Abstract:
An apparatus has a fluid flow portion that is introduced as part of a fluid flow continuum. The fluid flow portion is situated above a plurality of liquid-holding chambers. Each chamber forms a fluid flow continuum from the chamber through a tube-like structure that intersects the fluid flow portion. A control means is provided to set the fluid flow from the chamber at a determined level. An alternative embodiment provides an apparatus that is fully portable.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/804,604 filed Jun. 13, 2006. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to fluid distribution systems and to devices that are used in such systems for controlling the flow of fluid, such as water, and for adding chemicals, such as liquid fertilizers, to such fluid during flow. More particularly, it relates to a multi-chambered apparatus that can contain a plurality of water-soluble chemicals or water additives, the apparatus being placed in-line with respect to the fluid flow for distribution of the chemicals and additives together with the water that passes through the apparatus. It also relates to such an apparatus that allows for separately controllable feed rates from each of the chambers contained within the apparatus. It also relates to such an apparatus that can be used in a fixed in-line position relative to the fluid distribution system or that can, in an alternative embodiment, be used as a portable unit. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Irrigation systems and fluid distribution devices of such systems are known in the art. Indeed, water has been carried by means of stone, wood, and metal piping for centuries. More recently, plastic piping and rubber tubing has made water distribution a way of life in our modern society. 
         [0004]    Also known in the art are ways of introducing liquid chemicals, most typically in the form of fertilizers, weed killers and pesticides, into the flow stream. Methods of doing this include, for example, using wick-like feeders to draw a liquid chemical from a reservoir along the wick and then into the flow stream, a portion of the wick being disposed within that flow stream. Other methods include single use bottles and the like for mixing a liquid chemical with the fluid flow stream by means of a venturi-type tube arrangement. In this last configuration, a localized low pressure area is created along the primary flow stream whereby liquid chemical is drawn from the bottle, through the tube, and is fed into the flow stream. Also in this last configuration, the flow of liquid chemical is typically accomplished at a fixed rate. That is, the flow of liquid chemical from the bottle is always in accordance with a rate that is a function of the flow velocity of the stream and of the size of the opening through which the liquid chemical is fed into the flow stream. One of the drawbacks of this prior art is the very fact that the flow rate is not variable. Another drawback is the fact that only one reservoir, such as a bottle, can typically be used at a time. If more than one bottle is to be used, such as where it would be desired to introduce several different liquid chemicals into the liquid flow, each chemical being used for a specific purpose, the chemicals would need to be separately applied or the bottles would need to be separately connected to the line, all through a single venturi-type tube. Indeed, the prior art known to this inventor is limited to individual reservoirs being capable of feeding chemicals or other liquids through a single venturi-type orifice, such as through a spray nozzle. 
         [0005]    In the view of this inventor, what is needed is an in-line apparatus that is comprised of a self-contained unit having multiple chambers for introducing one or more liquids into a fluid flow, and where the feed rate from each chamber is variably adjustable. What is also needed is such an apparatus that can be placed in-line with the fluid flow structure such that the apparatus is more or less a permanent part of the fluid flow continuum. What is also needed is such an apparatus that can, in an alternative embodiment, be constructed for temporary use within any fluid flow continuum, including garden hoses that are connected to a water faucet at one end and to a water delivery device, such as a lawn sprinkler, at the opposite end. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is, therefore, a principal object of this invention to provide a new, useful, and uncomplicated in-line apparatus that is a self-contained unit having multiple chambers for introducing one or more liquids into a fluid flow. It is another object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus where the feed rate from each chamber is variably adjustable. It is still another object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus that can be placed in-line with existing fluid flow structure whereby the apparatus is essentially a permanent part of the fluid flow continuum. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus that can, in an alternative embodiment, be constructed for temporary usage within any fluid flow continuum, which could include garden hoses that are connected at one end to a water faucet and at the opposite end to a water delivery device, such as a lawn sprinkler. It is still another object of the present invention to provide such an alternative embodiment that is fully portable such that the apparatus can be easily moved from one location to another by the user, as may be desired or required by the user. 
