Position adjustable self-watering apparatus for controllably dispensing water and nutrients through capillary motion

A position adjustable self-watering apparatus controllably dispenses water and nutrients by transmitting water from a primary reservoir to a second end of a tube, and selectively dispensing the liquid over a desired region of the soil. Capillary motion through a dual action wick carries the water. The tube adjustably positions over a desired region of soil through multiple means. Anchor rods that support the primary reservoir can selectively couple with correlating reception apertures in the bottom wall of the primary reservoir. Repositioning of anchor rods enables the primary reservoir to move relative to the plant container. Additionally, the tube incrementally and fixedly reorients in multiple directions. Additionally, when the container edge wedges between the anchor rod and the sidewalls of the primary reservoir, the primary reservoir slides along the container edge to a desired region above the soil. A primary reservoir valve helps regulate the flow of the liquid.

The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional application 62/161,985 filed May 20, 2015 for Riki Carvalho entitled “Position Adjustable Self-Watering Apparatus for Controllably Dispensing Water and Nutrients Through Capillary Motion.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a position adjustable self-watering apparatus for controllably dispensing water and nutrients to plants through capillary motion, and more particularly relates to a position adjustable self-watering apparatus that uses capillary motion to controllably dispense water and nutrients to plants, and is supported over the plant by at least one anchor rod that adjustably positions the apparatus relative to the plant for selective positional dispensing, and a tube the incrementally and fixedly reorients over the plant, and a primary reservoir that slides along the edge of a plant container to adjust position over the plant container.

BACKGROUND

Description of the Related Art

Typically, plants are grown in various dwelling, workplace, and entertainment environments to beautify and enrich the appearance of a room or garden. The plants are often located in environments which render them easy to maintain and care for. It is known that plants require regular watering and nutritional enhancement to grow properly. The plants are generally grown in plant containers containing soil. The plant is usually watered from the top while in the plant container, thereby saturating the top of the soil. For some plants and soils, this encourages insects and molds.

In many instances, plants are utilized in environments or situations which render their attention and care difficult or sporadic. For example, such plant enhancements are frequently located in areas which are difficult to access such as upper portions of rooms or building exteriors. Similarly, the plants may be frequently used within the dwelling places of people who travel a great deal, and are therefore absent for prolonged durations.

It is known that in a plant container, such as a flower pot, water is put over the surface of the soil directly. In this manner, the water remains in the plant container for a short period. Excess water put into the plant container is drained away through the drain holes in the base of the plant container. However, regardless of the amount of water put into the plant container, the water will remain for only a short period. Rarely does a person have time to controllably water the plants with small drips of water over a long duration.

Furthermore, in the summer season, the surface soil appears dry despite the fact that water is profusely contained within the soil. In such a case, if the plant container receives water too frequently, the plant's root can rot due to the excess watering. Therefore, the troublesome task of adequately watering a plant exists.

Self-watering devices have been used in the past to controllably water the plant. However, these devices tend to be unreliable, create a mess, and tripping hazards. The user had to guess of the device was working, if the components of the device required replacement, or required a specific soil blend to operate properly. Often, the self-watering devices were bulky and difficult to transport to different plant containers or to different regions of the plant container. Further, the user had to hook the devices up to a charged hose bib that took up space and required complicated components. Thus, a need for a position adjustable self-watering apparatus for controllably dispensing water and nutrients through capillary motion is needed.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for a position adjustable self-watering apparatus that uses capillary motion to controllably dispense water and nutrients to plants, and is supported over the plant by at least one anchor rod that adjustably positions the apparatus relative to the plant container for selective positional dispensing. Beneficially, such an apparatus would allow for automated dispensing of water and nutrients over a longer duration, with minimal supervision, and selective positioning of the dispensing means relative to the plant container.

