Christmas tree watering device and method

Abstract

The present invention provides a Christmas tree watering device or system. The Christmas tree watering device comprises an ice chute assembly usable in combination with a Christmas tree water reservoir. The ice chute assembly comprises an ice chute and a knockdown type dipstick. The ice chute comprises an ice inlet, an ice outlet, a reservoir-engaging flange, and a continuous, substantially rectangular, lateral cross section for channeling ice cubes. Additionally, the present invention provides an ice chute whereby the entire exterior chute surface is provided with ornamental markings in a ladder-shaped design. The ornamental ice chute thus resembles an ornamental ladder leading from the Christmas tree water reservoir to a select Christmas tree branch. Further, the ornamental ice chute is adorned with an ornamental figurine posed so as to create an amusing Christmas ornament, the amusing the amusing Christmas ornament being that of an ornamental character climbing the ornamental ladder.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] The present invention generally relates to an irrigation system for earthen products. More particularly, the present invention relates to chute or conduit means for delivering water to select areas or regions adjacent basal plant structure. Specifically, the present invention relates to a uniquely configured chute for delivering ice cubes to Christmas tree water reservoirs.[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art[0004] It is widely accepted that the Christmas tree or "Tannenbaum" is a German tradition dating from as early as 700 A.D. During the 1800's, however, Germans began immigrating to the United States, settling primarily in Pennsylvania, and in the wake of this German immigration, the Christmas tree tradition quickly spread to the United States. Not surprisingly, Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the United States since the mid 1800's. Currently, approximately 36 million Christmas trees are produced each year, a majority of whi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Without a water supply, the natural or live Christmas tree will quickly dry out.

While it is further noted that Christmas tree farmers will periodically shear the growing Christmas trees before harvest to obtain the most commercially desirable Christmas tree taper, even a Christmas tree with a relatively small taper will have bulky lateral growth at the base of the tree where Christmas tree water reservoirs are typically located.

Filling and refilling a Christmas tree water reservoir can therefore be a cumbersome process often requiring the natural Christmas tree enthusiast to "bend down, get on one's knees, or sit down on the floor" as has been noted U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,547.

It will be seen from a review of the '838 Patent, however, that the disclosed Christmas Tree Watering Device does not teach an ice chute assembly for channeling pieces of frozen water or ice from a superior depository location adjacent a select Christmas tree branch to an inferior outlet location, namely a Christmas tree water reservoir.

It will be further seen that the '838 Patent does not teach an ice chute assembly comprising in combination, a rigid, substantially linear ice chute for channeling ice and a dipstick preferably housed within the ice chute for monitoring the water level in the Christmas tree water reservoir.

Further, the '838 Patent does not teach an ice chute wherein the conduit length comprises a continuous, substantially rectangular, lateral cross section for channeling cubic pieces of ice or ice cubes.

Further, the '838 Patent does not teach an ice chute assembly wherein the exterior surface of the ice chute comprises decorative markings, specifically arranged to resemble a ladder-shaped design upon which may be positioned a posed ornamental figurine so as to create an amusing Christmas ornament, the amusing Christmas ornament being that of a character climbing the ladder-shaped design.

It will be seen from a review of the '677 Patent, however, that the disclosed Remote Fill Receptacle also does not teach an ice chute assembly for channeling pieces of ice from a superior depository location adjacent a select Christmas tree branch to an inferior outlet location, namely a Christmas tree water reservoir.

It will be further seen that the '677 Patent does not teach an ice chute assembly comprising in combination, a rigid, substantially linear ice chute for channeling pieces or chunks of ice and a knockdown type dipstick housed within the ice chute for monitoring the water level in the Christmas tree water reservoir.

Further, the '677 Patent does not teach an ice chute wherein the conduit length comprises a continuous, substantially rectangular, lateral cross section for channeling cubic pieces of ice.

Further, the '677 Patent does not teach an ice chute assembly wherein the exterior surface of the ice chute comprises decorative markings, specifically arranged to resemble a ladder-shaped design upon which may be positioned a posed ornamental figurine so as to create an amusing Christmas ornament, the amusing Christmas ornament being that of a character climbing the ladder-shaped design.

It will be further seen that the '547 Patent does not teach an ice chute assembly comprising in combination, a rigid, substantially linear ice chute for channeling ice chunks and a dipstick of a knockdown type housed within the ice chute for monitoring the water level in the Christmas tree wa

Images