Abstract:
The present invention describes a lawn spike that is configured to distribute a solution of water, fertilizer, or pesticides into the soil. The device includes a proximal end and a spiked distal end, whereby the proximal end includes a reservoir and a removable cap, and the spiked distal end includes an elongated shaft having a plurality of apertures and a distal tip configured for insertion into the soil surface. In use, the device is inserted into the ground with a mallet or similar device and the cap is removed. The reservoir is filled with a solution, which then gravity fed into the spiked distal end for distribution through the apertures of the elongated shaft and into the soil. The present invention distributes pesticides, plant food, or water into the ground, helps to fertilize soil to ensure proper plant growth, and controls the drainage of the solution into the ground.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/804,960 filed on Mar. 25, 2013, entitled “Ant Killer/Plant Feeder.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a lawn treatment applicator. More specifically the invention relates to a lawn spike comprising a perforated leading end, whereby the perforations facilitate the treatment of the lawn. 
         [0004]    Plants can serve as a very nice addition to the decor of a home or may function as a food source. Maintaining a home garden containing fruits, vegetables, or aesthetically appealing plants are typically an easy task for those who have the time to provide the necessary nutrients to the garden. 
         [0005]    In order to provide a healthy and safe environment for plants in a garden, a user must provide water, fertilizer, and pesticides for protecting the plant against harmful animals or insects. Existing methods for maintaining a garden include direct application of water, pesticides, and nutrients, as well as automatic means such as sprinklers and dispensing tools. 
         [0006]    The present invention relates to a new and improved method of delivering nutrients or pesticides to a garden using a ground insertion device. The device includes a perforated spike, a reservoir for containing a solution, and a reservoir cap for securing the contents within the device. The interior of the device can contain and distribute water and fertilizers for feeding plants, and may further distribute an insecticide for the extermination of pests. The solution within the reservoir flows through the perforations on the spike and into the soil surface, thereby applying the solution in a more direct manner to the plants. The reservoir cap may be removably attached to the reservoir by threads. The cap may comprise a small hole to prevent air locking and may comprise a specialized locking mechanism to prevent tampering by children. 
         [0007]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0008]    Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to plant nutrition delivery devices. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to ground spikes configured for the distribution of nutrients or pesticides to soil. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art. 
         [0009]    One such device in the prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 4,089,133 to Duncan, which discloses a device for feeding liquids to potted plants. The device includes an elongated tubular reservoir having an open end having a cap thereon. The device further comprises a frusto-conical end which facilitates the distribution of the nutrients within the device into the soil for use by the potted plants. However, while the device of Duncan includes an end adapted for distributing nutrients to the plants, it differs from that of the present invention in that it fails to provide a device that comprises a plurality of perforations thereon, for distributing nutrients into the soil. 
         [0010]    Another patent, U.S. Pat. No. 3,821,863 to Chan, teaches a controlled fertilizer feeder, which includes a tapered container that is adapted to push into the ground. A top compartment of the container comprises a source of fertilizer and a bottom compartment contains additional plant nutrients. Moreover, the top and bottom compartment serve as a source of air to supply oxygen to the soil. Although the device of Chan is similar in nature and relevant to the present invention, it differs in that it fails to provide a continuous internal reservoir, which facilitates the distribution of nutrients to the soil through a plurality of apertures. 
         [0011]    Another such patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,130 to West describes a plant fertilizer holder, which includes a spike and a handle, whereby the handle is above ground and has a decorative design. The spike includes a shaft portion that allows a commercial plant food spike to be placed therein, and to be replaced when the food within the spike is used up. The handle may be decorated in the form of a human or other intended design molds. However, while the patent of West provides nutrients below the ground, the device fails to provide a plurality of apertures configured for the distribution of nutrients to plants. 
         [0012]    Yet another patent, U.S. Pat. No. 3,914,900 to Bigelow teaches a decomposable or biodegradable plugs that serve as carriers for plant growth-promoting elements such as fertilizer, soil conditioners, insecticides, seeds and repellants. There are several pockets at different points along the plug, whereby the pocket enable the distribution along different depths and positions of the soil. While Bigelow teaches an insert similar to that of the present invention, it fails to provide a portion above the ground that is configured for the reception of nutrients, and further lacks a cap that is configured for closing the device. 
         [0013]    Another patent, U.S. Pat. No. 6,370,812 to Burns teaches a system for controlling termites, whereby the system includes a monitoring system that includes two interfacing, separable pieces that can be bound together. The system may comprise a toxicant-containing matrix therein that encourages termites to contact the matrix, wherein the termites are exposed to lethal doses of a slow-acting toxicant. Although the prior art of Burns teaches a pesticide, it fails to further teach a device having a tapered end comprising apertures, which are configured for distributing nutrients to plants. 
