Abstract:
An apparatus that provides automatic mixing and distribution of granular or liquid fertilizers through an underground or portable sprinkler system, comprising a mixing container connected in-line with the sprinkler system&#39;s water delivery line or a regular garden hose connected to a portable or movable sprinkler, is herein disclosed. This mixing container provides a large lower portion which is accessed through a sealed and latched cover portion, through which granular-based lawn care chemicals are added. Incoming water then dissolves and mixes the chemicals, passes through removable filter media and exits the apparatus. This outgoing water is then routed to an underground sprinkler system or a portable hose-based sprinkler. A bottom valve can be opened to drain the apparatus and allow for cleaning. Additionally, the apparatus comprises an integral liquid fertilizer receptacle to automatically mix the incoming water with various liquid lawn care chemicals. Finally, the apparatus provides internal filtration to remove particulate matter therefrom the created fertilizer solution. The apparatus may be utilized at a header supply portion of a sprinkler system, part of an underground system, or connected inline between two garden hoses or a spigot.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/128,661, filed May 27, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to fertilizer distribution systems for lawns and, more particularly, to an in-line fertilizing and lawn care chemical dispensing system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are various tasks that one can perform in order to enhance the growth and beauty of a lawn, a garden or other landscape. Among the most common and effective is irrigation in combination with the routine application of fertilizers and insecticides. Although various hose connected sprinklers and automatic underground sprinkler systems permit unattended watering of lawns, a great deal of time is usually consumed by manually monitoring and applying granular or liquid-based fertilizers and insecticides whether by use of a spreader or a hand-held hosed-based system. 
     Various attempts have been made in the past to overcome this problem and provide a means of lawn chemical dispersion and treatment. These attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,699,827 and 5,775,593, issued in the name of Delorme et al., which describe a lawn treatment apparatus for an underground sprinkler system and an automatic lawn treatment dispensing unit respectively; 5,666,987, issued in the name of Combs, which describes a chemical dispersing apparatus; and 6,173,732, issued in the name of Davis et al., which describes a fertilizer system. Other attempts to provide a means to mix granular or liquid chemical with water include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,829,873 and 4,099,267, issued in the name of King, which both describe an apparatus for mixing granular fertilizer or lawn treatment liquid in water; 6,979,116, issued in the name of Cecala et al., which describes an apparatus for injecting dry bulk amendments for water and soil treatment; and 7,090,391, issued in the name of Taniguchi, which describes an apparatus and method for mixing by agitation in a multichambered mixing apparatus including a pre-agitation mixing chamber. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffers from one (1) or more deficiencies and disadvantages by failing to provide a means to simply and effectively chemical treat a lawn or garden. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which one can apply fertilizer or insecticides evenly and effectively without spending a great deal of time. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means to practically and automatically mix either granular or liquid chemical lawn treatment with an amount of source water, which can be simply combined to various standard sprinkler systems to provide regular watering and lawn beautification and as such, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide an in-line fertilizing and lawn care dispensing system that provides an automatic means of mixing granular or liquid fertilizers with water and distributing that solution to an underground or portable sprinkler system. 
