Fluid Disseminating Device

Abstract

A fluid disseminating device having a body with opposite ends and a pair of passages of dissimilar diameters interconnecting the opposite ends, a coupling mounted at one of the ends adapted for attachment to a system containing fluid under pressure, and a receptacle for fluid contents mounted at the other end of the body in communication with both passages for the establishment of a gradual circulation of fluid from the system through the passage of largest diameter into the receptacle to mix with and gradually to flush the contents therefrom through the passage of smallest diameter for subsequent gradual dissemination through the system.

Parent Case Text

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of the applicants' copending application, Ser. No. 282,415, filed Aug. 21, 1972, entitled "Fluid Disseminating Device", now abandoned.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fluid disseminating device and more particularly to such a device which is adapted to be attached to a system containing fluid under pressure, such as a sprinkling system, for the automatic mixing and gradual discharge of a fluid additive into the system for subsequent distribution and use.

In addition to the references cited against the parent application, the applicants have caused an extended search to be conducted covering insecticide, fungicide, herbicide and nutrient dispensing devices for sprinkler systems; soap and detergent dispensing devices for faucets, shower heads and the like; and various other types of additive dispensing devices. As a result, attention is invited to the following patents which typify the prior art and which is subject to deficiencies which the present invention has overcome, as will subsequently become more clearly apparent: Hunter U.S. Pat. No. 3,367,353; Somers U.S. Pat. No. 811,749; Estep U.S. Pat. No. 846,100; Sites U.S. Pat. No. 1,004,700; Schrader U.S. Pat. No. 1,763,374; Hillman U.S. Pat. No. 2,227,646; Kent U.S. Pat. No. 2,513,566; Walker U.S. Pat. No. 2,599,678; Otto U.S. Pat. No. 2,602,697; Cox U.S. Pat. No. 2,750,231; Friedmann U.S. Pat. No. 2,757,047; Kersh U.S. Pat. No. 2,885,271; Kersh U.S. Pat. No. 2,971,825; Menzie U.S. Pat. No. 3,060,956; Lang U.S. Pat. No. 3,166,096; Hubert U.S. Pat. No. 3,194,444; Elkin U.S. Pat. No. 3,195,985; Thompson et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,202,164; Heald U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,200; Harant U.S. Pat. No. 3,260,464; Folden U.S. Pat. No. 3,380,468; Proctor et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,447,753; Tibbals, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 3,455,054; Hind U.S. Pat. No. 3,556,141; Boyer U.S. Pat. No. 3,581,996; and Vicari U.S. Pat. No. 3,628,732.

It has long been known in a multiplicity of areas of application to utilize a variety of types of devices for introducing additives to the flow of fluid through a conduit for subsequent dissemination by the conduit. Thus, it is known to inject a soap or detergent solution into the stream of water discharged from a hose for use in washing an automobile or similar object. In the case of lawn and garden areas, it is convenient to utilize the existing sprinkling system to discharge additives evenly over the areas which the system was designed to water rather than to broadcast or spray the additives using specially designed equipment. The insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and nutrients which must frequently be applied to lawns and gardens are thus automatically discharged through existing sprinkler heads.

It is desirable to distribute most additives evenly and over a relatively prolonged period of time in order to avoid inadvertent damage to that to which the additive is applied and obtain maximum use therefrom. Therefore, conventional dispensing devices utilize rather intricate mechanisms for mixing the additive with the fluid and for metering the discharge of the additive so as to insure that such dispensing is gradual. Such mechanisms conventionally include a system of valves, springs, gaskets, diaphragms, and the like which are subject to wear and thus frequently require replacement. The complexity of their construction often results in malfunction so as to be inoperative or to discharge the additive in bulk thereby resulting in inefficiency and damage. Moreover, their susceptibility to inadvertent damage is significant due to the rather delicate nature of their construction. Furthermore, such construction mandates that the sale price of such devices be expensive. Therefore, these devices are often not purchased by persons who would otherwise be inclined to make use of them.