         [0014]    Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 2,837,861 to Graham teaches an insecticide container, which includes a base member, and concentric inner and outer walls, whereby the walls may contain the insecticide, which may have either a liquid or a paste form. While the exterior of the device comprises a dome that comprises apertures, the device of Graham fails to comprise a tapered end having a plurality of apertures that are configured to distribute nutrients into the soil. 
         [0015]    The present invention relates to a pesticide and plant nutrient delivery device that is configured for the treatment of home gardens. The device includes a proximal end having an opening therein, a reservoir connected to the proximal end, and a spiked distal end comprising a plurality of apertures. After insertion into the soil, the interior of the reservoir is capable of retaining water, fertilizer, or pesticides for the extermination of pests. The solution contained within the reservoir is guided downward within the device and flows out of the apertures and into the soil, thereby administering the nutrients to the plants. After the filling of the device, a removable reservoir cap is threadably attached onto the proximal end of the device, thus sealing the solution within. The cap may comprise a small hole to facilitate airflow to permit diffusion. The cap may further comprise a specialized locking mechanism that prevents tampering from children by requiring a wrench or similar tool to remove the reservoir cap. 
         [0016]    It is submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing lawn spike devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of lawn spikes now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when a device that comprises mechanisms that deliver nutrients directly to the soil of a plant is desired. 
         [0018]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved lawn spike device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
         [0019]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a lawn spike device, whereby the device includes a plurality of apertures at a spiked distal end that are configured for delivering treatment to plants. 
         [0020]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that includes a threaded cap, whereby the cap includes a small opening configured to prevent air locking, and a specialized top configured to reduce tampering. 
         [0021]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a lawn spike distal end comprising a plurality of apertures. 
         [0022]    Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
           [0024]      FIG. 1A  shows a view of the lawn spike of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 1B  shows an overhead view of the interior of the reservoir of the device. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  shows the distal end of the device, whereby the end comprises a plurality of apertures. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the connection between the cap and the proximal end. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  shows a view of the filling of the reservoir with a treatment solution. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  shows the lawn spike device of the present invention in use. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the lawn spike. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for the treatment of plants. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , there are shown views of the lawn treatment device of the present invention, whereby  FIG. 1A  illustrates a side view and  FIG. 1B  displays an overhead view of the lawn treatment device interior. The lawn treatment device resembles a traditional lawn spike that is configured for delivering a treatment solution to plants. The solution adapted to be dispensed by the present invention may be one or more of water, fertilizer, or pesticides. In use, the spike distal end  40  is inserted into the ground, thereafter a reservoir  20  of the spike is filled with a solution that drips into the soil. 
         [0032]    In reference to  FIG. 1A , the lawn spike  10  includes a reservoir proximal end  20 , which is configured for containing a solution, and a ground spike distal end  40 , which is configured for insertion into the ground for administering therapeutic treatment to the soil and plants. The proximal end  20  is a reservoir that is adapted for containing a solution therein and includes a tapered lower end  26  and a reservoir cap  30  upper end for filling purposes. The distal spike end  40  of the device comprises an elongated shaft  42  having a plurality of apertures  44  thereon that communicate fluid from the shaft  42  and from the reservoir  20  thereabove. The pointed tip  46  of the shaft  42  is configured to facilitate insertion into the ground. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 1B , there is displayed an overhead cross-sectional view of the lawn spike device of the present invention, whereby the view illustrates the interior of the reservoir  20 . The interior of the reservoir  20  contains a hollow interior  22  that is configured for retaining a solution therein. The solution may be one of water, a fertilizer, or a pesticide for the extermination insects, wherein the reservoir interior  22  contains the solution and slowly drains the same through the spiked distal end  40  and into the ground to be treated. The quantity of solution draining from the reservoir  20  is dependent on the moisture content of the ground within which the spiked distal end  40  is inserted. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is displayed a view of the spiked distal end  40  of the device  10 , whereby the spiked distal end comprises a hollow interior that is connected to the tapered portion of the proximal end of the device. The spiked distal end  40  includes an elongated shaft  42 , a plurality of apertures  44 , and a pointed distal tip  46 . A plurality of apertures  44  is located along the length of the circumference of the shaft  42 , whereby their positioning facilitates an even distribution of nutrients into the soil. The pointed tip  46  of the elongated shaft  42  may also include apertures  44 , thereby providing an efficient methods of inserting the device into the ground surface and delivering nutrients or pesticides directly into the proximity of the garden plants. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a perspective view of the connection between the reservoir cap  30  and the reservoir proximal end  20  of the device  10 . The reservoir  20  includes an internal volume  22  a tapered portion  26 , and a cap  30  configured for closing the reservoir  20 . The reservoir  20  entrance comprises a threaded opening  24  that is configured for mating with a reservoir cap  30 , whereby the cap  30  includes threads  32  that mate with the threads  24  of the reservoir  20 . The cap  30 , further includes a square-shaped member  36  including a hole  34  in the center thereof. The square-shaped member  36  is configured to reduce and discourage tampering by others, such as children. This is accomplished by having a member  36  comprise a shape that requires the assistance of a tool, such as a wrench, to open the cap  30 . The square-shaped member comprises a hole  34  that facilitates a metered inflow of air into the reservoir interior  22 . The hole  34  is located in the center of the surface of the reservoir cap  30 , thereby preventing the clogging of the solution within the reservoir  22 , and encourages the flowing of solution therefrom. 
