MOBILE AGRICULTURE

An apparatus comprising of a component used in agriculture or cultivation that utilizes a device, such as wheels, rollers, bearings etc. . . . , to assist in the free range mobility of the component. Further the apparatus comprising of a component used in agriculture or cultivation that may also contain devices, such as quick connected couplers with internal valves, fittings, tubing etc. . . . , to couple and un-couple the components if multiple components are used in conjunction with one another and links to connect components if one component is removed from a series of components. This apparatus increases efficiency. This is achieved by allowing the free range mobility of the component used in agriculture or cultivation and the coupling and un-coupling of the component. The benefit of this is to allow the process to achieve an assembly line approach rather than a stationary single point approach.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1) Field of the Invention

The subsequent invention is a method in the technical field of agriculture. More specifically the subsequent invention is in the technical field of traditional agriculture, hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics.

The aforementioned description of related art, including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98, encompasses prior uses or conjunctive uses of methods of traditional agriculture, hydroponic, aquaponic, and aeroponic systems. The specification and drawings describe an invention vastly superior and differentiable to an extent that the only common trait is the used name of traditional agriculture, hydroponic, aquaponic, and aeroponic systems. Otherwise the benefits will be evidently clear after close examination by a person sufficiently trained within this field of knowledge.

The main objective of this invention is to allow for the movement and free range mobility of the component(s) used in agriculture or cultivation and the coupling and un-coupling of the component. This invention is in contrast to existing traditional agriculture, hydroponic, aquaponic, and aeroponic systems that rely on components, such as containers that house the plants, to remain stationary or operate with limited mobility. Existing traditional agriculture, hydroponic, aquaponic, and aeroponic systems do not allow for the movement of the apparatus that contains the plant or organism and require workers to seed, transplant, care, and harvest the plant or organism at a specific point. The complex aforementioned system does not address all the needs associated with the production of a plant or an organism and carries an increased cost associated with development, manufacturing, the final point of purchase, additional equipment needed for the production of a plant or an organism, a decrease of performance, and a decrease in efficiency. While the aforementioned is stated in simplified terms, and may not describe all objectives and advantages in full, the specifications in its entirety encompasses a more thorough and detailed explanation of the objectives and advantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus comprising of a component used in agriculture or cultivation, such as a container that is sufficient for the growth of plants or an organism, that contains a movement device, such as wheels, rollers, bearings etc. . . . , to assist in the free range mobility of the component, such as a container and the container's contents. Further the apparatus comprising of a component used in agriculture or cultivation, such as container that is sufficient for the growth of plants or an organism, that contains a movement device to assist in the free range mobility of the component may also contain connection devices, such as quick connected couplers with internal valves, fittings, tubing etc. . . . , to couple and un-couple the components if multiple components are used in conjunction with one another. And links to connect components if one component is removed from a series of components, i.e. an aeroponic system that supplies each container with drain tubing that is interconnected to each container in a series, parallel, or loop and drains to a single point. The term “organism” should not be construed as a limiting term but rather as a broad term for any portion of an organism, such as tissue, or an organism in the dormant state, such as a seed, or an organism that may be a part of a colony, such as a colony of bacteria or algae, or fungi, or anything that may be termed an organism or is comparable to an organism in nature, such as viruses and protocells. The term “component” used in agriculture or cultivation should not be construed as a limiting term but rather as a broad term for any component that may be used in agriculture or cultivation such as a container, reservoir, pump, or any physical item. The term “agriculture” or “cultivation” should not be construed as a limiting term but rather as a broad term for any cultivation, incubation or growth of an organism. The term “movement device” should not be construed as a limiting term but rather as a broad term for any devices that can assist in the movement of a component. The term “connection device” should not be construed as a limiting term but rather as a broad term for any devices that can connect or disconnect components. It should also be noted that the mobility and connectivity of all components associated with agriculture or cultivation production should be included when typically such component has been traditionally stationary, i.e. a structure that contains and has mounts for lighting and cooling equipment that remains stationary or a pumping station that remains stationary.