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available self-watering devices. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a position adjustable self-watering apparatus for controllably dispensing water and nutrients to plants that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

In one embodiment, the position adjustable self-watering apparatus is configured to carry a liquid, such as water and nutrients, from a primary reservoir to a second end of the tube through capillary motion. The second end of the tube selectively dispenses the liquid onto a desired region of the soil in the plant container. The liquid is transmitted from the primary reservoir to the second end of the tube through capillary motion enabled by a dual feeding wick. At least one primary reservoir valve may also be used to regulate the flow of the liquid.

The apparatus utilizes multiple means to adjust its position relative to the plant container for adjustable dispensing of the liquid over a selected region of the soil. In one positional adjustment of the apparatus, at least one anchor rod supporting the primary reservoir selectively couples with at least one reception aperture in the bottom wall of the primary reservoir to move the primary reservoir relative to the plant container. In another positional adjustment, the tube is configured to incrementally and fixedly orient to a desired direction over a desired region of the soil through a rigid, segmented configuration. In yet another positional adjustment, when the container edge wedges between the anchor rod and the sidewalls of the primary reservoir, the primary reservoir slides along the edge of the plant container to a desired region above the soil.

The position adjustable self-watering apparatus for controllably dispensing water and nutrients to plants is provided with a plurality of modules configured to functionally execute the necessary steps of controllable and selective dispensing of water and nutrients to a plant, and specifically a plant in a plant container. These modules in the described embodiments include a primary reservoir containing a predetermined quantity of water and/or nutrients. The primary reservoir substantially provides the water and nutrients to at least one plant that is growing in soil that is contained in a plant container.

The primary reservoir comprises a plurality of sidewalls, an opening, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The primary reservoir further comprises a primary reservoir outlet configured to enable passage of the water and nutrients away from the primary reservoir. A lid hingedly regulates access to the opening of the primary reservoir. A seal member positions between the lid and the edges of the opening in the primary reservoir to inhibit insects and contaminants from engaging the liquid inside the primary reservoir.

The bottom wall of the primary reservoir comprises at least one reception aperture. The reception aperture is configured to receive to at least one anchor rod. The anchor rod provides the supportive foundation and enables selective positioning of the primary reservoir relative to the plant container. The anchor rods also allows the primary reservoir to be supported generally at a higher elevation than the plant container and soil contained therein.

The at least one anchor rod may include a reservoir end that forms a snug, sealed engagement with the reception aperture. The reservoir end may be threaded or beveled to register with a correlating reception aperture. The anchor rod further includes a mount end that engages the edge of the plant container or the soil.

In one embodiment, the primary reservoir may be repositioned from a first region of the plant container, and anchored to a different region by repositioning the anchor rods to different reception apertures. In this embodiment, the reservoir end of the anchor rod is selectively coupled to different reception apertures along the bottom wall. For example, the anchor rod may be detached from a central reception aperture and moved to a left side reception aperture. This allows the primary reservoir to be selectively positioned relative to the plant container; thereby selectively dispensing the water and nutrients at a desired region of the soil in the plant container.

In another exemplary repositioning, the primary reservoir may be repositioned from a first region of the plant container, and anchored to a different region by sliding the primary reservoir and the anchor rod along the container edge to position the tube above a desired region above the soil.

In some embodiments, a tube housing positions on the lid. The tube housing serves as a fixed bracket for secure placement of a tube that facilitates the transmission of the liquid. The tube housing may include a tube connection end. The tube connection end may include a male threaded hole. The tube extends from the tube housing to the region above the soil. The tube comprises a first end that attaches to the tube connection end, and a second end that enables dispensing of the liquid. The tube has an interior volume configured to contain a portion of a dual feeding wick, as described below.

The tube facilitates the conveyance of the liquid from the primary reservoir to the plant. The tube is flexible, yet is also segmented so that it can incrementally orient to a desired position. This allows for directional positioning of the tube to a desired position over the soil in the plant container. The tube is also collapsible for enhanced storage and portability.