         [0007]    The present invention has obtained these objects. In a first preferred embodiment, it provides for an apparatus having a fluid flow portion that can be introduced as part of the fluid flow continuum. The fluid flow portion is situated above a plurality of liquid-holding chambers. Each chamber is isolated from the others and is separately accessible by the user for refilling the chamber with a liquid. Each chamber forms a flow continuum from the chamber through a tube-like structure that intersects the fluid flow portion at a point. Disposed within the tube-like structure is a control means for setting the fluid flow from the chamber at a determined level. The control means allows the liquid to be fed into the fluid flow at a rate that is desired or required by the user. The control means also allows the settings of the control means to be separately adjustable from other control means, thus allowing several liquids to flow from the apparatus at different rates and in different levels to accomplish the distribution of a liquid fertilizer or the like through the apparatus. An alternative embodiment provides an apparatus that is fully portable for use with conventional faucet, hose and sprinkler combinations. Various other alternative embodiments and configurations for the apparatus of the present invention are also contemplated by this inventor and are incorporated herein. 
         [0008]    The foregoing and other features of the in-line apparatus that is constructed in accordance with this invention will be apparent from the detailed description that follows. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a front, top and right-side perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of an in-line apparatus that is constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational and cross-sectioned view of the in-line apparatus that is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a top plan and cross-sectioned view of the first preferred embodiment of the in-line apparatus that is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a front elevational and cross-sectioned view of the first preferred embodiment of the in-line apparatus that is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3  and taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a side elevational and cross-sectioned view of a second preferred embodiment of an in-line apparatus that is constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numbered elements refer to like elements throughout,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a first preferred embodiment of an apparatus, generally identified as  10 , that is constructed in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the apparatus  10  includes a primary fluid flow conduit portion  20 , the conduit portion  20  including an inlet end  24  and an outlet end  26 . Each of the inlet end  24  and the outlet end  26  is functionally adapted for securement to a fluid flow line of conventional manufacture such that this first embodiment of the apparatus  10  simply becomes part of the overall fluid distribution system. Such systems might include, but are not limited to, home and commercial irrigation systems for periodically distributing water to a lawn or the like. It is to be understood that this first embodiment of the apparatus  10  is not limited to application with or use in any particular system. 
         [0015]    Disposed between the inlet end  24  and the outlet end  26  of the apparatus  10  is a longitudinally-extending flow tube hollow  22 . Although the hollow  22  is substantially cylindrical in shape, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that it is not limited to that configuration. Other shapes could be used without deviating from the scope of this invention. It is also to be understood that, although the hollow  22  is disclosed and illustrated as a single tube-like structure, the hollow  22  could be configured as a multiple-apertured structure within the conduit portion  20  of the apparatus  10  without deviating from the scope of the present invention. The outlet end  26  could similarly be constructed as a multiple-apertured structure to allow for the attachment of multiple outlet feed lines to the apparatus  10  as well. Situated directly below the conduit portion  20  is a chamber portion  40 . The chamber portion  40  generally includes a sidewall  42 , the sidewall being continuous about an outer perimeter and floor  44 . The sidewall  42  is substantially cylindrical in shape. However, it is to be understood that the chamber portion  40  of the apparatus  10  is not limited to that shape. The chamber portion  40  could be ovate, square or rectangular without deviating from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0016]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , it will be seen that the chamber portion  40  includes a first chamber  52  and a second chamber  62 . Here again, the chamber portion  40  could include more than two chambers and still come within the scope of the present invention and the invention is not so limited. Each chamber would, however, be a self-contained reservoir for holding a liquid within it. It is to be understood, however, that alternative embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention could be configured to provide chambers that interact between one another. For example, a first chamber could be provided that is filled with a concentrated liquid chemical in it, the first chamber feeding into the second chamber in accordance with the present invention to dilute the concentrated liquid chemical prior to entry of the final concentration into the flow stream. In another alternative embodiment two chemical chambers could interact to product a third chemical, the third chemical being produced only upon combination of the two chemicals within the flow stream or immediately before entry into the flow stream. Such is not a limitation of the present invention. 
