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  • Hydroponics System For Growing Plants

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    Uso 9622427 Patent

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    Uso 9622427 Patent

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    7 Ansichten36 Seiten

    Hydroponics System For Growing Plants

    Hochgeladen von

    penguinn
    Uso 9622427 Patent

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Als PDF herunterladen oder online auf Scribd lesen
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    'US009622427B2 2) United States Patent US 9,622,427 B2 (10) Patent No.: Wagner 45) Date of Patent: Apr. 18, 2017 (54) HYDROPONIC SYSTEM FOR GROWING 66) References Cited PLANTS US. PATENT DOCUMENTS (71) Applicant’ Daniel Davidson Wagner, Sen Clemente, CA (US) 21825869 4+ 411939. Campbell aa7G700 : 74101 Ors 5381.25 A + 11995 Wene soie3on 20030099037 AI* $2003 Ware aoig3102 ‘ass (9) Novi to any disclaimer, the erm ofthis 20060532122 AI® 22006 Chang Ao1G 91013 patent is extended or adjusted under 35 47/581 SE USC. 1846) by 0 days 20060032128 AL* 22006 thyan AOG3105, nee 4702 a1 bo. 2oISo22i4i8 AL* 82015 Colas so1g sto? (21) Appl. No: 14/848.185 }as102 (22) Filed: Now. 19, 2016 * cit by examinee (65) Fetoe Eebliestien Dat Primary Examiner — Wiliam Gillet US 201600138594 AL May 19, 2016 (4) Aorney, Agent, or Firm — Pia Anderson Moss Hoyt Gt) Int. CL 7) ABSTRACT AiG 31/00 2006.01) 4016 3102 Covet) A hydroponics plant growing system comprises a bamboo usc. ‘over having a grow chamber and a Water chamber formed cee AOIG 3102 201301); YO2P 60/216 therein. A plurality of grow cups ae attached to side of the (58) (015.11) Field of Classification Search tower adjacent the grow chamber. Cutouts in @ sidewall of the tower form passageways between the grow cups and sarow chamber. low voltage eleczie pump is disposed ia CPC.“ AOIG 9/12; AOIG 31/02; AOLG 9102; OIG i ‘MOO. AOTK ohog the water chamber 4o pump water fo the lop of the grow USPC... $2/47, 62 R, 82,83; 47/47, 62R, 82,83, haber 4729 See application file for complete search history. 19 Claims, 25 Drawing Sheets U.S. Patent Apr. 18,2017 Sheet 1 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 U.S. Patent Apr. 18,2017 Sheet 2 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 I+ —Z Fig. 2A Fig.2B Fig. 2C Fig. 2D U.S. Patent Apr. 18,2017 Sheet 3 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 102E 102F 102G 102H 4 ae ee 8 U.S. Patent Apr. 18,2017 Sheet 4 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 U.S. Patent ‘Apr. 18, 2017 Sheet 5 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 U.S. Patent ‘Apr. 18, 2017 Sheet 6 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 US 9,622,427 B2 of 25 Sheet 7 Apr. 18, 2017 U.S. Patent U.S. Patent ‘Apr. 18, 2017 Sheet 8 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 U.S. Patent ‘Apr. 18, 2017 Sheet 9 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 Fig. 9 U.S. Patent ‘Apr. 18, 2017 Sheet 10 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 Fig. 10 U.S. Patent ‘Apr. 18, 2017 Sheet 11 of 25, US 9,622,427 B2 Fig. 1 400 U.S. Patent Apr. 18,2017 Sheet 12 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 Fig. 12B U.S. Patent ‘Apr. 18, 2017 Sheet 13 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 Fig. 13 &) US 9,622,427 B2 Sheet 14 of 25 Apr. 18, 2017 U.S. Patent Right part Y U.S. Patent ‘Apr. 18, 2017 Sheet 15 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 U.S. Patent ‘Apr. 18, 2017 Sheet 16 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 U.S. Patent ‘Apr. 18, 2017 Sheet 17 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 U.S. Patent Apr. 18,2017 Sheet 19 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 U.S. Patent Apr. 18,2017 Sheet 20 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 Grow Lights US 9,622,427 B2 Sheet 21 of 25 Apr. 18, 2017 U.S. Patent US 9,622,427 B2 Sheet 22 of 25 Apr. 18, 2017 U.S. Patent US 9,622,427 B2 Sheet 23 of 25 Apr. 18, 2017 U.S. Patent U.S. Patent Apr. 18,2017 Sheet 24 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 U.S. Patent Apr. 18,2017 Sheet 25 of 25 US 9,622,427 B2 800. Fig, 24.A US 9,622,427 B2 1 HYDROPONIC SYSTEM FOR GROWING PLANTS: (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED [APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of