Abstract:
A chemical dispensing apparatus includes a housing that is connectable to a source of water, such as a standard garden hose, and an internal space in which is disposed a rotatable container containing a quantity of chemical concentrate to be mixed with the source of water as it flows through the housing and is dispensed from the housing from a sprinkler head or misting nozzle. The flow of water through the housing is directed to imping vanes on the rotatable container, such that the container is rotated as water flows through the housing. In an alternative embodiment, the vanes are replaced with an electric motor. Rotation of the container cause the chemical concentrate to dissolve which is then mixed with the water before it is dispensed through the sprinkler or mister.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/358,972, filed Jun. 28, 2010, the entire of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a yard or garden accessory enabling the automatic addition of a lawn treatment material, such as fertilizer, herbicide or insecticide, to the water being sprinkled on yard or garden. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The proper treatment and care of yards and gardens is highly desirable to prevent destruction from insects and deterioration from malnutrition. The mixture and application of treatment solutions, however, is a time consuming procedure that requires close attention to chemical-water ratios and their distribution. Since proper care equates to scheduled maintenance, many lawns and gardens become neglected, resulting in unnecessary refurbishing costs. Moreover, lawns, gardens, and vegetation still fall victim to improper maintenance, despite consistent care when poorly balanced solutions are administered. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The yard and garden chemical dispenser of this invention provides an apparatus for incorporation into a water supply system a way to deliver lawn treatment chemicals such as fertilizer, herbicide or insecticide to lawns, yards and other botanical and life systems by the controlled application of the chemicals in amounts and periods. 
     In general, in one aspect, a chemical dispensing apparatus for use in delivery of a treatment solution to a lawn is provided. The apparatus includes a main fluid supply passage configured for connection to a pipe system carrying water under pressure. A housing includes an internal cavity, an end having an opening into the internal cavity, a discharge port and a drain port. A fluid discharge passage connects the discharge port and the internal cavity. An internal fluid supply passage connects the main fluid supply passage to the internal cavity. A drain passage connects the internal cavity to the drain port. A float valve is disposed across the drain passage and across the internal fluid supply passage and includes a float that is displaced by a fluid flow through the internal fluid supply passage from the main fluid supply passage from a first position where the drain passage is open and the internal fluid supply passage is sealed by the float to a second position where the internal fluid supply passage is open and the drain passage is sealed by the float. The float returns to the first position when the fluid flow is stopped. A container is removably disposed within the internal cavity and supported for rotation therein about a vertical axis, the container configured for the reception of a chemical concentrate. The container has vanes extending the circumference thereof and a nozzle is disposed across the internal fluid passage and arranged to direct a jet of water at the vanes. Impingement of the jet of water on the vanes causing the container to rotate about the vertical axis. A lid is removably attached to the housing and seals the opening into the internal cavity when attached to the housing. 
     In general, in another aspect, a chemical dispensing apparatus further includes an internal reservoir tank connected inline to the drain passage intermediate the float valve and the drain port to receive and hold a quantity of fluid flowing through the drain passage from the internal cavity. A one-way valve is connected to the drain passage at an upstream end from the internal reservoir tank. A second drain valve is connected to the drain passage at a downstream end from the internal reservoir tank. A siphon tube connects the internal reservoir tank and the fluid discharge passage, wherein a fluid flow through the fluid discharge passage results in a vacuum on the siphon tube that causes fluid contained within the internal reservoir tank to be drawn into the fluid flow. 
     In general, in another aspect, a chemical dispensing apparatus for use in delivery of a treatment solution to a lawn is provided. The apparatus includes a main fluid supply passage configured for connection to a pipe system carrying water under pressure. A housing includes an internal cavity, an end having an opening into the internal cavity, a discharge port and a drain port. A fluid discharge passage connects the discharge port and the internal cavity. An internal fluid supply passage connects the main fluid supply passage to the internal cavity. A drain passage connects the internal cavity to the drain port. A drain valve is disposed across the drain passage and operable to permit or preclude the flow of fluid through the drain passage. A container is removably disposed within the internal cavity and supported for rotation therein about a vertical axis and configured for the reception of a chemical concentrate. A bypass fluid passage connects the main fluid supply passage to the fluid discharge passage. A control valve connects the main fluid supply passage, the fluid bypass passage and the internal fluid supply passage and operable to selectively permit or preclude the flow of fluid from the main fluid supply passage through the bypass passage and the internal fluid supply passage. An electric motor is operatively connected to the container when the container is disposed within the internal cavity and operable to rotate the container about the vertical axis. A lid is removably attached to the housing, the lid sealing the opening into the internal cavity when attached to the housing. 
