Fertilizer dispensing apparatus

The present invention provides for a dispensing apparatus which will successfully disperse a minute amount of fertilizer during each watering of gardens, lawns, or the like. The apparatus of the present invention includes an inner chamber which is housed within an outer chamber. The inner chamber maintains a water soluble fertilizer and also includes an inlet and an outlet. An inlet and outlet is also at the outer ends of the outer chamber. A gap or space is situated between the inner chamber and outer chamber. For utilizing the device of the present invention, the user attaches a conventional water source to the inlet of the outer chamber while a water discharge device is secured to the outlet of the device. Water enters the inlet of the outer chamber and flows into the space or gap as well as enters the inner chamber via the inlet. The water within the inner chamber causes the fertilizer to dissolve and form a solution. This solution exits the inner chamber via the outlet. At the outlet of the inner chamber, the fresh water from the gap or space mixes with the solution to further dilute the solution. The diluted solution is then able to exit the apparatus via the outlet located at the outer end of the outer chamber.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates generally to a fertilizer dispensing 
apparatus and more particularly to a fertilizer dispensing apparatus that 
is adapted to be removably secured to a water source which will adequately 
and efficiently disperse a solution during each watering of gardens, 
lawns, or the like, without harming the user or the environment. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
Throughout the United States, gardening, including garden plants or lawn 
grass, is becoming one of the fastest growing hobbies. Working on a garden 
can provide a means of relieving stress while the results of the 
successful garden can be extremely satisfying as well as aesthetically 
pleasing. 
As every gardener knows, to produce healthy plants or lawn grass, nutrients 
are needed. Several products are out on the market to enable a gardener to 
supply nutrients to the plants, lawn grass, or the like. Many of these 
products consist of a chemical solution in a water soluble solid which can 
be placed on the soil surrounding the plant or optionally can be mixed 
with water to produce a solution. In either method, an even distribution 
is difficult to obtain. The plant or lawn may receive too much fertilizer, 
inadvertently harming the plant, or too little fertilizer, which will 
hinder the plant or lawn from thriving as well as not promote effective 
growth. Additionally, the use of such methods are difficult and awkward to 
perform and utilize in order to obtain the optimum use of substance for 
the growing product. 
As such, lawn and garden feeding apparatus have been developed for 
adequately and evenly dispensing a fertilizer solution during each 
watering. One such device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,937,399 issued 
to Halley, wherein Halley discloses an apparatus which includes a chamber 
housing and a solid water soluble capsule. Water is adapted to enter into 
the chamber via an inlet to dissolve the water soluble solid capsule. Once 
dissolved, a solution is produced which is adapted to exit the chamber via 
an outlet. Though this device does alleviate the process of the consumer 
mixing the chemical solution, this apparatus does not guarantee an even 
distribution of the chemical solution for adequately feeding a lawn or 
plants. For example, in Halley, at the start of the process, the solution 
exiting the outlet will be more concentrated than the solution exiting the 
outlet at the end of the process. Additionally, there exists the 
possibility of large non-dissolved particles of the capsule escaping the 
chamber. These non-dissolved particles may harm, or worse, destroy the 
lawn or plants. 
As seen, none of these previous efforts provide the benefits intended with 
the present invention. Additionally, prior techniques do not suggest the 
present inventive combination of component elements as disclosed and 
claimed herein, such as providing an apparatus which will adequately and 
efficiently disperse a water based solution without harming the user or 
the environment. The present invention achieves its intended purposes, 
objectives and advantages over the prior art device through a new, useful 
and unobvious combination of component elements, which is simple to use, 
with the utilization of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a 
reasonable cost to manufacture, assemble, test and by employing only 
readily available material. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention provides an apparatus that is adapted to be removably 
secured to a water source for enabling a water soluble substance to be 
evenly and adequately distributed during each watering of gardens, lawns, 
or the like, without harming the user or the environment. 
The apparatus of the present invention is compact, light weight and 
comprises an inner chamber which is housed within an outer chamber. 
Located within the inner chamber is a water soluble substance. The outer 
ends of the inner chamber are sealed with a pair of inner end caps. The 
outer ends of the outer chamber are sealed with a pair of outer end caps, 
wherein one end cap is an inlet and the opposite end cap is an outlet. A 
gap or space is located between the inner chamber and the outer chamber. 