Conventional devices suffer from other deficiencies. Many such devices employ a venturi tube or similar structure to introduce the additive to the line. This produces a significant pressure drop at the point of introduction which is not thereafter regained. Another deficiency resides in the fact that such existing dispensing devices do not provide a convenient method for determining the quantity of additive to use for a given area. Most commonly, the additive is simply poured into a hopper with only a rough estimate of the optimum quantity determined by the instructions on the container of additve. As a result, most often the optimum quantity of additive is not employed. These deficiencies are encountered in all areas of application including the introduction of additives to lawn and garden sprinkling systems.

Therefore, it has long been recognized that it would be desirable to have a fluid disseminating device which is of extremely simplified and durable construction so as virtually to eliminate the problem of malfunction, to permit the introduction of additives to a system of fluid under pressure in dependably precise quantities and time controlled cycles of application, to minimize the likelihood of inadvertent damage, to insure a very low and marketable purchase price, and to provide for a wide range of types of uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved fluid disseminating device.

Another object is to provide such a device which is of extremely simplified construction.

Another object is to provide such a device which has a minimum of moving parts so as greatly to reduce the susceptibility to malfunction and damage.

Another object is to provide such a device which operates automatically to mix an additive with fluid under pressure without the use of moving parts.

Another object is to provide such a device which gradually introduces additives to a system of fluid under pressure without the use of moving parts, venturi tubes, or the like.

Another object is to provide such a device which is adaptable to a wide variety of types of uses where it is desired to introduce an additive to a system of fluid under pressure.

Another object is to provide such a device which is particularly suited for attachment to a pipe fitting of an existing sprinkling system for use in applying additives to lawn and garden areas.

Another object is to provide such a device which does not produce a significant pressure drop at the point of introduction of the additive to the system of fluid under pressure.

Another object is to provide such a device which permits the introduction of additives in dependably precise quantities and time controlled cycles of application.

A further object is to provide such a device which is inexpensive to construct and maintain.

A still further object is to provide such a device which can be left in place, once attached, for subsequent reuse as desired.

Further objects and advantages are to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in a device for the purposes described which is dependable, economical, durable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the fluid disseminating device of the present invention shown in a representative operative environment attached to an existing lawn sprinkling system.

FIG. 2 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary vertical section of the device positioned in an attitude with respect to the flow of fluid through a conduit to most rapidly introduce additive to the conduit.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary vertical section of the sealed threaded end of a receptacle for attachment to the device.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective view of a valve for the device.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary vertical section of the assembled valve shown in the closed position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now particularly to the drawing, FIG. 1 shows the fluid disseminating device of the present invention generally at 10. The device is shown mounted in a representative operative environment in FIG. 1 on an existing lawn sprinkling system 11. The system is shown operably mounted in the earth 12 below an area of lawn 13. It will be noted that the device of the present invention is fully adapted for use in disseminating additives in virtually any area of application in which the dissemination of fluid additives is desired. Furthermore, it will subsequently become apparent that the device can be modified in various respects to permit use in a range of other operating environments without departing from the scope of this invention. However, the device possesses particular utility in introducing additives to systems of fluid under pressure such as lawn and garden sprinkling systems. The device is shown in the drawing and herein described for use on an existing lawn sprinkling system for illustrative convenience.

The sprinkling system 11 consists essentially of a main conduit or pipe 20 extending substantially horizontally through the earth 12 a predetermined distance below the lawn 13. The pipe mounts a plurality of conventional tee-type pipe fittings 21 in fluid-tight relation at selected points along the pipe appropriate for sprinkling of the lawn as determined by the configuration and size thereof. Each of the pipe fittings has an upwardly disposed internally threaded end 22. A riser 23 is secured in fluid-tight relation in the threaded end of each pipe fitting extending upwardly through the earth to a point just below the lawn. A conventional antisiphon valve assembly 24 is operatively fastened on the pipe adjacent to the source of fluid under pressure, not shown, for the sprinkling system. The valve assembly is of a conventional design adapted to prevent the return of water back through the sprinkling system to the source so as to prevent contamination of the associated water supply. A sprinkling head 25 is individually mounted on each of the risers in fluid discharging relation at approximately the level of the lawn.