US. Provisional Application No, 61/906,314, fled Nov. 19, 2013, which is hereby incomporated by reference herein in its entirety, Including but oot Timited to those portions that specifically appear hereinafter, the incorporation by reference being made with the following exception: Inthe event that any portion of the above-referenced provisional application is Inconsistent with this application, this application super- cedes suid above-referenced provisional application, STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY ‘SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [Not Applicable. BACKGROUND 1. The Field of the Present Disclosure ‘The present disclosure relates generally to hydroponics, ‘and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely, to sys- tems and methods for growing plants hydroponically in an ‘aqueous nutrient solution, 2, Description of Related Art Hydroponics isa method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. In the past, most previously available hydroponics systems were formed of Plastic, such @ PVC. However, the use of plastics to con- ruct hydroponic grow systems is undesinble as there is roving evidence that plastics may leach toxie chemicals Jno the water used by the plants. In turn, itis believed that these toxic chemicals may make there way’ into the pars of the plants that are consumed by humans. Thus, it would be an improvement over the prior art to provide a hydroponic rosin system that eliminates or reduces the use of plastic. ‘he prior artis thus characterized by several disadvan- tages that are adresed by the preseat disclosure. The present diselosure minimizes, and in some aspects rates, he above-mentioned failures, and other problems, hy utling. the methods and structoral features described herein The feetures and advantages ofthe present disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, a a pt will be apparent from the description, or may’ be loaned by the practice ofthe present disclosure without undue experimen- tation, The features and advantages ofthe present disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments fd combination preity poi ot in the appended BRIBE DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features and advantages ofthe disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detailed ‘description presented in connection with the accompanying “drawings i which: TIG. 1A depicts « vertical bamboo grow tower according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1B depiets a grow eup for the verieal bamboo grow tower according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure TIG. IC depicts a top cap forthe vertical amboo grow bouiment of the present disclosure: 2 FIG, 1D depicts down spouts for the vertical bamboo sow tower aeeording to an embodiment of the present isclosure: FIG. IE depicts an exploded view of the top cap of the vertical bamboo grow tower according Wo an embodiment of the present disclosore: FIG. 1F depicts. grow cup and the vertical bamboo grow tower according to an embodiment ofthe present diselosure: FIG. 1G depicts a watering and access window of the vertical bamboo grow tower acconding to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1H depits « handing cord for the vertical bamboo aarow tower according to an embodiment of the present isclosure, FIG. II depicts side view of the watering and access ‘window ofthe vertical bamboo grow tower according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure: FIG. 2A depicts a vertical bamboo grow tower according {o an embodiment of the present disclosure FIG. 2B depicts a vertical bamboo grow tower secording {© an embodiment of the preset disclosure FIG. 2C depicts vertical bamboo grow tower according {fo an embodiment of the preset disclosure: FIG. 2D depicts a verical bamboo grow tower according {0 an embodiment of the preset disclosure FIG. 3A depiets vertical bamboo grow tower sccording {0 an embodiment of the prevent disclosure FIG. 3B depts vertical bamboo grow tower according ‘0 an embodiment of the present disclosure FIG. 3C depicts vertical bamboo grow tomer socording {o an embodiment of the preset disclosure: FIG. 3D depicts a vertical bamboo grow tower according {o an embodiment ofthe present disclosure: FIG. 4 depicts vertical bamboo grow tower in a stand ‘aecording to embodiments ofthe present