FR2761573A1 - COMBINED PLANT GUARD AND WATERING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

This device consists of a tubular rod (1) whose interior space acts as a water reserve and / or nutrient liquid, the filling of this cavity being done in the upper part of the rod (1), while its emptying takes place in its lower part, via a drip distribution system (7) with adjustable flow; it is remarkable in that it comprises means for maintaining constant, or substantially constant, the level of liquid supplying said drip distribution system (7). Accessory for horticulture or arboriculture.

Description

COMBINED TUTORING AND WATERING DEVICE
PLANTS
The present invention relates to a combined device for staking and watering plants.

 More specifically, it relates to a device of the type consisting of a tubular rod, the internal space of which acts as a reserve of water and / or nutritive liquid, the filling of this cavity taking place in the upper part of the rod, while it is emptied in its lower part, via a drip distribution system, in particular with adjustable flow.

 Hollow stakes, used to water the plants they support, have already been proposed.

As illustrative elements of the state of the art in the matter, mention may in particular be made of patent documents FR-A-1 361 503, FR-A-2 735 653,
US-A-4,745,706, CA-A-1,226,735, WO 92/14351 and DE-U-90 04425.

 These known stakes assume the shape of a tubular rod having at the top a filling opening and, at the bottom, a dispensing orifice allowing the water or the nutritive liquid which is contained in the rod to flow in the soil in which the stem is partially sunk, or in a pot of which it is integral.

 In addition to its classic function of maintaining the plant, or plants, with which it is associated, this type of device consequently ensures its watering and / or its nutrition. The outlet orifice is adapted to allow a low flow rate, which feeds the roots, either directly or via a distributor duct, sparingly and evenly, in general by drip.

 This watering method is both efficient and economical.

 In some embodiments it is possible to adjust the drain rate.

 According to FR-A-1 361 503, this adjustment is effected in the upper part, by acting on the air inlet in the tube.

 According to WO 92/14351, the adjustment is made in the lower part, at the level of the evacuation, thanks to an adjustable labyrinth system.

 These known devices have the drawback that the flow rate of the drain is a decreasing function of the pressure of the liquid at the base of the tube and, correspondingly, of the height of the column of liquid in it.

 The flow therefore gradually decreases as the device is emptied.

 However, it is important that the plants receive a regular and constant amount of water, between two successive fillings of the device.

 The present invention proposes to solve this problem.

 To this end, and in accordance with the invention, the device comprises means for maintaining constant, or substantially constant, the level of liquid supplying the drip distribution system.

Furthermore, according to a certain number of additional, non-limiting characteristics of the invention:
The internal space of the tubular rod is subdivided by a transverse partition into two chambers, namely an upper chamber in which the water and / or nutritive liquid of the device is supplied, and a lower chamber which opens onto the drip distribution system, and said partition comprises a valve capable of controlling the flow of liquid from the upper chamber into the lower chamber as a function of the level of liquid in the latter;
- This valve comprises a needle valve which is integral with a float disposed in said lower chamber and cooperates with an orifice passing through said partition;
- This float has the general shape of a disc carrying an axial rod whose free end constitutes the shutter;
- Said lower chamber is at atmospheric pressure, thanks to a bore arranged in its upper part and passing through the wall of the rod;
- It includes a filling tube fitted with a filter;
- Said drip distribution system comprises an element capable of changing color in the event of the absence of liquid in the device.

 Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which will now be made of it, with reference to the drawing appended to FIG. I which represents, in axial section, a possible embodiment of the device.

 This device consists of a tubular rod 1 made of plastic, the ends of which are closed, in the lower part, by a pointed and pointed foot element 11 and, in the upper part, by a plug, or cover, 12. The elements 11 and 12 are for example fitted and glued into the end of the tube.

 The rod 1 is, for example, cylindrical, and the foot 11 conical. The foot 11 is intended to be driven into the ground. It can advantageously be furnished with fins improving the anchoring. The plug 12 is strong enough to allow it to be driven in with a hammer.

 The dimensions of the device are adapted, of course, to the nature and size of the plants concerned.

 As an indication, the length of the rod 1 is between 1.5 and 2 meters, its diameter between 50 and 100 millimeters, and the thickness of its wall is a few millimeters.

 In the upper part, the wall 10 of the tube is pierced with an opening receiving a bent tube 2, also made of plastic. This has a flange 20 bearing against the edge of the opening. The fixing is carried out by simple interlocking. The tubing 2 is disposed inside the hollow rod 1. It has a general shape in an arc, and its upper mouth, which crosses the wall 10, has a radial orientation, perpendicular to the axis of the rod 1 Its lower mouth having an axial orientation, directed downwards.

 In this mouth, a filter 3 is mounted. It is, for example, a small cylindrical tampon made of synthetic fibers, advantageously removable.

