Abstract:
A siphon device facilitates the removal of liquids from botanical containers, without requiring the removal, destruction, or alteration of botanical materials that may be contained therein. The siphon device comprises a first segment of tubing, a second segment of tubing coupled to the first segment of tubing, and a bulb coupled to the second segment of tubing. Inlet and outlet openings in the first segment of tubing allow liquids to be drawn into and released out of the siphon device. A first end of the first segment of tubing may be inserted into a botanical container holding liquid, such as a vase, urn, bottle, etc. Squeezing of the bulb forces air out of the bulb. Releasing of the bulb causes liquid to be drawn up through the first end and out of a second end of the first segment of tubing, thereby removing the liquid from the botanical container. The second end may be positioned in a disposal area, such as a sink, bucket, etc., in order to collect the liquid removed from the botanical container.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to siphon devices and, more particularly, to a siphon device that removes water and other liquids from containers, such as vases, urns, bottles, etc. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]    The practice of displaying botanical materials, such as freshly cut flowers, plants, foliage, herbs, grasses, etc. has been around for centuries. Such botanical materials are typically placed in containers of water for display, including, for example, vases, urns and bottles. In order to keep the botanical materials fresher longer, it is often recommended that the water in the container be changed frequently, typically once per day or every other day. Changing the water in relatively deep containers, especially vases, urns, and bottles, may be burdensome and awkward. In this regard, it may be necessary to first remove the botanical materials from the container. The water may then be emptied from the container, fresh water may then be added to the container, and the botanical materials replaced in the container. If the botanical materials are not removed from the container, a person would need to hold the botanical materials in place in some manner while the water is poured from the container. Further, if the water is being poured into a sink, for instance, it would be necessary to hold the container sufficiently above the sink so that the botanical materials are not crushed while the water is being poured out. These methods of removing water from the containers may result in the destruction and/or alteration of the arrangement of the botanical materials. 
         [0003]    A need therefore exists for a device capable of removing liquid from botanical containers, such as vases, urns, bottles, etc., that does not require the removal of materials from the containers, that does not require a person to tip the container in order to pour liquid from the container, and that does not destroy and/or alter the arrangement of botanical materials within the container. 
         [0004]    The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related advantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a siphon device for removing liquids from botanical containers is disclosed. The siphon device comprises, in combination: a first segment of tubing having a first end with an inlet opening and a second end with an outlet opening and defining an internal cavity therebetween, wherein the first end is adapted to be inserted in a container and the second end is adapted to be positioned proximate a disposal area; a second segment of tubing positioned substantially proximate the second end of the first segment of tubing and having a first end with a first opening and a second end with a second opening, wherein the first end is coupled to the first segment of tubing; and a bulb having a substantially spherical shape defining an internal cavity therein and having an opening with an overlap region, wherein the overlap region is coupled to the second end of the second segment of tubing. 
         [0006]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a siphon device for removing liquids from botanical containers is disclosed. The siphon device comprises, in combination: a first segment of tubing having a first end with an inlet opening and a second end with an outlet opening and defining an internal cavity therebetween, wherein the first end is adapted to be inserted in one of a vase, urn, and bottle and the second end is adapted to be positioned proximate one of a sink and bucket, the first segment of tubing having a length that is substantially greater than a height of the container into which it may be inserted; a second segment of tubing positioned substantially proximate the second end of the first segment of tubing and having a first end with a first opening and a second end with a second opening, wherein the first end is coupled to the first segment of tubing; and a bulb having a substantially spherical shape defining an internal cavity therein with a volume of substantially three ounces, and having an opening with an overlap region, wherein the overlap region is coupled to the second end of the second segment of tubing. 