     Another object of the in-line fertilizing and lawn care dispensing system is to provide an apparatus comprising a mixing chamber connected in-line to a water delivery line portion of a sprinkler system or a regular garden hose having a portable-type sprinkler. A large body portion receives an amount of granulated fertilizer and is accessed through a top-mounted sealed cover. Alternatively, a liquid chemical receptacle with a cap contains and introduces a flow of liquid fertilizer to the water supply. The inlet water source mixes and dissolves the fertilizer chemicals and passes through a replaceable filter element. A flow of water-fertilizer solution exits through an outlet pipe passing into the sprinkler system. A drain valve provides a means to drain the body for cleaning. 
     Yet still another object of the in-line fertilizing and lawn care dispensing system is to provide an apparatus comprising a body, a upper body collar, a lower body collar, a cover, a filter, a maximum fill line, a maximum fill line indicia, an inlet orifice, a first union, a tee fitting, a plurality of inlet piping sections, a safety shield, an outlet piping, a second union, an outlet orifice, a tee fitting, a inlet valve, a liquid chemical receptacle, and a liquid chemical cap and provides an in-line plumbing means between a water source and a sprinkler system, which are connected to the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice respectively. 
     Yet another object of the in-line fertilizing and lawn care dispensing system is to provide a body comprising a transparent or translucent composition that provides visual means of indicating the level of granulated fertilizer contained within and a maximum fill line and corresponding indicia defining the level of contained granulated fertilizer during filling. 
     Yet still another object of the in-line fertilizing and lawn care dispensing system is to provide a first and second unions that provide a “quick-connect” means for easily connecting to and disconnecting from a water source and a sprinkler system. 
     Yet another object of the in-line fertilizing and lawn care dispensing system is to provide an inlet valve that enables a flow of liquid fertilizer to mix with the inlet water source, thereby regulating the volumetric flow of the liquid fertilizer from the liquid chemical receptacle that is mixed with the water source. 
     Yet still another object of the in-line fertilizing and lawn care dispensing system is to provide an apparatus comprising a filter restraint, a plurality of cover latches, a plurality of latching features, a filter element, and a filter gasket. The filter element provides a fluid filtering means to the fertilizer solution in order to remove any particulate matter and a mechanical retention means to the contained volume of granulated fertilizer within the body. 
     Yet still another object of the in-line fertilizing and lawn care dispensing system is to provide a drain valve and a removable lower access plug that provide a means to drain, clean, and maintain the apparatus. 
     Yet still another object of the in-line fertilizing and lawn care dispensing system is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides for almost carefree lawn and garden maintenance in a manner which is quick, easy and effective. 
     Further objects and advantages of the in-line fertilizing and lawn care dispensing system will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an in-line fertilizing and lawn care dispensing system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of an in-line fertilizing and lawn care dispensing system  10  depicting a filter element portion  50 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an upward looking view of an in-line fertilizing and lawn care dispensing system  10  depicting an access plug portion  38 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a partial cut-away view of a body portion  20  of the in-line fertilizing and lawn care dispensing system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4   b  is a close-up view of an attachment of a filter restraint portion  30  of the in-line fertilizing and lawn care dispensing system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 in-line fertilizing and lawn care dispensing system 
               