In this manner, adjustable positioning is possible through: positioning of the anchor rod in selected reception apertures, sliding of the primary reservoir and the anchor rod along the edge of the plant container, and incrementally and fixedly reorienting the tube. These adjustment means work together to determine the region of soil in the plant container that receives the liquid.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may utilize capillary motion to transfer the water and nutrients from the primary reservoir to the second end of the tube for dispensing on the plant. The apparatus utilizes a dual feeding wick to transfer the water from the primary reservoir to the plant. The dual feeding wick is defined by a reservoir portion that extends from the reservoir to the tube housing. From the tube housing, a tube portion of the dual feeding wick positions inside the tube, extending across the length of the tube and terminating at the second end of the tube.

The dual feeding wick operates on the principle that water is cohesive, and thus the molecules stick together. The other principle of water is adhesion, which pulls the water in a direction. Thus, the weight of the water dripping from the tube pulls the other water molecules, like a train.

It is the dual feeding wick that provides the medium for the water to controllably travel from the primary reservoir and through the tube. The size and material composition of the dual feeding wick may be altered to change the rate of dispensing. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the capillary motion enabled through the dual feeding wick ensures that the liquid supplied by apparatus does not over or under water the plant. In one embodiment, the dual feeding wick is a cotton material. In addition to the dual feeding wick, at least one primary valve may be used to regulate the water from the primary reservoir.

In some embodiments, a secondary reservoir may be used to supply apportion of the liquid to the primary reservoir. The secondary reservoir enables the apparatus to dispense liquid for a greater duration and to a greater number of plants. A secondary reservoir tube carries the liquid from the secondary reservoir to the primary reservoir. At least one secondary valve may be used to regulate the liquid from the secondary reservoir. The secondary valve may include an electronic valve, or a float valve having a valve chamber and a valve chamber orifice, and a float that work together to regulate dispensing of the liquid from the secondary reservoir to the primary reservoir.

The apparatus, in one embodiment, is configured to dispense water and nutrients to the plant and soil from any position relative to the plant container without disturbing the soil or plant.

The apparatus is further configured, in one embodiment, to selectively reposition the second end of the tube for dispensing through relocation of the anchor rod to a different reception aperture, by sliding the primary reservoir along the edge of the plant container, and through incremental and fixed reorientation of the tube.

The apparatus is further configured, in one embodiment, to help prevent root rot by perpetually dispensing water and nutrients, even when the plant is unattended for a duration.

In a further embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to prevent the soil from drying.

In a further embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to feed additional fertilizers and plant enhancement compositions to the plants in predetermined increments.

In a further embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to refill the primary reservoir easily so as to last hours or days.

In a further embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to deter mosquitoes from breeding in an open water source.

In a further embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to secure to the edge of a plant container in a nonintrusive manner and while creating a decorative effect.

In a further embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to easily detach from the plant container.

In a further embodiment, the water supplied by apparatus assures that plants will never be over or under watered.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1depicts a position adjustable self-watering apparatus100for controllably dispensing water and nutrients to at least one plant204through principles of capillary motion. The position adjustable self-watering apparatus100, hereafter, “apparatus100” is configured to functionally execute the necessary steps for controllable dispensing and positional adjustment while dispensing a liquid212, such as water and nutrients, to a plant204, and specifically a plant204in a plant container200. The apparatus100generally operates in the environment of a plant container200having a container edge202that can support the apparatus100. The plant container200may be shaped and dimensioned in any shape conducive for growing plants204, including cylindrical, rectangular, and cubicle.

In one embodiment, the plant container200includes at least one release aperture210, or weeping hole, which may be used at the base of the plant container200for releasing excess liquid. Though in some embodiments, the apparatus100may be used directly on the soil206without use of a plant container200. The apparatus100is portable and can transfer to different plant containers and regions of the soil206without disturbing the plant204or the soil206.

In various embodiments, the apparatus100and the container200may be formed as a single integrated piece. Alternatively, the container200and the reservoir102may be formed as a single integrated piece. The reservoir102may be integrated alongside the container200, disposed on top of the container200, and integrated towards the bottom of the container200. In various embodiments, the apparatus100(comprising everything shown except the container200, container edge202, plant204, and weeping hole210) may comprise a stand-alone unit, or may be placed on or in soil in the container200.

In various embodiments, the container200is molded as a single component with the reservoir102and/or apparatus100. The container200may comprise a pot, plantar, garden box, or any other housing or container for receiving soil and growing plantlife.

FIG. 2is a sectioned side view of the self-watering apparatus100shown inFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the apparatus100may provide a primary reservoir102for storing and dispensing a predetermined quantity of the liquid212. The primary reservoir102substantially provides the water and nutrients in liquid form for feeding at least one plant204that is growing in soil206inside the plant container200. In one embodiment, the liquid212may include water fortified with minerals, and the nutrients may include fertilizer or a liquid nutritional supplement for plants204. In one alternative embodiment, the liquid212may also include a pesticide, insecticide, or wax that are dispensed.

The tube112may comprise a blow-molded polymeric flexible tube, as known to those of skill in the art.

AsFIG. 2illustrates, the primary reservoir102comprises a plurality of sidewalls104, an opening140, a top wall138, and a bottom wall107. In one possible embodiment, the sidewalls104form the primary reservoir102into a generally rectangular shape. Though other shapes are possible. In one alternative embodiment, one of the sidewalls104are concave to conform to a circular edge of a plant container200. The primary reservoir102further comprises a primary reservoir outlet132configured to enable passage of the liquid212from the primary reservoir102to the soil206.

In some embodiments, at least one primary reservoir valve may also be used to regulate flow of the liquid212as it moves from the primary reservoir102. The water level208in the primary reservoir substantially dictates the amount of liquid that move towards the soil206, either through capillary motion and/or the primary reservoir valve. When a float valve is used, for example, the float rises and lowers based on the water level208. Similarly the capacity of the capillary motion is affected by the amount of liquid212in the primary reservoir since adhesion and cohesion are determinative for capillary motion.

In some embodiments, a lid106hingedly covers the opening140of the primary reservoir102for regulating access thereto. Though in some embodiments, the lid106covers a portion of the opening140, and the top wall138covers a portion of the opening140. A hinge and an axis of rotation340enable the pivoting motion of the lid106.

A tab120may extend from the lid106to provide a surface for gripping the lid and pivotally lifting and lowering the lid106on the opening140of the primary reservoir102. A seal member122may form between the lid106and the edges of the opening140in the primary reservoir102. The seal member122is configured to inhibit insects and contaminants from entering the water inside the primary reservoir102. In one embodiment, the seal member122is a rubber gasket.

The bottom wall107of the primary reservoir102comprises at least one reception aperture126a-b. The reception aperture126a-bis configured to receive to at least one anchor rod108a-b. The reception aperture126amay be threaded to rotatably engage the anchor rod108a. The reception aperture126bmay also be beveled to form a friction fit with the anchor rod108b. The at least one anchor rod108a-bprovides the supportive foundation and positioning capacity for the primary reservoir102, relative to the plant container200. The anchor rod108a-balso allows the primary reservoir102to be supported generally at a higher elevation than the plant container200and soil206contained therein.

The anchor rod108a-bmay include a reservoir end128a-bthat forms a snug, sealed engagement with the reception aperture126a-b. As discussed above, the reservoir end128a-bmay be threaded or beveled to register with a correlating reception aperture126a-b. Though in some alternative embodiments, magnets, adhesives, and screws may be used to couple the reservoir end128a-bof the anchor rod108a-bto the reception aperture126a-b. The anchor rod108a-bfurther includes a mount end130a-bthat engages the edge202of the plant container200and/or the soil206directly. In one embodiment, the mount end130a-bis pointed so that penetration in soil206is facilitated.

Though, when the primary reservoir102is supported by the plant container200, the container edge202wedges between the anchor rod108a-band the primary reservoir102. The primary reservoir102may then slide106along the container edge202to adjust the position for dispensing the liquid212over a desired region of the soil206. In one exemplary use, the primary reservoir102may be repositioned from a first region of the plant container200, and anchored to a different region by sliding the primary reservoir102along the container edge202to a desired region above the soil206for dispensing the liquid.

In another embodiment, the primary reservoir102may be repositioned from a first region of the plant container200, and anchored to a different region by repositioning the anchor rods108a-bto different reception apertures126a-b. In this embodiment, the reservoir end128a-bof the anchor rod108a-bis selectively coupled to different reception apertures126a-balong the bottom wall107.

For example, the anchor rod108a-bmay be detached from a central reception aperture126a-band moved to a left side reception aperture126a-b. This allows the primary reservoir102to be selectively positioned relative to the plant container200. And the apparatus100can thereby selectively dispense the water and nutrients to a desired region of the soil206in the plant container200. Thus by repositioning the anchor rod108a-bto different reception apertures126a-b, the exact point of dispensing the water and nutrient can be regulated.

A tube housing110serves as a fixed bracket for secure placement of a tube112that facilitates the transmission of the liquid212. In one embodiment, the tube housing110has a generally domed shape and fixedly rests on the lid106. The tube housing110may include a tube connection end124. The tube connection end124may include a male threaded hole. The tube112extends from the tube connection end124to the region above the soil206. The tube112comprises a first end114that attaches to the tube connection end124, and a second end116that enables dispensing of the liquid212.

The tube112has an interior volume142configured to contain a portion of a dual feeding wick118, described below. The tube112enables the conveyance of the liquid212from the tube housing110to the plant204.FIG. 1illustrates that the tube112is flexible, yet is also segmented so that it can incrementally orient to a desired position. This allows for directional positioning of the tube112to a desired position over the soil206in the plant container200. In another embodiment, the tube112is collapsible for enhanced storage and portability.

The wick118, and wicking material used herein, may comprise and/or be formed from any material that will wick a liquid, including cotton.

The tube112, or positioning adjustable tube112, may be used to rapidly start or stop the wicking action. To stop the wicking action, the second end116of the tube112is turned to point upward and raised above the level of the reservoir102. The rapidly start the wicking action, the reservoir102need only be filled with water or a liquid because, in some embodiments, the lid106sits higher on the apparatus100than the connection point of the tube112to the lid assembly and the receiving male end of the lid assembly, as well as higher than the female end of the tube112. The overflow from the reservoir102will rapidly start the wicking action and pre-hydrate the soil (further shown below in relation toFIGS. 12 and 13).

The tube112may connect to an exterior surface of the reservoir102using a clipping mechanism, or may be connected using a pipe clamp, or via any other means known to those of skill in the art. A springed lever may also be used to secure the apparatus100to the plant container200.

In this manner, the positioning means includes: repositioning of the anchor rod108a-bin selected reception apertures126a-b, sliding of the primary reservoir102along the edge202of the plant container200, and incrementally reorienting the tube112to a desired direction. These repositioning means work together to determine the region of soil206in the plant container200that receives the initial quantity of liquid212. Though the liquid will eventually soak into the soil206and saturate the entire plant container200.

In some embodiments, the apparatus100may utilize capillary motion to transfer the liquid212from the primary reservoir102to the second end116of the tube112. In essence, water is absorbed from the primary reservoir102through a capillary material and ultimately dispensed onto soil206in the plant container200, thereby moistening the soil206. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the apparatus100operates on the principle that water is cohesive, and thus water molecules stick together. The other principle of the apparatus100uses the fact that water is adhesive. This adhesion between water molecules works to pull the water in a first direction. Thus, the weight of the water dripping from the tube112pulls the other water molecules, like a train, towards the first direction, which in this case moves from the primary reservoir102to the soil206.

FIG. 2illustrates that the apparatus100utilizes a dual feeding wick118to transfer the liquid from the primary reservoir102to the soil206. The dual feeding wick118is defined by a wick reservoir portion134that extends from the primary reservoir102to the tube housing110. From the tube housing110, a wick tube portion136of the dual feeding wick118is configured to position inside the tube112, extending across the length of the tube112and terminating at the second end116of the tube112. In one possible embodiment, the wick tube portion136abuts the base of the plant container200, such that soil206or roots within the release apertures210of the plant container200lie adjacent to a portion of the dual feeding wick118.

