Patent Application
20080169314
This invention relates generally to siphon devices and, more particularly, to a siphon device that removes water and other liquids from containers, such as vases, urns, bottles, etc.
The practice of displaying botanical materials, such as freshly cut flowers, plants, foliage, herbs, grasses, etc. has been around for centuries. Such botanical materials are typically placed in containers of water for display, including, for example, vases, urns and bottles. In order to keep the botanical materials fresher longer, it is often recommended that the water in the container be changed frequently, typically once per day or every other day. Changing the water in relatively deep containers, especially vases, urns, and bottles, may be burdensome and awkward. In this regard, it may be necessary to first remove the botanical materials from the container. The water may then be emptied from the container, fresh water may then be added to the container, and the botanical materials replaced in the container. If the botanical materials are not removed from the container, a person would need to hold the botanical materials in place in some manner while the water is poured from the container. Further, if the water is being poured into a sink, for instance, it would be necessary to hold the container sufficiently above the sink so that the botanical materials are not crushed while the water is being poured out. These methods of removing water from the containers may result in the destruction and/or alteration of the arrangement of the botanical materials.
A need therefore exists for a device capable of removing liquid from botanical containers, such as vases, urns, bottles, etc., that does not require the removal of materials from the containers, that does not require a person to tip the container in order to pour liquid from the container, and that does not destroy and/or alter the arrangement of botanical materials within the container.
The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related advantages.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a siphon device for removing liquids from botanical containers is disclosed. The siphon device comprises, in combination: a first segment of tubing having a first end with an inlet opening and a second end with an outlet opening and defining an internal cavity therebetween, wherein the first end is adapted to be inserted in a container and the second end is adapted to be positioned proximate a disposal area; a second segment of tubing positioned substantially proximate the second end of the first segment of tubing and having a first end with a first opening and a second end with a second opening, wherein the first end is coupled to the first segment of tubing; and a bulb having a substantially spherical shape defining an internal cavity therein and having an opening with an overlap region, wherein the overlap region is coupled to the second end of the second segment of tubing.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a siphon device for removing liquids from botanical containers is disclosed. The siphon device comprises, in combination: a first segment of tubing having a first end with an inlet opening and a second end with an outlet opening and defining an internal cavity therebetween, wherein the first end is adapted to be inserted in one of a vase, urn, and bottle and the second end is adapted to be positioned proximate one of a sink and bucket, the first segment of tubing having a length that is substantially greater than a height of the container into which it may be inserted; a second segment of tubing positioned substantially proximate the second end of the first segment of tubing and having a first end with a first opening and a second end with a second opening, wherein the first end is coupled to the first segment of tubing; and a bulb having a substantially spherical shape defining an internal cavity therein with a volume of substantially three ounces, and having an opening with an overlap region, wherein the overlap region is coupled to the second end of the second segment of tubing.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a method for removing liquids from botanical containers is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a botanical container with liquid therein; providing a siphon device comprising, in combination: a first segment of tubing having a first end with an inlet opening and a second end with an outlet opening and defining an internal cavity therebetween, wherein the first end is adapted to be inserted in a container and the second end is adapted to be positioned proximate a disposal area; a second segment of tubing positioned substantially proximate the second end of the first segment of tubing and having a first end with a first opening and a second end with a second opening, wherein the first end is coupled to the first segment of tubing; and a bulb having a substantially spherical shape defining an internal cavity therein and having an opening with an overlap region, wherein the overlap region is coupled to the second end of the second segment of tubing; providing a disposal area; inserting the first end of the first segment of tubing into the botanical container; positioning the botanical container higher than the second end of the first segment of tubing; positioning the second end of the first segment of tubing proximate the disposal area; squeezing the bulb; partially releasing the bulb in order to draw the liquid up though the inlet opening and first end of the first segment of tubing; completely releasing the bulb once the liquid begins to flow downhill; and allowing the liquid to flow into the disposal area.
Referring first to
In a preferred embodiment, the first segment of tubing 12, second segment of tubing 24, and bulb 30 comprise separate components. It may be possible for the first segment of tubing 12 and second segment of tubing 24 to form a one-piece assembly, if desired. It may also be possible for the second segment of tubing 24 and bulb 30 to comprise a one-piece assembly, if desired. It may further be possible for the first segment of tubing 12, second segment of tubing 24, and bulb 30 to form a one-piece assembly. Preferably, the first segment of tubing 12, second segment of tubing 24, and bulb 30 are composed of a flexible material, such as rubber or plastic. The first segment of tubing 12 and second segment of tubing 24 should be sufficiently rigid, however, such that each maintains its shape and does not collapse when inserted in a botanical container, as further discussed below.
The first segment of tubing 1, in the embodiment shown in
The second segment of tubing 24 includes a first end 26 with a first opening (not shown) and a second end 28 with a second opening (not shown). The first end 26 is adapted to be inserted in the opening 22 of the first segment of tubing 12. The second end 28 is adapted to be connected to the bulb 30, as discussed further below. It is preferred that the second segment of tubing 24 be coupled to the first segment of tubing 12 at a position that is substantially proximate to the second end 18 of the first segment of tubing 12. Preferably, the second segment of tubing 24 is of a length shorter than a length of the first segment of tubing 12.
