Abstract:
A tree watering device suitable for indicating the level of water pooled near the trunk of the tree for hydrating purposes. In one embodiment, the device comprises a hollow conduit with a perforated end cap on one end and a funnel on the other. The device also comprises a float positioned within the conduit and a rod attached to the float. The float rises and falls within the conduit as the level of the water pooled near the trunk rises and falls. As a result of the float&#39;s movement, the rod rises and falls, thereby indicating the level of water hydrating the tree. Due to the length of the device, a user may fill it without excessive bending or reaching, and the funnel inhibits spillage of water when filling the device. Also, the end cap inhibits clogging of the device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     (Not Applicable) 
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
     (Not Applicable) 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following generally relates to tree watering devices and, more specifically, to a tree watering device comprising a straight axis, a funnel, and/or an end cap to thereby facilitate filling and positioning of the device. 
     Trees traditionally decorate homes, especially during the Christmas holiday. The trees are typically mounted such that the freshly-cut trunk of the tree resides in water to keep the tree properly hydrated. If the tree is not properly watered in this way, the tree can dry out and become unsightly by losing needles, and further can become a fire hazard due to its dry condition. 
     The tree owner typically must water the tree frequently. For instance, some trees must be watered every twelve hours. Thus, such a watering schedule can be quite inconvenient. Many prior art innovations have attempted to alleviate this inconvenience. For instance, the watering device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,071 and the AquaFir™ automatic tree watering device both include water reservoirs that automatically route water into the tree stand when the water level in the stand falls below a certain level. The reservoirs included in both devices are positioned near the floor, adjacent the tree stand. As a result, users typically must bend down and sometimes reach excessively under the tree in order to fill the reservoirs due to their location. Bending over as such can be physically challenging for many, especially considering the user is bending over with the added weight of a water jug or like filling device. Disadvantageously, the owner might also accidentally shake tree needles loose when reaching underneath the tree to fill the reservoir. 
     Another tree watering device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,410,839 includes a conduit that defines a filling end, which can be positioned at a certain height above the floor, and a drainage end, which can be positioned adjacent to the tree stand. The water poured into the filling end then travels down through the conduit until it reaches and pools in the tree stand, keeping the tree hydrated. Because the filling end is positioned at a height above the floor, the user can pour water into the filling end without having to bend over excessively. 
     Moreover, the device in the &#39;839 Patent also includes a light indicator that visually signals the user when the water level near the tree trunk falls below a certain level. However, this light can be disadvantageous for a multitude of reasons. For instance, the light indicator may be visually unappealing because it may not match the color scheme of decorative lights placed on the tree. Also, the battery that powers the light can die, causing the indicator light to become nonfunctional, and the user might realize this fact only after the tree has dried out. Similarly, other devices, such as the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,929, include similar electric indicators. In one embodiment, the device disclosed in the &#39;929 Patent includes an audible electric alarm that sounds when the water in the tree stand falls below a certain level. As before, the battery that powers such a device might die, causing the user to inadvertently allow the tree to dry out. Furthermore, the audible alarm could annoy the user. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,547 discloses another device in the prior art. The device includes a hollow conduit that defines a filling end, which can be positioned at a desired elevation, and a drainage end, which can be positioned adjacent to the tree stand. Thus, this device addresses the need for a watering device that does not require excessive bending or reaching when filling. Also, the device disclosed in the &#39;547 patent includes an indicator rod positioned through the conduit and attached to a member that floats up and down depending on the amount of water in the tree stand. As water is added to the stand, the float rises, causing the top of the indicator rod to extend out of the conduit, thereby indicating that the water level is sufficient. As the tree absorbs water and the water in the stand lowers, the float lowers, causing the top of the indicator rod to sink into the conduit, thereby indicating that the water level is insufficient. Thus, the functionality of the indicator does not depend on an electric power source, and is therefore more failsafe. Also, since the indicator provides quiet, non-illuminated, visual indication, the indicator in the &#39;547 Patent is less likely to annoy the user. 