The disseminating device 10 has a substantially cylindrical body 30 which is preferably constructed in a single casting of a durable plastic material or metal. The body has an externally threaded coupling end 31 which is adapted for screw-threadable receipt in the internally threaded end 22 of a conventional tee-type pipe fitting 21 in upright fluid sealing relation. A nut 32 is coextensively formed on the body adjacent to the coupling end. The body has a flared upper portion 33 at the end thereof opposite the coupling end. A centrally disposed internally threaded coupling 34 is provided in the upper portion of the body, as best shown in FIG. 2. The threads of the coupling are preferably of the same gauge as those conventionally used on bottles for the retention of caps. The coupling has an interior surface 35 extending right angularly from the axis of the substantially cylindrical body.

A puncturing member 39 is received within the internally threaded coupling 34. The member has a cylinder 40 with a peripheral flange 41 at one end thereof. An extended prong 42 is provided at the other end of the cylinder. The member is mounted on the interior surface 35 of the coupling by means of a resilient gasket 43 preferably adhesively disposed between the interior surface and the peripheral flange. The gasket has a pair of bores 44 provided therein in predetermined positions. The length of the puncturing member from the gasket to the end of the cylinder having the prong is preferably equal to or greater than the radius of the coupling, for purposes subsequently to be discussed. A pair of ears 45 coextensively extend laterally from the flared upper portion 33 of the body 30. A cover plate 46 is pivotally mounted on the ears so as to be positionable in sealed covering relation to the threaded coupling 34 of the upper portion of the body. A spring 47 interconnects the cover plate and the upper portion of the body so as resiliently to urge the cover plate into covering relation to the threaded coupling.

A pair of passages 55 of dissimilar diameter extend longitudinally through the body 30 interconnecting the threaded coupling end 31 and the internally threaded coupling 34. The passages 55 register with the bores 44 of the gasket 43. The ratio of variation in the size of the diameters of the passages is preferably about two to one, such as 1/4 to 1/8 inch, for optimum performance of the device 10 when mounted on the sprinkling system 11, as will subsequently be described. A control valve is generally indicated at 56 mounted in the body intermediate the coupling end 31 and the threaded coupling 34 in operable communication with the passages. The valve has a substantially cylindrical guide 57 which is coextensive with the body defining an axis normal to that defined by the body. The guide has an externally threaded sleeve 58 integrally provided thereon in axial alignment with the guide and remote therefrom. A cylindrical chamber 59 extends through the sleeve, body and into the guide in communication with the passages. The guide defines a substantially triangular depression or socket 60, as best shown in FIG. 4, which communicates with the chamber. A central bore 61 is provided in the guide in communication with the inner corner of the depression and in axial alignment with the chamber.

The valve 56 has a substantially cylindrical valve core 65, having opposite ends 66, which is rotationally received in the cylindrical chamber 59 of the valve. A pintle 67 extends axially from the end of the core received in the guide 57. The pintle is rotationally received in the central bore 61 of the valve. A flange 68 extends laterally from the pintle to the periphery of the core. The flange is received in the triangular depression 60 to limit rotational movement of the core within a range of about 90 degrees. A shaft 69 extends axially from the other end of the core. A lever 70 is mounted on the distal end of the shaft by means of a screw 71. An internally threaded fitting 72 is slidably received about the shaft and screw-threadably secured on the externally threaded sleeve 58 so as to seal the valve and to allow rotational movement of the valve core. A pair of passages 73 of dissimilar diameter corresponding to the pair of passages 55 are provided in the valve core. The passages 73 have axes corresponding to those of passages 55 when the core is rotated in one direction to an opened position defined by the depression and flange as shown in FIG. 2. The axes of passages 73 are nearly normal to the axes of passages 55 when the core is rotated to a closed position defined by the depression and flange, as shown in FIG. 5.