         [0007]    In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a method for removing liquids from botanical containers is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a botanical container with liquid therein; providing a siphon device comprising, in combination: a first segment of tubing having a first end with an inlet opening and a second end with an outlet opening and defining an internal cavity therebetween, wherein the first end is adapted to be inserted in a container and the second end is adapted to be positioned proximate a disposal area; a second segment of tubing positioned substantially proximate the second end of the first segment of tubing and having a first end with a first opening and a second end with a second opening, wherein the first end is coupled to the first segment of tubing; and a bulb having a substantially spherical shape defining an internal cavity therein and having an opening with an overlap region, wherein the overlap region is coupled to the second end of the second segment of tubing; providing a disposal area; inserting the first end of the first segment of tubing into the botanical container; positioning the botanical container higher than the second end of the first segment of tubing; positioning the second end of the first segment of tubing proximate the disposal area; squeezing the bulb; partially releasing the bulb in order to draw the liquid up though the inlet opening and first end of the first segment of tubing; completely releasing the bulb once the liquid begins to flow downhill; and allowing the liquid to flow into the disposal area. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a siphon device, consistent with an embodiment of the present 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a siphon device, consistent with another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a side, cross-sectional view of a siphon device, consistent with a further embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0011]    Referring first to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a siphon device  10  consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The siphon device  10  is particularly useful for removing liquids from botanical containers, such as vases, urns, bottles, etc. The siphon device  10  comprises the following principal components: a first segment of tubing  12 , a second segment of tubing  24  coupled to the first segment of tubing  12 , and a bulb  30  coupled to the second segment of tubing  24 . 
         [0012]    In a preferred embodiment, the first segment of tubing  12 , second segment of tubing  24 , and bulb  30  comprise separate components. It may be possible for the first segment of tubing  12  and second segment of tubing  24  to form a one-piece assembly, if desired. It may also be possible for the second segment of tubing  24  and bulb  30  to comprise a one-piece assembly, if desired. It may further be possible for the first segment of tubing  12 , second segment of tubing  24 , and bulb  30  to form a one-piece assembly. Preferably, the first segment of tubing  12 , second segment of tubing  24 , and bulb  30  are composed of a flexible material, such as rubber or plastic. The first segment of tubing  12  and second segment of tubing  24  should be sufficiently rigid, however, such that each maintains its shape and does not collapse when inserted in a botanical container, as further discussed below. 
         [0013]    The first segment of tubing  1 , in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , a first end  14  with an inlet opening  16  and a second end  18  with an outlet opening  20 . The first segment of tubing  12  further includes an opening  22 , adapted to receive the second segment of tubing  24 . It is preferred that the opening  22  be positioned substantially proximate to the second end  18  of the first segment of tubing  12 , as shown in the embodiment in  FIG. 1 . Preferably, the first segment of tubing  12  is of a length substantially longer than a height of a vase, urn, bottle, etc. into which it may be inserted. In this way, the first end  14  may be inserted in and reach the bottom of the vase, urn, bottle, etc., while the second end  18  may protrude from the vase, urn, bottle, etc. and into a disposal area, such as a sink, bucket, etc. 
         [0014]    The second segment of tubing  24  includes a first end  26  with a first opening (not shown) and a second end  28  with a second opening (not shown). The first end  26  is adapted to be inserted in the opening  22  of the first segment of tubing  12 . The second end  28  is adapted to be connected to the bulb  30 , as discussed further below. It is preferred that the second segment of tubing  24  be coupled to the first segment of tubing  12  at a position that is substantially proximate to the second end  18  of the first segment of tubing  12 . Preferably, the second segment of tubing  24  is of a length shorter than a length of the first segment of tubing  12 . 