     However, the device disclosed in the &#39;547 Patent is disadvantageous for other reasons. More specifically, the filling end of the conduit is bent relative to the drainage end. This configuration increases manufacturing costs because bending the conduit requires a special manufacturing process. Also, the indicator rod is bent to conform to the bend in the conduit; however, because of this bend, the rod and the attached float travels both vertically and horizontally inside the conduit so that the top of the indicator rod can extend out of the conduit. Disadvantageously, the indicator rod may tend to butt up against the inner wall of the conduit due to this multi-axis movement and fail to properly indicate the water level. Furthermore, the drainage end of the conduit has a larger diameter than the rest of the conduit and is open-ended. Because of its larger diameter, the drainage end can be difficult to push between the often thick boughs of the Christmas tree, and the drainage end can become clogged with needles and twigs because it is open. Finally, the filling end comprises a relatively small opening through which the user can pour water into the conduit. Spillage is likely to occur because of the small size of this opening. 
     Therefore, it is noted that there is an ongoing need for a tree watering device that does not require the user to excessively bend or reach while filling, which is unlikely to be audibly or visually unappealing. Also, the device should be inexpensive to manufacture and easy to position within the tree. Moreover, the device should have little tendency to clog and the indicator rod should have little tendency to bind up within the device. Finally, there is a need for a tree watering device that can be filled easily, with little chance of spilling the water. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the aforementioned needs, herein disclosed is an improved tree watering device suitable for indicating a level of water surrounding a tree. The watering device comprises a conduit which defines a bottom end and a top end. The conduit further defines a passage for water to flow between the bottom and top ends, and the passage defines a generally straight first axis between the top and bottom ends. In one aspect, the watering device further comprises an end cap attached to the bottom end of the conduit, and the end cap comprises at least one opening through which the water may pass. In one embodiment, the end cap has a convex portion that fits against the tree trunk to thereby inhibit rotation of the device. Furthermore, the watering device comprises a float which is buoyant and positioned within the passage. Also, the watering device comprises a rod fixedly attached to the float and extending through the passage. The rod extends above the second end of the conduit when the water level is sufficient. 
     In this embodiment of the watering device, the end cap effectively limits access to the interior of the conduit. Thus, as the watering device is positioned between the boughs of the tree (i.e., jammed downward between the branches of the tree), the end cap inhibits needles, twigs, and other particulate from entering the conduit. Advantageously, the watering device is less likely to clog due to the end cap. 
     In another aspect, a tree watering device is disclosed, suitable for indicating a level of water surrounding a tree trunk. The watering device comprises a conduit which defines a bottom end, a top end, and an axis extending there between. The conduit further defines a passage for water to flow between the bottom and top ends. Moreover, the watering device comprises a funnel including an opening that is larger than the passage of the conduit, and which is fixedly attached to the second end of the conduit. Also, the watering device further comprises a float which is buoyant and is positioned within the passage. Furthermore, the watering device comprises a rod fixedly attached to the float and extending through the passage. The rod extends above the funnel when the level of water is sufficient. 
     Due to its relatively large diameter, the funnel allows water to be poured into the watering device from a wider range of positions above the watering device. Advantageously, inadvertent spillage of water is reduced. 
     In various other embodiments of the watering device, the diameter of the conduit is relatively small such that the watering device can more easily be positioned within the tree without excessive reaching or bending. Also in the preferred embodiment, the axis of the device is generally straight from top to bottom, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and reducing the chance that the rod will bind up inside the conduit. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a tree watering device of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a top view of the tree watering device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the tree watering device of FIG. 1; 
     FIGS. 4A,  4 B, and  4 C illustrate three different embodiments of end caps suitable for use with the tree watering device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the tree watering device of FIG. 1; and 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the tree watering device of FIG. 1 shown mounted in a Christmas tree. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-3 and FIG. 5 illustrate one embodiment of a tree watering device  100  (i.e., “waterer”). Generally, the device  100  comprises a conduit  102 , an end cap  104 , a funnel  106 , a float  108 , and a rod  110 . For purposes of this application, the device  100  will be discussed in relation to Christmas trees; however, it is understood that the device  100  could be used to keep a variety of trees hydrated without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the conduit  102  of the device  100 , in one embodiment, is a hollow, tubular member of constant diameter that defines a first end  120  and a second end  122 . In one embodiment, the conduit  102  is approximately forty-eight (48) inches long. The diameter of the conduit  102  is preferably small (e.g., one and one quarter (1.25) inches) so as to facilitate easy positioning of the conduit  102  between the thick boughs of the Christmas tree. As will be described in greater detail below, the conduit  102  routes water from the second end  122  to the first end  120  in order to keep a tree properly hydrated. 
