SELF-CONTAINED WATER DISTRIBUTION DEVICE FOR A SET OF PLANT CONTAINERS OR FLOWER POTS

Abstract

This application for an additional certificate concerns two points that simplify the implementation and use of the system: - the priming pipe connection and the filling orifice described in the main application can be combined into a single orifice 50. The priming pipe becomes removable; - a tube 50 reinforces the additional tank 3a. Its upper part acts as the main orifice 50.

Description

2.644670 - 1 - 1-DESCRIPTION This addendum relates to French patent application registered under number 88 10664, concerning an "Autonomous Water Distribution Device" to a set of plant containers or flower pots." Let us recall that this device makes it possible to increase the time during which self-watering plant trays or simple pots remain moist, that it works on the principle of communicating vessels, that it consists of an additional reservoir (3a) topped by a filling cap, a collector, a priming tube (5) through which air is drawn to prime the connecting tubes (4), and that it can be supplemented by one or more container(s) A4 annex(s). The diagram of the summary of the application in question is found in fig 1, and the description of the sprinkler in fig 2. This addendum proposes two improvements, 0 concerning version a) of the sprinkler (see claim 1 of the main application). THE MAIN ORIFICE Version a), as described in the main S2 application, includes two openings on the upper surface of the sprinkler: one is the priming pipe connection (5), the other is the filling opening pluggable (7). However, it is possible to provide only one orifice (50), which we will henceforth call the main orifice, and which performs both functions successively. This new orifice must be sufficiently large to -2 - 2644670 to allow easy filling of the sprinkler, and must be designed so that the hose can be connected to it priming (5) in a sealed manner. A screw or plug connection can be proposed between the main opening and the end of the priming tube. The screw or plug can be either internal or external to the main filling opening. Since we have seen that the main opening must have a diameter allowing for easy filling (if possible greater than 40 mm), and that of the priming tube does not exceed 15 mm, a fitting is necessary. This fitting (51) is integral with the priming tube (5), in order to avoid increasing the number of parts. It also allows for a leak-proof connection (of the screw type). or plug) with the main opening. This fitting can be conical in shape, or take the form of a simple plug in which we come to "plant" the priming pipe. 0 A version of the sprinkler with a main orifice is shown in Fig. 3, the fitting (51) being shown in the "external conical cap" version. Figure 4 shows a close-up of the main orifice and the priming pipe fitting, in the "external thread cone" versions (left), and "Simple cap - internal screw thread". THE CENTRAL CYLINDER It is proposed that the center of the sprinkler be a rigid vertical cylinder (52), which cylinder is fixed or screwed in a watertight manner to the sprinkler body on its upper surface, and acts as the main orifice (51). It may have the optional threaded hole for attaching the priming pipe fitting 3 (plug or external or internal threaded cone version). The two threaded holes in the cylinder, used for attaching it to the sprinkler and for attaching the priming pipe fitting 3, may also be extensions from each other. The cylinder (52) must also be fixed at its lower end if priming is achieved by blowing rather than drawing air through the priming tube. The connection can be of the "screw-and-bolt" type, by gluing, or by forcing reinforcements of the cylinder into recesses provided for this purpose on the lower surface of the sprinkler. Finally, it should be noted that the cylinder (52) must be perforated or slotted at least once near its top (slot (53)) to allow air to pass between the sprinkler cavity and the main orifice. It is preferable that it also be perforated or slotted at least once (slot (54)) as close as possible to its cross-section. lower, to allow water to pass through easily. Such a cylinder (52) is described in Fig. 5, the main orifice-priming pipe connection being in the "simple external screwed plug" version, the cylinder-sprinkler connection being in the top-screwed version, and "Drilling of reinforcements" at the bottom. The main opening has at least three important advantages: -s - the sprinkler is less complex. - the risks of errors during its use are smaller. - The sprinkler can be designed as two identical half-sprinklers joined together (the connecting pipe fittings are positioned at 90 degrees to the weld plane). However, the potential internal or external thread of the main orifice poses a problem. It is best to machine it after assembly. two half-sprinklers. -4 - 2644670 Advantages of the central cylinder: To make the sprinkler, you need a material that is both rigid and easy to work with (e.g., welding when joining two identical half-sprinklers). Such a material may be difficult to find, given all the other constraints (safety, strength, watertightness of the connections to the pipes, etc.). The system described here allows for a choice made of a slightly less rigid material. A0 In the case of a sprinkler with a main orifice (50), the use of the device is modified. The procedure is explained here, with priming being carried out either by sucking or blowing (which was already possible with version a) of the main patent). BY Sucking Preparations The user gathers all the bins and the collector- an additional reservoir (3a) in the same well-lit location, and positions them so that the upper surfaces of the water reservoirs (overflow levels) are at the same height. He then connects the connecting pipes (4) to the fittings (18), routing them as low as possible, with the fewest possible bends, and place their free end in the bins. It fills (less 4 to 5 mm for safety) all the reservoirs of the plant trays ((1) or (2)). After removing, if necessary, the priming tube and its fitting (51), it fills the sprinkler through the main opening. 3S Priming: After attaching it to the main opening, the user draws water through the priming tube (5) until the disappearance of air in the connecting pipes (4). If it was drawing in water before this disappearance, it meant that the water levels were not sufficiently well adjusted from the start. Finishing: The user then completes the filling of the water reservoirs in the plant containers. CASE OF PRIMING BY BLOWING IO Before priming, the reservoirs of the plant trays only need to be HALF filled. -6- 2644670

Claims

2-DEMANDS 1) A device according to claim number i of the main patent application, wherein, in the case of version a), the priming pipe connection (5) and the filling orifice (7) are combined into a single main orifice (50), having a cross-section allowing easy filling of the tank, and onto which the priming pipe (5) is fitted in a leak-proof and removable manner by means of a fitting (51) integral with the priming pipe, which fitting allows the passage of air and seals, optionally by means of a thread, either externally or internally, the main orifice (50). The fitting (51) is either conical in shape or is simply a perforated plug through which the priming pipe passes.2) Device according to claim 1 of the main patent application and according to the preceding claim, wherein the center of the sprinkler consists of a rigid vertical cylinder (52) whose upper end 0 acts as the main orifice, and which is provided with two openings ((53) and (54)) on its lateral face, both inside the sprinkler, one at the top and the other at the bottom; the cylinder is fixed to the upper part of the sprinkler in a watertight manner by gluing and / or by a screw-bolt type connection (55), and to the lower part by a connection (56) of the gluing type, screw-bolt connection or force-fitting of reinforcements integral with the cylinder in housings placed on the plate. lower part of the sprinkler.