WO2024253548A1

WO2024253548A1 - Watering apparatus, tray and/or system

Info

Publication number: WO2024253548A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2024/050066
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeremy Bond
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-06-09
Filing date: 2024-06-07
Publication date: 2024-12-12
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-09
Also published as: WO2024253548A9

Abstract

A plant watering apparatus and/or water tray. The apparatus includes a supply of water, a water distribution reservoir, a plurality of watering trays and a plurality of watering lines for carrying water from the distribution reservoir to respective ones of the watering trays. Water levels are regulated via a valve at the reservoir or tray. In some examples the reservoir includes a valve regulating the supply of water to the water distribution reservoir. The valve is controlled by a float positioned within a hydrostatic enclosure. The valve remains closed until a water level in the reservoir falls below a hydrostatic release level of the hydrostatic enclosure.

Description

Watering Apparatus, Tray and/or System

Field of the technology

In some examples the present technology relates watering apparatus for potted plants. In some examples it relates to a watering tray for potted plants. In some examples the present technology relates to a watering system for potted plants.

Background to the technology

A plant watering apparatus, device or system is designed to supply water to plants in a controlled and efficient manner, ensuring that they receive the necessary moisture for healthy growth. There are various types of plant watering systems available, ranging from simple manual methods to more advanced automated systems.

Object of the technology

It is one object of the technology to provide a watering apparatus that provides the public with a useful alternative to watering apparatus already known.

It is an alternative object of the technology to provide a watering tray that provides the public with a useful alternative to watering trays already known.

It is another alternative object of the technology to provide a watering system that provides the public with a useful alternative to watering systems already known.

Summary of the technology

A plant watering apparatus and/or water tray. The apparatus includes a supply of water, a water distribution reservoir, a plurality of watering trays and a plurality of watering lines for carrying water from

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) the distribution reservoir to respective ones of the watering trays. Water levels are regulated via a valve at the reservoir or tray. In some examples the reservoir includes a valve regulating the supply of water to the water distribution reservoir. The valve is controlled by a float positioned within a hydrostatic enclosure. The valve remains closed until a water level in the reservoir falls below a hydrostatic release level of the hydrostatic enclosure.

According to one example of the technology there is provided a plant watering apparatus comprising: a water reservoir, a distribution tray, a water supply line, for supplying water from the reservoir to the distribution tray, a plurality of watering trays, a plurality of watering lines for carrying water from the distribution tray to respective ones of the watering trays, a valve regulating the supply of water from the reservoir to the distribution tray, and wherein the plurality of watering lines permits unrestricted water flow between the distribution tray and respective ones of the plurality of watering trays, and wherein the distribution tray being arranged, in use, to maintain a substantially constant level of water in the plurality of watering trays.

In some examples the water reservoir is elevated above the distribution tray.

In some examples the valve regulates the water level in the distribution tray. In some examples the valve is a floating ball valve or a float valve or a bell siphon.

In some examples the distribution tray includes a base and a continuous perimeter wall extending upwardly from the base. A plurality of distribution water outlets are distributed about the perimeter wall, each of the distribution water outlets configured to connect with respective ones of the plurality of watering lines.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) In some examples the distribution tray includes an inverted cone- or pyramid-shaped lid, whose tip includes a water inlet configured to connect with the water supply line. A floatable ball is located within the distribution tray, and is configured, in use, to rise with a water level and close the water inlet when the distribution tray is fully charged with water and configured to open the water inlet when a water level in the distribution tray falls.

In some examples the distribution tray includes other than an inverted cone- or pyramid-shaped lid, and a float valve located within the distribution tray. The float valve fluidly connected with a water inlet of the distribution tray and configured, in use, to close the water inlet when the distribution tray is fully charged with water and configured to open the water inlet when a water level in the distribution tray falls.

In some examples the plurality of watering trays are distributed horizontally with the distribution tray such that a water level in the watering trays is substantially co-planer with a water level in the distribution tray. The water level in the watering trays being regulated only by way of gravity between the distribution tray and watering trays.

