Irrigation device

Abstract

A watering device for installation in a container P, comprising a sealing portion 1 for installation on a container wall surrounding an aperture in the container wall, a holding means 2 for maintaining the sealing portion 1 in position against the container wall, a fluid dispensing portion receiving portion 7 for receiving fluid from the sealing portion 1, and a flow channel portion 32 for receiving fluid from the fluid dispensing portion receiving portion 7, the fluid distribution part receiving part 7 is used for maintaining the fluid distribution part 6 in a position outside a container provided with the device, and the flow channel part 32 is used for providing a fluid flow path from the interior of the container P provided with the irrigation device to the fluid distribution part receiving part 7.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a watering device, in particular a garden watering device for watering garden plants. Background Art

[0002] It is generally desirable to provide a watering device that can provide unattended watering for a period of time. This can certainly reduce the frequency with which the user needs to personally water the plants of interest.

[0003] Sometimes, relatively complex irrigation systems are used in which one or more timed-operated valves or "water computers" control the delivery of water from a source (such as a mains water supply). Sometimes, installing such an irrigation system based on a mains water supply may be difficult, expensive, or otherwise undesirable—for example, when one wishes to use recycled water, harvested rainwater, etc.

[0004] Accordingly, it may be attractive to provide a simpler or more natural watering solution. In these cases, a traditional option is to use an unglazed ceramic (usually clay) olla watering pot, which is buried in the ground in the area near the plants to be watered. The olla is filled with water, which is allowed to gradually seep into the surrounding soil through the porous material of the pot.

[0005] However, there are several problems with such olla watering pots. They water a relatively small area (and therefore may be required in relatively large numbers), they are relatively expensive, and there is little control over the rate at which they deliver water to the area.

[0006] It would therefore be desirable to provide alternative forms of watering devices that address at least some of the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a watering device for installation in a container, comprising a sealing portion, a retaining tool, a fluid distribution portion, and a flow channel portion, wherein the sealing portion is adapted to be installed on a container wall around a hole in the container wall, the retaining tool is adapted to maintain the sealing portion in a position against the container wall, the fluid distribution portion is adapted to be positioned outside a container in which the device is installed, and the flow channel portion is adapted to provide a fluid flow path from the interior of the container in which the watering device is installed to the fluid distribution portion.

[0008] This device can allow water to be introduced into a container (such as a plant pot) to which the watering device is installed, so as to water the surrounding environment through the fluid channel portion and the fluid distribution portion. This can provide users with a simple and effective way to create an effective watering device from everyday objects (i.e., plant pots or other containers with holes). The sealing portion can be used to seal the hole, preventing the uncontrolled release of water, thereby allowing controlled release.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a watering device for installation in a container, comprising a sealing portion, a retaining tool, a fluid dispensing portion receiving portion, and a flow channel portion, wherein the sealing portion is adapted to be installed on the container wall around a hole in the container wall, the retaining tool is adapted to maintain the sealing portion in a position against the container wall, the fluid dispensing portion receiving portion is adapted to maintain the fluid dispensing portion in a position outside the container in which the device is installed, and the flow channel portion is adapted to provide a fluid flow path from the interior of the container in which the watering device is installed to the fluid dispensing portion receiving portion.

[0010] Preferably, the fluid dispensing portion includes a wicking material. This can help draw water from the interior of the container to the ground around the container. The wicking material can extend a considerable distance from the container and help increase the area over which the water is released.

[0011] The flow channel portion may be used to provide a fluid flow path through the watering device to the fluid dispensing portion receiving portion.

[0012] Typically in use, a plant pot or another suitable container would be fitted with the present watering device and then buried or semi-buried in the ground of the area to be watered in a manner similar to a traditional clay olla watering pot.

[0013] In addition to plant pots, other suitable containers may include buckets, Tupperware TM containers, aluminum foil containers, large yogurt pots, ice cream containers, etc.

[0014] The container may be porous or non-porous, glazed or unglazed, ceramic, plastic material, metal (such as metal foil), etc.

[0015] This is convenient if the container already comprises a suitable hole - otherwise the hole can be made in the container - for example by drilling or cutting a hole in the container.

[0016] The container only needs to be able to hold the amount of water deemed sufficient by the user - so a fluid container of some kind.

[0017] The watering device preferably includes a valve for adjustably controlling flow through the fluid flow path. This can help a user control the watering rate provided by the watering device.

[0018] The sealing portion may be arranged to rest against an outer surface of a container wall.

[0019] The sealing portion may be disposed adjacent the fluid dispensing portion.

[0020] The sealing portion may comprise an annular sealing element. The sealing element may be made of an elastic material. The sealing portion may comprise an elastic material ring portion.

[0021] The use of a resilient material may aid in mounting the device on the container and help provide a seal.

[0022] The sealing portion may comprise a plate portion on which the sealing element is mounted.The sealing portion may comprise a plate portion on which the elastomeric ring portion is mounted.