A plurality of apertures or channels are located within the outer end caps. 
At least one aperture is located within each inner end cap. These 
apertures located within the inner end caps are aligned with the inlet and 
outlet, respectively. Accordingly, to utilize the apparatus of the present 
invention, the user merely attaches a water source to the inlet. Water is 
able to enter the outer chamber and travel within the space or gap located 
between the outer and inner chambers. Water is also able to enter into the 
inner chamber via the aperture located within the inner end cap. As water 
flows into the inner chamber, the substance slowly dissolves. Upon 
dissolving, the solution of water and substance can exit the inner chamber 
via the opposite aperture in the second inner end cap. After exiting the 
aperture, the solution mixes with water traveling within the gap in order 
to further dilute the substance. The diluted substance exits the apparatus 
via the outlet. Inherently, this process provides an even displacement of 
solution without harming the environment. 
Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide for a 
dispensing apparatus that is adapted to be removably secured to a water 
source and which will automatically, safely, adequately, and efficiently 
disperse a chemical solution to properly provide nutrients during each 
watering of the lawn, garden plants, or the like. 
It is another object of the present invention to provide for a dispensing 
apparatus that will overcome the drawbacks, deficiencies, and shortcomings 
of prior dispensing apparatus and methods thereof. 
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing 
apparatus which is not only safe for the environment but will eliminate 
the need for the user to contact, mix and/or measure chemical fertilizer 
which may be hazardous to their health. In addition, the apparatus of the 
present invention is ideal for those with limited dexterity, the elderly, 
and arthritics who find the mixing and measuring process to be laborious 
and difficult. 
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide for a dispensing 
apparatus which may be stored without completely dissolving the substance 
within the inner cartridge to enable frequent small quantity feedings. 
It is yet another object of the present invention, to be specifically 
enumerated herein, to provide a dispensing apparatus in accordance with 
the preceding objects and which will conform to conventional forms of 
manufacture, be of simple construction and easy to use so as to provide a 
device that would be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively 
trouble free in operation. 
Although there have been many inventions related to dispensing devices, 
none of the inventions have become sufficiently compact, low cost, and 
reliable enough to become commonly used. The present invention meets the 
requirements of the simplified design, compact size, minimal components, 
low initial cost, low operating cost, ease of installation and 
maintainability, and minimal amount of training to successfully employ the 
invention. 
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the 
invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of 
some of the more prominent features and application of the intended 
invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the 
disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention 
within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, a fuller understanding of 
the invention may be had by referring to the detailed description of the 
preferred embodiments in addition to the scope of the invention defined by 
the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several 
views of the drawings. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
As seen throughout the various views of the drawings, the dispensing 
apparatus 10 of the present invention comprises an inner hollow chamber 12 
and an outer hollow chamber 14. The inner chamber houses a water soluble 
substance or fertilizer 16. The inner chamber 12 and outer chamber 14 are 
preferably fabricated from a rigid transparent material so as to enable 
the user to visually determine the status of the inner chamber 12 (i.e. 
full, partially full, or empty). 
The inner chamber 12 includes opposite ends 12a and 12b which are opened. 
To seal this inner chamber 12, the ends 12a and 12b, respectively, are 
each provided with an inner end cap 18a and 18b. To enable fluid, such as 
water, to enter and exit the inner chamber 12, each inner end cap 18a and 
18b is provided with at least one opening. 
This inner chamber 12 is housed within the outer chamber 14. As seen in the 
drawings, a gap or space 20 is located between the inner chamber 12 and 
outer chamber 14. The outer chamber includes opened ends 14a and 14b which 
are sealed via the use of outer end caps 22a and 22b, respectively. 
The outer chamber 14 is illustrated in further detail in FIGS. 1-4. As 
seen, the first outer end cap 22a includes an inlet 24 which is adapted to 
be removably secured to a conventional water source, such as a hose or the 
like. As such, this inlet 24 is threaded for receiving the conventional 
water source, such as a conventional hose coupling assembly. 
The second outer end cap 22b includes an outlet 26 which is adapted to be 
removably secured to a conventional feeding device, such as a lawn 
sprinkler or the like. As such, this outlet 26, like the inlet, is 
threaded for receiving such a conventional assembly. 