As shown best in FIG. 1, a receptacle or bottle 80 is adapted to be mounted on the body 30. As will subsequently be described, the receptacle can be of any suitable form convenient for marketing and use. However, the bottle shown in the drawing and herein described is believed to be most advantageous. The bottle has an interior 81, adapted to be filled with an insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, nutrient or other additive, and an externally threaded end 82 providing a pouring opening 83. A seal 84 is secured in fluid-tight, sealing relation on the pouring opening, as best shown in FIG. 3. A cap or lid, not shown, would ordinarily be threadably received on the threaded end of the bottle so as to protect the seal from puncture prior to use.

OPERATION

The operation of the described embodiment of the subject invention is believed to be clearly apparent and is briefly summarized at this point. The fluid disseminating device 10 of the present invention, as noted, is particularly suited for use on an existing lawn sprinkling system 11. However, it is obvious that the device could be installed simultaneously with the installation of a new sprinkling system.

In order to convert an existing sprinkling system 11 for use with the fluid disseminating device 10 of the present invention, the pipe 20 is severed immediately downstream of the antisiphon valve assembly 24 and a tee-type pipe fitting installed in the pipe at that point. Alternatively a riser 23 and its associated sprinkling head 25 of the sprinkling system can be removed from the threaded end 22 of a pipe fitting 21. In either case, the pipe fitting on which the device is to be mounted should be located in a more or less secluded and protected location, such as in a flowerbed. This is preferable so that when the device is installed, it will not detract from the aesthetic qualities of the landscape and the device will be protected from inadvertent damage by lawn equipment.

Subsequently, the threaded coupling end 31 of the device 10 is screw-threadably secured in the threaded end 22 of the pipe fitting 23 selected for mounting of the device in fluid-tight relation. The nut 32 is provided to assist in such mounting through the use of a wrench, not shown. As shown in FIG. 2, the coupling end need not extend deeply into the threaded end of the fitting. The characteristics of the type of additive to be applied to the lawn dictate the optimum orientation of the passages 55 relative to the direction of fluid flow through the pipe 20. In most instances, however, the optimum orientation will be with the passage of larger diameter upstream of the passage of smaller diameter relative to the direction of fluid flow through the pipe, as shown in FIG. 2. The valve core 65 is rotated to the closed position shown in FIG. 5 using the lever 70. So mounted, with the cover plate 46 sealing the internally threaded coupling 34 of the body 30, the device 10 can be left in position until it is desired for use in applying an additive to the lawn 13.

When it is desired to make such an application, a bottle 80, containing the precise quantity of additive for the given lawn area, is attached to the body 30. This is accomplished by removing the cap or lid, not shown, from the bottle and inverting the bottle as shown in FIG. 3. The threaded end 82 of the bottle is then screw-threadably secured in the internally threaded coupling 34 of the body. As the bottle is screw-threaded into the coupling, the prong 42 of the puncturing member 39 punctures the seal 84 of the bottle until the pouring opening 83 is rendered usable and the threaded end of the bottle is seated against the flange 41 of the puncturing member, as shown in FIG. 2. It will be noted that during screw-threading into the coupling, the bottle is attached in fluid tight relation before the prong has been able to puncture the seal. Thus, spillage of the additive from the bottle is precluded. Fluid-tight engagement is insured by the compression of the resilient gasket 43 allowing the threaded end of the bottle securely to engage the flange. Due to the length of the cylinder 40 previously described, the punctured fragments of the seal are retained away from the prong, as shown in FIG. 2, once the bottle is properly seated so as not to interfere with passage through the prong. Since the core 65 of the valve 56 is closed, the additive can flow gravitationally through the pair of passages 55 only as far as the valve core 65. However, normally the volume of air trapped within the passage prevents even this flow.

