (i.e., press, housing, impaling members); and PP, Delrin, urethane, rubber, thermoplastic rubber, silicon (i.e., plugs).
The method 300 may further comprise a Step 304 of positioning the plurality of chambers in a housing 102, the housing defined by a housing sidewall forming an enclosed region, a first end, and a second end, the second end forming a channel in communication with the enclosed region, the second end comprising a plurality of impaling members. A Step 306 includes sealing the plurality of openings with a membrane.
In some embodiments the method 300 may include a Step 308 of coupling a capping member 142 to the filling end of the plurality of chambers, the capping member configured to enable manipulation of the plurality of chambers relative to the housing. A Step 310 includes applying a rotatable torque to the capping member, whereby the rotatable manipulation of the plurality of chambers at least partially tears the membrane covering the openings of the chambers.
In some embodiments the method 300 may include a Step 312 of applying an axial force to the capping member, whereby the axial displacement of the capping member forcible displaces the plurality of nutritional compositions towards the plurality of openings. A Step 314 comprises enabling passage of the plurality of nutritional compositions through the plurality of openings and through the channel formed in the housing. Another Step 316 comprises coupling a plurality of plugs 150a-f with the plurality of openings in the plurality of chambers. A final Step 318 includes restricting passage of the plurality of nutritional compositions through the plurality of openings and through the channel formed in the housing.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.
Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.
This application claims the benefits of U.S. provisional application No. 62/310,296, filed Mar. 18, 2016 and entitled MULTI-CHAMBER BOTTLING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM, which provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62310296 | Mar 2016 | US |