               
                 20 
                 body 
               
               
                 22 
                 upper body collar 
               
               
                 24 
                 lower body collar 
               
               
                 25 
                 female threaded region 
               
               
                 26 
                 filter support feature 
               
               
                 28 
                 cover 
               
               
                 30 
                 filter restraint 
               
               
                 31 
                 restraint flange 
               
               
                 32 
                 fastener 
               
               
                 34 
                 cover latch 
               
               
                 35 
                 latching feature 
               
               
                 36 
                 cover gasket 
               
               
                 38 
                 access plug 
               
               
                 40 
                 access plug socket 
               
               
                 42 
                 male threaded region 
               
               
                 50 
                 filter element 
               
               
                 51 
                 filter gasket 
               
               
                 53 
                 filter aperture 
               
               
                 54 
                 maximum fill line 
               
               
                 56 
                 maximum fill line indicia 
               
               
                 58 
                 inlet piping 
               
               
                 70 
                 outlet piping 
               
               
                 72 
                 first union 
               
               
                 74 
                 second union 
               
               
                 76 
                 elbow fitting 
               
               
                 78 
                 tee fitting 
               
               
                 80 
                 inlet valve 
               
               
                 82 
                 drain valve 
               
               
                 84 
                 pipe support 
               
               
                 86 
                 safety shield 
               
               
                 100 
                 liquid chemical receptacle 
               
               
                 102 
                 liquid chemical cap 
               
               
                 120 
                 inlet orifice 
               
               
                 122 
                 outlet orifice 
               
               
                 124 
                 drain orifice 
               
               
                 150 
                 water source 
               
               
                 160 
                 sprinkler system 
               
               
                 170 
                 granulated fertilizer 
               
               
                 175 
                 liquid fertilizer 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4   b . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an in-line fertilizing and lawn care dispensing system (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for automatic mixing and distributing of water and granular or liquid fertilizers, thereby producing a solution which may be subsequently supplied thereto an underground or portable sprinkler system  160 . The apparatus  10  comprises a mixing chamber connected in-line therewith a water delivery line portion of a sprinkler system  160 , or alternately thereto a regular garden hose and a portable-type sprinkler. The apparatus  10  further comprises a large body portion  20  which is accessed through a top-mounted sealed cover  28 , wherein granulated fertilizer  170  are added thereinto. Additionally, the apparatus  10  comprises a reservoir which introduces a flow of liquid fertilizer chemical  175  thereto said water supply  150 . The fresh water source  150  mixes and dissolves the fertilizer chemicals; passes through a replaceable filter element  50  and produces a flow of fertilizer solution which exits the apparatus  10  passing subsequently thereinto the sprinkler system  160 . Furthermore, a drain valve  82  is provided to drain the apparatus  10  for cleaning. The apparatus  10  can be used with liquid lawn care chemicals  175  with or without installation of the aforementioned filter element  50  based upon particular applications. It is further envisioned that the apparatus  10  may also be utilized thereat a header supply portion of a fertilizing system which provides output distribution of fertilizer solution thereto a plurality of above-ground or underground sprinkler head zones. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a body  20 , a upper body collar  22 , a lower body collar  24 , a cover  28 , a maximum fill line  54 , a maximum fill line indicia  56 , an inlet orifice  120 , a first union  72 , a tee fitting  78 , a plurality of inlet piping sections  58 , an outlet piping  70 , a second union  74 , an outlet orifice  122 , a tee fitting  78 , a inlet valve  80 , a liquid chemical receptacle  100 , and a liquid chemical cap  102 . The apparatus  10  provides an in-line plumbing means therewith a water source  150  and a sprinkler system  160  being connected thereto the inlet orifice  120  and the outlet orifice  122 , respectively, each comprising standard threaded portions enabling easy attachment thereto a conventional garden hose or subsequent hard piping fittings, based upon particular installations and applications thereof. 