[0023] The plate portion may be made of a relatively rigid material compared to the material of the sealing element.

[0024] The holding means may comprise a clamping member for clamping on a side of the container wall opposite to the side on which the sealing portion is arranged to seal.

[0025] The holding tool may include an engagement portion for engaging the sealing portion to the clamping portion. The engagement portion may be arranged to pass through an aperture in the container wall. When the pouring device is mounted in the container, the engagement portion may engage the sealing portion to the clamping portion and, in this state, is arranged to pass through the aperture in the container wall.

[0026] In some embodiments, the engaging portion may be rod-shaped or tubular-shaped.

[0027] At least when the clamping member and the sealing portion are in an assembled state, the engaging portion can be engaged to the plate portion of the sealing portion.Even when the clamping member and the sealing portion are disassembled from each other, the engaging portion can also be engaged to the plate portion of the sealing portion.

[0028] The clamping member can be capable of being threadedly engaged with the engaging portion. In this case, the watering device can be installed on the container by the clamping member being fastened to the engaging portion. Preferably, this will make the engaging member extend through the hole in the container wall.

[0029] The clamping member may comprise a clamping flange portion for contacting a wall of a container to be clamped by the clamping member.

[0030] The clamping member may define a bore that receives the engagement portion.

[0031] The clamping member may define at least one clamping member fluid passage from an exterior of the clamping member to within the borehole.

[0032] The clamping flange portion may define at least one clamping member fluid passageway.

[0033] The joining portion may include a joining portion fluid passage for directing fluid through the watering device. The joining portion may have an inlet port at one end of the fluid passage and an outlet port at the other end of the fluid passage.

[0034] The flow channel portion may include a clamping member fluid passage and / or an engaging portion fluid passage.

[0035] The engaging portion may comprise a hollow portion, which may be a hollow tubular portion. The hollow portion may provide at least a portion of a fluid passageway of the engaging portion.

[0036] An inlet port may be provided in the hollow portion.

[0037] When the engagement portion is located in the bore of the clamping member, the inlet port may provide a fluid communication path between the bore of the clamping member and the interior of the hollow portion.

[0038] The outlet port may be provided in the hollow portion.

[0039] The outlet port may provide a fluid communication path between the interior of the hollow portion and the fluid dispensing portion.

[0040] The valve may be arranged to control flow in the fluid passage of the engagement portion, for example to control flow into and / or out of the interior of the hollow portion.

[0041] The valve may be arranged as a needle valve.

[0042] The engagement portion may be arranged as a hollow tubular threaded rod, which may enable the clamping portion to be threadedly mounted on the rod, with the interior of the rod providing a flow path through the watering device.

[0043] The watering device may include a fluid dispensing portion receiving portion for maintaining the fluid dispensing portion in position on the remainder of the watering device.

[0044] The sealing portion (eg, the plate portion of the sealing portion) may include a fluid dispensing portion receiving portion for maintaining the fluid dispensing portion in place on the remainder of the watering device. The clamping portion may include a fluid dispensing portion receiving portion.

[0045] This is particularly interesting when the fluid distribution portion comprises a piece of wicking material.

[0046] The fluid distribution portion receiving portion may include a wicking material receiving channel.

[0047] The receiving groove may be defined between the body of the plate portion of the sealing portion and a retaining strip mounted on the body of the plate portion.The receiving groove may be defined between the body of the clamping portion and a retaining strip mounted on the body of the clamping portion.

[0048] The fluid dispensing portion receiving portion may comprise an outlet bag into which the fluid is fed to the outlet of the fluid dispensing portion. For example, the outlet port of the engaging portion feeds into the outlet bag.

[0049] The outlet bag may have a surrounding wall with a distal edge that extends into the wicking material receiving channel so that when a piece of wicking material is located in the channel, the distal edge presses into the wicking material.

[0050] This can help form a seal to prevent dirt / debris from entering the outlet bag, thereby helping to prevent blockage of the fluid flow path through the device. As liquid is drawn out by the wicking material, it can also create a low-level vacuum or reduced pressure area in the outlet bag to help maintain flow through the watering device. This can counteract the effects of surface tension / meniscus effects that can inhibit flow at the very low rates typically observed when using this type of device.

[0051] The retaining strip may define a hole aligned with the outlet bag. The size and shape of the hole in the strip may be the same as the size and shape defined by the distal edge of the surrounding wall of the outlet bag. When both are circular, the diameter of the hole may be the same as the inner diameter of the outlet bag.

[0052] The retaining strip can be movably mounted to the remainder of the watering device and arranged to be movable between an open position to allow introduction of the wicking material and a closed position for maintaining the wicking material in place.

[0053] The holding strip can be mounted in an articulated manner on the rest of the watering device.

[0054] The retaining strip may be configured to be lockable into a closed position.