         [0015]    The bulb  30  includes an opening  32  and an overlap region  34 . The bulb  30  further includes an internal cavity (not shown) in which air may be contained. In a preferred embodiment, the bulb  30  defines an internal cavity volume of approximately  3  ounces. However, it may be desired to employ a bulb  30  in which the internal cavity consists of a different volume. Preferably, the bulb  30  is substantially spherically shaped, as shown in  FIG. 1 . However, it may be desired for the bulb  30  to take on some other shape, such as that of an oval, ellipse, egg-shape, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the opening  32  is adapted to receive the second end  28  of the second segment of tubing  24 , with the overlap region  34  adapted to fit snugly around the second end  28 , in order that air may not escape from either the bulb  30  or the second segment of tubing  24 . In another embodiment (not shown), the bulb  30  may be configured such that the overlap region  34  is inserted into the second opening (not shown) proximate the second end  28  in the second segment of tubing  24 , so long as a substantially tight fit is formed between the overlap region  34  and the second opening. The bulb  30  should be composed of a flexible material, such as rubber or plastic, that may compress when squeezed but then return to its original configuration when released. 
         [0016]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , it may be desired to provide one or more valves, as herein described, to provide certain improvements to the functionality of the siphon device  10 . For example, in one embodiment, it may be desired to provide a one-way check valve at the top of the bulb  30 , which valve A will regulate the flow or air into and out of the bulb  30 . This will permit multiple squeezes of the bulb  30 , which will provide for improved suction. 
         [0017]    Valve B is an airflow/water valve, which may be added to prevent water from entering the second segment of tubing  24  during operation, while permitting the passage of air therethrough. Valve C, which may be configured as a twist-activated, a flip open, or a snap open valve, may alternately seal and open outlet opening  20 . When sealed, water may not pass through the outlet opening  20 . Closing of the valve  3  allows a user to hold the prime, while a release of the valve C allows the siphon device  10  to be used for draining purposes as herein described. 
         [0018]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , another embodiment of a siphon device  100  consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As with the siphon device  10 , the siphon device  100  is particularly useful for removing liquids from botanical containers, such as vases, urns, bottles, etc. The siphon device  100  comprises the following principal components: a first segment of tubing  112 , a second segment of tubing  124  coupled to the first segment of tubing  112 , and a bulb  130  coupled to the second segment of tubing  124 . 
         [0019]    In this embodiment, the second segment of tubing  124  and bulb  130  comprise a one-piece assembly. Preferably, the first segment of tubing  112 , second segment of tubing  124 , and bulb  130  are composed of a flexible material, such as rubber or plastic. The first segment of tubing  112  should be sufficiently rigid, however, such that it maintains its shape and does not collapse when inserted in a botanical container, as further discussed below. 
         [0020]    The first segment of tubing  112 , in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , includes a first end  114  with an inlet opening  116  and a second end  118  with an outlet opening  120 . The first segment of tubing  112  further includes an opening  122 , adapted to receive the second segment of tubing  124 . It is preferred that the opening  122  be positioned substantially proximate to the second end  118  of the first segment of tubing  112 , as shown in the embodiment in  FIG. 2 . Preferably, the first segment of tubing  112  is of a length substantially longer than a height of a vase, urn, bottle, etc. into which it may be inserted. In this way, the first end  114  may be inserted in and reach the bottom of the vase, urn, bottle, etc., while the second end  118  may protrude from the vase, urn, bottle, etc. and into a disposal area, such as a sink, bucket, etc. 
         [0021]    The second segment of tubing  124  includes a first end  126  with a first opening (not shown) and a second end  128  with a second opening (not shown). The first end  126  is adapted to be inserted in the opening  122  of the first segment of tubing  112 . It is preferred that the second segment of tubing  124  be coupled to the first segment of tubing  112  at a position that is substantially proximate to the second end  118  of the first segment of tubing  112 . Preferably, the second segment of tubing  124  is of a length shorter than a length of the first segment of tubing  112 . 