     As is shown in FIG.  1  and in FIGS. 3-5, the end cap  104  of the device  100  comprises a wall  130 . The wall  130  is shaped to define an opening  132 , and the opening  132  has approximately the same diameter as the diameter of the first end  120  of the conduit  102  such that the end cap  104  can be fit to the first end  120  with adhesives, such that the opening  132  aligns with the first end  120 . In another embodiment, the opening  132  is sized such that the end cap  104  can be frictionally fit to the conduit  102 . 
     The wall  130  is shaped like a semisphere in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and in FIGS. 4A and 5. The wall  130  is shaped like a flat disk in the embodiment shown in FIG.  4 C. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the bottom of the wall  130  of the end cap  104  has a concave portion  134 . Using the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the device  100  is preferably positioned against the tree such that the trunk of the tree is positioned within the concave portion  134 , thereby inhibiting the device  100  from rotating. 
     In its multiple embodiments, the end cap  104  further comprises at least one hole  136  formed through the thickness of the wall  130 . Preferably, the holes  136  each have a small diameter to inhibit twigs and needles from entering the device  100  from outside the end cap  104 , especially when positioning the device  100  in the tree, when it is pushed through many boughs. Thus, the device  100  is less likely to become clogged as compared to a similar device (like those in the prior art) that do not have an end cap  104 . Also, as will be described in greater detail below, the holes  136  allow water inside the conduit  102  to drain out adjacent to a tree trunk to thereby keep the tree hydrated. 
     FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of the funnel  106 . This embodiment of the funnel  106  comprises a bowl  140  which is a hollow, semispherical member that defines a large diameter first opening  150 . In one embodiment, the diameter of the first opening  150  equals three and one quarter (3.25) inches. A second opening  152  is formed on the bottom of the semispherically-shaped bowl  140 . The second opening  152  has approximately the same diameter as the conduit  102 . 
     As shown in detail in FIGS. 1 and 3, the funnel  106  further comprises a stem  142 , which is a short hollow tube integrally attached to the bowl  140  around the second opening  152 . The stem  142  extends downward therefrom so as to define a third opening  154  that has a diameter approximately the same as the diameter of the conduit  102 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the funnel  106  is attached to the conduit  102  such that the third opening  154  is aligned with the second end  122  of the conduit  102 . In one embodiment, the funnel  106  is attached to the conduit  102  with adhesives, and in an alternative embodiment, the funnel  106  is frictionally attached to the conduit  102 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, a user pours water into the funnel  106  through the first opening  150  to thereby keep a tree hydrated. The funnel  106  inhibits water spillage because the diameter of the first opening  150  is relatively large, and as such, the bowl  140  is able to catch water poured from a wider range of positions and route it into the conduit  102  through the stem  142 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the funnel  106  further comprises a cone  144 , which is a hollow, conically-shaped member defining a small diameter first end  156  and a larger diameter second end  158 . The cone  144 , is positioned vertically within the bowl  140 . As shown, the diameter of the second end  158  of the cone  144  is sized such that it substantially covers the second opening  152  of the bowl  140 . The cone  144  comprises a support hole  148 , which extends through the first end  156  of the cone  144 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the rod  110  extends through and is supported by the periphery of the support hole  148 . 