 It will be observed that the wall 10 is hollowed out, on its external face, with annular grooves 16. In a well known manner, their function is to receive and retain the attachment links of the plants.

 The device comprises a drainage system of the drip type located at the base of the rod 1, just above the foot 11. It includes a plastic body 7 mounted in a radial opening passing through the wall 10 is fixed in the latter in a sealed manner, for example by interlocking and bonding, or by screwing. The body 7 is crossed by a drain bore 70 which communicates the interior of the tube 1 with the exterior. This system comprises a needle screw 70 making it possible to adjust the passage section of the bore 70, or even to close it completely. On the top of the body 7 is mounted a washer 71 carrying a scale; the head of the needle screw 70 carries a mark whose correspondence with this graduation makes it possible to indicate the degree of openness of the system and, consequently, the value of the discharge rate.

 The graduation (not visible on the figure) is for example a circular scale comprising the letter "F '(closed system) and the numbers I to 6, a turn of the screw corresponding to the complete opening of the bore 70 from the closed position.

 Depending on the use, Watering can either be done directly from the drainage system 7, the water and / or the nutritive liquid then flowing directly into the soil, in which the stem 1 is planted, in the immediate vicinity of the foot 11, either indirectly, via a distributor pipe 80.

 The latter configuration is illustrated. It is a flexible conduit, for example made of plastic, the downstream end (not visible in the figure) can be positioned as well as possible, in the desired watering zone.

 In the example shown, the body 7 is integral with a tubular end piece 8 on which the upstream end of the conduit 80 is fitted.

 Advantageously, it is a piece of material capable of changing color depending on the degree of humidity to which it is exposed.

 As a suitable material, mention may be made, for example, of ceramic.

 The nozzle 8 has a flange visible externally, despite the presence of the conduit 80.

 According to an essential characteristic of the invention, the interior of the tubular rod 1 is compartmentalized by a disc-shaped transverse partition 4. The latter is glued, sealingly, against the internal face of the wall 10.

 It is located at a certain height above the drain bore 70.

 The partition 4 therefore subdivides the interior space of the rod into an upper chamber 14 and a lower chamber 15. The upper chamber is significantly larger than the lower chamber.

 As an indication, the chamber 14 has a height of fifteen to thirty times greater than that of the chamber 15.

 The partition 4 is pierced with a central orifice 40 of small diameter, with frustoconical wall, diverging downwards. The orifice 40 is capable of being closed by a conical member 6, of complementary shape. This constitutes the free end portion of a small axial rod 60 carried by a float 5. It is a piece of light material, approximately in the form of a disc which carries longitudinal ribs 50 at its periphery. Cclles these guide the float in translation in the chamber 15, in the manner of a piston, so that the member 6 is correctly oriented on the orifice 40. It plays the role of a needle valve , elements 6 and 40 acting as a valve. When the float is in the high position, the cover 6 is pressed against the edge of the orifice 40 and closed last (valve closed). On the contrary, when it is in the low position, the valve 6 is at a certain distance below the orifice 40, and the latter is not blocked (valve open) the liquid contained in the upper chamber 14 is then free to flow by gravity into the lower chamber 15, via this orifice 40. It can also flow freely at the periphery of the float 5, the presence of the ribs 50 authorizing the passage of the liquid.

 Just below the partition 4, the wall 10 is traversed by a bore 13 whose function is to bring the chamber 15 to atmospheric pressure.

 We will now explain how this device works.

 The stem 1 is partially driven into the ground, near the trunk or stem of the shrub, or other plant, to the staking of which it is assigned, in a substantially vertical position.

 The drain system 7, and the conduit 80 remain, of course, above the ground.

 By means of suitable fasteners, such as necklaces or ties, the trunk or stem of the shrub, or other plant, is kept suitably joined against the stem 1.

 The grooves 16 prevent the fasteners from sliding unexpectedly in the axial direction.

 At the start of the operation, the device is empty.

 The screw 70 is in the closed position of the drainage system.

 The float therefore rests, under the effect of gravity, on the bottom of the chamber 15.

 To fill the device, the water and / or nutritive liquid dispenser, liquid fertilizer in particular, is introduced, for example the neck mouth of a watering can or the pouring spout of a container, into the opening of the tubing. 2.

 In this regard, it will be noted that - preferably - this opening is diametrically opposite to the drainage system 7. Thus, if the latter is oriented against the base of the trunk of the plant, and close to the latter, the presence of the trunk does not does not interfere with the filling operation.

 The liquid poured into the tube 2 passes through the filter 3, which retains impurities and other solid particles which may be present therein.

 It is therefore a pure liquid which arrives in the chamber 14. The float 5 being located in the low position, this liquid flows into the subjacent chamber 15 through the orifice 40, which is released.

 As the filling progresses, the float 5 rises under the effect of the Archimedes' push, until the needle member 6 blocks the orifice 40. It is then the chamber 15 which sc fills. When the water level reaches the level of the tubing 2, the device is operational.