         [0017]    In the preferred embodiment, a cover  46  sits atop the uppermost portion  43  of the base sidewall  42 . The lip  47  of the cover  46  sealingly surrounds the base sidewall  42 , covering both chambers  52 ,  62 , and creating a secure reservoir for any liquid (not shown) being held within the chambers  52 ,  62 . It should also be mentioned here that the engagement of the cover  46  at its lip  47  with the uppermost portion  43  of the sidewall  42  is preferred to be a sealing engagement. However, the cover  46  and the sidewall  42  could also include cooperating threads, interlocking tabs, or any other suitable engagement means that is known to those skilled in the art. A gasket (not shown) could also be disposed between the uppermost portion  43  of the sidewall  42  and the cover  46  to enhance the sealing engagement between the two structures. Situated between the first and second chambers  52 ,  62 , respectively, is a common dividing wall  45 . At the cover  46 , the first chamber  52  includes a fill member  54  having a fill aperture  58 . See also  FIG. 3 . This fill member  54  is used to periodically replenish or replace the liquid (not shown) that would be held within the first chamber  52 . A cap  56  is also provided to seal off the fill member  54  once the chamber  52  has been filled to prevent any substance from accidentally or unintentionally entering the chamber  52 . Similarly, the second chamber  62  includes a fill member  64  having a fill aperture  68  and a cap  66 , all for the same purpose stated relative to the first chamber  52 . The cover  46  also includes a pair of small air inlet apertures  48  for equalizing pressure within each of the chambers  52 ,  62  as liquid is drawn out of each reservoir. 
         [0018]    The flow conduit portion  20  of the apparatus  10  includes a pair of flow apertures  32 ,  34  that are defined within the bottom wall  23  of the flow tube hollow  22 . Extending downwardly from the first aperture  32  is a flow control means  72 , the purpose and function of which will be explained later in this detailed description. Similarly, a second flow control means  82  is disposed immediately below the second aperture  34 . Below the first flow opening  32  is a plastic tube  57  that extends downwardly into the bottom-most portion  53  of the first chamber  52 . The lower-most portion  59  of the plastic tube  57  is also near the floor  44  of the base  40  and disposed in this fashion so as to draw as much liquid from the first chamber  52  as is possible during use of the apparatus  10 . Further, a similar plastic tube  67  having a lower most portion  69  is disposed within the bottom-most portion  63  of the second chamber  62  for the same purpose and functionality. See also  FIG. 4 . 
         [0019]    In application, the user would remove the cap  56  from the fill member  54  and pour a first liquid, such as a liquid fertilizer, into the chamber  52  of the chamber portion  40 . Similarly, a second fluid, such as a liquid pesticide, could be placed within the second chamber  62  through the liquid fill member  64  defined within the base cap  46 . Note again that the flow of air into each of the chambers  52 ,  62  is allowed by means of the air inlet holes  48  that are defined within the cap  46 . See  FIG. 3 . 
         [0020]    Once each chamber  52 ,  62  has been filled with liquid, water flow will be introduced into the apparatus  10  from the inlet end  24  of the flow tube hollow  22 . As water flows through the hollow  22 , a localized low pressure venturi force will act upon the first aperture  32  and upon the second aperture  34  to draw fluid up into the plastic tubes  57 ,  67  that are disposed within the first and second chamber portions  52 ,  62 , respectively. The flow of the fluid from within each of the chamber portions  52 ,  62  is controlled by means of a regulating valve  72 ,  82 , respectively. It should be noted that, although a manual-type control valve  72 ,  82  is illustrated in this first embodiment, other alternative flow control means or methodology could be used without deviating from the scope of the invention. For example, a screw feed mechanism that slowly opens or closes the aperture at the point of the valve could be used. Also, butterfly valves could be used for flow rate control as well. It would also be possible to have the flow controlled electronically by means of an external central processing unit (CPU) in accordance with a pre-programmed scheme to provide outflow as is desired or required by the user. In this fashion, a desirable amount of fertilizer and pesticide can be distributed across the lawn in a uniform fashion to accomplish the intended result. The flow rates of each chamber  52 ,  62  can be adjusted or changed from time to time as is desired or required by the user with little more than an adjustment of/to the regulating valves  72 ,  82  or alternative flow control means or methodology. Additionally, flow may be completely stopped with respect to the contents of one or the other of the chambers  52 ,  62  if such became necessary while allowing the other chamber  52 ,  62  to continue to empty its fluid contents into the main water flow that is discharged from the outlet end  26  of the apparatus  10 . 