Subsequently, the sprinkling system 11 is operated in the conventional manner to discharge water under pressure from the source through the main pipe 20 for subsequent discharge through the sprinkling heads 25. After so pressurizing the system, the lever 70 is employed to rotate the valve core 65 to the opened position shown in FIG. 2. As a result of experimentation with the device, it is believed that water under pressure passes from the pipe fitting to which the body is attached upwardly through the passage of larger diameter and into the interior 81 of the bottle through the puncturing member 39. The bottle is thereby pressurized. The flow of water creates a circulation within the bottle which mixes the additive with the water. The mixture is gradually discharged from the bottle through the passage of smaller diameter downwardly through the body and back into the pipe.

Experimentation has shown that this process is completed gradually at a relatively constant rate so that in one highly satisfactory embodiment, the mixing and discharging of the additive from the bottle 80 takes place over a period of about 8 to 10 minutes. Such time can, of course, be modified by providing passages of different diameters or of different relative diameters, by changing the setting of the valve 56, or by modifying the available fluid pressure. The result is that the additive is gradually flushed from the bottle into the pipe for discharge through the sprinkling heads 25 of the sprinkling system 11. Initially, the concentration of the additive introduced to the pipe 20 is relatively heavy. However, during the cycle the concentration is gradually reduced until, at the end of the cycle, the concentration is very weak. This fact has particular utility when nutrients are being applied to a lawn or garden. Thus, a heavier concentration of nutrient is applied during the first part of the cycle to feed the root structure of the lawn or garden. This is followed by a steadily weaker concentration which acts to "wash down" the earlier heavy concentration and provide an application of suitably diluted foliar nutrients for the leaves and upper plant structure. Experience has also shown that after the additive has been discharged, the bottle remains filled with water from the sprinkling system during further operation thereof. Indication, other than the passage of time, that the additive within the bottle has been discharged is usually provided by the change in color or clarity of the fluid within the bottle from that characteristic of the additive to that characteristic of water. After a cycle has been completed, the sprinkling system should be shut off. The valve core 65 should then be rotated, using the lever 70, to the closed position. Subsequently, the bottle 80 can be removed from the device, as desired.

It has been discovered that the rate of flow through the passages 55 of the body 30 during operation of the sprinkling system 11 is controlled by the difference in diameters of the two passages. The closer the diameters are to the same size, the slower is the rate of discharge of additve from the bottle. Conversely, as the disparity is increased, the rate of flow is correspondingly increased. However, as noted, the optimum ratio of the diameters has been found to be approximately two to one particularly where the device is to be mounted on a sprinkling system as herein described. As previously noted, the optimum orientation of the passages relative to the direction of fluid flow through the pipe 20 is dictated by the characteristics of the particular additive employed. Where nutrients are applied, the optimum orientation will normally be with the passage of larger diameter upstream of the passage of smaller diameter relative to the direction of fluid flow through the pipe 20, as shown in FIG. 2. In this configuration, the device operates most rapidly as described. However, in some instances, such as where the additive is potentially harmful if applied in too strong a concentration, it may be advisable to orient the passages in other than the above relationship, such as reversed relative to fluid flow through the pipe, in order to somewhat retard the speed with which the additive is introduced. The device is so oriented in FIG. 1. Some limited additional control can be accomplished by rotation of the core 65 using the lever 70 to a position intermediate the opened and closed positions so as to constrict flow through the passages 55 and 73.

As noted, the bottle 80 can be marketed in any suitable configuration. The bottles can be sold in sizes corresponding to lawn areas to which they are to be applied. The additive is preferably in liquid form. However, due to the automatic mixing, the additive can be in a fluid powder form or even a solid which is gradually soluble in water so long as a passage for the water about the solid is provided.

The disseminating device 10 of the present invention is adaptable for use in all types of circumstances where it is desired to mix and introduce an additive to fluid under pressure on a gradual basis. The device has application to the large scale use of agricultural chemicals; the introduction of soap or detergent to a water line immediately prior to discharge from a faucet or shower head; the introduction of chlorine to the water inlet from the filter system of a swimming pool; and the like. Furthermore, it is not believed essential to mount the device on the pressurized system in an upright attitude. Thus, the device can be mounted so as to be suspended below an overhead sprinkling system.