     The upper body collar  22  and the lower body collar  24  comprise cylindrical reinforced sections preferably being integrally-molded portions of said body  20 ; however said upper  22  and lower  24  body collars may also be affixed thereto said body  20  using common PVC joining adhesives. The body  20 , upper body collar  22 , lower body collar  24 , filter support feature  26 , cover  28 , and filter restraint  30  are preferably made using polyvinylchloride (PVC); however, equivalent materials may be used such as, but not limited to: chlorinated polyvinylchloride (CPVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, stainless steel, or the like, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . The body  20  is envisioned to be molded using a transparent or translucent composition, thereby providing visibility thereto a level of granulated fertilizer  170  contained therewithin. The body  20  further comprises a maximum fill line  54  and corresponding indicia  56  defining a level of contained granulated fertilizer  170  during filling. Said fill line  54  and indicia  56  are envisioned to be molded thereinto or painted thereupon the outer surface of the body  20 . 
     The first  72  and second  74  unions provide a “quick-connect” means, thereby allowing timely connection and disconnection therefrom the water source  150  and sprinkler system  160 , respectively. The inlet  58  and outlet  70  piping, the first  72  and second  74  unions, the elbow fitting  76 , and the tee fitting  78 , are envisioned to be standard commercially available plumbing components preferably made of PVC; however, equivalent materials may be provided such as ABS, polypropylene, or the like. The aforementioned plumbing parts are also envisioned to be preferably assembled theretogether using conventional PVC adhesive cement joining means; however, other plumbing materials and joining methods may be utilized without deviating from the concept such as, but not limited to: brazing, soldering, welding, or threaded portions. 
     It is further understood by those skilled in the art that the apparatus  10  may comprise of custom molded or fabricated parts designed to combine or consolidate a plurality of the aforementioned standard piping, fittings, and plumbing components, thereby possibly reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, it is also understood that said standard piping, fittings, and plumbing components may be molded or formed integrally thereinto portions of the apparatus  10  such as the walls of the body  20 , the upper body collar  22 , and the lower body collar  22 , thereby providing possible additional consolidation of said piece parts. 
     The apparatus  10  further comprises a liquid chemical receptacle  100  comprising a threadingly removably attached liquid chemical cap  102 . The liquid chemical receptacle  100  and the liquid chemical cap  102  comprise a capped cylindrical reservoir which provides a means to introduce a flow of liquid fertilizer  175  therefrom a bottom opening thereinto the water source flow  150 , thereby providing a solution thereof. The inlet valve  80  works in conjunction therewith said flow of liquid fertilizer  175 , thereby regulating a volumetric flow of said liquid fertilizer  175  therefrom said liquid chemical receptacle  100  being subsequently mixed therewith the water source  150 . The liquid chemical receptacle  100  provides a threadingly removable means thereto the liquid chemical cap  102  along a top perimeter edge. The liquid chemical receptacle  100  is in fluid communication therewith a subjacent tee fitting  78  which facilitates mixture of, and delivery of, said water and liquid fertilizer  175  solution thereto the body portion  20  of the apparatus  10  via inlet piping  58  (see  FIG. 4   a ). The liquid chemical receptacle  100  and the liquid chemical cap  102  are preferably made using molded polycarbonate, PVC, or equivalent materials. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exploded view of the apparatus  10  depicting a filter element portion  50 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises an upper body collar  22 , a cover  28 , a filter restraint  30 , four (4) cover latches  34 , four (4) latching features  35 , a filter element  50 , and a filter gasket  51 . 
     The cover  28  provides an access means thereto an interior space of the apparatus  10  as well as thereto the filter element  50  via a sealed connection therewith the upper body collar  22 . The upper body collar  22  is envisioned to have a molded step feature providing a gasket surface therealong an open end portion thereof to receive a circular cover gasket  36  therearound which preferably comprises a rectangular cross-section. The cover gasket  36  provides an effective sealing of the cover  28  thereto the apparatus  10 . Said open end portion of the upper body collar  22  provides a slip-fit attachment being inserted therewithin an open end of the cylindrical cover  28 , thereby capturing said cover gasket  36  therebetween the cover  28  and the upper body collar  22  (see  FIG. 4   a ). 
     The apparatus  10  comprises a filter element  50  which provides fluid filtering of a fertilizer solution to remove any particulate matter therefrom and acts as a mechanical retention means thereto a contained volume of granulated fertilizer  170  therewithin the body  20 . The filter element  50  comprises a cylindrical-shaped unit having closed end portions. The filter element  50  further comprises a filter gasket  51  affixed thereto a lower perimeter edge being molded thereto or affixed thereto using adhesives, thereby directing a flow of produced fertilizer/water solution therewithin the body  20  therethrough said filter element  50  in an expected manner. The filter element  50  is to be replaceable and is envisioned to be introduced in a variety of common media types such as woven mesh, micronic, porous metal, fan-fold fiber sheet, magnetic type, or the like. The filter element  50  may also be lined along an outside surface using fabricated metal sheet, stainless steel (mesh), polypropylene, nylon, or the like, to support the previously described filtering media portion. 