     In general, in another aspect, a chemical dispensing apparatus for use in delivery of a treatment solution to a lawn is provided. The apparatus includes a housing having an internal cavity, an end having an opening into the internal cavity, a discharge port and a drain port. A fluid supply passage is connected to the internal cavity and is configured for connection to a pipe system carrying water under pressure. An electrically operated supply valve is disposed across the fluid supply passage and passage and operable to selectively permit or preclude the flow of through the fluid supply passage. A fluid discharge passage connects the discharge port and the internal cavity. A drain passage connects the internal cavity to the drain port. An electrically operated drain valve is disposed across the drain passage and operable to selectively permit or preclude the flow of fluid through the drain passage. A container is removably disposed within the internal cavity and supported for rotation therein about an axis of rotation, the container configured for the reception of a chemical concentrate. An electric motor is operatively connected to the container when the container is disposed within the internal cavity and operating to rotate the container about the axis of rotation. A lid is removably attached to the housing and sealing the opening into the internal cavity when attached to the housing. 
     Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic illustration of a specially designed lawn and garden chemical dispenser in accordance with the principals of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser of  FIG. 1  showing the lid open and components exploded; 
         FIG. 3  is diagrammatic illustration the dispenser in a first mode of operation where the dispenser is by-passed; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser in a second mode of operation where the dispenser is operating to dispense a chemical solution; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser in a third mode of operation where the dispenser is operating to drain; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser in a fourth mode of operation, where the dispenser is operating to dispense fresh water; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative construction of the dispenser; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser of  FIG. 7  in an alternative configuration; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic illustration of a second alternative construction of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic illustration of another alternative construction of dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic illustration of another alternative construction of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic illustration of a second embodiment of a yard and garden chemical dispenser; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser of  FIG. 12  in an alternative configuration; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagrammatic illustration of another alternative construction of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a diagrammatic illustration of another alternative construction of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 16-23  are diagrammatic illustration of alternative constructions of the receptacle and chemical concentrate types that can be employed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Diagrammatically illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is a specially designed lawn and garden chemical dispenser  10  particularly useful in dispensing chemicals for treating a lawn or garden. In  FIG. 1 , the dispenser  10  is shown assembled, and in  FIG. 2 , the dispenser is shown partially disassembled. The dispenser  10  includes a housing  12  that includes an internal chemical mixing chamber or cavity  14  in which a chemical solution is created for dispensing, as will be discussed in further detail below. Cavity  14  extends through end  16  of the housing  12  providing an opening  18  (best seen in  FIG. 2 ) into the cavity. The opening  18  is closed by a cover or lid  20 . A seal  22  is disposed between the lid  20  and end  16  of the housing to provide a sealing contact therebetween creating a water tight enclosure. 
     As shown, lid  20  is pivotally attached to the housing  12 , for example by pivot coupling  24  for rotation between closed and open positions as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively. A clamp  21  carried by the lid  20  engages the housing  12  in a cooperative fashion to secure the lid in the closed position and seal opening  18 . Alternatively, the clamp  20  could be attached to the housing  12  and engage the lid  16  in a similarly fashion to secure the lid in the closed position. 
