Self-watering plant container
US6134833A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 24, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01G27/02
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A self-regulating, automatic watering planter comprised of an inner shell and outer shell with a snap-fit engagement to form a reservoir for water between the walls of the inner and outer shells. The inner shell has small holes in the bottom thereof to allow water to enter soil contained in the inner shell. An airtight seal between the inner and outer shells creates a vacuum at the top of the reservoir as the water seeps through the holes and the water level drops. The water in the walls provides hydrostatic pressure that drives the water through the inlet holes. The water stops when the vacuum reaches a sufficient level to counteract the hydrostatic pressure. An air tube coupled to the air space on top of the reservoir and having a hydrophilic polyethylene sensor blocking one end is buried in the soil. The hydrophilic sensor blocks air flow into the air space when there is sufficient water in the soil, but when the soil is dry, the hydrophilic sensor lets air into the air space thereby lowering the vacuum level. This allows more water to enter the soil until the vacuum level again reaches a level to counteract the hydrostatic pressure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.