[0055] When in the closed position, the retention strips may be arranged to hold the wicking material in place.

[0056] The watering device preferably includes a flow regulator for controlling the flow rate of the fluid through the fluid flow path. Preferably, the flow regulator is made of a porous material. More preferably, the flow regulator is made of a porous ceramic material.

[0057] In some embodiments, the flow regulator comprises a porous block. The block may be a disc, that is, the block may have a generally circular cross-section. In alternative embodiments, the block may have an oval, square, triangular, or any other shaped cross-section.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, the flow regulator comprises a cone. In one such embodiment, the cone may be arranged to protrude into the container when the watering device is mounted on the container. In another such embodiment, the cone may be arranged to protrude outside of the container when the watering device is mounted on the container.

[0059] The flow regulator can be held by a housing. The housing can be arranged to be connectable to one of the sealing portion and the clamping member. The housing can be threadably connected to one of the sealing portion and the clamping member. The housing is removable by the user. This allows the user to remove the housing and the flow regulator without removing the pouring device from the container. This can be advantageous, for example, when cleaning the flow regulator.

[0060] The watering device may include a first seal located between the housing and one of the sealing portion and the clamping member. The watering device may include a second seal located between the flow regulator and the housing. The first seal and / or the second seal may include an O-ring.

[0061] The watering device may include a filter element for filtering the water before it reaches the flow regulator. The filter element may prevent dirt and / or debris from clogging the flow regulator. Thus, the filter element may allow for a more consistent fluid flow rate.

[0062] A filter element may be provided upstream of the flow regulator. The filter element may be made of a foam material.

[0063] The filter element may be retained in the housing.

[0064] The housing may include a housing body. The housing may include a retaining member for retaining the filter element and / or the flow regulator in the housing. The retaining member may engage with the housing body (e.g., an inner wall of the housing body). The retaining member may be arranged to bias the filter element and / or the flow regulator toward the second seal.

[0065] The flow regulator may have a first characteristic flow rate, and the filter element may have a second characteristic flow rate that is higher than the first characteristic flow rate.

[0066] The characteristic flow rate of the flow regulator may be in the range of 50 ml / day to 500 ml / day. Preferably, the characteristic flow rate of the flow regulator is in the range of 100 ml / day to 500 ml / day.

[0067] The flow regulator may have a volume porosity in the range of 30% to 70%. Preferably, the volume porosity may be 40% to 50%.

[0068] The flow regulator may have a pore size of 1 μm to 10 μm. Preferably, the pore size may be 1 μm to 5 μm.

[0069] The porosity and pore size may be user selectable - that is, a range of flow regulators (e.g., a range of porous ceramic elements) may be provided to the user to be selected for use in the irrigation device. This allows the user to determine the fluid flow rate through the fluid flow path.

[0070] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pouring device for installation in a container, comprising a sealing portion, an engaging portion and a clamping portion, wherein the sealing portion is adapted to be installed on the container wall around a hole in the container wall, the engaging portion is mounted on the sealing portion and adapted to pass through the hole in the container wall, and the clamping portion is mounted on the engaging portion and adapted to maintain the sealing portion in a position against the container wall.

[0071] The watering device may further include a fluid dispensing portion receiving portion for maintaining the fluid dispensing portion in a position outside the container to which the device is mounted. The watering device may further include a flow channel portion for providing a fluid flow path from the interior of the container to which the watering device is mounted to the fluid dispensing portion receiving portion.

[0072] The sealing portion may include a fluid dispensing portion receiving portion for retaining the fluid dispensing portion.

[0073] The engaging portion may define a flow passage for feeding fluid through the watering device, for example to the fluid dispensing portion receiving portion (when present).

[0074] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a watering device assembly comprising a watering device as defined above mounted on a container, wherein the sealing portion seals against a wall of the container around an aperture provided in the container.

[0075] Please note that generally speaking, all further features defined in accordance with any aspect of the present invention above are applicable, mutatis mutandis, as further features of all other aspects of the present invention above. For the sake of brevity, these further features will not be repeated after each aspect of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0077] Figure 1 Schematically illustrates a watering device installed in a plant pot to form a watering device arrangement;

[0078] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the watering device arrangement is shown, wherein the valve of the watering device is in a first position;

[0079] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the watering device arrangement is shown with the valve of the watering device in the second position;

[0080] Figure 4 Schematically shows Figures 1 to 3 A portion of the watering device shown when not installed in a plant pot;

[0081] Figure 5 for Figures 1 to 4 An exploded view of a watering device without wicking material in place;

[0082] Figure 6 An alternative watering device is schematically shown without the wicking material in place;

[0083] Figure 7 schematically illustrates an alternative watering device without the wicking material in place and mounted in a container; and

[0084] Figure 8 Shown Figure 7 An exploded view of another alternative watering device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] Figures 1 to 3 A watering device arrangement is shown that includes a watering device W installed in a plant pot P. When the watering device W is installed in the plant pot P in this manner, the resulting watering device arrangement can be used to water the plants by burying or partially burying the watering device in the soil where the plants to be watered are located and filling the plant pot P with water. As will be explained further below, the water from the plant pot P is released by the watering device into the surrounding environment in a controlled manner.