In some examples the water trays are supported by a stand. In some examples it is a "tripod" type stand. In some examples the stand height is adjustable to, in use, adjust the height of the watering trays to positions substantially horizontally with the distribution tray and thereby set a water height within the watering trays.

According to another example of the technology there is provided a plant watering apparatus comprising: a water reservoir, a plurality of watering trays, a plurality of watering lines for carrying water from the water reservoir to respective ones of the watering trays, a valve regulating the supply of water from the reservoir to the watering trays, and wherein a valve is located in each watering tray.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) According to yet another example of the technology there is provided a plant watering tray, the tray configured, in use, to receive a potted plant, the tray comprising: a base and a continuous perimeter wall extending upwardly from the base, a plurality of rib extending along the base, interconnected water channels between the ribs, a water inlet for connection with a water supply line, and a resiliently flexible lip extending about an upper edge of the continuous perimeter wall.

In some examples the watering tray also includes a float valve fluidly connected with a water inlet of the tray and configured, in use, to close the water inlet when the tray is fully charged with water and configured to open the water inlet when a water level in the tray falls.

In some examples the tray includes a water inlet in the perimeter wall, the water inlet spaced apart from the base by a first distance X, and a water out in the perimeter wall, the water outlet spaced apart from the base by a second distance y, wherein the second distance y is smaller than the first distance X.

In some examples the tray includes a water inlet in the perimeter wall, the water inlet spaced apart from the base by a first distance X, and a water out in the perimeter wall, the water outlet adjacent the base.

In some examples the base includes a slope towards the water outlet.

According to yet another example of the technology there is provided a plant watering apparatus comprising: a supply of water, a water distribution reservoir, a plurality of watering trays, a plurality of watering lines for carrying water from the distribution reservoir to respective ones of the watering trays, a valve regulating the supply of water to the water distribution reservoir, a float controlling the valve, and wherein

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) the float is positioned within a hydrostatic enclosure such that the valve remains closed until a water level in the reservoir falls below a hydrostatic release level of the hydrostatic enclosure.

In some examples the plurality of watering trays include a tray as defined in any example above.

Further examples of the technology, which should be considered in all its novel examples, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the technology.

Brief Description of the Drawings

One or more examples of the technology will be described below by way of example only, and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan schematic view of a watering apparatus according to one example the technology,

Figure 2 is an elevation schematic view of the watering apparatus according to the example of figure 1,

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective illustration of a watering tray according to one example of the technology,

Figure 4 is an elevation schematic view of the watering tray,

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective illustration of the watering tray and stand,

Figure 6 is an elevation schematic view of the watering tray and stand,

Figure 7 is an elevation schematic view of the watering apparatus according to another example of the technology,

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) Figures 8 to 10 illustrate a hydrostatic watering apparatus according to another example of the technology, and

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate another watering tray according to another example of the technology.

Description of the preferred examples

In the accompanying drawings there is shown one example of a plant watering apparatus according to the present technology. The apparatus includes a water reservoir 14, a water distribution tray 12, and a plurality of watering trays 18. In some examples the water reservoir 18 is elevated above the distribution tray 12. A water supply line 16 supplies water from the reservoir 14 to the distribution tray 12. A plurality of watering lines 20 carry water from the distribution tray 12 to respective ones of the watering trays 18. In one example, a valve 128 is provided within the distribution tray to regulate the supply of water from the reservoir 14 to the distribution tray. In this example the plurality of watering lines 20 permit unrestricted water flow between the distribution tray 12 and respective ones of the plurality of watering trays 18. The distribution tray 12 is arranged, in use, to maintain a substantially constant level of water in the plurality of watering trays 18.

In some examples the valve 128 regulates the water level in the distribution tray 12. In some examples the valve is a floating ball valve 130 or a float valve 129 or a bell siphon. In some examples the bell siphon of an inverted bell siphon.