Each end cap is illustrated in further detail in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5. As 
seen in these drawings, each outer end cap 22a and 22b, respectively, 
includes an aperture 28 which acts as the inlet and outlet, respectively 
for the device. Accordingly, water is able to enter the device 10 through 
the aperture 28 located within the first outer end cap 22a, while the 
solution (fertilizer solution 16 dissolved in water) is adapted to escape 
via the aperture 28 located within the second outer end cap 22b. 
Each outer end cap further includes a plurality of channels 30 which extend 
above the inner end caps 18a and 18b, and extends along the sides of the 
inner end caps and into the gap or space 20. Inherently, one open end of 
the channel will be located above the inner end caps while a second open 
end of the channel will be located below the inner end caps and be 
situated within the space or gap. This design and configuration of the 
channels 30 will provide a means of fresh water, which does not include a 
water soluble substance, to travel from the inlet 24 to the outlet 26 via 
the gap or space 20. The fresh water from the gap will again mix with the 
solution at the second outer end cap prior to exiting the device 10. This 
means of traveling and mixing will further dilute the substance upon 
exiting via the outlet. 
The outer end caps 22a and 22b also include a unique design and 
configuration for providing the inner chamber 12 to remain in a fixed and 
stable position within the outer chamber 14. As seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, 
the outer end caps 22a and 22b, each include an inner circumference member 
32 that is adapted to contact and engage the outer surface of each inner 
end cap 18a and 18b in order to secure the inner end caps in a fixed and 
stable position on the inner chamber 12 as well as maintain the inner 
chamber in a fixed and secured position within the outer chamber 14. The 
inner chamber secured within the outer chamber is illustrated in FIGS. 1 
and 2. 
Optionally, the outer end caps 22a and 22b, may include outer circumference 
member 34 for extending over the outer surface of the outer chamber 14. 
This design will enable the outer end caps 22a and 22b to be removably 
secured to the outer chamber for rendering access to the interior of the 
device. This design for the outer circumference member 34 is illustrated 
in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 and would provide for an inner chamber that is 
replaceable for inherently providing an apparatus which is reusable. 
Accordingly, the outer end caps may be internally smooth (as illustrated) 
for enabling the outer end caps to snap onto the outer chamber, or 
optionally, the outer end caps may be internally threaded for enabling the 
outer end caps to be threadably securable to the outer chamber. In this 
design of the outer end caps, at least one can be removable while the 
second can be permanently secured to the outer chamber. This design will 
still enable access to the inner chamber. 
Alternatively, the outer circumference member 34 could be flushed with the 
outer ends 14a and 14b of the outer tube. This optional design for the 
outer circumference member 34 is illustrated in FIG. 1. 
The design of the outer end cap 14a and 14b, illustrated in FIG. 1, would 
be ideal for providing for the inner hollow chamber to be permanently 
located within the outer hollow chamber. The outer circumference member 
34, for this embodiment, would be permanently attached to the outer ends 
of the outer chamber via conventional means, such as, but not limited to 
the use of adhesives or the like. Thereby, providing a product which is 
not reusable and can be throw out after each use. 
To prohibit the fertilizer from seeping or escaping into the gap or space 
20, the hollow inner chamber is provided with inner end caps 18a and 18b, 
as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. These inner end caps 18a and 18b are 
illustrated in further detail in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. As seen in these 
drawings, each end cap 18a and 18b includes at least one aperture 36, 
preferably centrally aligned with the respect to the inner chamber 12. The 
apertures act as an entering means for the water and exiting means for the 
solution. These apertures 36 and are intended to be aligned with the inlet 
24 and outlet 26. The inner end caps 18a and 18b can be provided with a 
circumference member as discussed and illustrated (see FIGS. 1-3 and 5) 
for the outer circumference member 34 for the outer end caps 22a and 22b. 
These inner end caps can be designed to be integral with the inner 
chamber. 
For enabling a dissolved solution to flow and deter non-dissolved particles 
from escaping from the inner chamber 12, a filter 38 can be located at the 
opposite ends 12a and 12b of the inner chamber. The use of a filter will 
prohibit the non-dissolved elements from leaving the inner chamber. 
Thereby, providing for a more diluted solution to exit the apparatus of 
the present invention and to alleviate the possibility of harming or 
destroying plants, lawn or the like. 