The bulb 30 includes an opening 32 and an overlap region 34. The bulb 30 further includes an internal cavity (not shown) in which air may be contained. In a preferred embodiment, the bulb 30 defines an internal cavity volume of approximately 3 ounces. However, it may be desired to employ a bulb 30 in which the internal cavity consists of a different volume. Preferably, the bulb 30 is substantially spherically shaped, as shown in
Referring to
Valve B is an airflow/water valve, which may be added to prevent water from entering the second segment of tubing 24 during operation, while permitting the passage of air therethrough. Valve C, which may be configured as a twist-activated, a flip open, or a snap open valve, may alternately seal and open outlet opening 20. When sealed, water may not pass through the outlet opening 20. Closing of the valve 3 allows a user to hold the prime, while a release of the valve C allows the siphon device 10 to be used for draining purposes as herein described.
Referring now to
In this embodiment, the second segment of tubing 124 and bulb 130 comprise a one-piece assembly. Preferably, the first segment of tubing 112, second segment of tubing 124, and bulb 130 are composed of a flexible material, such as rubber or plastic. The first segment of tubing 112 should be sufficiently rigid, however, such that it maintains its shape and does not collapse when inserted in a botanical container, as further discussed below.
The first segment of tubing 112, in the embodiment shown in
The second segment of tubing 124 includes a first end 126 with a first opening (not shown) and a second end 128 with a second opening (not shown). The first end 126 is adapted to be inserted in the opening 122 of the first segment of tubing 112. It is preferred that the second segment of tubing 124 be coupled to the first segment of tubing 112 at a position that is substantially proximate to the second end 118 of the first segment of tubing 112. Preferably, the second segment of tubing 124 is of a length shorter than a length of the first segment of tubing 112.
The bulb 130 opens internally to the second segment of tubing 124. The bulb 130 includes an internal cavity (not shown) in which air may be contained. In a preferred embodiment, the bulb 130 defines an internal cavity volume of approximately 3 ounces. However, it may be desired to employ a bulb 130 in which the internal cavity consists of a different volume. Preferably, the bulb 130 is substantially spherically shaped, as shown in
Referring to
Valve B is an air/water valve, which may be added to prevent water from entering the second segment of tubing 124 during operation, while permitting the passage of air therethrough. Valve C, which may be configured as a twist-activated, flip open or snap open valve, is an on/off valve that may alternately seal and open outlet opening 120. When sealed, water may not pass through the outlet opening 120. Closing of the valve 3 allows a user to hold the prime, while a release of the valve 3 allows the siphon device 10 to be used for draining purposes as herein described.
In order to use the siphon device 10 to remove liquid from a botanical container, a user would first insert the first end 14 of the first segment of tubing 12 of the siphon device 10 into a botanical container, such as a vase, urn, bottle, etc., so that the first end 14 and inlet opening 16 reach the bottom of the botanical container. The user would ensure that the botanical container is positioned higher than the second end 18 and outlet opening 20 of the first segment of tubing 12. The user would next position the second end 18 and outlet opening 20 of the first segment of tubing 12 proximate a disposal area, such as a sink, bucket, etc., so that the liquid to be drained from the botanical container may flow into the disposal area. The disposal area should be capable of collecting an amount of liquid to be drained from the botanical container. Next, a user would squeeze the bulb 30 in order to force air out of the internal cavity of the bulb 30. Finally, the user would begin to release the bulb 30. As the bulb 30 is partially released, the liquid in the botanical container will be drawn up through the inlet opening 16 and first end 14 of the first segment of tubing 12. Once the liquid begins to flow downhill, the bulb 30 may be completely released. At this stage, gravity should allow the liquid to flow through the first segment of tubing 12, through the second end 18 and out of the outlet opening 20, and into the disposal area, thereby removing the liquid from the botanical container.
In order to use the siphon device 100, a user would follow substantially the same steps as those used for the siphon device 10. In this regard, a user would first insert the first end 114 of the first segment of tubing 112 of the siphon device 100 into a botanical container, such as a vase, urn, bottle, etc., so that the first end 114 and inlet opening 116 reach the bottom of the botanical container. The user would ensure that the botanical container is positioned higher than the second end 118 and outlet opening 120 of the first segment of tubing 112. The user would next position the second end 118 and outlet opening 120 of the first segment of tubing 112 proximate a disposal area, such as a sink, bucket, etc., so that the liquid to be drained from the botanical container may flow into the disposal area. The disposal area should be capable of collecting an amount of liquid to be drained from the botanical container. Next, a user would squeeze the bulb 130 in order to force air out of the internal cavity of the bulb 130. Finally, the user would begin to release the bulb 130. As the bulb 130 is partially released, the liquid in the botanical container will be drawn up through the inlet opening 116 and first end 114 of the first segment of tubing 112. Once the liquid begins to flow downhill, the bulb 130 may be completely released. At this stage, gravity should allow the liquid to flow through the first segment of tubing 112, through the second end 118 and out of the outlet opening 120, and into the disposal area, thereby removing the liquid from the botanical container.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while embodiments of the invention as herein described may be utilized with botanical containers, the invention may also be useable other vessels containing liquids, including for example aquariums, standing water in the home, garden or yard.