In some examples the distribution tray 12 includes a base 112 and a continuous perimeter wall 212 extending upwardly from the base. A plurality of distribution water outlets are distributed about the perimeter wall 212. Each of the distribution water outlets configured to connect with respective ones of the plurality of watering lines 20.

In some examples the distribution tray 12 includes a floating ball valve 130. An inverted cone- or pyramidshaped lid 312 whose tip includes a water inlet configured to connect with the water supply line 16. A floatable ball 130 is located within the distribution tray 12, and is configured, in use, to rise with a water

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) level and close the water inlet when the distribution tray 12 is fully charged with water, and configured to open the water inlet when a water level in the distribution tray 12 falls.

In other examples the distribution tray 12 includes a float valve 129. In these examples the distribution tray 12 includes other than an inverted cone- or pyramid-shaped lid, and a float valve 129 located within the distribution tray 12. The float valve 129 is fluidly connected with a water inlet of the distribution tray lid and configured, in use, to close the water inlet when the distribution tray 12 is fully charged with water and configured to open the water inlet when a water level in the distribution tray 12 falls.

In some examples the plurality of watering trays 18 are distributed horizontally with the distribution tray 12 such that a water level (202) in the watering trays 18 is substantially co-planer with a water level (A-A) in the distribution tray 12. The water level in the watering trays 18 is regulated only by way of gravity between the distribution tray 12 and watering trays 18.

In some examples the water trays 18 are supported by a stand 30. In some examples the stand 30 is a "tripod" type stand having a supporting platform 301, and legs 302, 304, 306. In some examples the stand height is adjustable to, in use, adjust the height of the watering trays 18 to positions substantially horizontally with the distribution tray 12 and thereby set a water height within the watering trays 18.

In some examples a stand 30 elevates a tray to allow water to flow (by gravity) back to the reservoir or distribution tray (which may be at a lower elevation) - see for example the tray of figures 11 and 12. In some examples the reservoir or distribution tray may be elevated to gravity feed water to the watering trays 12 / fig 11, 12 as required by the system setup. It is anticipated that the skilled person could arrange the height of the reservoir and/or distribution tray and/or watering trays as required to facilitate a flow of water through the system by gravity. In some examples a pump or pumps may also be used to 'lift' water in portions of the system where it is not practical or possible for gravity to be used as a means to facilitate transport of water between the reservoir and/or distribution tray and/or watering trays as required.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) Figure 7 illustrates another example of the technology in which the plant watering apparatus includes a water reservoir 14 connected directly with a plurality of watering trays 18 by way of the plurality of watering lines 16/20 for carrying water from the water reservoir 14 directly to respective ones of the watering trays 18. Each watering tray 18 includes a valve 128 regulating the supply of water from the reservoir to the watering trays. In some examples the valve is a float valve 129 located with each watering tray 18.

According to yet another example of the technology there if provided a plant watering tray 18 configured, in use, to receive a potted plant 200/201. The tray includes a base 182 and a continuous perimeter wall 184 extending upwardly from the base 182. An upper side of the base 182 includes a plurality of ribs 188 extending along the base. Between the ribs 188 are a plurality of interconnected water channels. The ribs 188 do not extend along the base 182 all the way to wall 184 to provide an interconnecting perimeter water channel 190. The ribs 188 support a plant pot 200 above the base 182 for improved water ingress to the pot 200. A water inlet 189 is provided in the wall 184 for connection with a water supply line 20. A resiliently flexible lip 186 extends about an upper edge of the continuous perimeter wall 186. The resiliently deformable lip 186, in use, seals the wall of the tray with a plant pot 200 and thereby preventing water evaporation from within the tray. In some examples a plurality of tray 12 sizes is configured to a plurality of pot 200 sizes.

In some examples the watering tray 12 also includes a float valve fluidly connected with a water inlet 189 of the tray and configured, in use, to close the water inlet when the tray is fully charged with water and configured to open the water inlet when a water level in the tray falls.