     The cone  144  also comprises a plurality of drainage holes  146 . Each drainage hole  146  extends through the second end  158  of the cone  144  so as to provide a fluid pathway between the bowl  140  and the stem  142 . In the embodiment shown, the funnel  106  comprises eight drainage holes  146  spaced evenly around the second end  158  of the cone  144 . Furthermore, in one embodiment, the diameter of the typical drainage hole  146  is 0.04 inches. As will be described in greater detail below, the drainage holes  146  allow water to pass from the bowl  140  to the stem  142  and ultimately into the other portions of the device  100  so as to keep a tree hydrated. Also, because of the radial position of the drainage holes  146 , when water moves from the funnel  106  to the conduit  102 , the water largely contacts and flows down the inner diameter of the conduit  102 . As will be discussed below, the water is more likely to flow around the rod  110  and float  108 , such that the rod  110  and float  108  can more immediately indicate the water level. 
     In one embodiment, the cone  144  also comprises an aerating hole  174 . The aerating hole  174  is similar to the drainage holes  146  except that it is large enough to allow a standard hollow tube  175  to extend there through. Preferably, the tube  175  is long enough to extend from above the funnel  106 , down through the aerating hole  174 , and into the conduit  102 . As such, the tube  175  allows air to pass from the conduit  102  to outside the watering device  100 . Thus, as water is poured into the funnel  106 , the water can drain more readily through the drainage holes  146  and into the conduit  102  because the air in the conduit  102  can more easily escape. 
     As stated above, the bowl  140  is shaped like a hollow semisphere in the embodiment shown. As such, a lip or rim  162  is defined on the bowl  140 . In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the rim  162  is split into two sections: a straight section  164  and an angled section  160 . The straight section  164  of the rim  162  lies generally perpendicular to the main axis of the funnel  106 . However, the angled section  160  extends at an obtuse angle relative to the straight section  164 . As will be described in greater detail below, the tree watering device  100  is preferably positioned at an angle, and in one embodiment, the tree watering device  100  is positioned such that the angled section  160  lies parallel to the floor. As such, more of the interior of the funnel  106  is exposed in the vertical direction due to the inclusion of the angled section  160 . Thus, the angled section  160  advantageously facilitates pouring water straight down into the funnel  106  when the device  100  is positioned at an angle, and less spillage is likely to occur. 
     Considering FIGS. 1 and 3 in conjunction, one embodiment of the float  108  is illustrated as having a pear-like shape. Other embodiments of the float  108  have a spherical shape. The float  108  is constructed with lightweight, buoyant material. For example, the float  108  is constructed from lightweight plastic and is hollow, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the float  108  is made out of solid foam. In a specific embodiment, the float  108  is a 0.875 inch ball made out of Plastifoam. As shown in FIG. 1, the float  108  is positioned in the device  100  near the first end  120  of the conduit  102 . Due to its buoyancy, the float  108  floats atop the water inside the device  100 , and as will be described below in more detail, raises and lowers the rod  110  to indicate the water level in the device  100 . 
     As stated, the device  100  also comprises a rod  110 . The rod  110  is a lightweight, rigid, strong, cylindrical member, approximately as long as the conduit  102 . In one embodiment, the rod  110  is a 0.060 inch diameter composite shaft. As such, the rod  110  defines a first end  170  and a second end  172 . Preferably, the first end  170  of the rod  110  is attached to a top point  165  of the float  108  and extends upward therefrom through the conduit  102 . In one embodiment, the rod  110  comprises a cap (not shown) attached to the second end  172  so that the second end  172  has a larger diameter and is therefore safer. 
     In one embodiment, the rod  110  comprises a center guide  186 . The center guide  186  is a flat, thin member with a length slightly less than the inner diameter of the conduit  102 . Also, the center guide  186  includes a hole  187  extending through its center. The rod  110  extends through the hole  187  to attach the center guide  186  to the rod  110 . In one embodiment, the center guide  186  is attached near the middle of the length of the rod  110 . When the rod  110  is inside the conduit  102 , the center guide  186  butts up against and can slide along the inner diameter of the conduit  102  to thereby support the rod  110  and keep it aligned with the axis of the conduit  102  as it moves. Preferably, the length of the center guide  186  is designed so as to minimize friction between the center guide  186  and the inner diameter of the conduit  102 . As will be described in greater detail below, the center guide  186  allows for more accurate readings of the water level. 