     The cover  28  comprises a filter restraint tube  30  which provides a removable attachment thereto the filter  50  (see  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b ). The filter restraint  30  comprises a downwardly extending tubular shape further comprising an integral molded restraint flange feature  31  which provides vertical positioning of said filter element  50 . The restraint flange  31  comprises a horizontal circular disc located approximately one (1) inch from a bottom end portion of said filter restraint  30 . The filter restraint  30  further provides a friction-fit attachment means thereto the filter element  50  via insertion of a lower end portion of the filter restraint  30  thereinto a centrally located filter aperture  53  portion of the filter element  50  being located centrally along a top surface of the filter element  50 . Said restraint flange  31  and filter aperture  53  act to retain the filter element  50  thereto the filter restraint  30  as well as providing slight compression of the filter gasket portion  31  of the filter element  50  thereagainst a filter support feature  26 , thereby holding the filter element  50  securely during use (see  FIG. 4   a ). 
     The cover  28  is securely affixed thereto the upper body collar  22  via a plurality of cover latches  34 . The cover latches  34  comprise commonly available snap latches being affixed thereto the cover  28  via molded features and are arranged in an equally-spaced manner along a lower perimeter edge of said cover  28 . The cover latches  34  are preferably comprised of corrosion-resistant materials such as brass, stainless steel, and the like. A hook portion of each cover latch  34  is utilized to secure the cover  28  thereto the upper body collar  22  being attached thereto corresponding integrally-molded latching features  35  comprising rectangular-shaped protrusions along an outer surface of said upper body collar  22 . The cover latches  34  are utilized to removably attach the cover  28 , thereby gaining access thereto the filter element  50  while providing compression of the cover gasket  36 . 
     The cover gasket  36  and the filter gasket  51  are envisioned being made using effective liquid sealing materials such as rubber, TEFLON®, nylon, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an upward looking view of the apparatus  10  depicting an access plug portion  38 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The lower body collar  24  provides a threaded attachment thereto a large bottom access plug  38  via a female threaded region  25 . The access plug  38  provides access thereinto the apparatus  10  for cleaning and maintenance. Said access plug  38  comprises a removably attachable round bottom surface approximately four (4) to six (6) inches in diameter and approximately one (1) inch thick being affixed thereto via standard male screw threads  42  located along an outer perimeter edge. Said access plug  38  is preferably made using PVC; however, equivalent plastic materials may be provided such as, but not limited to: CPVC, ABS, or the like. The access plug  38  provides a removal means via an integral access plug socket  40  comprising a square recessed area sized to receive a standard (½) half-inch ratchet tip, thereby allowing a user to remove said access plug  38  to clean out the apparatus  10  as needed. 
     A drain valve  82  is located along a bottom portion of the apparatus  10  and provides a means to drain contained liquids therefrom the body portion  20  for purposes of cleaning and maintenance. Said drain valve  82  is connected thereto the lower body collar  24  via a common PVC piping connection to convey said fluids therefrom. The drain valve  82  further comprises an integral drain orifice  124  providing a conventional threaded connection, thereby facilitating normal connection thereto subsequent piping or a hose to provide additional conveyance of said internal fluids. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , a partial cut-away view and a close-up view of the body portion  20  of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a filter support feature  26 , inlet piping  58 , an elbow fitting  76 , and a safety shield  86 . 
     The cover  28  provides an attachment thereto the filter restraint  30  along an inside horizontal surface using a common fastener  32  such as a screw or rivet. Upon installation and latching of the cover  28 , the filter element  50 , as illustrated here, is secured vertically therebetween the restraint flange  31  and the filter support feature  26 . The filter support feature  26  comprises an integrally-molded portion of the body  20  forming an annular horizontal shelf which protrudes inwardly approximately one-half (½) inch in a circular fashion acting as a sealing surface thereto the filter gasket  51 . 