[0086] For example, the watering arrangement can be placed in a flower bed or fruit / vegetable bed, either directly on the ground or on a raised bed, or similarly it can be placed in soil for growing plants, where the watering arrangement is placed in a container of some kind. Once assembled and used in this manner, the watering arrangement operates in a manner similar to a conventional olla watering pot.

[0087] If desired, the user may provide a lid or cover upon use of the plant pot P. The material of the plant pot P is not critical, but in at least some circumstances, the use of a non-porous pot may prove to be preferable.

[0088] The watering device W is designed to be installed in a hole (or aperture) in the plant pot—typically, but not necessarily, at the bottom of the plant pot. This arrangement generally works best if the hole in the plant pot P where the watering device is installed is the only hole in the plant pot P, and water is injected into the plant pot P only at a water level below that hole. However, this is also user choice. In some cases, a plant pot with two or more holes may be equipped with a corresponding number of watering devices W—one watering device W for each hole, positioned at or below the water line when in use.

[0089] Furthermore, the present type of watering device W can be installed in containers other than the plant pots mentioned in the introduction and obtain the same benefits. In addition to plant pots, other suitable containers may include buckets, Tupperware, TM Container, aluminum foil container, large yogurt pot, ice cream container, etc. It will be appreciated that suitable holes can be made in the container to accommodate the watering device if desired. For simplicity, the remainder of this specification relates to the situation where the watering device W is installed / used to be installed in a plant pot.

[0090] Now refer to Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 4 and Figure 5 To describe the watering device W in more detail, Figure 4 Shown is a watering device W not installed in a basin, Figure 5 This is an exploded view of most of the components of the watering device W.

[0091] The watering device W comprises a sealing portion 1 arranged to seal against the basin wall P1 around a hole P2 provided in the basin wall P1. The watering device W further comprises holding means 2 for maintaining the sealing portion 1 in position against the basin wall P1.

[0092] In this embodiment, the sealing portion 1 comprises a plate portion 11 and an elastic material sealing ring portion 12, which is mounted on the plate portion 11 and is arranged to seal against the pot wall P1 around the hole P2 in the pot wall P1 when the watering device is mounted in the plant pot P. Figures 1 to 3 The sealing ring portion 12 may be provided to the customer as a separate component from the plate portion 11 or may be pre-joined to the plate portion - for example by adhesive joining or produced as a co-moulded component.

[0093] In this embodiment, the holding tool 2 includes an engaging portion 3 and a clamping portion 4. The engaging portion 3 in this embodiment engages with the plate portion 11 of the sealing portion 1 and is engaged with the plate portion 11 of the sealing portion 1. Figures 1 to 3 As shown it is arranged for passing through a hole P2 in a plant pot.In this embodiment the engagement portion 3 and the plate portion 11 are formed as a single piece - in particular a moulded part of plastics material.

[0094] The engaging portion 3 is arranged as a hollow tubular portion, in particular a threaded rod portion 31. A bore 32 is provided in the hollow tubular portion 31 and a water inlet port 33 provides a water flow path through the side wall of the engaging portion 3 and into the engaging portion bore 32.

[0095] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, when the watering device W is installed in the pot P, the clamping portion 4 is arranged to be mounted on the engaging portion 3 and clamped on the side of the pot wall P1 opposite to the sealing portion 1.

[0096] The clamping part 4 comprises a main body part 41 and a clamping flange part 42. The main body part 41 defines a clamping part main bore 43. At least one groove 42a, preferably a plurality of grooves 42a, is provided in the surface 42b of the clamping flange part 42. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, when the watering device W is installed in the pot P, the face 42b is arranged to abut against the pot wall P1 and the groove 42a serves as a water passage portion providing a water flow path into the main bore 43 of the clamping portion.

[0097] As mentioned above, the engaging portion 3 comprises a threaded shank portion 31. The main bore 43 of the clamping portion 4 comprises a complementary threaded portion 44 which is arranged to threadably engage with the engaging portion 3 so that the clamping portion 4 can be fastened to the engaging portion 3. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that these complementary threads are located on the outer wall of the shank portion 31 and on the inner wall of the main bore 43, respectively.

[0098] The body portion 41 may be provided with at least one gripping portion 45 to assist the user in turning the clamping portion 4 during installation. The at least one gripping portion 45 may comprise a series of recesses and protrusions 45a and / or a plurality of protruding web-like portions 45b - both of which are provided in this embodiment. The clamping portion 4 may be provided as a molded plastics material component.