     In another embodiment, the center guide  186  is attached to the inner diameter of the conduit  102  and extends inward therefrom. Also, the center guide  186  includes a hole  187  extending vertically along the axis of the conduit  102 . As such, the rod  110  extends through the hole  187  and is supported by the edge of the hole  187  as it moves, thereby keeping the rod  110  aligned with the axis of the conduit  102 . 
     Also, the rod  110  extends through the support hole  148  in the cone  144  of the funnel  106 . Thus, the second end  172  of the rod  110  is largely supported by the edge of the support hole  148  and the center guide  186  so that the rod  110  stays aligned along the axis of the conduit  102 . 
     As will be described in greater detail below, the rod  110  extends out of the device  100  when the water level therein is high, thereby indicating to the user that no additional water need be added. Conversely, the rod  110  is largely hidden inside the device  100  when the water level is low, thereby indicating to the user that water should be added. 
     Turning now to FIG. 6, the tree watering device  100  is illustrated as positioned within a Christmas tree  199 . In one embodiment, the device  100  is supported by the boughs of the tree  199  and due to the high number of boughs, the device  100  remains in place without rotating. In another embodiment, the device  100  is anchored to the boughs of the tree  199  with ties (not shown) that are tied around both the boughs and the device  100 . In still another embodiment, the end cap  104  includes the concave portion  134  as shown in FIG. 4B, and the device  100  is positioned such that the trunk of the tree resides within the concave portion  134 . As such, the concave portion  134  inhibits the device  100  from rotating. 
     The tree  199  is positioned within a tree stand  198 , widely known for supporting a Christmas tree  199  in a vertical orientation and containing a volume of water near the trunk of the tree  199  to thereby keep the tree  199  hydrated. As shown, the end cap  104  and first end  120  of the conduit  102  are placed in the tree stand  198 . Water is able to flow from the end cap  104  to the tree stand via the holes  136  in the end cap  104 . More specifically, if water is poured in the funnel  106 , the water travels down the conduit  102 , into the end cap  104 , out the holes  136 , and into the tree stand  198  to thereby hydrate the tree  199 . 
     Preferably, when the water level in the tree stand  198  is sufficiently high, water remains in that portion of the conduit  102  adjacent the end cap  104 , and the float  108  rises to the surface of the water contained therein as a result of its buoyancy. Because the rod  110  is attached to the float  108 , the rod  110  rises in tandem with the float  108 . The rod  110  is preferably long enough such that, when the rod  110  rises, the second end  172  of the rod  110  extends out of the device  100  above the funnel  106 . Thus, when the user sees the rod extending out of the device  100 , the user is informed that the water level in the stand  198  is sufficient and no more water need be added. Conversely, when the tree  199  absorbs the water contained in the tree stand  198 , the water level sinks, and the water level in the device  100  lowers. Also, the float  108  and the attached rod  110  move with the water level, and the second end  172  of the rod  110  moves further into the funnel  106 . Thus, when the user fails to see the rod  110  (or sees only a short length of the rod  110  extending out of the device  100 ), the user is informed that the water level in the stand  198  is insufficient and more water needs to be added. Advantageously, the user is more likely to be informed about the water level in the tree stand  198 , and the tree  199  is more likely to stay hydrated. 
     Furthermore, it is noted that the rising and falling of the rod  110  is virtually silent. Thus, indication of the water level in the stand  198  is achieved without the need for possibly annoying audible signals (e.g., alarms used in the prior art). Thus, the device  100  is less likely to be audibly unappealing. 