     The inlet piping  58  conveys a flow of fresh water thereinto the body  20  or may also supply a solution of water and liquid fertilizer  175  via utilization of the liquid chemical receptacle  100 , as previously described. Said water/solution is conveyed via the inlet piping  58  which extends downwardly therefrom the tee fitting  78  subsequently penetrating and being routed therethrough the safety shield  48 . The inlet piping  58  is mechanically supported therewithin the safety shield  38  via a pipe support  84  which provides protection from damage due to tensional forces applied thereto said inlet piping  58  during normal use. The pipe support  84  comprises a rigid plastic link which extends horizontally therefrom an adhesive or welded attachment thereto the body  20  to encompass an outer surface of said inlet piping  58 . The inlet piping  58  further comprises a standard elbow fitting  76  and plumbing connection therewith the lower body collar  24 , thereby providing conveyance of the aforementioned water/solution thereinto the body  20 . 
     The safety shield  86  comprises a generally rectangular hollow housing protruding therefrom and being bonded thereto side surfaces of the body  20  and lower body collar  24  preferably using common adhesives. Said safety shield  86  is envisioned to be a molded or formed plastic enclosure envisioned being made using materials such as polycarbonate, PVC, CPVC, ABS, polypropylene, or the like. Said safety shield  86  provides an interior space suitable to enclose the inlet piping  58 , thereby providing protection from possible impact damage thereto. 
     The inlet valve  80  and drain valve  82  comprise common flow regulating components such as a globe valve, a gate valve, a ball valve, or the like. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  to dispense a solution of water and liquid fertilizer  175  may be achieved by performing the following steps: installing a new filter element  50  by releasing the cover latches  34  therefrom the respective latching features  35 ; removing the cover  28  and inserting a new filter element  50  thereupon an end portion of the filter restraint  30  until contacting the restraint flange  31 ; shutting off the inlet valve  80 ; shutting off the drain valve  82 ; threadingly connecting the inlet orifice  120  to a water source  150  such as a hose; threadingly connecting the outlet orifice  122  thereto the sprinkler system  160 ; cleaning the gasket surfaces of the cover gasket  36 , filter gasket  51 , and filter support  26 , if needed; installing the cover gasket  36  thereupon the upper body collar  22 ; replacing the cover  28  therewith the attached filter element  50  thereupon the upper body collar  22 , thereby inserting the filter  50  thereinto the body  20  such that the filter gasket portion  51  rests thereupon the filter support feature  26 ; hooking wire portions of the four (4) cover latches  34  therearound the corresponding latching features  35 ; latching the cover latches  27 ; threadingly removing the liquid chemical cap  102 , if adding a liquid fertilizer  175 ; pouring the desired amount of liquid fertilizer chemical  175  thereinto the liquid chemical receptacle  100 ; replacing the liquid chemical cap  102  thereonto the liquid chemical receptacle  100 ; initiating a flow of water therefrom the water source  150  based upon a desired output flow rate; opening the inlet valve  80  in a partial manner to dispense the liquid fertilizer  175  to produce a desired fertilizer solution concentration; communicating a water/fertilizer solution thereinto the lower part of the body  20  via the inlet piping  58 ; allowing said water/fertilizer solution to flow up through the filter  50 , outlet piping  70 , outlet orifice  122 , and enter into the sprinkler system  160 ; dispensing a desired amount of water/liquid chemical mixture needed thereupon an area; shutting off the inlet valve  80 ; shutting off the water source  150 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  to dispense a mixture of water and granulated fertilizer  170  may be achieved by performing the following alternate additional steps: removing the cover  28  and filter element  50  using the cover latches  34 ; pouring a desired amount of granulated fertilizer  170  thereinto the body  20  while being careful not to exceed the maximum fill line by observing the fill line indicia  54 ,  56 ; cleaning the gasket surfaces of the cover gasket  36 , filter gasket  51 , and filter support  26 ; installing the cover gasket  36  thereupon the upper body collar  22 ; replacing the cover  28  therewith the attached filter element  50  thereupon the upper body collar  22 , thereby inserting the filter  50  thereinto the body  20  such that the filter gasket portion  51  rests thereupon the filter support feature  26 ; latching the cover latches  27 ; initiating a flow of water and dispensing water/fertilizer solution as previously described; and, benefiting from a portable, multi-type fertilizer mixing and dispensing means using the present invention  10 . 
     The method of cleaning the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: shutting off and depressurizing the water source  150 ; opening the inlet valve  80  and drain valve  82 ; permitting any remaining water, water/fertilizer solution, and liquid fertilizer  175  within the apparatus  10  to drain downwardly; enabling a partial flow therefrom the water source  150 ; permitting water to flow through the inlet piping  58  and into the body  20 , thereby mixing said water therewith any remaining granulated  170  or liquid  175  fertilizer; allowing said liquids to flow out the drain valve  82  thereinto an appropriate receptacle; allowing said flow to continue until only clear water is emitted therefrom; turning off the water source  150 ; releasing the cover latches  34 ; removing the cover  28  therewith the affixed filter restraint  30  and filter element  50 ; discarding the filter element  50  if spent; removing the cover gasket  36 ; removing the access plug  38 ; removing the liquid chemical cap  102 ; and, rinsing all of the parts of the apparatus  10  including the body  20  with fresh water from a suitable source such as a hose. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.