     Housing  12  further includes several fluid flow conduits or passages that can be integral with the housing or separate tubes extending the housing. Of these passages is included a main fluid passage  28  that extends generally laterally through housing  12  about the bottom thereof, and is fitted with hose couplings  30  and  32  at opposite ends thereof. Hose couplings  30 ,  32  permit the connection of hoses, such has a garden hose  34 , to the dispenser  10  to provide a source and to further permit the interconnection of the dispenser to additional dispenser devices. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a three-way valve  36  fluidically connects the main fluid passage  28  to a by-pass passage  38  and a first supply passage  40 . A valve system  42  fluidically connects the first supply passage  40 , a second supply passage  44 , and first and second drain passages  46  and  48 . Valve system  42  includes a weight ball  50  that is positionable under the force of pressurized water flowing through the valve system and under the force of gravity when pressured water is not flowing through the valve system. The valve system  42 , as will be described in further detail below, operates in first mode when pressurized water flows into the valve system through main passage  28  to permit the flow of water/fluid between fluid passages  40  and  44  while precluding the of flow water/fluid through passages  46  and  48 . The valve system  42  operates in a second mode to permit the flow of water/fluid between passages  46 ,  48  and  44  while precluding flow through passage  40  when pressurized water is not flowing through the valve system. 
     The second supply passage  44  extends from the valve system  42  at one end and terminates at a nozzle  52  extending or opening into the cavity  14 . Drain passage  46  extends from the bottom of the cavity  14  at one end and terminates at the top of the valve system  42 . Drain passage  48  extends from the valve system  42  at one end and terminates at a drain port  54 . 
     The by-passage  38  extends from valve  36  at one end and is fluidically connected to a discharge port  56  at the opposite end. A discharge passage  58  is fluidically connected to the cavity  14  through seal  22  and lid  20  to the discharge port  56 . A flap valve  60  extends the by-passage  38  and the discharge passage  58  to seal one of the passage as water flows through the opposite. A fluidic joint  62  extends the by-pass passage  38  at coupling  24  to permit the lid  20  to rotate while maintaining the by-passage  38  as it extends across the housing  12  into the lid  20 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a receptacle  64  is disposed within cavity  14  and is supported therein for rotation about a substantially vertical axis thereof by shafts  66  and  68  extending opposite ends of the receptacle. Seal  22  includes a shaft mount  70  that supports shaft  66  for rotation. Housing  12  includes shaft mount  72  that supports shaft  68  for rotation. Shafts  66  and  68  are removably seated in there respective shaft mounts  70  and  72 . Receptacle  64  is configured to receive or contain a chemical concentrate in either a solid or granular form. In embodiments, the receptacle  64  is porous to permit the chemical concentrate to be dissolved by and admixed with water flowing into the cavity  14  to create a chemical solution for discharge. 
     Extending the circumference of the receptacle  64  is a ring of vanes  74  which is acted upon by a jet of water discharged from nozzle  52  to cause the receptacle to rotate about the vertical axis. Rotation of the receptacle is two fold, it permits increased contact between the water/chemical solution in cavity  14  and the chemical concentrate to further advance dissolving the chemical concentrate, and it provides a mixing action within the cavity to evenly admix the chemical concentrate. 
     In  FIG. 3 , there is diagrammatically illustrated the dispenser  10  in a first mode of operation where the dispenser is by-passed. Here a supply hose  34  carrying a supply of pressurized water is connected to hose coupling  30 , a second hose  76  is connected to hose coupling  32 . Valve  36  is positioned in a first position where water is only permitted to flow through the main supply passage  28  and not permitted to flow from the main supply passage into either of passages  38  or  40 . Accordingly, water from supply hose  34  flows through passage  28  into hose  76  bypassing the dispenser  10 . 
     In  FIG. 4 , there is diagrammatically illustrated the dispenser  10  in a second mode of operation where the dispenser is operating to dispense a chemical solution. Here a supply hose  34  carrying a supply of pressurized water is connected to hose coupling  30 , thereby providing a flow of pressurized water in the main supply passage  28 . Valve  36  is positioned in a second position, where the flow of pressurized water flows through valve  36  and into passage  40  and into valve system  42 . As the pressurized water flows into valve system  42  the ball  50  is caused to rise under the force of the flowing water. With the ball  50  in the raised position, the ball seals passages  46  and  48  and permits fluid connection between passages  40  and  42 . Accordingly, the pressurized water continues to flow through passage  42  and through nozzle  52  where it is jetted into the cavity  14  and impinges against the ring of vanes  62  causing the receptacle to rotate. As the water flows through cavity  14 , the chemical concentrate dissolves and is admixed with the water to form a chemical solution. Once cavity  14  is filled, the flow of water/chemical solution continues to flow through discharge passage  58 , operating valve  60  to seal passage  38 , and then through discharge port  56  where it is dispensed. 