In some examples of the technology a float valve 129 is used to regulate the water level in the distribution tray. In other examples of the technology a float valve 129 is used to regulate the water level directly in the watering trays 18. A float valve is a type of valve commonly used in plumbing systems to control the water level in tanks or reservoirs or trays. It operates based on the buoyancy principle of a floating object. A float valve typically consists of a valve body, a float, and a lever mechanism. The valve body is connected to the water supply line, and the float is attached to the lever mechanism inside the valve body. The float is buoyant and will float on the surface of the water. When the water level in the tray(s) drops below a

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) certain point, the float descends with it. As the float drops, it pulls down the lever mechanism, which is connected to the valve. This downward motion of the lever mechanism causes the valve to open. This allows water to flow into the tray and refill it. As the water level rises the float, being buoyant, also rises with the water level. As the float rises, it lifts the lever mechanism, which in turn closes the valve shutting off the water supply to the tray(s). By utilizing the buoyancy of the float, a float valve can automatically control the water level in the trays. This mechanism ensures that the water level is maintained within a desired range, preventing overflow or depletion.

Referring to figures 8 through 10 there is illustrated another example of a watering system according to one example of the technology. The system includes a reservoir container 820 illustrated in Figure 9 which includes four walls and a base. Adjacent the base are water outlets 822 which connect with water lines 16/20 for delivering water to watering trays 18. The container 820 includes an opening 824 adjacent a top edge of one end wall for receiving a water inlet 828 for connection with a supply of water. A hydrostatic enclosure or bell 810 is disposed within the container 820 and includes feet 816 spacing the bottom edge of the bell from the floor or base of the container 820. In the top of the bell 810 is a oneway valve 812 such as a duck valve which allows air to escape from the bell but not enter the bell. In an end wall is an opening 814 which, in situ, corresponds with container opening 824 receiving a water inlet 828. Water inlet 828 passes through openings 824 and 814 and is connected with a float valve 818 located within the bell 810. The bell 810 and float valve 818 are arranged to periodically replenish water in the reservoir container 820 from the supply of water. At the beginning of a watering cycle the container 820 is empty. Float valve 818 is open and begins to fill the container at 820. Air is allowed to escape the bell 810 via one way valve 812 allowing the bell to also fill with water until the float valve 818 rises and shuts off the water inlet 828. Water flows out of the container 820 via water outlets 822 to the watering trays. One way valve 812 prevents air from entering the bell 810 maintaining a hydrostatic head within the bell 810 which keeps valve 818 closed. Once the water level in the container 820 falls below the level of the bottom edge of the bell 810 air enters the bell releasing the hydrostatic head and allowing water to flow out of the bell. This in turn causing the float valve 818 to open and again begin filling the container 820. The cycle repeats.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) Referring to figures 11 and 12 there is shown a second example of a watering tray. Like reference numerals represent like features. The try includes a circumferential wall 184 with an upper opening created by edge 186. Plant pots are received through the opening 186. Water flows into the tray via water inlet 189 from watering lines 16/20 for delivering water to the watering tray. The water inlet spaced apart from the base by a first distance X. The tray also includes a water outlet 1189. In some examples that water outlet spaced apart from the base by a second distance y which is smaller than the first distance X. In other examples the water outlet adjacent the base. In some examples the second example tray includes a sloping base 1182 which slopes from the water inlet 189 downwards towards a water outlet 1189. Water entering the inlet 189 trickles down the sloping base 1182 to the outlet 1189 and can be returned to the watering reservoir. In some examples with a plurality of such watering trays the outlets 1189 may be connected to a collection tray with a pump which returns water to the reservoir. In other examples the outlet 1189 may be connected to downstream watering trays such that a plurality of watering trays maybe daisy-chained together. Inlet(s) 189 being connected with an outlet(s) 1189 of an upstream tray(s) and outlet(s) 1189 being connected with an inlet(s) 189 of a downstream tray(s).