disclosure, FIG. 8A depiets a stand fora vertical bamboo grow tower in stand according to embodiments of the present diselo- FIG, $B depicts a stand portion for a vertical bamboo row tower in a stand according to embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 6A depicts «stand fora vertical bamboo grow tower ina stand according to embodiments of the present diselo- FIG, 6B depicts a wheel assembly fora vertical bamboo grow fower in a stand according to embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 6C depicts a bottom view ofthe stand fora vertical bamboo grow tower ina stand according to embodiments of the present disclosure: FIG. 6D depicts « bamboo post for a vertical bamboo grow (ower in a sland aecording to embodiments of the presont disclosure; PIG. 7 depicts «stand fora vertical bamboo grow tower according #9 embodiments ofthe present disclosure: PIG. & depicts a stand fora vertical Bamboo grow tower according embodiments of the present disclosure: FIG, 9 depicts a stand fora vertical Bamboo grow tower according 9 embodiments ofthe present disclosure: FIG. 10 depts a stand foe a vertial bamboo grow tower according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure: FIG. HT depiets a stnd fora vertical bamboo grow tower according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure: FIGS. 124, 12B and 12C depict tower snd bottom portions according to embodiments of the present disclo- US 9,622,427 B2 3 FIGS, 13-188 depicts tower stand according to embodi ments of the present disclosure: TIG, 16 depicts a vertical bamboo grav tower according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG, 17 depicts vertical bamboo grow tower according 1 an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 184 depicts a stand lor a bamboo grow cower sccording to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure; IG, 188 depicts « bamboo rod fora bamboo grow tvver sccording to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure; FIG. 18C depicts a grow eup for a bamboo grow tower according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure; FIG, 18D depicts horizotal bamboo growers according to an embodiment of the preseat disclosure; FIG, 18E depicts a side view ofthe horizontal bamboo growers according to an embodiment of the present disclo- TIG. 18P depicts an end view of the horizontal bamboo growers according to an embodiment of the present diselo- FIG. 19 depicts a vertical bamboo grov tower according to an embodiment of the preseat disclosure; FIG, 20 depicts a horizontal bamboo grow cower accor ing to an embodiment of the preseat disclosure; FIG, 21 depicts a vertical bamboo grov tower according 1 an embodiment of the preseat disclosure; FIG, 22A depietsa vertical bamboo grow tower according to an embodiment of the preseat disclosure; FIG. 228 depts a horizontal bamboo growers according to an embodiment of the preseat disclosure; FIG. 28 depicts a vertical bamboo grav tower according to an embodiment of the preseat disclosure; FIG. 24A depicts. vertical Bamboo grow tower according ‘oan embodiment of the preseat disclosure; and FIG, 248 depietsa vertical bamboo grow tower according to an embodiment of the preseat disclosure DETAILED DESCRIPTION For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the Principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will how be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to descrie the same. It Will nevertheless be understood that a0 limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations ‘and further modifications ofthe inventive features iustrated herein, and any additional applications of the priniples of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which wotld normally ‘ocourto one skilled in the relevant at and having possession, ‘of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scape of the disclosure claimed, In describing and claiming the present disclosure, the {ollowing terminology will be used in accordance with the dafinitions set out below. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singlar forms a," "an." and “the” jinchude plural referents unless the context clearly dictates ‘otherwise. As used herein, the terms “comprising.” “includ ing,” “containing,” “having” “characterized by,” and gram matical equivalents thereof are inclusive of open-ended terms that do not exclude addtional, unresited elements oF method steps. Pune, the base parts of a bamboo plant will be under stood a fallows for purposes of the present disclosure, The main stalk of a bamboo is called a “culm” of *stem.” The sem isthe support structure for the branches and leaves of ‘bamboo plant snd contains the main vascular system for the transport of water, nutrients and food, The stem is made 0 o 4 up of jointed segments. The joints of the stem are called “node” and the area between two adjacent aodes are called ‘an “internodes.” The nodes of baraboo plant are typically solid Tuning now to the present disclosure, applicant has iscovered hydroponic system for growing plants that is cconstracted fiom the stems of bamboo plants. In particular, the present invention may provide a vertical growing tower ‘ormed entirely of bamboo. The tower may include one oF more grow cups attached to the sidewall of the tower that are designed to receive grow plugs, The grow plugs may be pre-formed w ft within the grow cups, The grow plugs may ‘be made fom natural materials and form a base for holding ‘a growing plant. In this regard, a seed or a seeding may be “planted” into a grow plug. A hollow cutout in the tower sidewall may lead fom the grovs cups into the interior ofthe tower such that the roots ofthe plants may extend into the interior, hollow passageway of the tower. The tower may funler include its own self-contained water chaeaber Disposed in the water chamber isa pus for ‘pumping water tothe top ofthe tower, Water pumped to the {op of the tower is allowed (0 drip into the interior of the tower and onto the roots of the plants in the grow cups Referring now to FIGS. 14-1, there is depicted a bamboo vertical tower system 100 and its various components ‘cording tan embodiment ofthe present disclosure. The system 100 may include a tower 102 having a hollow passigeway’ 103 formed therein. The tower 102 may’ define {grove chamber 106 and a water chamber 108, The grow chamber 106 may include an outer wall 12, ‘The water camer 108 may inciude an oster wall 18 ‘A node 17 may separate the grow chamber 106 and the water chamber 108 in the hollow passageway 103. The Water chamber 108 may extend from a bottom node 20 the rikklle node 17. The grow chamber 106 may extend Irom the node 17 c a top rim 108 of the ower 102, “Access windows 110 may be ext into the tower 102 just below the node 17 o form pillars £8. The windows 110 ay include rims 16, The windows 110 may allow water to be poured into the water chamber 108, In addition, a low voltage water pump 12 may be placed into the water chamber 108 through the windows 110. A paver cond 14 {or the pump 112 may extend from the water chamber 108 outside ofthe tower 102 through ane of the windows 110. Grow cups 8 may be attache to an outer sidewall of the ‘ower 102 adjacent the grow chamber 106, The grow cups 8 may he formed of bamboo, Cutouts or holes 9 the sidewall of the tower 102 may interconnect the grow chamber 106 10 the grow cups 8. Fach ofthe prow cups 8 may be configured and adapted to eoeive a grow plug 13. In an embodiment, the grow plugs 13 may be formed ofa natural material, such a sponge or fibers. The grow plugs 13 may be pre-formed or pre-molded wo fit within the grow cups 8. Iwill be appre- lated thatthe grow plugs 13 may serve a a base material {ora seed or seedling, That i, the grow plugs 13 operate 10 hold plans within the grow cups 8. The grow eups 8 may be adhered to the sidewall ofthe tower 102 using an adhesive. In addition, the grow cups 8 may engage the holes 9 in a {fiction or press fit, ‘A bamboo cap 104 may be configured and adapted to be installed onto the top im 108 ofthe tower 102, The cap 104 ay include an anlar sidewall 116 extending upwardly from anode 118, The annular sidewall 116 and the note 18 ‘may form a small water chamber 122 in the top of the eap 104. (The purpose of the water chamber 122 will be described helow.) A top suriace 8 of the node 18 may ‘tural form a dome. A plurality oTholes 8 may be Formed US 9,622,427 B2 5 Jn the node 118. The holes 3 may are configured and atapted or receiving down spouts 6 as perhaps best seen in FIG. 1E. “The down spouts 6 allow water in the Water chamber 12216 rip into the grow chamber 106 ofthe tower 102. The down spouts 6 may be formed of bamboo or some other material, sich as metal or plastic “Attached othe bottom surfiee