 With a view to watering, the opening downstream end is positioned on the ground, in the desired area, and the drainage system is opened. The flow rate is adjusted to the desired value, by turning the screw 70 more or less in the direction of opening. The graduation present on the washer 71 makes it possible to operate in a precise manner.

 The chosen flow rate depends, of course, on the variety and age of the plant concerned, as well as on the period of the year during which sc does the watering.

 As an indication, the daily need for an average tree is two liters per day.

 Watering is therefore carried out drop by drop, the liquid present in the chamber 15 escaping at a low flow rate - for example of the order of 0.5 to 1 dl / h - from this chamber in the distributor duct 80.

 The float 5 therefore constantly tends to descend, so that the shutter 6 which is integral with it tends to disengage from the orifice 40, thus again authorizing the passage of a certain amount of water.

 There is therefore automatic and continuous compensation for the leak due to the emptying in the lower chamber 15, by supplying liquid coming from the upper chamber 14; the height of liquid in chamber 15 is therefore constant under normal conditions, that is to say as long as there is liquid in chamber 14. This height corresponds to the high position of the float, position illustrated in the figure. As an indication, it is for example of the order of 70 to 80 mm.

 The pressure of the liquid at the bore 70 which is a direct function of this height since the pressure above the float is atmospheric pressure (thanks to the bore 13) is therefore constant. Correlatively, the drain rate - depending on the pressure - is also constant.

 The target is therefore achieved.

 When the chamber 14 is empty, the watering continues until the liquid in the chamber 15 is exhausted, with the float 5 descending and the pressure decreasing, as on conventional devices. However, this only occurs at the end of the operation, for a limited period of time (because the chamber 15 is much smaller than the chamber 14), and only when an addition of liquid has not been done on time (before complete emptying of chamber 14).

 In the event that the device is completely empty, the change in color of the nozzle 8 alerts the person responsible for monitoring watering, of the situation.

 Other types of emptying indicators could be provided such as, for example, an index integral with the float 5 and visible from the outside.

 The presence of the filter 3 prevents fouling of the valve system 6, 40, which could be the cause of its malfunction. The filter can be changed periodically, after the tubing 2 has been disengaged.

 It would not be departing from the scope of the invention to connect one or more devices as described above to a water reserve, by means of one (or more) pipe (s) connector (s).

 The same device could be provided with several drip drainage systems, for example two diametrically opposite systems.

 It goes without saying that the invention is also directed to devices the drain rate of which is not adjustable, the drip is then made through a calibrated nozzle.

 The device could be filled directly by the upper end of the rod, the plug 12 then being removable, and a filter being provided at this level.

 This is interesting, in particular, for small diameter rods, in which it is difficult to mount the filling tube 2.

 The device could have additional functions, for example to support a basin or a lighting fixture.

 In one possible embodiment, the length of the rod 60, which determines the distance of the shutter 6 from the float 5, is adjustable. It is for example a threaded rod screwed into the float, the adjustment being a function of the degree of screwing. It is thus possible to vary the height of the water level determining the drain pressure.

 The color of the stem is advantageously chosen to integrate harmoniously with the vegetation concerned.

 For information only, if the hollow rod has a total length of around 1 m and an inside diameter of around 20 mm, its capacity is around 30cl.

 For a daily consumption of 1 cl / day, its autonomy is therefore around 30 days.

Claims (7)

 1. Combined staking and watering device for plants, which consists of a tubular rod (1) whose internal space acts as a reserve of water and / or nutritive liquid, the filling of this cavity being done in part upper part of the rod (l), while its emptying takes place in its lower part, via a drop-by-drop distribution system (7), in particular with adjustable flow rate, characterized in that it comprises means for maintain constant, or substantially constant, the level of liquid supplying said drip distribution system (7).  2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the interior space of the tubular rod (1) is subdivided by a transverse partition (4) into two chambers, namely an upper chamber (14) in which is made the supply of water and / or nutritive liquid to the device, and a lower chamber (15) which opens onto the drip distribution system (7) and that said partition (4) comprises a valve (6, 40) able to control the flow of liquid from the upper chamber (14) into the lower chamber (15) as a function of the liquid level in the latter.  3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said valve comprises a needle valve (6) which is integral with a float (5) disposed in said lower chamber (15) and cooperates with a through hole (40) said partition (4).  4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that said float (5) has the general shape of a disc carrying an axial rod (60) whose free end constitutes the shutter (6).  5. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said lower chamber (15) is at atmospheric pressure, thanks to a bore (13) disposed in its upper part and passing through the wall (10) of the rod (1).  6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a filling tube (2) provided with a filter (3).  7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said drop-by-drop distribution system comprises an element (8) capable of changing color in the absence of liquid in the device.