     In  FIG. 5 , there is diagrammatically illustrated the dispenser  10  in a third mode of operation where the dispenser is operating to drain. Here, the flow of pressurized water into the main passage  28  is stopped from flowing from the source of the pressurized water. Accordingly, ball  50  is falls under the force of gravity, and thus fluidically connecting passages  44 ,  46  and  48  where water/chemical solution within these passages and cavity  14  is permitted to drain through drain port  54 . 
     In  FIG. 6 , there is diagrammatically illustrated the dispenser  10  in a fourth mode of operation, where the dispenser is operating to dispense fresh water. Here a supply hose  34  carrying a supply of pressurized water is connected to hose coupling  30 , thereby providing a flow of pressurized water in the main supply passage  28 . Valve  36  is positioned in a third position, where the flow of pressurized water flows through valve  36  and into passage  38 , operating valve  60  sealing passage  58 , and discharged through discharge port  56 . 
     In  FIG. 7 , there is diagrammatically illustrated of an alternative construction of the dispenser  10 . Here receptacle  64 ′ includes a ring of vanes  62 ′ located about one end of the receptacle. Similarly, nozzle  52 ′ is positioned to impinge the flow of water therethrough upon the ring of vanes  62 ′ when receptacle  64 ′ is disposed within cavity  14  with the ring of vanes  62 ′ inward. This construction of receptacle  64 ′ and nozzle  52 ′ permits a user to position the receptacle  64 ′ in cavity  14  with either the ring of vanes  62 ′ inward, as shown in  FIG. 7 , or outward as shown in  FIG. 8 . In the outward position, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the flow of water through nozzle  52 ′ does not impinge the ring of vanes  62 ′ and thus the receptacle is not caused to rotate. Whereas with the receptacle  64 ′ installed with the ring of vanes  62 ′ in the inward position, the receptacle  64 ′ is caused to rotate. 
     In  FIG. 9 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a second alternative construction of the dispenser  10 . Here, the dispenser  10  includes an optional chemical solution storage tank  78 . The storage tank  78  can be integral with housing  12  or could be separate therefrom. The storage tank  78  is disposed across passage  48  dividing passage  48  into passages  48   a  and  48   b  to receive therein chemical solution during the third mode of operation for storage as opposed to being discarded. A check valve  80  is disposed across passage  48   a  to prevent back flow of chemical solution from the storage tank  78 . A valve  82  is disposed across passage  48   b  and operable to permit draining of chemical solution from the storage tank  78  through drain port  54 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 9 , the dispenser  10  further includes a siphon pick-up tube  82  extending from within the storage tank  78  to passage  58 . As water/chemical solution from tank  14  flows through passage  58  and across the end of siphon tube  82 , chemical solution contained within storage tank  78  is drawn through siphon tube  82  and into the water/chemical flow. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 9 , there is further shown an alternative clamp  26 ′ that is pivotally attached to the housing  12  as opposed to the lid  20 . Additionally, receptacle  64 ′ and nozzle  52 ′ are illustrated. Alternatively, receptacle  64  and nozzle  52  could be employed here. 
     In  FIG. 10 , there is diagrammatically illustrated yet another alternative construction of dispenser  10 . Here, an electric motor  84  is operatively connected to shaft cradle  86  to rotationally drive shaft cradle about a substantially vertical axis. Shaft cradle  86  is configured to receive therein shaft  68  of receptacle  64  for conjoined rotation. Thus, operation of electric motor  84  results in rotation of receptacle  64  about the vertical axis. Further, valve system  42  is removed, there by eliminate passages  44  and  48 , and further eliminate fluidic connection therebetween. Alternative to valve system  42 , an electric valve  88  is placed across passage  42  and is operated to permit draining of chemical solution from cavity  14 . Valve  88  can include a manual lever to manually operate the valve. Valve  88 , and electric motor  84  are each electrically connected to a source of power, such as batteries  90 . A solar panel  92  can be provided to charge batteries  90  or to provide supplemental or alternative power to valve  88  and electric motor  84 . Alternatively, electrical power could be supplied by connection to an external source of power. A controller  94  is electrically connected to valve  88  and motor  84  and is programmed to effect the operation of each accordingly to a desired preprogrammed control. A wireless controller  96  can also be provided to permit remote operation of the dispenser. The wireless controller  96  can communicate to the controller  94  through receiver  98  configured to receive signals from the wireless controller. 