         [0022]    The bulb  130  opens internally to the second segment of tubing  124 . The bulb  130  includes an internal cavity (not shown) in which air may be contained. In a preferred embodiment, the bulb  130  defines an internal cavity volume of approximately  3  ounces. However, it may be desired to employ a bulb  130  in which the internal cavity consists of a different volume. Preferably, the bulb  130  is substantially spherically shaped, as shown in  FIG. 2 . However, it may be desired for the bulb  130  to take on some other shape, such as that of an oval, ellipse, egg-shape, etc. The bulb  130  should be composed of a flexible material, such as rubber or plastic, that may compress when squeezed but then return to its original configuration when released. 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , it may be desired to provide one or more valves, as herein described, to provide certain improvements to the functionality of the siphon device  100 . For example, in one embodiment, it may be desired to provide a one-way check valve A at the top of the bulb  130 , which valve  1  will regulate the flow or air into and out of the bulb  130 . This will permit multiple squeezes of the bulb  130 , which will provide for improved suction. 
         [0024]    Valve B is an air/water valve, which may be added to prevent water from entering the second segment of tubing  124  during operation, while permitting the passage of air therethrough. Valve C, which may be configured as a twist-activated, flip open or snap open valve, is an on/off valve that may alternately seal and open outlet opening  120 . When sealed, water may not pass through the outlet opening  120 . Closing of the valve  3  allows a user to hold the prime, while a release of the valve  3  allows the siphon device  10  to be used for draining purposes as herein described. 
       Statement of Operation 
       [0025]    In order to use the siphon device  10  to remove liquid from a botanical container, a user would first insert the first end  14  of the first segment of tubing  12  of the siphon device  10  into a botanical container, such as a vase, urn, bottle, etc., so that the first end  14  and inlet opening  16  reach the bottom of the botanical container. The user would ensure that the botanical container is positioned higher than the second end  18  and outlet opening  20  of the first segment of tubing  12 . The user would next position the second end  18  and outlet opening  20  of the first segment of tubing  12  proximate a disposal area, such as a sink, bucket, etc., so that the liquid to be drained from the botanical container may flow into the disposal area. The disposal area should be capable of collecting an amount of liquid to be drained from the botanical container. Next, a user would squeeze the bulb  30  in order to force air out of the internal cavity of the bulb  30 . Finally, the user would begin to release the bulb  30 . As the bulb  30  is partially released, the liquid in the botanical container will be drawn up through the inlet opening  16  and first end  14  of the first segment of tubing  12 . Once the liquid begins to flow downhill, the bulb  30  may be completely released. At this stage, gravity should allow the liquid to flow through the first segment of tubing  12 , through the second end  18  and out of the outlet opening  20 , and into the disposal area, thereby removing the liquid from the botanical container. 
         [0026]    In order to use the siphon device  100 , a user would follow substantially the same steps as those used for the siphon device  10 . In this regard, a user would first insert the first end  114  of the first segment of tubing  112  of the siphon device  100  into a botanical container, such as a vase, urn, bottle, etc., so that the first end  114  and inlet opening  116  reach the bottom of the botanical container. The user would ensure that the botanical container is positioned higher than the second end  118  and outlet opening  120  of the first segment of tubing  112 . The user would next position the second end  118  and outlet opening  120  of the first segment of tubing  112  proximate a disposal area, such as a sink, bucket, etc., so that the liquid to be drained from the botanical container may flow into the disposal area. The disposal area should be capable of collecting an amount of liquid to be drained from the botanical container. Next, a user would squeeze the bulb  130  in order to force air out of the internal cavity of the bulb  130 . Finally, the user would begin to release the bulb  130 . As the bulb  130  is partially released, the liquid in the botanical container will be drawn up through the inlet opening  116  and first end  114  of the first segment of tubing  112 . Once the liquid begins to flow downhill, the bulb  130  may be completely released. At this stage, gravity should allow the liquid to flow through the first segment of tubing  112 , through the second end  118  and out of the outlet opening  120 , and into the disposal area, thereby removing the liquid from the botanical container. 
         [0027]    While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while embodiments of the invention as herein described may be utilized with botanical containers, the invention may also be useable other vessels containing liquids, including for example aquariums, standing water in the home, garden or yard.