The capillary motion enabled through the dual feeding wick118ensures that the liquid212supplied by the primary reservoir102does not over or under water the plant204. Thus, it is the dual feeding wick118that provides the medium for the water to controllably travel from the primary reservoir102and through the tube112. The size and material composition of the dual feeding wick118may be altered to change the rate of dispensing. In one embodiment, the dual feeding wick118is a cotton material.

In addition to the dual feeding wick118, at least one primary valve may be used to regulate, direct, and control the flow of the water from the primary reservoir102. The primary valve may include, without limitation, a ball float valve, an automated electrical valve, a butterfly valve, a globe valve, and a two port valve.

FIGS. 3 and 4illustrate sectioned side views of a second embodiment of a position adjustable self-watering apparatus300operational on a plant container200. The apparatus300in this embodiment comprises a lid306having a tab320. The lid306in this embodiment only partially covers the opening in the primary reservoir302. Further, the lid306hingedly opens and closes over the opening through use of a hinge and an axis of rotation340.

Various embodiments of the present invention may comprise a plurality of tubes312, each comprising a wick118and/or wicking material. Multiple tubes212may extrude from the apparatus300. There may be anywhere, in various embodiments, from one to hundreds of tubes forming the apparatus100,300.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, a seal member322, such as a rubber gasket, is shaped to match the perimeter shape of the lid306and opening140. The seal member322help to restrict insects from entering the primary reservoir302, and also prevents spillage or contamination of the liquid212. A top wall308covers the other portion of the opening. The sidewalls304form a generally rectangular shape and may be constructed from a molded plastic, a rigid polymer, metal, wood, fiberglass, and glass.

Turning now toFIG. 6, a bottom wall306of the primary reservoir302comprises at least one reception aperture326a-c. The reception aperture326a-cis configured to receive to at least one anchor rod308a-b. The reception aperture326a-cmay be threaded or beveled to form a friction fit with the anchor rod308a-b. In one embodiment shown inFIG. 7, multiple reception apertures326a-cfrom a spaced-apart relationship to provide different positioning options for at least one anchor rod308a-b.

As illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 8B, the at least one anchor rod308a-bprovides the supportive foundation and positioning capacity for the primary reservoir, relative to the plant container. The anchor rod308amay have a threaded mount end330a(FIG. 8A), or a beveled mount end330b(FIG. 8B). The anchor rod308a-bcomprises a reservoir end328a-bthat forms a snug, sealed engagement with the reception aperture326a-b. The anchor rod308a-bfurther comprises a mount end330a-bthat engages the soil directly or the container edge202, so as to support the primary reservoir302.

A tube housing310is also used in this embodiment of the apparatus300. The tube housing310provides a base of support for a tube312that is flexible, yet incrementally fixed so as to enable directional orientation of the tube312for dispensing from a second end316. A tube connection end324in the tube housing310couples a first end314of the tube312thereto. The present embodiment also utilizes capillary motion through a dual feed wick318partially immersed in the primary reservoir302, and partially encased in the tube312.

FIG. 9is a perspective view illustrating a third embodiment of a position adjustable self-watering apparatus400having a pair of tubes412a-bfor controllably dispensing the liquid212from the primary reservoir. The pair of tubes412each mount on a respective tube housing410a-b, and operate substantially the same as the single tube embodiment discussed above. Similar to the prior embodiment, a single lid406having a single tab420is operable for accessing an opening in the primary reservoir.

FIG. 10is a diagram view illustrating another embodiment of the position adjustable self-watering apparatus500. The primary reservoir502here, receives water from a secondary reservoir552. The secondary reservoir552may be used to supply a portion of the liquid212to the primary reservoir502. The secondary reservoir552increases the liquid volume capacity of the apparatus500. Thus, when the primary reservoir502is depleted, the secondary reservoir552may be called to supply liquid to the soil206. This increases the possible duration of dispensing liquid and also increases the amount of plants204that can receive the liquid212.

In one embodiment, a secondary reservoir tube556that is flexible, yet rigid serves to carry the liquid212from the secondary reservoir552to the primary reservoir502. The secondary reservoir tube556may be configured substantially the same as the tube described above. Nonetheless, despite the addition of a secondary reservoir552, the apparatus500operates substantially the same as discussed above. For example, a lid506supports a tube housing having a threaded tube connection end524that rotatably couples to a first end of a tube512. The tube may then carry a tube portion of a dual feeding wick to transport the liquid212through capillary motion.

In this embodiment of the apparatus500, the primary reservoir502may include at least one primary reservoir valve550a-bfor regulating and initiating discharge of the water from the primary reservoir502. Similarly, at least one secondary valve554a-cmay be used to regulate the water and nutrients from the secondary reservoir552. The secondary valve554a-cmay include a butterfly valve554a, an electronic valve554b, or a float valve554chaving a valve chamber and a valve chamber orifice, and various ball floats and/or elongated floats that work together to regulate dispensing of the liquid212from the secondary reservoir552.

FIGS. 11A and 11Billustrate perspective views of secondary reservoir valve600a-b, whereFIG. 11Ais a float valve600a, andFIG. 11Bis an automated electrical valve600bin accordance with the present invention. The float valve600a, or ballcock, operates in substantially the same manner as float valves known in the art.

In one embodiment, the influent water is allowed to pass through a valve inlet608a-binto a secondary reservoir tube616a-b, while avoiding overflow and backflow. As the water level208drops in the secondary reservoir, a float ball610drops, allowing the water to flow through a valve chamber602a-bthrough a valve chamber orifice604a-b. From here, the water enters the primary reservoir. As the water level208in the secondary reservoir increases, the float ball610rises, eventually sealing off the valve chamber orifice604a-b. In some embodiments, an elongated float606operatively connected to a float arm612falls and rises to open and shut the valve chamber orifice604a-b.

In another embodiment, a float valve screen614provides up and down travel of the float ball610. The screen614also allows air to escape before entering the valve chamber orifice604a-b. This creates an air gap that helps prevent the float ball610from sealing the valve chamber orifice604a-b, and consequently blocking the flow of influent water. Those skilled in the art will recognize that without the screen614, the influent water may not stop, thereby causing backflow. Similar valves may also be used at the primary reservoir.

Thus, in one possible embodiment, the position adjustable self-watering apparatus100is configured to carry a liquid212, such as water and/or nutrients, from the primary reservoir02to the second end116of the tube112through capillary motion. The apparatus100adjusts its portion relative to a plant container200to dispense the liquid212over a selected region of the soil206. In one positional adjustment, at least one anchor rod108a-bsupports the primary reservoir102and selectively couples with at least one reception aperture126a-bin the bottom wall107of the primary reservoir102to move the primary reservoir102relative to the plant container200.

In yet another positional adjustment, the tube112is configured to incrementally and fixedly orient to a desired direction over a desired region of the soil206through a rigid, segmented configuration. In yet another positional adjustment, when the container edge wedges between the anchor rod and the sidewalls of the primary reservoir, the primary reservoir slides along the edge of the plant container to a desired region above the soil. The water is transmitted from the primary reservoir to the second end of the tube through capillary motion enabled by a dual feeding wick. At least one primary reservoir valve helps to regulate the flow of the liquid.

FIG. 12is a diagram view illustrating another embodiment of a position adjustable self-watering apparatus receiving water from a secondary reservoir in accordance with the present invention; andFIG. 13is a diagram view illustrating another embodiment of a position adjustable self-watering apparatus receiving water from a secondary reservoir in accordance with the present invention.

The water level rises as water is added to the reservoir102until is rises above the connection points of the tubes112and overflows, rapidly starting the wicking process. The apparatus100,1200,1300may comprise means for collecting rainwater, including various species of funnels, and refilling the reservoir102with this runoff. The funnel may be partially filled with a soluble fertilizer.

Alternatively, the apparatus100,1200,1300may comprises means for collecting rain/precipitation before it comes in contact with the soil in the container200, thus preventing excessive rain from washing nutrients out of the already moistened soil.