     In  FIG. 11 , there is diagrammatically shown yet another alternative construction of the dispenser  10 . Here dispenser  100  comprises essentially any of the alternative constructions of dispenser  10  described herein, but in a dual construction wherein dispenser  100  includes two dispenser units  102  and  104  integrated into a single unit housing  126 . Dispenser units  102  and  104  could be completely separated for independent and concurrent operation, or can be partially integrated together as illustrated for alternating use. Dispenser units  102  and  104  can take the form of any of the constructions of dispenser  10 . However, as illustrated, dispenser units  102  and  104  are each of similar construction of dispenser  10  illustrated in  FIG. 7 , with a few exceptions. Primarily the dispenser units  102  and  104  share a common bypass passage  138 , and the three-way valve  36  is replaced by a four-way valve  136 . Additionally, two flapper valves  160   a  and  160   b  are placed across discharge passage  158 . It is believed the above description with regard to the construction and operation of the dispenser  10  is sufficient to understand the construction and operation of dispenser  100  here. 
     In  FIG. 12 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a dispenser  200 . Dispenser  200  includes a housing  202  that includes an internal mixing chamber or cavity  204  in which a chemical solution is created for dispensing, as will be discussed in further detail below. Cavity  204  extends through end  206  of the housing  202  providing an opening  208  into the cavity. The opening  208  is closed by a cover or lid  210 . A seal not shown can be disposed between the lid  210  and end  206  of the housing  202  to provide a sealing contact therebetween creating a water tight enclosure. 
     As shown, lid  210  is removably attached to the housing  202  and is secured to the housing by a pair of clamps  212  and  214  that cooperatively engage the lid to secure the lid  210  to end  206  of the housing. Alternatively, the clamps  212  and  214  could be attached to the lid  210  and engage the housing  202  in a similarly fashion to secure the lid. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 12 , housing  202  further includes several fluid flow conduits or passages that can be integral with the housing or separate tubes extending the housing. Of these passages is included a water supply passage  216  that extends from one end fitted with a hose coupling  218  to the cavity  204  at a second end. A drain passage  220  extends from the cavity  204  at one end and terminates at the opposite end at a drain port  222 . Valves  224  and  226  disposed across passages  216  and  220 , respectively, are operated to control the flow of fluid through the respective passage, which will be described in more detail below. A discharge passage  228  fluidically connects the cavity  204  to discharge port  230 . 
     A receptacle  232  for containing a solid or particulate chemical concentrate is disposed within cavity  14 . The receptacle  232  is supported therein for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation thereof by shafts  234  and  236  extending opposite ends of the receptacle. Shaft  234  is supported by shaft mount  240 , and shaft  236  is supported for rotation by shaft mount  242 . Shaft mount  240  is carried by transition member  244  that is supported for rotation about the horizontal axis of rotation. Shaft mount  242  and shaft  234  are configured such that the shaft mount  242  receives shaft  234  for conjoined rotation therewith. An electric motor  246  is operatively connected to transition member  244  for rotatably driving the transition member about the horizontal axis of rotation, and thus rotatably driving the receptacle  232 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 12 , an intermediate shaft  248  is supported for rotation about a vertical axis of rotation. The intermediate shaft  248  cooperatively engages transition member  244 , for example through a geared coupling, such that rotation of transition member about the horizontal axis causes the intermediate shaft to rotate about the vertical axis. A driven shaft  250  is supported by the lid  210  for rotation about the vertical axis and for engagement with intermediate shaft  248  for conjoint rotation therewith, for example through a splined coupling. Driven shaft  250  is conjoined with gear  252  which is in mesh with gear  254 , which is in turn meshed with gear  256 . Gears  254  and  256  are rotatably supported by lid  210 . Discharge port  230  extends gear  256  permitting the attachment of a spray head to gear  256  in fluidic communication with the discharge port, as will be discussed in more detail below. 