This method and apparatus increases efficiency. This is achieved by allowing the free range mobility of the container and the container's contents and the coupling and un-coupling of the containers. The benefit of this is to allow the process to achieve an assembly line approach rather than a stationary single point approach. For instance if this apparatus was used for the cultivation of plants in an aeroponics system with a single supply tank for the nutrient solution that supplied multiple containers used to grow the plants in and each container was interconnected with supply lines that could couple and un-couple a single container an assembly line approach, one in which steps are pragmatically accomplished at specific area, could be achieved and if a single component or container needed to be removed such removal could be accomplished with minimal inconveniences.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A method and/or an apparatus comprising of a component used in agriculture or cultivation, such as a container that is sufficient for the growth of plants or an organism, that contains a movement device, such as wheels, rollers, bearings etc. . . . , to assist in the free range mobility of the component, such as a container and the container's contents. Further the apparatus comprising of a component used in agriculture or cultivation, such as container that is sufficient for the growth of plants or an organism, that contains a movement device to assist in the free range mobility of the component may also contain connection devices, such as quick connected couplers with internal valves, fittings, tubing etc. . . . , to couple and un-couple the components if multiple components are used in conjunction with one another. And links to connect components if one component is removed from a series of components, i.e. an aeroponic system that supplies each container with drain tubing that is interconnected to each container in a series, parallel, or loop and drains to a single point. The term “organism” should not be construed as a limiting term but rather as a broad term for any portion of an organism, such as tissue, or an organism in the dormant state, such as a seed, or an organism that may be a part of a colony, such as a colony of bacteria or algae, or fungi, or anything that may be termed an organism or is comparable to an organism in nature, such as viruses and protocells. The term “component” used in agriculture or cultivation should not be construed as a limiting term but rather as a broad term for any component that may be used in agriculture or cultivation such as a container, reservoir, pump, or any physical item. The term “agriculture” or “cultivation” should not be construed as a limiting term but rather as a broad term for any cultivation, incubation or growth of an organism. The term “movement device” should not be construed as a limiting term but rather as a broad term for any devices that can assist in the movement of a component. The term “connection device” should not be construed as a limiting term but rather as a broad term for any devices that can connect or disconnect components. It should also be noted that the mobility and connectivity of all components associated with agriculture or cultivation production should be included when typically such component has been traditionally stationary, i.e. a structure that contains and has mounts for lighting and cooling equipment that remains stationary or a pumping station that remains stationary.

This apparatus increases efficiency. This is achieved by allowing the free range mobility of the container and the container's contents and the coupling and un-coupling of the containers. The benefit of this is to allow the process to achieve an assembly line approach rather than a stationary single point approach. For instance if this apparatus was used for the cultivation of plants in an aeroponics system with a single supply tank for the nutrient solution that supplied multiple containers used to grow the plants in and each container was interconnected with supply lines that could couple and un-couple a single container an assembly line approach, one in which steps are pragmatically accomplished at specific area, could be achieved and if a single component or container needed to be removed such removal could be accomplished with minimal inconveniences.

Referring to the invention explained in more detail, inFIG. 1. there is shown model apparatus for the explanation of the invention, consisting of a movement device100, a container200, and a connection device300. In this model apparatus the implementation is that of which the movement device100is mounted directly to the container200. The connection device300is shown on both sides on the container200.

Now in further detail, still referring toFIG. 1., in this model apparatus the movement device100is implemented as a caster wheel but could be any device capable of movement, such as bearings or rollers. In this model apparatus the container200is a component used in agriculture or cultivation, in this case it is implemented as a rectangular container but could be any component used in agriculture or cultivation, such as a pump or reservoir. In this model apparatus the connection device300is shown on both side and is implemented as a quick connector but could be any device capable of connecting and disconnecting, such as fittings and tubing or valves and connectors. The connection device300should be implemented in a way that the container200, in multiples, could be linked together in a series. This depiction is a representation of a implementation of the invention and should not be construed as limiting or all encompassing.

Referring to the invention explained in more detail, inFIG. 2. there is shown model apparatus for the explanation of the invention, consisting of a movement device100, a container200, and a connection device300. In this model apparatus the implementation is that of which the movement device100is mounted directly to the container200. The connection device300is shown on both sides on the container200. A bulkhead501connects through the container200.

Now in further detail, still referring toFIG. 2., in this model apparatus the movement device100is implemented as a caster wheel but could be any device capable of movement, such as bearings or rollers. In this model apparatus the container200is a component used in agriculture or cultivation, in this case it is implemented as a rectangular container but could be any component used in agriculture or cultivation, such as a pump or reservoir. In this model apparatus the connection device300is shown on both side and is implemented as a quick connector but could be any device capable of connecting and disconnecting, such as fittings and tubing or valves and connectors. The connection device300should be implemented in a way that the container200, in multiples, could be linked together in a series. The bulkhead501connects through the container200and in this implementation the bulkhead501is a bulkhead fitting but could be any fitting or device that is able to securely connect to the container200. This depiction is a representation of a implementation of the invention and should not be construed as limiting or all encompassing.

Referring to the invention explained in more detail, inFIG. 3. there is shown model apparatus for the explanation of the invention, consisting of a movement device100, a container200, and a connection device300. In this model apparatus the implementation is that of which the movement device100is mounted directly to the container200. The connection device300is shown on both sides on the container200. A grommet502connects through the container200.