[0099] When the watering device W is mounted on the pot P, the engaging portion 3 can be fed through the hole P2 in the pot P so that the sealing portion 1, in particular the sealing ring portion 12, abuts the pot wall P1 from one side, and the clamping portion 4 is screwed onto the engaging portion and tightened into clamping contact with the opposite side of the pot wall P1.

[0100] In this embodiment, the sealing portion 1 is arranged to be provided on the outside of the pot P, and the clamping portion 4 is on the inside of the pot P. This is considered to be a preferred arrangement which allows for ease of construction, particularly in terms of providing and controlling the flow path through the device. However, alternative arrangements are envisaged in which the sealing portion is arranged to be provided on the inside of the pot P, and suitable retaining means are provided to maintain it in place - this may also include corresponding engaging and clamping portions.

[0101] The watering device W includes a needle valve 5 for controlling the flow rate of water through the watering device W. The needle valve 5 includes a threaded needle rod 51 that is received in the bore 32 of the engagement portion 3. The bore 32 of the engagement portion includes an internal threaded portion 34 that is complementary to the threads 52 provided on the needle rod 51. The needle rod 51 includes a user-operable knob 53 at one end and a needle portion 54 at the other end. The knob 53 includes a series of recesses and protrusions 53a to assist the user in gripping. The threaded needle rod 51 can be provided as a molded plastic material component.

[0102] An outlet port or orifice 35 is provided in the joint portion 3 from the bore 32 to the outside, and the needle portion 54 is arranged to control the flow through the outlet port 35. In this embodiment, the outlet port 35 passes through the sealing portion 1. In particular, the outlet port 35 is formed in the plate portion 11 of the sealing portion 1.

[0103] The threaded needle stem 51 can be moved by a user between different states in which the needle portion 54 obstructs the outlet port 35 to a greater or lesser extent. The threaded needle stem 51 and the engagement portion 3 together can be considered to form a needle valve 5.

[0104] Figure 2 The threaded needle rod 51 is shown in a first position, Figure 3 The threaded needle rod 51 is shown in a second position in which the outlet port 35 is less obstructed than in the first position - the valve 5 is more open. The user can move between these different states by rotating the needle rod 51 relative to the engaging portion 3 using the knob 53. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the clamping portion flange portion 42 includes indicator markings 42c to indicate to the user the direction in which the knob 53 should be turned to increase or decrease the flow rate.

[0105] When the watering device W is installed in the pot P and the pot P is filled with water, water can pass from the interior of the pot P through the groove 42a in the underside of the clamping part 4 and into the main bore 43 of the clamping part 4. From here, the water can pass through the inlet port 33 in the joining part 3 and into the bore 32 of the joining part 3. The water flow out of the bore 32 of the joining part 3 is then controlled by the needle valve 5 - in particular, by the interaction between the needle part 54 and the outlet port 35.

[0106] The watering device W comprises a wicking material 6 when completed. Figures 1 to 4 is shown in place (although Figure 4 For the sake of clarity, only a portion of it is shown. Figure 5 The wicking material 6 is omitted. The wicking material 6 serves as the fluid distribution portion - receiving fluid (typically water) from the outlet port 35 and allowing it to flow from the outlet port 35 into the surrounding soil. The wicking material is typically a piece of textile material (e.g., a woven textile material) selected to provide good wicking properties. The wicking material may include a laminated capillary mat.

[0107] The length of the wicking material 6 may be chosen to be significantly longer than the typical dimensions of the pots in which the watering device W is to be used. The length of the wicking material 6 may be at least twice the length of the diameter of the wall of the pot P in which the watering device W is to be mounted.

[0108] The pouring device W comprises a wicking material receiving portion 7, wherein a wicking material can be mounted on the rest of the pouring device W. The fluid flow path through the pouring device leads to the wicking material receiving portion 7, with the outlet port 35 leading to the wicking material receiving portion 7. In this embodiment, the wicking material receiving portion 7 is provided on the sealing portion 1. The plate portion 11, the joining portion 3 and the wicking material receiving portion 7 can be provided as molded plastic material parts.

[0109] For example, Figure 2 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the wicking material receiving portion 7 includes a retaining strip portion 71 defining a slot 72 for receiving the wicking material 6. In this embodiment, the slot 72 is formed between the plate portion 11 and the retaining strip portion 71.

[0110] The wicking material receiving portion 7 also includes an outlet pocket 73 into which the outlet port 35 feeds. The outlet pocket 73 has a surrounding wall 74 with a distal edge 74a extending into the wicking material receiving slot 72 so that when the wicking material 6 is located in the slot 72, the distal edge 74a is pressed into the wicking material 6.

[0111] This can help to create a seal that prevents dirt / debris from entering the outlet bag 73, thereby helping to prevent blockage of the fluid flow path through the device. As liquid is drawn out by the wicking material 6, it can also create a low level vacuum or reduced pressure area in the outlet bag 73 to help maintain flow through the watering device W. This can counteract the effects of surface tension / meniscus effects that can inhibit flow at the very low flow rates typically observed when using this type of device.