     A power source, such as batteries  260  provide electrical power to the electric motor  238  and valves  224  and  226  and various other components. A controller  262  is operatively connected to the electric motor  238  and valves  224  and  226 , and is programmed to control the operation of the electric motor and the valves in accordance with desired modes of operation. Alternatively or in addition solar panels, or a source of external power can be used to power the dispenser  200 . Further, a sensor  264  can be disposed to sense the concentration of a chemical solution contained within cavity  204 , and the controller  262  and further operate based on the sensed chemical solution to operate the electric motor  238  and the valves  224  and  226 . Further, a remote control  266  can be provided to permit a user the ability to control the operation of the dispenser remotely. A receiver  268  operates to receive command signals from the remote control and transmit them to the controller  262 . A main power switch  270  can be provided to control the overall operation of the dispenser  200 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 12 , a garden hose  272  connected to a supply of pressurized water is connected to hosing coupling  218  to provide a flow or pressurized water through passage  216 . In a first mode of operation, as illustrated, valve  224  is actuated to permit the flow of pressurized water into cavity  204 . In cavity  204 , the chemical concentrate dissolves and admixes with the water creating a chemical solution. The rate in which the chemical concentrate dissolves, and thus the concentration of the chemical solution is controlled through operation of the electric motor  238  which drives the rotation of the receptacle  232 . As cavity  204  continues to fill, the chemical solution is discharged through discharged port  230 , as shown here as a mist. In  FIG. 13 , the dispenser  200  is shown in use in the first mode of operation with a sprayer head  274  secured to gear  256  for conjoint rotation therewith and in fluidic communication with the discharge port  230  to receive a flow of chemical solution therefrom and dispense it as the sprayer head  274  is rotated along with gear  256 . 
     In a second mode of operation, not illustrated, valve  224  is closed and thus preventing the flow of water into the cavity  204 , and valve  226  is opened to drain the cavity of chemical solution through drain port  230 . 
     In  FIG. 14 , there is diagrammatically illustrated an alternative construction of the dispenser  10 . Here, the dispenser  10  includes a foot step  162  and a ground spike  164  for securing the dispenser  10  to a soft ground surface by inserting the ground spike into the ground. A user can step on the foot step  162  to aid in inserting the ground spike  164  into the ground. 
     In  FIG. 15 , there is diagrammatically illustrated an alternative construction of the dispenser  10 . Here, the dispenser  10  is configured to be hard plumbed with an water sprinkler system supply conduit  166 . Supply conduit  166  replaces the main fluid passage  28 . The dispenser  10  is further fitted with a pipe coupling  168  to permit coupling of the supply conduit  166  to the dispenser  10 . 
     In  FIG. 16 , there is diagrammatically illustrated an alternative construction of the receptacle  64 . Here the receptacle  64  is shown as a solid of chemical concentrate  170 . 
     In  FIG. 17 , there is diagrammatically illustrated yet another alternative construction of the receptacle  64 . Here the receptacle  64  is shown as a fine strainer  172  or porous receptacle to restrain chemical debris of material from dissolved solid from clogging water flow. 
     In  FIG. 18 , there is diagrammatically illustrated yet another alternative construction of the receptacle  64 . Here the receptacle  64  is shown as a porous receptacle  174  having a ring of vanes. 
     In  FIG. 19 , there is diagrammatically illustrated yet another alternative construction of the receptacle  64 . Here the receptacle  64  is shown as a porous receptacle  176  of a non-rotational type with a cove lid to be inserted into the mixing chamber and also for receiving granulated chemical concentrate. 
     In  FIG. 20 , there is diagrammatically illustrated a plurality of pre-packaged packets  178  of chemical concentrate which could be deposited into any one of the receptacles  64  that has been described. 
     In  FIG. 21 , there is diagrammatically illustrated granular chemical solution  180  which could be deposited into any one of the receptacles  64 . 
     In  FIG. 22 , there is diagrammatically illustrated yet another alternative construction to the receptacle  64 . Here the receptacle  64  is shown as a porous crate  182  for receiving chemical concentrate in stick form  184 , as shown in  FIG. 23 . 
     A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.