Patent Publication Number: US-2010126608-A1

Title: Liquid fertilizer, weed killer, and pesticide application device using exchangeable containers connected to a hose bib

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/117,114, having a filing date of Nov. 22, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to applying fertilizer, weed killer, pesticides and other liquid botanical treatments, and more specifically to apparatus and methods for applying such treatments through residential hose bib water systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In many climates throughout the world, irrigation is required to enable lawns, shrubbery, trees, agricultural crops, and other plant life to survive and flourish. While larger areas of land are frequently watered using in-ground irrigation systems, smaller areas are often watered by hand using a hose connected to a hose bib. 
     In addition to water, the application of fertilizer, weed killer, pesticides, and other treatment liquids is often desirable to further enhance the health and growth of plant life. For small areas that are irrigated by hand using hoses, devices are well known that attach to the end of a hose and automatically mix fertilizer or another treatment liquid, or dissolving solid, with water flowing from the outlet of the hose. Many of these devices use exchangeable treatment containers and/or containers that minimize or eliminate exposure of the user to the treatment materials. However, these systems require that a user support the weight of the treatment container during application, which can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, can limit the size of the treatment container, and can require frequent exchange of the treatment container. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An apparatus and method of use are disclosed for introducing botanical treatment liquid into water that is flowing from a hose bib into a hose. The apparatus includes a hose bib adaptor that can be connected to the hose bib with a flex hose and a treatment liquid input port that extends at an at least partly upward angle from the hose bib adaptor. In preferred embodiments, the hose bib adaptor includes a flexible segment to facilitate its adaptability to various configurations of hose bib. 
     The claimed apparatus further includes and exchangeable treatment liquid container that can be connected to the treatment liquid input port so as to introduce treatment liquid into water flowing through the hose bib. In various preferred embodiments, the treatment liquid is introduced into the flow of water due to a pressure differential caused by a constriction in the hose bib adaptor, and/or due to a water diverter that protrudes into the flow of water and diverts some of the water through the treatment liquid container. 
     In preferred embodiments, the apparatus is consumer friendly easy to connect to and disconnect from existing hose bibs, and is compatible with standard hose bib sizes. Preferred embodiments of the apparatus include a hollow replacement cap that can be connected by watertight means to the treatment liquid input port so as to seal the treatment liquid input port when a treatment liquid container is not connected thereto. 
     In further preferred embodiments the treatment liquid container connects to the treatment liquid input port by means of a threaded connection and a sealing washer and/or the treatment liquid container is made from plastic and/or is disposable. In still further preferred embodiments, the treatment liquid container contains the treatment liquid in an inner collapsible bag or membrane, thereby allowing either the container itself (in the first instance) or the bag or membrane (in the second instance) to collapse as treatment liquid contained therein enters the hose system. 
     In some preferred embodiments where the treatment liquid container Is pre-filled with liquid fertilizer, weed killer, pesticide, or another botanical treatment liquid, it is a/so sealed by a penetrable membrane, and in some of these embodiments the treatment liquid input port includes at least one protrusion that penetrates the membrane when the treatment liquid container is attached, thereby allowing the pre-filled liquid to flow into the water pipe adaptor. In some of these embodiments, the protrusion is part of a barrier inside of the treatment liquid input port, and there is a hole near the tip of the protrusion that allows treatment liquid to flow from the treatment liquid container through the hole and into the hose bib adaptor at a desired rate. 
     In preferred embodiments, the treatment liquid input port of the hose bib adaptor Includes a barrier that is penetrated by at least one treatment hole, so as to allow treatment liquid to flow from the treatment liquid container though the hole and Into the hose at a desired rate. In some of these embodiments the desired rate causes the entire volume of the treatment liquid container to enter the hose and become depleted. In some preferred embodiments, the treatment liquid container has a capacity of 12 to 64 oz. 