[0112] The retaining strip 71 defines an aperture 75 that is aligned with the outlet pocket 73. The size and shape of the aperture 75 in the strip 71 are the same as the size and shape defined by the distal edge 74a of the surrounding wall 74 of the outlet pocket 73. In this embodiment, the outlet pocket 73 and the aperture are both circular, and the diameter of the aperture 75 is the same as the inner diameter of the outlet pocket 73.

[0113] The holes can help to secure the wicking material 6 in place. The wicking material 6 can tend to deform into the holes 75 in the strip 71, which can prevent the wicking material 6 from sliding out of the groove 72.

[0114] At least one guide portion 76 may be provided in the wicking material receiving portion 7 for guiding the end of the wicking material sheet 6 toward the gap between the retaining strip 71 and the distal edge 74a of the surrounding wall 74 of the outlet bag 73 when the wicking material 6 is installed in the wicking material receiving portion 7. In the present embodiment, two sets of guide portions 76 are provided—one set on each side of the outlet bag 73—to facilitate the insertion of the wicking material 6 from either side of the slot 72. Each set of guide portions 76 includes a corresponding plurality of ribs 76a having inclined edges that form a slope leading to the distal edge 74a of the surrounding wall 74 of the outlet bag 73 (see FIG. Figure 5 ). In the present embodiment, these ribs 76 a protrude from the plate portion 11 of the sealing portion 1 .

[0115] Figure 6 An alternative watering device W' is schematically shown without the wicking material in place. Figure 6 The alternative watering device is similar in most respects to the Figures 1 to 5 The watering devices are the same, so the detailed description of these common parts is omitted. Figure 6 Alternative watering devices and Figures 1 to 5 The watering device of FIG. 1 differs in that an improved form of wicking material receiving portion 7 ′ is provided.

[0116] It has been found that for Figures 1 to 5 In the wicking material receiving portion 7 of the device, it may be difficult for a user to position a piece of wicking material in the receiving groove 72. Figure 6 In an alternative watering device of the present invention, a modified form of retaining strip 71' is provided which is hingedly mounted on the remainder of the watering device W' and is arranged to be in an open position (such as Figure 6 The wicking material moves between an open position (not shown) and a closed position (not shown) for maintaining the wicking material in place.

[0117] The first end 71a' of the retaining strip 71' is pivotally mounted on the main body of the sealing portion 1, specifically, on the plate portion 11. The second end is provided with a snap portion 71b', which is arranged to releasably engage with a retainer portion 77' provided on the main body of the sealing portion 1, specifically, on the plate portion 11. The material of the retaining strip 71' and / or the snap portion 71b' has sufficient elasticity to allow the snap portion 71b' to pass over the retainer portion 77' into a locked position, thereby maintaining the retaining strip 71' in the closed position.

[0118] In the closed position, the wicking material 6 is clamped between the retaining strip 71 ′ and the surrounding wall 74 of the outlet bag 73 .

[0119] It has been found that the needle valve 5 of the above embodiment may be easily clogged by dirt and / or debris in the basin. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the alternative watering device W" shown, the needle valve 5 is replaced by a porous ceramic flow regulator 9. The rest of the device is the same as that described above. Figures 1 to 6 The devices described are similar, but there are some structural differences. These differences are described below, while the description of these common parts is omitted or abbreviated.

[0120] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the alternative watering device W", there is also a sealing part 1" and a holding tool 2", which includes a joining part 3" and a clamping part 4", but the arrangement is different from the Figures 1 to 6 The arrangement of the device shown is reversed, in that the sealing portion 1″ is arranged to be disposed within the container P, as shown. Figure 7 As shown, the clamping portion 4" is arranged to be located outside the container P.

[0121] The sealing portion 1" also comprises a plate portion 11 and an elastic material sealing ring portion 12, which is arranged to seal against the pot wall P1 around the hole P2 in the pot wall P1 when the watering device is installed in the plant pot P. Figure 7 Likewise, the sealing ring portion 12 may be provided to the consumer as a separate component from the plate portion 11, or may be pre-joined to the plate portion - for example, by adhesive joining or produced as a co-moulded component.

[0122] The engaging portion 3" in this embodiment also engages with the plate portion 11 of the sealing portion 1" and is arranged to pass through the hole P2 in the plant pot when installed, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 In this embodiment, the joining portion 3 ″ and the plate portion 11 are formed as a single piece—specifically, as a molded part of plastic material.

[0123] The engaging portion 3 ″ is also arranged as a hollow tubular portion, in particular a threaded rod portion 31 . A borehole 32 is provided in the hollow tubular portion 31 . In this embodiment, in use, water flows into one end of the borehole 32 and through the borehole 32 .

[0124] When the watering device W" is installed in the pot P, the clamping portion 4" is also arranged to be installed on the engaging portion 3" and clamped on the side of the pot wall P1 opposite to the sealing portion 1", as shown in FIG. Figure 7 shown.