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

The technology may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred examples described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present technology.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91)

Claims

Claims:

1. A plant watering apparatus comprising: a water reservoir, a distribution tray, a water supply line, for supplying water from the reservoir to the distribution tray, a plurality of watering trays, a plurality of watering lines for carrying water from the distribution tray to respective ones of the watering trays, a valve regulating the supply of water from the reservoir to the distribution tray, and wherein the plurality of watering lines permits unrestricted water flow between the distribution tray and respective ones of the plurality of watering trays, and wherein the distribution tray being arranged, in use, to maintain a substantially constant level of water in the plurality of watering trays.

2. The plant watering apparatus of claim 1 wherein the water reservoir is elevated above the distribution tray.

3. The plant watering apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein the valve regulates the water level in the distribution tray. In some examples the valve is a floating ball valve or a float valve or a bell siphon.

4. The plant watering apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the distribution tray includes a base and a continuous perimeter wall extending upwardly from the base. A plurality of distribution water outlets are distributed about the perimeter wall, each of the distribution water outlets configured to connect with respective ones of the plurality of watering lines.

5. The plant watering apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the distribution tray includes an inverted cone- or pyramid-shaped lid, whose tip includes a water inlet configured to connect with the water supply line. A floatable ball is located within the distribution tray, and is configured, in use, to rise

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) with a water level and close the water inlet when the distribution tray is fully charged with water and configured to open the water inlet when a water level in the distribution tray falls.

6. The plant watering apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the distribution tray includes other than an inverted cone- or pyramid-shaped lid, and a float valve located within the distribution tray. The float valve fluidly connected with a water inlet of the distribution tray and configured, in use, to close the water inlet when the distribution tray is fully charged with water and configured to open the water inlet when a water level in the distribution tray falls.

7. The plant watering apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the plurality of watering trays are distributed horizontally with the distribution tray such that a water level in the watering trays is substantially co-planer with a water level in the distribution tray. The water level in the watering trays being regulated only by way of gravity between the distribution tray and watering trays.

8. The plant watering apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the water trays are supported by a stand. In some examples it is a "tripod" type stand. In some examples the stand height is adjustable to, in use, adjust the height of the watering trays to positions substantially horizontally with the distribution tray and thereby set a water height within the watering trays.

9. A plant watering apparatus comprising: a water reservoir, a plurality of watering trays, a plurality of watering lines for carrying water from the water reservoir to respective ones of the watering trays, a valve regulating the supply of water from the reservoir to the watering trays, and wherein a valve is located in each watering tray.

10. A plant watering tray, the tray configured, in use, to receive a potted plant, the tray comprising: a base and a continuous perimeter wall extending upwardly from the base, a plurality of ribs extending along the base,

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) interconnected water channels between the ribs, a water inlet for connection with a water supply line, and a resiliently flexible lip extending about an upper edge of the continuous perimeter wall.

11. The plant watering tray of claim 10 including a float valve fluidly connected with a water inlet of the tray and configured, in use, to close the water inlet when the tray is fully charged with water, and configured to open the water inlet when a water level in the tray falls.

12. The plant watering tray of claim 10 including a water inlet in the perimeter wall, the water inlet spaced apart from the base by a first distance X, and a water out in the perimeter wall, the water outlet spaced apart from the base by a second distance y, wherein the second distance y is smaller than the first distance X.

13. The plant watering tray of claim 10 including a water inlet in the perimeter wall, the water inlet spaced apart from the base by a first distance X, and a water out in the perimeter wall, the water outlet adjacent the base.

14. The plant water tray of claims 11 or 12 wherein the base includes a slope towards the water outlet.

15. A plant watering apparatus comprising: a supply of water, a water distribution reservoir, a plurality of watering trays, a plurality of watering lines for carrying water from the distribution reservoir to respective ones of the watering trays, a valve regulating the supply of water to the water distribution reservoir, a float controlling the valve, and wherein the float is positioned within a hydrostatic enclosure such that the valve remains closed until a water level in the reservoir falls below a hydrostatic release level of the hydrostatic enclosure.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91)

16. The plant watering apparatus of claim 14 wherein the plurality of watering trays include a tray according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91)