Siphon device for removing liquids from botanical containers and method

Abstract

A siphon device facilitates the removal of liquids from botanical containers, without requiring the removal, destruction, or alteration of botanical materials that may be contained therein. The siphon device comprises a first segment of tubing, a second segment of tubing coupled to the first segment of tubing, and a bulb coupled to the second segment of tubing. Inlet and outlet openings in the first segment of tubing allow liquids to be drawn into and released out of the siphon device. A first end of the first segment of tubing may be inserted into a botanical container holding liquid, such as a vase, urn, bottle, etc. Squeezing of the bulb forces air out of the bulb. Releasing of the bulb causes liquid to be drawn up through the first end and out of a second end of the first segment of tubing, thereby removing the liquid from the botanical container. The second end may be positioned in a disposal area, such as a sink, bucket, etc., in order to collect the liquid removed from the botanical container.

1 . A siphon device comprising, in combination:
 a first segment of tubing having a first end with an inlet opening and a second end with an outlet opening and defining an internal cavity therebetween, wherein the first end is adapted to be inserted in a container and the second end is adapted to be positioned proximate a disposal area;   a second segment of tubing positioned substantially proximate the second end of the first segment of tubing and having a first end with a first opening and a second end with a second opening, wherein the first end is coupled to the first segment of tubing; and   a bulb having a substantially spherical shape defining an internal cavity therein and having an opening with an overlap region, wherein the overlap region is coupled to the second end of the second segment of tubing.   
   
   
       2 . The siphon device of  claim 1  wherein a length of the first segment of tubing is substantially greater than a height of a container into which it may be inserted. 
   
   
       3 . The siphon device of  claim 1  wherein the container is one of a vase, urn, and bottle. 
   
   
       4 . The siphon device of  claim 1  wherein the disposal area is one of a sink and bucket. 
   
   
       5 . The siphon device of  claim 1  wherein the first segment of tubing and second segment of tubing comprise a one-piece assembly. 
   
   
       6 . The siphon device of  claim 1  wherein the second segment of tubing and bulb comprise a one-piece assembly. 
   
   
       7 . The siphon device of  claim 1  wherein the first segment of tubing, second segment of tubing and bulb comprise a one-piece assembly. 
   
   
       8 . The siphon device of  claim 1  wherein the bulb defines an internal cavity volume of substantially three ounces. 
   
   
       9 . The siphon device of  claim 1  further comprising a check valve located proximate an upper portion of the bulb, wherein the valve is adapted to regulate a flow of air into and out of the bulb. 
   
   
       10 . The siphon device of  claim 1  further comprising an air/water valve located proximate the overlap region, wherein the valve allows air to enter the second segment from the bulb while preventing water from exiting the second segment and entering the bulb. 
   
   
       11 . The siphon device of  claim 1  further comprising an on/off valve located proximate the outlet opening. 
   
   
       12 . A siphon device comprising, in combination:
 a first segment of tubing having a first end with an inlet opening and a second end with an outlet opening and defining an internal cavity therebetween, wherein the first end is adapted to be inserted in one of a vase, urn, and bottle and the second end is adapted to be positioned proximate one of a sink and bucket, the first segment of tubing having a length that is substantially greater than a height of the container into which it may be inserted;   a second segment of tubing positioned substantially proximate the second end of the first segment of tubing and having a first end with a first opening and a second end with a second opening, wherein the first end is coupled to the first segment of tubing; and   a bulb having a substantially spherical shape defining an internal cavity therein with a volume of substantially three ounces, and having an opening with an overlap region, wherein the overlap region is coupled to the second end of the second segment of tubing.   
   
   
       13 . The siphon device of  claim 12  wherein the first segment of tubing and second segment of tubing comprise a one-piece assembly. 
   
   
       14 . The siphon device of  claim 12  wherein the second segment of tubing and bulb comprise a one-piece assembly. 
   
   
       15 . The siphon device of  claim 12  wherein the first segment of tubing, second segment of tubing and bulb comprise a one-piece assembly. 
   
   
       16 . The siphon device of  claim 12  further comprising a check valve located proximate an upper portion of the bulb, wherein the valve is adapted to regulate a flow of air into and out of the bulb. 
   
   
       17 . The siphon device of  claim 12  further comprising an air/water valve located proximate the overlap region, wherein the valve allows air to enter the second segment from the bulb while preventing water from exiting the second segment and entering the bulb. 
   
   
       18 . The siphon device of  claim 12  further comprising an on/off valve located proximate the outlet opening. 
   
   
       19 . A method for removing liquid from a botanical container comprising the steps of:
 providing a botanical container with liquid therein;   providing a siphon device comprising, in combination:
 a first segment of tubing having a first end with an inlet opening and a second end with an outlet opening and defining an internal cavity therebetween, wherein the first end is adapted to be inserted in a container and the second end is adapted to be positioned proximate a disposal area; 
 a second segment of tubing positioned substantially proximate the second end of the first segment of tubing and having a first end with a first opening and a second end with a second opening, wherein the first end is coupled to the first segment of tubing; and 
 a bulb having a substantially spherical shape defining an internal cavity therein and having an opening with an overlap region, wherein the overlap region is coupled to the second end of the second segment of tubing; 
   providing a disposal area;   inserting the first end of the first segment of tubing into the botanical container;   positioning the botanical container higher than the second end of the first segment of tubing;   positioning the second end of the first segment of tubing proximate the disposal area;   squeezing the bulb;   partially releasing the bulb in order to draw the liquid up though the inlet opening and first end of the first segment of tubing;   completely releasing the bulb once the liquid begins to flow downhill; and   allowing the liquid to flow into the disposal area.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the botanical container is one of a vase, urn, and bottle and the disposal area is one of a sink and bucket.