[0125] The clamping part 4 ″ also comprises a main body part 41 and a clamping flange part 42 . The main body part 41 defines a clamping part main bore 43 . In this embodiment, in use, water flows out of the bore of the threaded rod part 31 and into the clamping part main bore 43 .

[0126] The main bore 43 of the clamping part 4 ″ also comprises a complementary threaded portion 44 which is arranged to be threadedly engaged with the engaging part 3 ″ so that the clamping part 4 can be screwed onto the engaging part 3 . For the sake of completeness, it should also be noted that these complementary threads are located on the outer wall of the rod part 31 and on the inner wall of the main bore 43 respectively.

[0127] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The wicking material receiving portion 7 of the alternative watering device W" shown is connected to the Figure 6 The wicking material receiving portion of the illustrated alternative watering device W' is identical except that it is provided on the clamping portion 4'' rather than the sealing portion 1''. Therefore, further description of the wicking material receiving portion 7 is omitted.

[0128] As mentioned above, Figure 7 and Figure 8 Another alternative watering device W″ is different from the above device mainly in that the needle valve 5 is replaced by a porous ceramic flow regulator 9.

[0129] In this embodiment, the ceramic flow regulator 9 is a ceramic disc located in the support housing 8. The support housing 8 is threadedly engaged with a threaded seat 13 provided on the plate portion 11 of the sealing portion 1". The ceramic disc 9 is arranged upstream of the engagement portion bore 32. Therefore, the ceramic disc 9 can control (i.e. regulate) the water flow into the engagement portion bore 32 and thus through the watering device.

[0130] A foam filter 10 is provided in the support housing 8 upstream of the ceramic disc 9. The foam filter 10 has been found to prevent large debris from coming into contact with the ceramic disc 9, thereby reducing the risk of the disc pores becoming blocked.

[0131] However, smaller dirt particles may pass through the foam filter 10. It is therefore useful to be able to access and clean the ceramic disc 9, and it is particularly convenient if the user can do this without having to remove the pot P from the watering position.

[0132] Therefore, the support housing 8 can be removed by a user, that is, the support housing 8 can be detached from the plate portion 11 .

[0133] The support housing 8, ceramic disc 9 and foam filter 10 together form a removable cartridge which can be removed from the rest of the watering device (eg when mounted in a container or basin P). This can facilitate cleaning and / or replacement.

[0134] The support housing 8 comprises a housing body 81 and an annular retaining member 82 for retaining the ceramic disc 9 in the housing body 81. In this embodiment, the annular retaining member 82 also retains the foam filter 10. In particular, in this case, the annular retaining member 82 accommodates the foam filter 10. The annular retaining member 82 and the foam filter 10 together form a removable sub-cartridge within the support housing cartridge.

[0135] The annular retaining member 82 is threadedly engaged with the housing body 81. Complementary threads are provided on the outer wall of the retaining member 82 and the inner wall of the housing body 81.

[0136] An O-ring 83 is provided between the support housing 8 and the plate portion 11. Another O-ring 84 is provided between the ceramic disc 9 and the support housing 8. These O-rings seal between the support housing 8 and the plate portion 11, thereby helping to ensure that water flowing into the support housing 8 passes through the ceramic disc 9.

[0137] The housing body 81 in this embodiment is generally annular. It has a plate engaging portion 81a, a ceramic element receiving portion 81b and a filter receiving portion 81c. The filter receiving portion 81c is arranged upstream of the ceramic element receiving portion 81b and includes at least one hole for allowing water to flow into the interior of the housing body 81. In this embodiment, the filter receiving portion 81c has corresponding holes 81c' at its upstream and downstream ends, and holes 81c" in its side walls. The filter receiving portion 81c is basket-shaped. These features allow the filter to be retained while promoting water to flow into and through the support housing 8.

[0138] The annular retaining member 82 has corresponding apertures 82' at its upstream and downstream ends, and apertures 82" in its sidewalls. These features allow for retention of the filter 10 while promoting flow of water into and through the interior of the annular retaining member 82. A lip 82a is provided around the periphery of the aperture 82' at the upstream end of the annular retaining member 82 to help retain the foam filter 10 in the annular retaining element 82.

[0139] In use, water from the container can flow into the interior of the support housing 8, through the foam filter 10 to the ceramic disc 9. Here, the flow is regulated by the porosity of the ceramic disc 9, and the water can flow into the bore 32 of the engaging member 3' at a permitted rate and continue to the wicking material receiving portion 7. The water can then be distributed into the surrounding environment through the wicking material in the above-mentioned device when the device is fully assembled for operation.