ofthe node 118 is a fange 4. The flange 4, which may be formed of bamboo, has 2 «diameter tit within the hollow passageway 108. The Mange 44 may prevent the cap 104 from sliding off ofthe tower 102. ‘The flange 4 may be adhered (othe bottom ofthe node 118 or otherwise attached. Extending from the pump 112 to the water chamber 122, ‘sa tube 7. In this regard, the tube 7 may passthrough holes Jn the nodes 17 and 118. Water pumped through the tube 7 fils the Water chamber 122 with water from the water ‘chamber 108. The water then drips through down spouts 6 into the grow chamber 106 and onto the roots of the plants inthe grow eups 8. A down spout 6 may also be installed through a bottom surface 14 of the node 17 such that the ‘water collected in the bottom ofthe grow chamber 106 drips back into the water chamber 108, ‘As seen in FIG. 1H, holes 11 may be formed in the top of the tower 102. The holes 11 may be utilized to attach a cord 10 to the tower 102. The cord I may be lized to vertically hhang the tower 102 fom a structure or stand. It will be appreciated thatthe cord 11 may be one of rope, wine, cable ‘or any other suitable exible member. Referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, there are depicted embod iments oftowsers 102A, 1028, 102C, and 102D, respectively ‘The towers IO2A-102D may not have 9 bottom water ‘chamber like the tower 192 shown in FIGS, LA-41, Instead, ‘water may be poured or pumped hy a user into the respective caps. ‘Referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, there are depicted embodi- ments of towers 1028, 102F, 102G, and 102H with a boviom ‘water chamber and showing warious configurations of the growing cups 8 disposed along the outer sidewall of the respective grav chambers Referring now to FIG. 4, thore is shown the tower 102 ‘mowunted in a stand 200, Referring to FIGS. SA and SB the stand 200 may inclode top members 21, top members 22, angle members 23, foundation members 24, foundation members 25, foundation cross pieces 26, loundation cross pieces 27, and floor strips 28. Referring to FIGS. 64, 6B, 6C, and 6D the stand 200 may be mounted onto easters 29. Referring now to FIG. 7, the tower 102 may be mounted ‘onto stand 300, Referring now to FIG. 8, the stand 300 may ‘comprise cross members 30, foundation members 31, pole members 32, and cross members 33. The stand 300 may furer inchude a base member 200A that is similar to the stand 200, Referring to FIGS. 9 and 11, the tower 102A muy be bung. from @ stand 400 over a pot 402 as shown. A pump 19 may be installed ito the pot 402 and may pump water into the top ‘ofthe tower 102A. Water may drain from the toxser 1028 into the pot 402. Referring to FIG. 10, the stand 400 may Include a hanging bar 34, angle poles 35, cross members 36, ‘oundation pieces 26, cross member pieces 30, vertical poles 38, cross member pisces 39, and platform strips 40. FIGS, 12 and 128 shows casters 29 mouated onto the stands 400 and 300, respectively FIGS. 13, 14 and 148 depiet the tower 102 mounted into 1 base 500. The base $00 may be a clay pot 41 that defines ‘4 water chamber. Formed in the water chamber may be & clay fhinge tower stabilizer 42. pot cap S02 may include ‘deft part and a sight part. The cap $02 may include a top 0 o 6 43, an angled side 44, a flange 48, an annular tower ‘engagement potion 46 that defines a hole 47 for receiving the tower 102, Referring to PIGS. 154 and 18B, there is shown a ‘wheeled platform $80 having foundation members 49, cross ‘members $0, and floor strips $1 mounted on casters 29 ‘Referring i FIGS. 16, 17, and 18A-18K, there is depicted ‘bamboo grow stand 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where like reference numerals ind cate like components, The stand 600 may include: sect starter grow plug cups $2, seed starter hold for prow plug cups 83 lid for seed starter water chamber 84, seed starter water chamber $5, rattan for fastening seed staner water chambers 56, lid for sood saree vertical gravity water feed chamber 57, vertical frame poles with water chamber for seed starter propagation kit $8, vertical frame poles without water chamber 9, cross member poles for seed starter propagation Kit without floor channel 60, cross member poles for seed starter propagation kit 61, clannels for Tooring sips 62, crost member poles for sved starter propagation kit with floor channel 63, and oor channel Strips for seed starter propagation kit 64 ‘Referring now t9 FIGS. 19 and 20, there is depicted 3 stand 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where like reference mmerals depict like com- ponents. The sand 600 may comprise: splitter for tubing 65, double water chamber for 3-level seed starter kit 66, nd vertical frame poles without water chamber for 3-level eed starter kit 67 Referring now to FIGS, 21, 22A, 228, and 23, there is epicted a bamboo stand 700 according tan embodiment of the present disclosure, where like reference numerals depict like components, The stand 700 may comprise: half round ‘bamboo for gravity feed tube guides 68, eross members 69, cross members 70, light hanging bar 71, vertical frame poles ‘with water chamber 72, vertical frame poles without water chamber 73, hand rail cross member 74, hand rail cross ‘member 78, coco lumber 76, cross member foe the fish tank platorm 77, eross member for the ish tank platform 78 Aooring strips for fish tank platform 78, fd for grow plug water chamber 80, water chambers for grow plugs. 81 propagation platform 82, propagation platform 83, and hali ‘vd floor strips for propagation platform 84 FIGS, 24A and 24B depict 2 hydroponie system 800 ‘according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where Tike reference numerals depict ike components, The hydeo- ponie system 800 may include a mistring adapter 88. In this regard, the pump 19 may provide water to the mistering adapter 8 which sprays a mist onto the plants in the prow ps8. The tower ny be filled with substrate, such as coffee rounds. The system 800 may be particularly suited for ‘rowing mushrooms. "The steps of building « bamboo vertical grow tower will row be described. [twill be appreciated thatthe dimensions fare for reference only, and that variations in the dimensions {all within the seope ofthe present disclosure |. Harvesting: When the bamboo is harvested, it will be measured according 1 its outer diameter of an average of 441510 5 inches, and it inner diameters approximately | inch Jess in size. Lengths varying from 3 10 8 feet for the main ‘ower seetion, For the grow holes, long straight poles of ‘bamboo are cut and harvested at 114 to 2 inches in diameter, they are also skinned and dred the same way. The smaller leftover sections may be used for stands and cages. 2. Shaving, sizing and drying: The bamboo is then eut into diferent lengths based on the desired dimensions and grow hole configuration, A hand saw oe a chop saw with fine US 9,622,427 B2 1 blade can be used for this process. The bamboo’s skin will be shaved-off and are dried in shaded space for building & shipping container for up to two weeks depending on the saturation ofthe bamboo. After the drying process is com- plete, the towers ae cut io size the tower Will havea bit In water chamber, cut using the larger nodes/hollow sections 8 the bottom of the tower, meaning the lager chambers are ted for the water chambers. If ti an aqua-ponics tower, they ean be cut anywhere on the bamboo because these towers are built exactly the same, other than they are hollow all the way through so they can be used over a fish tank oF ‘8 grow bed or larger pos. 3, Cap Lid: The upper part of the bamboo towers (with bamboo knucKle/aode) are eut 34 inches from the top, ‘which is 2 inches above the top of the dome of the node, Which leaves 17 inch down from node, for the flange to be lved to. This 2 inches left above is to eliminate splashing fs the water lows onto the cap fom the inh tubing. The nodov/knuckles ofthe bamboo ate watertight and run about ‘every 16 to 18 inches in length, and they are natunlly feoncave to ereate a bowl or a dome depending on the direction, The dome side of the node is used forthe Tid so that the water will naturally law tothe outside ofthe cap 0 the rain hoes, Then a hamboo section, approximately 2 to 3 inches in diameter an? inches in length half of is inserted inside the 3" cut piece for the lid and they are glved together, the other half hangs down sa ange to fit inside the top ofthe wove. ‘Then its rough edges will be sandad and or shaved slightly to match the inner shape of the tosser that itis covering. ‘Then a % inch bole is drilled in the center of the top ofthe dome ofthe node for the water ming to be pulled through, “Then in the valley ofthe top of the node, six inch holes are drilled Tor the wate to rain back down the tower. Finally fix 22% inch small sticks of hollow bamboo are et 0 tia the drain holes to direct the water dewaward in a raining fashion, rater than leting the water follow the contour of the interior ofthe hamboo, Plastic or metal down spouts are an option for his as wel, The raining af water aver the roots is called Acroponies, 4 Hollowing and Cleaning Towers: Then the bamboo wil, be hollowed out with a specially designed tool, which is ‘made from a 34 inch round dil bit, and a series of 2-foot ‘sil bit extensions that Allen wrench together end w end 10 ‘ereate long dil shal aovording wo the size ofthe tower tat js being constructed. Then the inner nodes between the ‘opfeap and bottom of the grow tower/bottom node are removedirilled out, This means we have a eap with nodo, ‘avery bottom of tower with node, and the fist node above the bottom still ntact, and the rest ofthe noses berween are removed. Finally the inside of the bamboo is cleaned of Joose debris, using the same drill it extenders anda 3 inch eel brush circular bit, «hose with pressure is used to spray ‘out the dust and loose debris that is removed with the sire brash circle saaer bit ‘5 Grow Holes and Grave Chamber: At the to ofthe grow tower with the Tid off, mark with a straight edge the Four sides ofthe tower, meaning like the cross hairs of a rile Scope we make a cross denoting the four sides, then with a chalk fine we make a straight line down each side of the ‘urside ofthe tower, We then measure 2 inch down fom the top af the tower (not the lid), to find and mark the top of ‘where the frst grow hole will start. The bottom two grow holevhole is kept 3 inches from the bottom of the grow ‘chambers node. The 115 to 2 inches bamboo poles are then ‘et on a 45 degree angle om one end anda straight cut on the ‘ther side measuring from outside of the gow hole tothe top 0 o 8 of the long point of the 45 deree cut approximately 324 Jinches tothe short side of the 48 degrce cut This also done ‘using a hand saw or a chop saw with fine teeth, We make ‘many different grow hole options, fom opposing or stag- gered on just tWo sides for window growers, and fll ‘configuration meaning boles on all four sides ofthe tower, spaced on an average of 10 0 12 inches apart. Oval holes are {raced along the chalk ines based on the configuration, using ‘that willbe inserted into that hole. The holes {ore cups to be glued into are traced and hand chiseled on 45 degree angle using custom rounded bamboo chisels by hand. Once the holes are chiseled, the 45 degree grow cups fare glued to the inside of the chiseled holes. Inserting. a ‘hammer or heavy pipe into the freshly glued eup assures that it stays tight to the top of the hole, asthe glue dries. This races is repeated oral sides with grow holes. The excess alue is whipped off with a wel towel 6. Water Chamber: Directly under the node atthe bottom of the grow chamber a line is raved around the tower with ‘thin piece of bamboo that bends around the tower, om 80 ‘opposing sides of the tower, fom the top of the line traced faround the tower, eenterad on each side is 15 inch horizontal line, then we measure down 4¥% inches and make ‘another 1¥ inch thick line, then we trace a line from the bottom marks to the top marks, creating a pillaron each side thats 15" thick and 44" all, Then from the bottom ofthe pillars we trace another line all the way around the tower. ‘This creates two Windows on exch side, measuring appeoxi- rately 31° inches wide by 41 inches high that are et out ‘witha hand saw and a chisel, eaving onl the two pillaes on cach side and a window on the other two sides. This creates ‘our water chambers (We ean do it with just one window on ‘ne side leaving the othe side intact, We do this forthe aller towers for addition strength. We then sand the top of the ‘window and the bottom ofthe window edges, ina 45 degree angle to lead any water dripping or splashing back in towards the water chamber, Weare the only vertical growing system to use a natueal substance as the grow tower and ‘medium. We are the only vertical grow system that stores the water inside itself, Making ta fully self-contained tower that ean be hung anywhere or place in a base 7. Sanding and Branding: Now we give the body or the towers a final hand sanding with 120 grit sand paper getting rid of any excess