Patent ID: 12220673

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment of a plant chemical and water mixing and dispensing apparatus (PCWMDA10) which is also known as the ALF (Automatic Lawn Feeder). The PCWMDA10is designed to function in combination with a water source such as a utility residential or commercial water spigot, or a spigot and hose. The water source is connected to the PCWMDA10and water is directed into the PCWMDA10. A selectable quantity of a plant chemical is placed into the PCWMDA10. The plant chemical can consist of a fertilizer, a herbicide, a bug killer or a plant growth supplement, and be in the form of a solid such as pellets or granules, a powder or a liquid. The water and plant chemical mix together within the PCWMDA10, and the mixture is then directed out of the PCWMDA10and onto a desired plant-life which can include grass/lawn, bushes, trees, shrubs or edible plants/vegetation.

The PCWMDA10, as shown inFIGS.1-8, is comprised of three major elements: a mixing chamber12which is preferably a circular mixing chamber14, a support member50, and a pipe104. The mixing chamber, cither12or14, is comprised of an inner surface16, an outer surface18, an upper section20, a lower section22, a rear section24, a front section26, a first lower bore28, a second lower bore30, and an opening32. The plant chemical is placed within the mixing chamber through the opening32. Scaling means34maintain the opening closed. The scaling means34can comprise a simple stopper that is designed and dimensioned to press-fit into the opening32. As shown inFIGS.1-5,7and8, the sealing means34is preferably comprised of a threaded flange40that extends outward along the perimeter of the opening32and a cap42with inner threads that correspond to the threads on the flange40, thereby allowing the cap42to be screwed onto the flange which seals the opening32. The cap42is easily removed by simply un-screwing the cap from the flange.

The support member50, as shown inFIGS.1,2and5-8, has either a level upper edge52, or, preferably a semi-circular upper edge54. As shown inFIGS.1and3, the semi-circular upper edge54is dimensioned such that the lower section22of the circular mixing chamber14fits into and is seated within the semi-circular edge54. The support member50also comprises a lower edge56, a first side surface60, a second side surface62, a rear edge66with an outward curve68, a front edge74with an inward curve76. A first side front vertical stabilizer64with a lower end that preferably branches downward in two equal arms, forming a triangular section, a first side rear vertical stabilizer65, a second side front vertical stabilizer70that, like the first side front vertical stabilizer, preferably branches downward in two equal arms, forming a triangular section, and a second side rear vertical stabilizer72. Located on/in the support member50are a first conduit80and a second conduit94, as shown inFIGS.1and7. The first conduit80has an upper end82that terminates at and interfaces with the first lower bore28on the mixing chamber, a lower end84, a lower curved section86, and upper curved section88, and a U-shaped section90. The second conduit94has an upper end96that terminates at and interfaces with the second lower bore30on the mixing chamber, a lower end98, a lower curved section100, and an upper curved section102. The curved sections on the first conduit80and second conduit94are specifically designed and oriented to ensure that water that has entered the mixing chamber and the water and plant chemical mixture that is created remains within the mixing chamber. If the conduits were just straight it would be possible for the water/water and plant chemical mixture to flow downward through the lower bores, back into the conduits at undesired times.

The pipe104, as shown inFIGS.1-8, is comprised of an upper surface106having a first upper bore108where the lower end84of the first conduit80terminates, a second upper bore110where the lower end98of the second conduit94terminates, a first end112having an output114, and a second end116having an inlet118. Located near the substantial center of the pipe104, at the upper surface106, is an upper opening Additionally, located within the pipe104below the upper opening and first conduit80is an inner directing tab122, as shown inFIGS.1,2and5-8, that forces water flowing through the pipe104from the inlet118to flow upward into and through the first conduit80.

In order to use the PCWMDA10the following steps are performed: a plant chemical is inserted into the mixing chamber via the opening and the opening is then sealed. Water from a water source is directed into the pipe's second end inlet. The water then flows upward onto and along the inner directing tab and then through the first conduit into the mixing chamber. The water and plant chemical mix and the mixture exits downward the second conduit into the pipe and then out the pipe's first end outlet. The PCWMDA is positioned such that the water and plant chemical mixture is directed onto a desired plant life.

In order to increase the functionality of the PCWMDA10, a light can be added. The light, which preferably is battery (or solar) powered would be permanently or non-permanently attached onto the PCWMDA. Once the PCWMDA is placed at an operating location the light could be turned on. The light will increase the visibility of the PCWMDA especially at night or in low light environments. This can lower the chance that the PCWMDA is inadvertently stepped on, tripped over or otherwise damaged from contact by another object such as a lawnmower or even a vehicle. Also, a clamp device could be added to the PCWMDA10. The clamp will preferably be located at a lower area of the pipe and would allow the PCWMDA to be secured onto another elevated or non-elevated structure.

While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modification may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims.