WO1998027804A1

WO1998027804A1 - Self-watering plant containers

Info

Publication number: WO1998027804A1
Application number: PCT/GB1997/003476
Authority: WO
Inventors: Suneil Gokhale
Original assignee: Penhale Products Limited
Priority date: 1996-12-21
Filing date: 1997-12-17
Publication date: 1998-07-02
Also published as: AU5328998A; GB9626670D0; ZA9711425B

Abstract

A self-watering unit (14) for a plant container assembly (10). The unit (14) comprising a body (24) with an inlet (32) communicating with a reservoir (16). The inlet (32) is closable by a pivotted elongate member (42) with a float (46) on one end and a seal (44) on the other engageable to close the inlet (32) when there is sufficient water in the body (24). A limb (22) of capillary matting extends through an opening (26) into the body (24) to supply water to a plant pot (12). A closable overflow (28) is provided extending from the body (24) through the reservoir (16) to permit water to overflow from the body (24) when a predetermined level is reached.

Description

SELF-WATERING PLANT CONTAINERS

This invention concerns self-watering units, and also self -watering plant container assemblies.

Problems are often experienced with plants in providing sufficiently regular watering. Difficulties can also be encountered with outside plant containers becoming waterlogged, resulting in rotting of the plant roots. Outside containers can often be watered differently to inside containers as there is generally no problem with spillage. However, the same containers can be used outside and inside, for instance for non-hardy plants. When indoors, spillage is generally not acceptable. Prior arrangements have been proposed for self-watering plant containers but these have generally not overcome all of the above problems.

According to the present invention there is provided a self-watering unit, the unit comprising a watertight body, an inlet for the body, the inlet communicable with a reservoir in which the unit may be located; selective closure means for the inlet, the closure means being arranged to automatically close the inlet when the liquid level in the body reaches a first predetermined level; a watering opening in an upper part of the body through which an absorbable member can extend into liquid in the body; and an overflow, the overflow having an inlet such that when liquid in the body reaches a second predetermined level, which second level is above the first predetermined level, liquid passes into the overflow and out of the body, the overflow being arranged such that liquid flowing therethrough passes beyond a reservoir in which the unit may be located.

The closure means preferably comprises a pivotal member which mounts at or towards one end thereof, a seal for the inlet; and which mounts at or towards the other end thereof a float member which floats on the surface of liquid in the body; such that when the first predetermined level is reached the pivotal member pivots so that the seal closes down on to the inlet. The inlet preferably comprises an opening in a lower surface of the body. The inlet preferaby includes an upstanding hollow member in communication with the opening, and open at its upper end, upon which the seal is locatable.

The overflow preferably comprises an upstanding hollow member open at each end, and which extends through the body and therebelow. The overflow is preferably selectively closable, and a closure member may be provided removably mountable over the lower end of the overflow.

The invention also provides a self -watering plant container assembly, the assembly comprising a plant container, a self-watering unit according to any of the preceding four paragraphs and in communication with the container via the watering opening, and a reservoir, the reservoir being in communication with the inlet of the unit.

The self-watering unit is preferably located immediately below the plant container. The reservoir preferably extends around and below the plant container. The overflow preferably extends through and below the reservoir.

An absorbent member is preferably provided in a lower part of the plant container and extending into the self-watering unit through the watering opening. The absorbent member may comprise capillary matting.

The assembly may comprise a plurality of self-watering units. The assembly may be in the form of a plant pot, plant tub or container, or hanging basket.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of a first assembly according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of part of the assembly of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of a second assembly according to the invention; and

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of a third assembly according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a plant container assembly 10 in the form of a plant pot 12 located immediately above a self-watering unit 14 within a container 16 serving as a reservoir for water.

The pot 12 is of a generally conventional configuration but only has a single small opening 18 in its base. A layer of capillary matting 20 is provided over the base of the plant pot 12 with a limb 22 extending through the opening 18 into the unit 14.

The unit 14 comprises a cylindrical body 24 of the same diameter as the lower part of the plant pot 12. A watering opening 26 is provided in the upper part of the body 24 aligned with the opening 18. An overflow 20 is provided in the form of a length of tube 28 which extends from shortly below the top of the body 24 through the bottom of the body 24 and beyond the underside of the container 16. A removable bung 30 is provided to permit selective closing of the lower end of the tube 28. An inlet 32 is provided on an opposite side of the body 24. The inlet 32 comprises an opening in the underside of the body 24 which communicates with an upstanding length of tube 34 open at its upper end 36. A closure arrangement 38 is provided for the inlet 32. The arrangement 38 comprises an upstanding finger 40 upon which an elongate member 42 is pivotally mounted. A seal 44 is provided on one end of the member 42 selectively locatable over the upper end 36. On the other end of the member 42 a float 46 is provided. The seal 44 is considerable closer to the finger 40 than is the float 46. The container 46 is cylindrical and comprises a pair of projections 48 on the base thereof upon which the unit 14 is supported. A knock-out area 50 is provided on a side of the container 16 towards the bottom thereof to permit communication with other such containers if required.

In use, a plant is located in the pot 12 in a conventional manner. The reservoir 16 is filled with water. Water will pass from the reservoir 16 through the inlet 32 into the body 24. Water entering the body 24 will cause the float 46 to rise and hence the seal 44 to drop until it sealingly covers the upper end 36 to close the inlet 32. As the distance between the finger 40 and float 46 is relatively large in relation to the distance between the finger 40 and seal 44, a large moment will be applied to the seal 44 to ensure thorough closing of the inlet 32. Water from the body 24 will be absorbed by the limb 22 and will pass into the pot 12. As the water level in the body 24 lowers the float 46 will lower with it and hence open the inlet 32. The container 16 can obviously be periodically filled as required.

Fig. 1 shows the assembly 10 suitable for use indoors. For use outdoors, the bung 30 should be removed. If, due for instance to heavy rain the pot 12 and unit 14 become waterlogged, the overflow 28 will permit water to drain therefrom.

There is thus described a self-watering plant container assembly with a number of advantageous features. The assembly provides for automatic self- watering and is suitable for internal and external use, permitting overflow of excess water only where this is required. The assembly is of relatively simply construction and thus permits inexpensive manufacture, as well as reliable and consistent use.

Fig. 3 shows a self-watering assembly 52 in the form of a hanging basket. The assembly 52 comprises a generally conventional container 54 in communication with a similar unit 14, with a reservoir 56 extending around the container 54. The top of the reservoir 56 is closed except for an openable cover 57. The cover 57 can be opened to permit filling of the reservoir 56, but otherwise prevents debris entering the reservoir 56. The overflow 28 is shown open as generally hanging baskets are used externally and waterlogging can therefore readily occur. If the assembly 52 is though used indoors, the bung 30 can be fitted to prevent water spillage.

Fig. 4 shows a further self-watering plant container assembly 58 in the form of a trough. The assembly again comprises a container 60 with a reservoir 62 extending therearound. An openable cover 64 is provided to permit filling of the reservoir 62. In this instance two units 14 are provided to supply water from the reservoir 62 to different parts of the container 60.

Various other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance a wide number of different types, shapes and sizes of containers could be provided, with any required number of self- watering units. The self-watering units could be differently arranged and different means could be provided for automatically closing the inlet. More than one watering opening may be provided in each unit. Material other than capillary matting could be used for supplying water from the units into the containers.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

Claims:-

1. A self-watering unit, the unit comprising a watertight body, an inlet for the body, the inlet communicable with a reservoir in which the unit may be located; selective closure means for the inlet, the closure means being arranged to automatically close the inlet when the liquid level in the body reaches a first predetermined level; a watering opening in an upper part of the body through which an absorbable member can extend into liquid in the body; characterised in that the unit also comprises an overflow, the overflow having an inlet such that when liquid in the body reaches a second predetermined level, which second level is above the first predetermined level, liquid passes into the overflow and out of the body, the overflow being arranged such that liquid flowing therethrough passes beyond a reservoir in which the unit may be located.

2. A unit according to claim 1, characterised in that the closure means comprises a pivotal member which mounts at or towards one end thereof, a seal for the inlet; and which mounts at or towards the other end thereof a float member which floats on the surface of liquid in the body; such that when the first predetermined level is reached the pivotal member pivots so that the seal closes down on to the inlet.

3. A unit according to claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the inlet comprises an opening in a lower surface of the body.

4. A unit according to claim 3 when dependent on claim 2, characterised in that the inlet includes an upstanding hollow member in communication with the opening, and open at its upper end, upon which the seal is locatable.

5. A unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the overflow comprises an upstanding hollow member open at each end, and which extends through the body and therebelow.

6. A unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the overflow is selectively closable.

7. A unit according to claim 6, characterised in that a closure member is provided removably mountablc over the lower end of the overflow.

8. A self-watering plant container assembly, the assembly comprising a plant container, characterised in that the assembly also comprises a self- watering unit according to any of the preceding claims, and in communication with the container via the watering opening, and a reservoir, the reservoir being in communication with the inlet of the unit.

9. An assembly according to claim 8, characterised in that the self-watering unit is located immediately below the plant container.

10. An assembly according to claims 8 or 9, characterised in that the reservoir extends around and below the plant container.

11. An assembly according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that the overflow extends through and below the reservoir.

12. An assembly according to any of claims 8 to 11, charaterised in that an absorbent member is provided in a lower part of the plant container and extending into the self-watering unit through the watering opening.

13. An assembly according to claim 12, characterised in that the absorbent member comprises capillary matting.

14. An assembly according to any of claims 8 to 13, characterised in that the assembly comprises a plurality of self-watering units.

15. An assembly according to any of claims 8 to 14, characterised in that the assembly is in the form of a plant pot, plant tub or container, or hanging basket.