     In preferred embodiments a constriction is included in the hose bib adaptor. The constriction divides the water flow into an upstream region and a downstream region, and causes the water pressure to be higher In the upstream region then in the downstream region when water flows through the hose bib adaptor. A water inlet channel is included that allows water to flow from the upstream region into the treatment liquid container, and a treatment liquid outlet channel is included that is configured so as to allow treatment liquid to flow from the treatment liquid container into the downstream region. In some of these embodiments the constriction is a tapered constriction with an inner opening that varies over the length of the constriction, while in other of these embodiments the constriction is and annular constriction. In certain of these embodiments the treatment liquid container includes a collapsible treatment liquid compartment that is configured so as to collapse and thereby dispense treatment liquid into the treatment liquid outlet channel when water flows from the water inlet channel into a space within the treatment liquid container that surrounds the collapsible treatment liquid compartment. In various of these embodiments the water inlet channel and/or the treatment liquid outlet channel is able to penetrate a membrane sealing the treatment liquid container when the treatment liquid container is attached to the treatment liquid input port. And in other of these embodiments a water inlet diverter is included that is located within the upstream region and configured so as to intercept a portion of the water flowing though the applicator device and divert the portion of the water into the water inlet channel. 
     The method of the invention includes providing an apparatus as described above, including a treatment liquid container that Is at least partly filled with treatment liquid, connecting the hose bib adaptor in series with a flexible high pressure hose, or braided stainless Steele with flexible PVC core that is bonded, clamped, or molded, and is connecting the treatment liquid container to the treatment liquid container port, and operating the applicator system, so as to cause treatment liquid to be combined with water and applied to plant life served by the hose bib connection system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the detailed description, in conjunction with the following figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is a side view of a preferred embodiment that includes a constriction to divert water through the liquid treatment container, and structural reinforcements that enhance the ability of the treatment liquid input port to support the weight of the treatment liquid container; 
         FIG. 1B  is an expanded view of the constriction and input and output ports of  FIG. 1A  that divert water through the treatment liquid container; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a flexible, pressure reinforced segment that connects a hose bib adaptor to a hose bib in a preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment that includes structural reinforcements similar to  FIG. 1 , a constriction that creates a pressure differential so as to divert water through the treatment liquid container, and a water diverter configured so as to direct water through the treatment liquid container; 
         FIG. 3B  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment similar to  FIG. 3A , but having structural reinforcements which can accommodate insertion of a treatment liquid container perpendicular to the alignment of the hose; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A  showing the constriction and water diverter; 
         FIG. 5A  is a side view that illustrates the flow of water and treatment liquid through the embodiment of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 5B  is a side view that illustrates the flow of water and treatment liquid in an embodiment that is similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , except that the treatment liquid is contained in a collapsible compartment such that treatment liquid flows into the irrigation system as water fills the space surrounding the collapsible compartment and applies pressure to the collapsible compartment; 
         FIG. 5C  is a side view of an embodiment similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , wherein the distal ends of the connecting tubes are adjacent and protrude into the treatment liquid input port such that they are able to penetrate a penetratable membrane that seals the treatment liquid container; 
         FIG. 5D  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , with a partly hollow sealing plug installed that seals the apparatus when not in use while providing space for the protruding ends of the connecting tubes; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of an embodiment that supports the treatment liquid container in a vertical orientation; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of an embodiment that provides for the weight of the treatment liquid container to be supported by a stand resting on the ground; and 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of an embodiment wherein the treatment liquid container is supported by the hose bib adaptor without structural reinforcement, showing a garden hose and spray nozzle coordinate with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to  FIG. 1A , the present invention is an apparatus for applying botanical treatment liquid from a hose bib that is easy to use and low in cost. The apparatus includes a hose bib adaptor  100  connectable in series between a hose bib  102  and a garden hose  106 , a treatment liquid input port  110  extending either horizontally outward, or at least partly upward, from the hose bib adaptor  100 ; and an exchangeable treatment liquid container  116  that is connectable by watertight means to the treatment liquid input port  110  so as to cause treatment liquid located in the treatment liquid container  116  to flow into the hose bib adaptor  100 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , the hose bib adaptor includes structural reinforcement  113  that helps to support the weight of the treatment liquid container  116 . 
     The hose bib adaptor  100  is easily detached from a hose bib  102 , either for storage of the apparatus or for portability for use with other hose bibs  102 . Also, by introducing the treatment liquid near the hose bib  102 , the present invention provides for thorough mixing of the liquid treatment with water as the water and liquid treatment flow through a hose before application. 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 1A  includes a constriction  116  and a water diverter  118  in the hose bib adaptor  100  that serve to divert some of the water flowing through the adaptor  100  so that it flows through the treatment liquid container  116  and thereby mixes with treatment liquid and transports the treatment liquid back into the water flow in the garden hose  106 . This can be seen more clearly in the expanded view of  FIG. 1B . The constriction  116  causes a pressure difference between an upstream region and a downstream region, so that the pressure is higher at the treatment liquid input port  118  that it is at a treatment outlet port  120 . The shape of the treatment input port  118  is configured so as to divert water into the treatment liquid container  116 , thereby further increasing the flow of water through the treatment liquid container  116 . 
       FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of a flexible, reinforced segment  104  included in the embodiment of  FIG. 1A  that connects the hose bib adaptor to the hose bib. The pressure reinforced segment includes a braided flex steel high pressure hose segment  200  and a metal flex spring  202  wrapped around the segment  200  so as to adapt the segment  200  to high water pressure. Other suitable materials will occur to one skilled in the art. A top end of the metal spring  202  is bent and adapted to fit into any of a series of notches or holes surround is attached to a hose bib connector  108  adapted to surround a female hose bib. The hose bib connector  108  can be made of metal, such as brass, or other durable material such as PVC or ABS. The ability of the top end of the metal spring  202  into any of these holes allows for 360 degree rotation of the adaptor  100 . The other end of the reinforced segment  200  is firmly attached to the hose bib adaptor  100  in a fixed position. After attachment of the reinforced segment  200  to the hose bib  102 , the top bent end of the metal spring  202  can be inserted into one of the notches or holes in a hose bib connector  108  configured to surround the hose bib  102 , so as to fix the angular orientation of the reinforced segment  104  and hose bib adaptor so as to keep them from rotating about the hose bib connector  108 . 
       FIG. 3  is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , but with a slightly different design that incorporates the water flow diverter  300  into the upstream end  302  of the constriction  116 . A high pressure hose  200 , including braided metal in some embodiments, surrounds a flexible pipe  302  made from ABS or PVC, or other tubing. A female hose connector  108  made preferentially from brass or another metal, includes a rubber washer  306  so as to make a leak-tight seal with a hose bib. A flexible spring  202  surrounds the high pressure hose  200 , and is bonded, clamped, molded, threaded, or otherwise fixed at one end to an end  204  of the hose bib adaptor  100 . The other end of the flexible spring  202  is insertable into a hole, slot, or other opening in the hose bib connector  108  so as to resist rotation of the hose bib adaptor  100  relative to the hose bib. At the other end of the hose bib adaptor  100  a male hose connector  114 , preferably made from bonded brass, metal, or plastic, provides for connection to a garden hose. 
     Water is diverted from the hose bib adaptor  100  into the treatment liquid container  112  by a pressure differential between an inlet channel  118  and an outlet channel  120 . The pressure differential is caused by a constriction  116  that creates a higher pressure area at its upstream end and a lower pressure area at its down stream end. Water is also diverted into the inlet channel  118  by a water flow diverter  300  that physically intercepts and diverts water from the main flow. 
     In some embodiments (not shown) various mechanisms are included that can be used to control the rate at which water flows through the treatment liquid container  112 . In some of these embodiments, one or both of the inlet channel  118  and the out let channel  120  is exchangeable, allowing channels with different inner diameters to be selected. In other embodiments, a valve is included in either or both of the inlet channel  118  and the outlet channel  120 , allowing the flow to be controlled or even stopped. Use of such a valve or valves can also be used to close one or both of the channels  118 ,  120 , thereby allowing a treatment liquid container  112  to be used on multiple occasions without removal. If valves are included in both the inlet channel  118  and the outlet channel  120 , closing of both valves allows the hose to be used without a treatment liquid container  112  being installed. For example, a manual valve can be included which, when turned in the open position, introduces a washer or other temporary constriction which can cause the pressure differential necessary to introduce the fertilizer solution from the liquid treatment container  112  into the hose bib adaptor. When the manual valve is in the closed position, on the other hand, the washer is not introduced, and thus only water from the hose bib flows through the adaptor. 
     In some embodiments, an insert made of rubber or other suitable material can be inserted into the neck of the liquid treatment container  112 , to act as a stopper to prevent liquid treatment from spilling out of the liquid treatment container  112  during insertion of the liquid treatment container  112  onto the channels  118 ,  120  connected to the adapter. The insert can have small holes extending longitudinally through the insert, so as to accommodate the channels  118 ,  120  of the adapter, but so as not to allow liquid treatment to spill from the liquid treatment container  112  before insertion of the liquid treatment container  112 . 
       FIG. 3B  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment similar to  FIG. 3A , but having structural reinforcements which can accommodate insertion of a treatment liquid container perpendicular to the alignment of the hose bib adapter  100 . 
     A cross section of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  taken through the water flow diverter  807  at right angles to  FIG. 3  is shown in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates the flow of water through an embodiment similar to  FIG. 1A . As water flows through the restriction  116 , some of the water by-passes the restriction  116  and flows instead from the high water pressure area upstream of the constriction  116  into the water diverter  300 , through the water inlet tube  118 , and into the treatment liquid container  112 . There the water mixes  500  with the treatment liquid  502  and increases the liquid pressure inside of the treatment liquid container  112 . This causes a mixture of water and treatment liquid to leave the treatment liquid container  112  through the treatment liquid outlet tube  120  and flow into the lower pressure area of the water pipe adaptor  100  downstream of the constriction  116 . The process continues until the treatment liquid container  112  is fully diluted with water, and all of the treatment liquid  502  has been extracted from the treatment liquid container  112 . In some embodiments, the treatment liquid container  112  is transparent and the treatment liquid  502  is colored and/or at least partly opaque. In these embodiments, the color of the liquid in the treatment liquid container  112  can be seen to gradually turn clear as the treatment liquid  502  is diluted until none is left in the treatment liquid container  112 . The treatment liquid container  112  can then be removed and discarded, and a replacement cap can be installed in its place. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates the flow of water in a preferred embodiment similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 5A , except that the treatment liquid  502  is contained in a flexible bag  504 , such that water entering the treatment liquid container  112  through the water inlet tube  118  is not mixed with the treatment liquid  502 , but instead fills the space between the flexible bag  504  and the treatment liquid container  112 , thereby applying pressure to the flexible bag  502  and forcing treatment liquid  502  through the treatment liquid outlet tube  120  and into the lower pressure area of the water pipe adaptor  302  downstream of the constriction  116 . The process continues until all of the treatment liquid has been extracted from the treatment liquid container  112 , at which point the empty flexible bag  504  seals the treatment liquid exit tube  120  and stops the flow of water through the treatment liquid container  112 . 
       FIG. 5C  is a side view of an embodiment with the treatment liquid container  112  removed. The embodiment is similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 5A , except that the distal ends of the water inlet tube  118  and the treatment liquid outlet tube  120  both terminate in adjacent hollow points  812  that protrude into the treatment liquid input port and are able to penetrate a membrane  505  that seals the treatment liquid container  112 . This allows the treatment liquid container  112  to be conveniently installed without a user coming into contact with the treatment liquid. In various embodiments, the membrane  505  is made from coated paper, rubber, plastic, or a similar material, and can include scoring to facilitate penetration by the protruding hollow points of the inlet and outlet tubes  118 ,  120 . A washer  505  similar to a common garden hose washer forms a water-tight seal between the treatment liquid container  112  and the treatment liquid input port. 
       FIG. 5D  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5C  configured with a cap  506  installed in the treatment liquid port so as to seal the treatment liquid input port when not in use. The threaded area  508  of the cap  506  is hollow, so as to make space for the adjacent hollow points  512  at the distal ends of the water inlet tube  118  and the treatment liquid outlet tube  120  that protrude into the treatment liquid input port. 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of an embodiment that supports the treatment liquid container in a vertical orientation. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of an embodiment that includes a stand  700  that supports the weight of the treatment liquid container  112  from the ground. The stand  700  can be configured so as to support the treatment liquid container  112  either vertically, as shown, or at an angle. In preferred embodiments, the treatment liquid container  112  is oriented either at a 90 degree angle relative to the adapter, or a 45 degree angle relative to the adapter. In some preferred embodiments, the liquid treatment container  112  can fit inside the stand  700 . In other preferred embodiments, the liquid treatment container  112  can also be capped off, as also discussed in connection with  FIG. 5D . This embodiment is especially suited for larger treatment liquid containers weighing 64 ounces or more. 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of an embodiment wherein the treatment liquid container  112  is supported by the hose bib adaptor  804  without structural reinforcement. The figures shows a garden hose  808  and spray nozzle  802  in cooperation with the present invention. A wall-mounted structural support  800  is shown supporting the hose bib adaptor  804 . 
     Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the above description is not intended to limit the invention except as indicated in the following claims.