     Likewise, in one embodiment, all components of the tree watering device  100  are colored green. As such, the device  100  is more likely to match the natural color of the tree  199  and be camouflaged therein. In another embodiment, all components are made out of a transparent material. As such, the device  100  is less visible because the tree&#39;s natural color shows through the device  100 . Thus, these embodiments of the device  100  are less likely to be visually unappealing to the user because they are effectively hidden from sight. 
     Moreover, it is noted that the method of indicating the water level (i.e., the rising and falling of the rod  110 ) requires no batteries unlike other devices in the prior art. Thus, the device  100  is more likely to remain functional over longer periods of time. 
     In one embodiment not shown, the second end  172  of the rod  110  is graduated. For instance, the rod  110  in this embodiment comprises horizontal lines or other indicia. When the rod  110  extends further out of the funnel  106 , more of the graduations are exposed. Conversely, when the rod  110  falls further into the device  100 , less of the graduations are exposed. Thus, the graduations on the rod  110  allow the user to gauge the amount of water in the stand  198  with more accuracy. 
     Preferably, the device  100  is positioned at an angle with respect to the trunk of the tree  199 . As such, the end cap  104  can be positioned within the tree stand  198  and yet, the funnel  106  can be positioned near the exterior of the tree  199  at an elevated height. Advantageously, pouring water into the funnel  106  can be done without having to reach excessively into the tree because the funnel  106  is positioned at the exterior of the tree. Similarly, due to the elevation of the funnel  106 , filling can be performed without having to bend down excessively toward the tree stand  198 . 
     It is also noted that the components comprising the tree watering device  100  are largely uniform, and can be simply assembled with adhesives or frictional fits. Advantageously, this simplicity lowers manufacturing costs. Likewise, it is likely less expensive to make the conduit  102  that is a straight tube as compared with the cost of making a conduit with a rigid bend, as is disclosed in the prior art. 
     Furthermore, it is noted that the straightness of the conduit  102  and the support provided by the center guide  186  and the support hole  148  allow the rod  110  to move in a uniform, guided direction. Thus, the rod  110  is less likely to bind up against the internal surfaces of the conduit as compared to the prior art device with a free-floating bent rod that moves multidirectionally. Advantageously, the rod  110  is more likely to function in a wider variety of conditions. 
     Also, it is noted that the majority of the device  100 , excluding the funnel  106 , is of a relatively small diameter. As stated above, specific embodiments of the conduit  102  and end cap  104  have one and one quarter (1.25) inch diameters. It is appreciated that such a small-diameter member can be positioned between the boughs of a Christmas tree  199  relatively easily. The user is able to jam the device  100  through the tree  199  from a standing position, without having to bend over excessively. Thus, positioning the device  100  is unlikely to be inconvenient for the user. 
     On a related note, the end cap  104  largely closes off access to the first end  120  of the conduit  102 . Thus, the end cap  104  inhibits twigs, needles, and other particulate from entering the device  100 , especially when jamming the device  100  down between the boughs of the tree  199  during the initial positioning of the device. Thus, the device  100  is less likely to become clogged with such particulate. 
     Finally, although most components of the device  100  are of a relatively small diameter, the funnel  106  is of a comparatively large diameter. As such, pouring the water into the device  100  is facilitated by the funnel  106 . Also, one embodiment of the funnel comprises the angled section  160  to thereby expose more of the interior of the funnel  106  from a vertical position. More specifically, even with the device  100  positioned at an angle relative to the trunk of the tree  199 , the angled section  160  exposes a larger portion of the already large diameter funnel  106  from a vertical vantage point. Thus, due to the relatively large diameter of the funnel  106  and because the angled section  160  exposes the funnel&#39;s  106  interior, water need not be poured from directly above the conduit  102 . Instead, water can be poured from a wider range of positions above and around the funnel  106 . Advantageously, these features inhibit spillage of the water. 
     This disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of a tree watering device  100 . The scope of this disclosure is not limited by these exemplary embodiments. Numerous variations, whether explicitly provided for by the specification or implied by the specification, such as variations in shape, structure, dimension, type of material or manufacturing process may be implemented by one of skill in the art in view of this disclosure.