The fertilizer utilized in the inner chamber 12 can be any one of a number 
of water soluble fertilizer formulations available for specific treatment 
of lawns, flower gardens, vegetable gardens, or the like. For example, for 
fertilizing lawns, fertilizers having: 30%-40% nitrogen, 2%-5% phosphoric 
acid and 2% to 3% soluble potash may be employed. For fertilizing flower 
gardens, such as azalea, begonia, daffodil, gardenia, roses or the like, 
fertilizers having: 10%-15% nitrogen, 45%-55% phosphoric acid, and 5%-15% 
soluble potash may be utilized. For fertilizing vegetables, such as 
tomatoes, beans, carrots, corn, peppers or the like, fertilizers having: 
20%-15% nitrogen, 20%-15%, Phosphoric acid, 20%-25% may be advantageously 
employed, a specific plant--lawns, flowers, vegetable. The above 
identified formulations are standard and conventional fertilizer 
formulations and are indicated by way of illustration only, since it is 
clear that a fertilizer having virtually any analysis desired may be 
utilized where desired. Additionally, the fertilizer can be in any desired 
formed, such as a solid, liquid, gel, pellets, or powder and is preferably 
dyed a color other than being clear or white. 
To utilize the apparatus of the present invention, the user merely attaches 
the inlet 24 to a water source. Once secured, the water source is 
activated to enable water to flow freely into the apparatus 10. As seen in 
FIG. 2, water enters the inlet and flows into the inner chamber 12 via the 
aperture located in the first inner end cap 18a. This water will mix with 
the fertilizer 16 and cause the fertilizer to dissolve and form a 
solution. 
Water is able to flow into the gap via channels 30 located in the first 
outer end cap 22a. The water in the gap or space 20 will continue to 
travel around the inner chamber and to the channels 30 located in the 
second outer end cap 22b. The solution (water and dissolved fertilizer) 
will exit the inner chamber 12 via the aperture located in the second 
inner end cap 18b and will mix with the water from the gap or space 20. 
The water mixing with the solution will dilute the mixture even more for 
enabling release in micro feeding amounts. 
As water flows through the inner chamber 12 the loss of color, when viewed 
through the transparent inner chamber 12 and outer chamber 14, provides an 
indication that the nutrient concentration has fallen to a level at which 
replacement of the inner chamber 12 or apparatus 10 is indicated. 
The inner container is designed to stored the fertilizer so that it will 
have a slow release rate resulting in an approximate one hour life during 
which time it releases nutriment in proper proportions to the stream of 
water flowing therethrough. 
As water flows through the inner and outer chambers, the nutriment is 
released in micro feeding amounts. This rate may be varied by simply 
enlarging the openings in the inner end cap and/or optionally, enlarging 
the thickness of the filter, if used. 
The apparatus of the present invention provides an apparatus which will 
slowly, but accurately release nutrients over an extended period of time. 
The relative release rate remains substantially constant throughout 
approximately seventy-five percent of the useful life of the fertilizer. 
The apparatus is also designed to be utilized for short periods of time. 
After a particular amount of time, if the fertilizer located in the inner 
chamber is not dissolved, then the user merely deactivates the water 
source and is able to use it at a later time. 
The apparatus of the present invention not only provides an efficient means 
of feeding nutrients to lawns, plants and the like, but this apparatus 
will also aid in the conservation of water. Due to the fertilizer being 
dissolved with water and being dispersed in a solution having a minute 
amount of fertilizer, there is no need to pre-treat or pre-water the lawn, 
plant, or the like. Additionally, since the fertilizer exiting is in such 
a minute amount, the life of the conventional coupling assembly attached 
to the outlet will not be significantly reduced due to excess corrosion. 
Further still, the present invention 10 is a self flushing apparatus which 
is light weight and user and environmentally friendly. 
The apparatus of the present invention 10 can also be molded and designed 
as an integral unit or can have components which are integral. This will 
provide for at least one of the inner end caps to be integral with the 
inner chamber and/or provide for at least one of the outer end caps to be 
integral with the outer chamber. 
It is noted that the apparatus of the present invention can be 
re-configured so that the apparatus is integral with a lawn sprinkler. 
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with 
reference to an embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled 
in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without 
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.