[0140] As described above, the ceramic disc 9 is arranged to control the fluid flow rate through the watering device W". By changing the pore size and porosity percentage (the percentage of the volume of the component occupied by pores) of the ceramic disc 9, the fluid flow rate through the ceramic disc 9 can be selected. For example, the fluid flow rate through the ceramic disc 9 can be increased by increasing the pore size and / or increasing the porosity percentage. In one example, the pore size is 1 μm and the porosity percentage is about 40-50%.

[0141] In an alternative pouring device, not shown, the ceramic element has a conical shape. In this or other alternatives, the ceramic element can be directly engaged with the rest of the device, eliminating the need for a support housing. In still other alternatives, a support housing can be provided without the current basket-shaped filter receiving structure—requiring only a circular recess to accommodate the foam filter element—or without a filter receiving portion.

[0142] Overall, the present type of watering device may allow a user to create an efficient and controllable watering device arrangement while utilizing everyday items that might otherwise be discarded.

Claims

1. A watering device for installation in a container, comprising a sealing portion, a retaining tool, a fluid dispensing portion receiving portion, and a flow channel portion, wherein the sealing portion is adapted to be installed on a container wall surrounding a hole in the container wall, the retaining tool being adapted to maintain the sealing portion in a position against the container wall, the fluid dispensing portion receiving portion being adapted to maintain the fluid dispensing portion in a position outside the container in which the device is installed, and the flow channel portion being adapted to provide a fluid flow path from the interior of the container in which the watering device is installed to the fluid dispensing portion receiving portion.

2. The watering device of claim 1, further comprising a wicking material disposed in the fluid distribution portion receiving portion as the fluid distribution portion.

3. The watering device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a valve for adjustably controlling flow through the fluid flow path.

4. A watering device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The sealing portion is arranged to rest against an outer surface of the container wall.

5. Watering device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The sealing portion includes a ring portion of elastomeric material.

6. Watering device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The holding means comprises a clamping member for clamping on a side of the container wall opposite to the side with which the sealing portion is arranged to seal.

7. The watering device according to claim 6, wherein: The clamping member comprises a clamping flange portion for contacting the container wall to be clamped by the clamping member.

8. The watering device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The holding means comprises an engagement portion for engaging the sealing portion to the clamping portion, preferably the engagement portion being arranged through a hole in the container wall.

9. The watering device according to claim 8, wherein: The clamping member and the sealing portion are threadably engageable via the engaging portion.

10. The watering device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The clamping member defines a bore that receives the engagement portion.

11. The watering device according to claim 10, wherein: The clamping member defines at least one clamping member fluid passageway from an exterior of the clamping member into the borehole.

12. A watering device according to claim 8 or any one of claims 9 to 11 when appended to claim 8, wherein: The joint portion includes a joint portion fluid passage for guiding fluid through the watering device, wherein one end of the fluid passage has an inlet port and the other end of the fluid passage has an outlet port.

13. A watering device according to claim 12 as appended to claim 11, wherein The inlet port provides a fluid communication path between the bore of the clamping member and the engaging portion fluid passageway when the engaging portion is positioned in the bore of the clamping member.

14. A watering device according to claim 12 or 13, when indirectly dependent on claim 3, wherein The valve is arranged to control flow in the joining portion fluid passage.

15. A watering device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The fluid distribution portion receiving portion includes a wicking material receiving channel.

16. A watering device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The fluid dispensing portion receiving portion includes an outlet bag, and the fluid is fed to the outlet of the fluid dispensing portion and fed into the outlet bag.

17. A watering device according to claim 16 when appended to claim 15, wherein The outlet bag has a surrounding wall with a distal edge that extends into the wicking material receiving channel such that the distal edge presses into the wicking material when the wicking material is located in the channel.

18. A watering device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The fluid dispensing portion receiving portion includes a retaining strip movably mounted to the remainder of the watering device and arranged to be movable between an open position allowing introduction of wicking material and a closed position for maintaining the wicking material in place.

19. A watering device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The watering device also includes a porous ceramic element for controlling flow through the fluid flow path.

20. The watering device according to claim 19, wherein: The porous ceramic element comprises a ceramic disk.

21. The watering device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: The porous ceramic element is removable from the rest of the watering device by a user.

22. The watering device according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein The porous ceramic element is held in a housing that can be removed from the rest of the watering device by a user.

23. The watering device according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein: The watering device further comprises a filter element for filtering the water before the water reaches the porous ceramic element.

24. A watering device according to claim 23 as appended to claim 22, wherein The filter element is removably held within the housing.

25. A watering device for installation in a container, comprising a sealing portion, an engaging portion, and a clamping portion, wherein the sealing portion is installed on the container wall around a hole in the container wall, the engaging portion is used to pass through the hole in the container wall and engage the sealing portion with the clamping portion, and the clamping portion is used to maintain the sealing portion in position against the container wall.

26. A watering device assembly comprising a watering device according to any one of the preceding claims, the watering device being mounted on a container, wherein: The sealing portion seals on a wall of the container around a hole provided in the container.

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