Therefore, the fluid disseminating device of the present invention is of extremely simplified and durable construction so as virtually to eliminate the problems of malfunction. It permits the introduction of additives in dependably precise quantities and time controlled cycles of application, minimizes the likelihood of inadvertent damage, makes possible a very low and marketable purchase price, and provides for a wide range of uses.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the illustrative details disclosed.

Claims

Having described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A fluid disseminating device comprising a body, having opposite ends, a passage interconnecting said opposite ends and a second passage of smaller diameter than the first passage interconnecting the opposite ends of the body; a coupling borne by one of the opposite ends and adapted for attachment in fluid transferring relation to a receptacle for fluid under pressure; and mounting means attached to the other of said ends adapted to receive a container in fluid transferring relation to permit fluid under pressure to be transferred through the passages into the container and to return the fluid carrying the contents of the container back through the passages and into the receptacle.

2. The device of claim 1 in which a valve is mounted in the body in operable connection with the passages to permit control of the transfer of fluid through the passages.

3. The device of claim 2 in which the mounting means includes a threaded coupling for attachment of the container, mounted on the end of the body opposite that bearing the coupling for connection to the receptacle, said threaded coupling having a member in communication with the passages for puncturing the container during attachment of the container to the threaded coupling to permit communication between the passages and the container.

4. A fluid disseminating device for a sprinkling system having a main pipe, defining an interior for the transmission of fluid under pressure, and a plurality of pipe fittings mounting sprinkling heads, the device comprising a pair of conduits of dissimilar diameter, having corresponding opposite ends, adapted to be mounted by corresponding ends on the pipe in communication with the interior thereof; a threaded coupling mounted on the corresponding ends of the conduits remote from those adapted for connection to the pipe; a puncturing member mounted within the coupling; and a receptacle for fluid contents, having a threaded end with a sealed opening, adapted to be screw-threadably mounted by its end on the coupling so that the member punctures the seal to allow the contents to be discharged from the receptacle into the interior of the pipe for subsequent discharge through the sprinkling heads.

5. The device of claim 4 in which a valve is mounted intermediate the opposite ends of the conduits adapted to be adjusted between a closed position for retention of the contents within the conduits during puncturing of the seal by the member and an opened position for permitting fluid under pressure to pass upwardly through the conduit of largest diameter and into the receptacle for mixing with and gradually flushing the contents therefrom downwardly through the conduit of smallest diameter for subsequent discharge through the sprinkling heads.

6. The device of claim 5 in which the conduits and threaded coupling are integrally constructed as a unitary body to preclude leakage.

7. The device of claim 6 in which the body has a threaded coupling, coterminus with the ends of the conduits adapted for mounting on the main pipe, said coupling adapted to be threadably received in an existing pipe fitting of the sprinkling system subsequent to removal of a sprinkling head therefrom.

8. In combination with a fluid discharging system, a device for disseminating an additive into the system comprising a reservoir for the additive; and means interconnecting the reservoir and the system, said means having a pair of passages therethrough independently interconnecting the system and the reservoir, said passages being of sufficiently different cross sectional area to generate a gradual flow of fluid through the reservoir as fluid is discharged through the system.

9. A device for introducing an additive to a fluid system, the device comprising an additive reservoir; and means mounted on the reservoir for connection to the system, said means having a pair of passages of different cross sectional area for individually interconnecting the reservoir and the system.

10. The device of claim 9 in which the connection means has a fluid control valve mounted in communication with the passages.

11. The device of claim 10 in which a coupling is borne by the connection means adapted releasibly to mount the reservoir in fluid transferring relation to the passages.

12. A device for introducing a fluid additive into a fluid stream passing through a conduit comprising a reservoir for such an additive, means for connecting the reservoir to such a conduit providing a pair of separate passages each extending between the conduit and the reservoir one of said passages being substantially larger than the other to cause fluid from the stream to pass therethrough into the reservoir and to return to the stream through the smaller passage.

13. The device of claim 12 in which the connecting means is adapted to connect the passage of larger diameter to the conduit upstream from the passage of smaller diameter.