         [0036]    The spiked distal end  40  is attached to the reservoir proximal end  20 , wherein solution from the reservoir communicates into the shaft  42  thereof and through the apertures to the soil. The spiked distal end  40  comprises an elongated shaft  42  having a plurality of apertures  44  and a spiked distal end  46 . In use, the solid wall of the reservoir  20 , contains the solution within the reservoir interior  22 . The tapered end  26  of the reservoir drains the contained solution into the spiked distal end  40 , whereby the elongated shaft  42  is configured to distribute the fluid therefrom into the soil. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is a view of the lawn spike device  10  in use, whereby the reservoir  20  is being filed with a solution from a container of fertilizer  50 . In the preferred embodiment, the solution may be one of water, fertilizer, and pesticides, whereby the solution is configured for providing treatment to plants. To fill the treatment device  10  with a therapeutic solution, the reservoir cap  30  is removed by gripping the square-shaped member  36  and turning the cap  30  in a manner that separates the cap threads  32  from the reservoir threads  24 . 
         [0038]    The solution within the reservoir  20  is configured to flow through the tapered end  26  thereof and into the spiked distal end  40 , whereby the spiked distal end  40  includes an elongated shaft  42 , a plurality of apertures  44  and a pointed distal end  46 . The reservoir cap  30  includes a hole  34  that prevents a vacuum from forming within the reservoir as the solution drains therefrom, facilitating the flow of fluid through the apertures  44  of the spiked distal end  40 . 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is a view of the lawn spike of the present invention in use, whereby the device  10  is inserted into garden soil surface for the therapeutic treatment of plants. The device  10  includes an upper reservoir proximal end  20  and a lower spiked distal end  40 . The device is inserted into the ground prior to being filled with a container  50  having a solution therein. The elongated shaft  42  of the spiked distal end  40  comprises a diameter that facilitates the insertion of the end into the soil, while the tapered end  26  of the reservoir  20  is of a larger diameter, which reduces the likelihood that the proximal end  20  is insertable into the soil in an efficient manner. Having the spiked distal end  40  inserted into the soil prior to the filling of the reservoir  22  is recommended because the filling of the device before insertion into the soil would enable the fluid to exit the apertures  44  of the spiked distal end  40  prior to insertion into the soil. 
         [0040]    Next, the reservoir cap  30  is removed and the reservoir  20  is filled in a manner similar to that of  FIG. 4 . Thereafter the cap  30  is reattached to the threads  24  of the reservoir  20  after the same  20  is filled. The solution within the reservoir  20  is then gravitationally led downward past the tapered end  26  and into the elongate shaft  42  of the spiked distal end  40 . The elongate shaft  42  comprises a plurality of apertures  44  throughout the shaft  42 . Gravity and the shape of the device  10  facilitate the distribution of solution out of the apertures  44  of the shaft  42 , thereby providing a therapeutic treatment to the plants and soil  48 . 
         [0041]    The present invention relates to a new and improved lawn spike that is configured for the therapeutic delivery of nutrients or pesticides to plants. The device  10  includes an upper reservoir proximal end  20  and a lower spiked distal end  40 . The reservoir  20  includes an open interior  22  having a threaded upper  24  and a tapered lower end  26  leading to the spiked distal end  40 . The proximal end further includes a reservoir cap  30  comprising threads, an aeration hole  34 , and a square-shaped member  36 . The square-shaped member  36  is configured for facilitating the removal of the cap from the proximal end  20  to enable the filling of the device  10 . The spiked distal end  40  includes an elongated shaft  42  having perforations thereon, and a pointed distal end  46 , which is configured for insertion into the soil surface  48 . 
         [0042]    In use, the device  10  is inserted into the ground with a mallet or other means, and the reservoir cap  30  is removed. A container  50  having a solution then pours the solution into the reservoir interior  22 . The flow of solution out of the spiked distal end  40  is facilitated by gravity and the air hole  34  of the reservoir cap  30 , which prevents the stoppage of flow though the apertures  44  until the solutions has completely flowed into the soil surface  48 . After the solution has completely transferred into the ground, the cap  30  may be removed once more, and a therapeutic solution may once again be supplied to the reservoir  20  to enable continued treatment. 
         [0043]    It is contemplated that the apertures  44  of the spiked distal end  40  can be constructed in a variety of sizes to control the flow of liquid therethrough. Smaller aperture holes  44  may permit slower drainage of the solution and larger holes may facilitate faster drainage into the soil, thus an easy and convenient way to prevent insect infestations and to feed plants and trees. 
         [0044]    It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0045]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.