Patent attributes
An apparatus for automatically watering a plant in a container by regulating a flow of water to the container through flexible tubing. Upper and lower jaw members are interconnected by a horizontal pivot axis so that they develop a scissors action. A jaw area is formed on one side of the pivot axis for receiving the flexible plastic tubing, and a compression spring is mounted on the opposite side to provide resistance to closing of the jaw area. For use with pots and other non-hanging containers, the container is rested atop the upper jaw member on the side towards the jaw area so that the weight of the container acts directly to compress and close the jaw area. Baskets and other hanging containers are suspended from the other ends of the jaw members so that the tension caused by the weight of the container causes the jaw area to pivot closed. Drying of the container reduces its weight so that the spring forces the jaw area open and allows water to flow through the tubing; as water flows into the container, the increased weight causes the jaw area to close and pinch off flow through the tubing. The device is adjustable by increasing/decreasing compression of the spring so as to increase/decrease resistance to closing of the jaw area.