Now in further detail, still referring toFIG. 3., in this model apparatus the movement device100is implemented as a caster wheel but could be any device capable of movement, such as bearings or rollers. In this model apparatus the container200is a component used in agriculture or cultivation, in this case it is implemented as a rectangular container but could be any component used in agriculture or cultivation, such as a pump or reservoir. In this model apparatus the connection device300is shown on both side and is implemented as a quick connector but could be any device capable of connecting and disconnecting, such as fittings and tubing or valves and connectors. The connection device300should be implemented in a way that the container200, in multiples, could be linked together in a series. The grommet502connects through the container200and in this implementation the grommet502is a grommet fitting but could be any fitting or device that is able to securely connecting through container200. This depiction is a representation of a implementation of the invention and should not be construed as limiting or all encompassing.

Referring to the invention explained in more detail, inFIG. 4. there is shown model apparatus for the explanation of the invention, consisting of a movement device100, a container200, and a connection device300. In this model apparatus the implementation is that of which the movement device100is mounted directly to the container200. The connection device300is shown on both sides on the container200.

Now in further detail, still referring toFIG. 4., in this model apparatus the movement device100is implemented as a caster wheel but could be any device capable of movement, such as bearings or rollers. In this model apparatus the container200is a component used in agriculture or cultivation, in this case it is implemented as a rectangular container but could be any component used in agriculture or cultivation, such as a pump or reservoir. In this model apparatus the connection device300is shown on both side and is implemented as a quick connector but could be any device capable of connecting and disconnecting, such as fittings and tubing or valves and connectors. The connection device300should be implemented in a way that the container200, in multiples, could be linked together in a series. This depiction is a representation of a implementation of the invention and should not be construed as limiting or all encompassing.

This apparatus could be constructed in various ways and in incremental steps or by an apparatus of varying components, materials and be a multitude of sizes and shapes. For instance the apparatus could be constructed by mounting caster wheels directly to a container or a frame could be constructed with caster wheels mounted to the frame and a container that sits on the frame. Both accomplish the same task. Further quick disconnects could be used in a variety of ways and quick disconnects come in a variety of fashions, but simply using tubing and connections could accomplish the same task, what is important in all instances is that there is an increase mobility.

The advantages of the aforementioned invention include, without limitation, an apparatus that allows for agriculture or cultivation to become mobile and not be restricted to stationary components. This method increases the efficiency of the cultivation process through increasing the mobility of various components used in the cultivation process and by increasing the ease of connecting and disconnecting components. Through the use of this invention a substantial positive impact is derived due to a reduction in operating costs, ease of use, an increase in efficiency, and an increase in profitability.

Operation of Preferred Embodiment

In broad embodiment, the present invention is capable of allowing normally stationary components of agriculture or cultivation, i.e. a container used to house and cultivate plants, to become mobile and to be easily connected or disconnected to additional components. The best practice of operation is to mount wheels, such as caster wheels, directly to a container or component. Factor such as water leakage or structural stability should be addressed as needed. Quick connectors with internal shut off valves should be used, ideally two sets connectors should be used for any single operation to allow for a series of containers or components to be connected and disconnected as needed.

Description of Additional Embodiment

In an additional embodiment, the present invention is capable of allowing normally stationary components of agriculture or cultivation such as structures that equipment is mounted to, such as lights or fans, to become mobile and to be easily connected or disconnected to additional structures.

Operation of Additional Embodiment

The best practice of operation is to mount wheels, such as caster wheels, directly to the structure. Connectors for electrical or conduit connectors for cooling should be used, ideally two sets connectors should be used for any single operation to allow for a series of structures to be connected and disconnected as needed.

Conclusion, Ramification, and Scope

In the broad embodiment the present invention allows for components that traditionally are stationary or have limited movement to become mobile and easily connected and disconnected. Further the present invention must not necessarily be used only with caster wheels and quick disconnections but could utilize a varying combination of devices to assist in mobility and connections to produce desired results and may be that of which the placement or implementation or combination may vary as is necessary to achieve the desired function of the solution, but itself is not wheels or connectors.

The aforementioned written description of the present invention enables one in the given technical field and of ordinary skill to recreate what is stated as the best mode and should therefore be stated that those of ordinary skill would comprehend and grasp alterations, combinations of alterations and variations, and parallel incorporations of specific embodiments, examples and methods. Therefore the aforementioned written and drawn description of the present invention should not be limited by the described embodiment, examples and methods but should be encompassed by the scope and spirit of any and all embodiments, examples and methods.

Sequence Listing or Program

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