glue or rough ares, them final sanding ‘with fine stel wool prepares the body for shellac, The rough anwas Tike the top ofthe lid/eap and the outer edges of the sow holes and the bottom of the tower itself, are sanded ‘witha 120 round sanding bit ina powered serew gun or drill This takes off all the rough edges and gives the edges ofthe towers @ rounded and smooth effect tthe touch. Now the towers are ready to be finished with a seal '8. Shellac Finish: SHELLAC the word is commonly used refers all forms of purified lac —a natural resin secreted by the tiny Ine inseet on certain trees, principally in India and ‘Thailand. The towers are forwarded tothe shellac-ing phase where three heavy coats of are sprayed with high pressure Jow volume (HPLY) spray gun with a naturally and tradi- sionally mixed shellac; with ratio of2 gallons of 95% ethyl aleolo! by 1 pound of natural de waxed blonde sbellac lakes. The Shells will give the bamboo a natural shine and define its beautiful Features, as well 8 water proofing the 9. Drilling Holes for Tubing and Hanging Rope: We ‘measure down [inch from the top af the grow chamber and Grill wo opposing holes on a 45 degree downward angle to iret water hack ito the tower, o avoid leaks from the rope holes. Then on the underside of the grow chambers bottom US 9,622,427 B2 9 node, we drill fist 4 % inch hole in the center of the underside of the dome, so this i the concaved underside of the node directly above the water chamber window. A small "cinch round by 1 inch long bamboo or piece of tubing slides up into the hole, and hangs inch below the hole and finch up into the grow chamber. This helps the water drain ia 4 direct stream dowsn info the water chamber below, rather than letting the water follow the contour of the bamboo. This ‘reates a nice fountain sound and prevents leaking. Next fnother % inch hole is drilled om the far right or let side, “diretly under one of the pillars ofthe underside ofthe same rode thatthe water retum hole was just drilled. This hole is forthe % inch ming tha is attached to the pump inside the water chamber to slide though and up through the tower and ‘out ofthe top center hole in the lid/eap. The tubing willbe ‘cut to stick out 4 inch of the top bole 10, Installing Pump and Hosing: A % inch hose cut approximately | foot lager than the tower tht it is serving is inserted in the off centered hole on the underside of the tow chamber node that was drilled. The hose is fed up through the inside ofthe tower and out of the center hole of the dome on the tip node ofthe lidieap, Leaving about inch sicking out ofthe top ofthe dome ofthe lid node. Then the ‘ther end of the 36 inch tubing is inserted into the 3 inch hole on the low voltage pump that is then lowered and submerged in the bottom of the water chamber, and will pump the water up tothe top where it will rain down through theroots and out of the ceter Water return tube inthe bottom ‘grow chamber node. LL. Planting Grow Plugs: Grows plugs with a sprouted scodling and roots hanging out from the bottoms of the pig ‘are inserted into the grow hole, using a ehop stick to hold and guide the hanging roots up ad into the grow chamber. Then the grow plug measuring 21 inches in diameter fs snug into the grow bole. “The steps of building a bamboo base for 8 vertical grow tower will ow be deseribed, It will he opprecited that the ‘dimensions ae for reference ony, and that variations in the ‘dimensions fall within the scope ofthe present disclosure. 1. Pyramid Base: We have an optional base/stand forthe towers These are uilt in the shape of a pyramid. pyramids have many mysterious energetic qualities, a8 weil as being the strongest geometrical form, 2. Foundation of the Base: First we eut two 3 inch diameter bamboo poles at length of 24 inch, Then We take two 214 inch diameter bamboo poles that are 21 inch in ‘diameter and eut them to a length of 28 inch. Then at each ‘end ofthe 3 inehy24 ineh poles we trce the round ends of the 21 inch poles i the eeater ofthe ends ofthe inch poles $0 thatthe 2 inch poles can slide approx. 2 inch inside the holes to ereate our approx. 22° foundation for the base. Then we cut two 2 inch diameter poles ata length of 22, inch, then on the 60 2 inch foundation poles we measure jin from center point ofthe inside dimension 3 inch in both

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