         [0021]    The aforementioned preferred embodiment could also be configured to function where the fluid flow from the first and second chamber portions  52 ,  62  is by gravity. That is, the apparatus  10  could be alternatively configured whereby the primary fluid flow conduit portion  20  is disposed at the bottom of the apparatus  10  and fluid flows out of the chambers  52 ,  62  at a controlled rate. This alternative configuration would not utilize the plastic tubes  57 ,  67  but would require that apertures (not shown) be formed into the floor  44 . The control valves  72 ,  82  would be disposed at such apertures and could be controlled as described above. This alternative configuration would also benefit by the use of caps  56 ,  66  that would be vented, such as by the presence of a small aperture (also not shown) defined in each cap  56 ,  66 , such aperture effectively replacing the cover apertures  48 . 
         [0022]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , it will be seen that an alternative embodiment of the apparatus  10  is illustrated, generally identified as  100 . As shown, the apparatus  100  includes a primary fluid flow conduit portion  120 , the conduit portion  120  including an inlet end  124  and an outlet end  126 , much the same as the first embodiment of the apparatus. The inlet end  124  and the outlet end  126  are each functionally adapted for temporary securement to a fluid flow line of conventional manufacture. In this way, this alternative embodiment of the apparatus  100  simply becomes part of the temporary fluid distribution system. Such systems might include, but are not limited to, home and commercial irrigation systems that are comprised of a conventional faucet connection, one or more hoses, and a sprinkler device. The apparatus  100  of the alternative embodiment could be interposed at any point along the water flow continuum of such a system. It is also to be understood that this second embodiment of the apparatus  100  is not limited to application with or use in any particular system. 
         [0023]    Disposed between the inlet end  124  and the outlet end  126  of the apparatus  100  is a longitudinally-extending flow tube hollow  122 . As with the first embodiment, the hollow  122  is substantially cylindrical in shape. It is to be understood, however, that it is not limited to that configuration. Other shapes could be used without deviating from the scope of this invention. Situated directly below the conduit portion  120  is a chamber portion  140 . The chamber portion  140 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , includes a sidewall  142 , the sidewall  142  being continuous about an outer perimeter and a floor  144 . As was true of the first embodiment, the sidewall  142  is substantially cylindrical in shape, it being understood that the chamber portion  140  of the apparatus  100  is not limited to that shape. The chamber portion  140  could assume other shapes without deviating from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0024]    Referring still to  FIG. 5 , it will be seen that the chamber portion  140  includes a first chamber  152  and a second chamber  162 . Here again, the chamber portion  140  could include more than two chambers and still come within the scope of the present invention and the invention is not so limited, each chamber being a self-contained reservoir for holding a liquid within it. 
         [0025]    In the alternative embodiment, a cover  146  sits atop the uppermost portion  143  of the base sidewall  142 . The cover  146  includes a lip  147  that surrounds the base sidewall  142  and covers both chambers  152 ,  162 , thus creating a secure reservoir for any liquid being held within the chambers  152 ,  162 . Situated between the first and second chambers  152 ,  162 , respectively, is a common dividing wall  145 . At the cover  146 , the first chamber  152  includes a fill member  154  having a fill aperture  158 . This fill member  154  is used to replenish or replace the liquid that would be held within the first chamber  152 . A cap  156  is provided to seal off the fill member  154  once the chamber  152  has been filled. Similarly, the second chamber  162  includes a fill member  164  having a fill aperture  168  and a cap  166 , all of which mirrors similar structure of the first chamber  152 . The cover  146  also includes air inlet apertures  148  for equalizing pressure within each of the chambers  152 ,  162  as liquid is drawn out of each reservoir. 
         [0026]    The flow conduit portion  120  of the apparatus  100  includes a pair of flow apertures  132 ,  134  that are defined within the bottom wall  123  of the flow tube hollow  122 . Extending upwardly from the top wall  125  of the flow tube hollow  122  is an integrally-formed handle portion  121 . The handle portion  121  allows the apparatus  100  to be movable between locations by the user. Although shown as an integral member of the flow conduit portion  120 , it is to be understood that the handle portion  121  could be separately attached to the apparatus without deviating from the scope of this alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0027]    Extending downwardly from the first aperture  132  is a flow control means  172 . A second flow control member  182  is disposed immediately below the second aperture  134 . Below the first flow opening  132  is a plastic tube  157  that extends downwardly into the bottom most portion  153  of the first chamber  152 . The lower-most portion  159  of the plastic tube  157  is also near the floor  144  of the base  140  and disposed in this fashion so as to draw as much liquid from the first chamber  152  as is possible during use of the apparatus  100 . Further, a similar plastic tube  167  having a lower most portion  169  is disposed within the second chamber  162  for the same purpose and functionality. 
         [0028]    As with the first embodiment, application of the second embodiment of the apparatus  100  would require that the user remove the cap  156  from the fill member  154  and pour a first liquid, such as a liquid fertilizer, into the chamber  152  of the chamber portion  140 . A second fluid, such as a liquid pesticide, could be poured into the second chamber  162  through the liquid filler opening  164  defined within the base cap  146 . Note again that the flow of air into each of the chambers  152 ,  162  is allowed by means of the air inlet holes  148  that are defined within the base cap  146 . 
         [0029]    Once each chamber  152 ,  162  has been filled with liquid, water flow will be established through the apparatus  100  by connecting the inlet end  124  of the flow tube hollow  122  to a first hose member (not shown) or alternative fluid delivery device. The outlet end  126  would be similarly connected to a second hose member (also not shown) or alternative fluid delivery device. Note that these connections would be made once the apparatus  100  is situated in its preferred location by the user. As water flows through the hollow  122 , a venturi force will act upon the first aperture  132  and upon the second aperture  134  to draw fluid up into the plastic tubes  157 ,  167  that are disposed within the first and second chamber portions  152 ,  162 , respectively. The flow of the fluid from within each of the chamber portions  152 ,  162  is controlled by means of the regulating valves  172 ,  182 , respectively. Again, it should be noted that, although a manual-type control valve  172 ,  182  is illustrated in this second embodiment, other means could be used without deviating from the scope of the invention as was disclosed with the first embodiment of the apparatus  10 . For example, a screw feed mechanism that slowly opens or closes the aperture at the point of the valve could be used. Also, butterfly valves could be used for flow rate control as well. It would also be possible to have the flow controlled electronically by means of an external central processing unit (CPU) in accordance with a pre-programmed scheme to provide outflow as is desired or required by the user. In this fashion, a desirable amount of fertilizer and/or pesticide could be distributed across the lawn in a uniform fashion to accomplish the intended result. The flow rates of each chamber  152 ,  162  could be adjusted or changed from time to time as is desired or required by the user with little more than an adjustment of/to the regulating valves  172 ,  182  or alternative flow control means or methodology. Also, flow may be completely stopped with respect to the contents of one or the other of the chambers  152 ,  162  if such became necessary while allowing the other chamber  152 ,  162  to continue to empty its fluid contents into the main water flow that is discharged from the outlet end  126  of the apparatus  100 . 
         [0030]    The aforementioned alternative embodiment could also be configured to function whereby the fluid flow from the first and second chamber portions  152 ,  162  is by gravity. That is, the apparatus  100  could be alternatively configured whereby the primary fluid flow conduit portion  120  is disposed at the bottom of the apparatus  100  and fluid flows out of the chambers  152 ,  162 , again at a controlled rate. This alternative configuration would not utilize the plastic tubes  157 ,  167  but would require that apertures (not shown) be formed within the floor  144 . The control valves  172 ,  182  would be disposed at such apertures and could be controlled as described above. This alternative configuration would also benefit by the use of caps  156 ,  166  that would be vented, such as by the presence of a small aperture (also not shown) defined in each cap  156 ,  166 , such aperture effectively replacing the cover apertures  148 . Again, various other alternative embodiments and configurations for the apparatus of the present invention are contemplated by this inventor and are incorporated herein. 
         [0031]    In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that there have been provided in this disclosure several embodiments of a new, useful, non-obvious and uncomplicated in-line apparatus that is a self-contained unit having multiple chambers for introducing one or more liquids into a fluid flow; where the feed rate from each chamber is variably adjustable; that can be placed in-line with existing fluid flow structure whereby the apparatus is essentially a permanent part of the fluid flow continuum; that can, in an alternative embodiment, be constructed for temporary usage within any fluid flow continuum, which could include garden hoses that are connected at one end to a water faucet and at the opposite end to a water delivery device, such as a lawn sprinkler; and that is fully portable such that the apparatus can be easily moved from one location to another by the user, as may be desired or required by the user. The embodiments described in this application are not exhaustive but recited for purposes of explanation and enablement to one skilled in the art. 
         [0032]    The principles of this invention having been described in accordance with the foregoing, I claim: