The present system and series of accompanying apparatuses relate to horticultural assist systems, and particularly a water distribution, shade protection and animal protection system for the horticultural, agricultural and sports sectors to irrigate plants and gardens, regulate temperatures, and create control zones against animals, as well as provide ball containment systems for athletic activities.
There are a variety of devices that are known for dispersing water around an area and some include stands that may elevate a system head to provide a better radius of dispersion. Since the dawn of farming ten thousand years ago in the Neolithic era, the need to regularly and efficiently hydrate and nourish crops that have been planted has existed.
In the initial years, planting was intentionally situated in proximity to river beds where the water table was high enough to provide the proper amount of moisture. Additionally, the ancient Egyptians implemented a similar technique by planting with the flooding cycle of the mighty Nile River, allowing the Nile to supply both water and nutrients for their crops.
As farming became more heavily relied upon for survival of villages and nations alike, farmers started to move away from river beds and into fields making irrigation more important. Eventually, channels and aqueducts for diverting water from rivers and streams were created to water the farmland. Subsequently, via gravity and pumping devices, water pressure systems were designed to push water out of pipes, effectively creating the first system. Today systems are used for much more than just shuttling water to crops; it is also used to control temperatures of cattle, athletic participants, and crowds.
Concurrent systems for the dispersal of fluids in the areas of agriculture and grass growth can be classified into numerous categories. In some embodiments, a series or system of piping comprising a small diameter and a height normally less than four (4) feet, either staked into the ground or attached to a larger pipe. The systems in this category are often not portable because they are frequently in fluid communication, integrated into, or attached to rigid water lines, or deeply imbedded into the soil to provide the needed stability. Additionally, the height and positioning of these systems renders them at a disadvantage to disperse water over a larger area, making it necessary for multiple units to be used to cover a specific area. The low height of the systems in this category only work for small crops/plants and cannot be used to create cooling zones for athletes or livestock because the water is not dispersed high enough and/or in a controlled consistency and volume to be effective.
Another category of water system systems may be classified as large movable apparatuses on wheels possessing the ability to discharge large amounts of water at high pressure out of a pivoting metal nozzle. This type of fluid dispersal system is adequate at covering large swaths of land with adequate amounts of water but there are several drawbacks. The high pressure of the system renders this system unusable for lawn and athletic venues as well as agricultural use in cattle yards and newly seeded plots or patches where delicate plants are growing, as the large amounts of water will create muddy, saturated and potentially unsanitary areas for cattle and drown or damage plants. The portability of these systems is limited because of their bulkiness and can only be moved by a motorized vehicle, making placement of the system limited to areas cleared to allow vehicles access.
An additional category of systems includes large mechanized rolling water disbursement platforms that are either attached to a central location or move freely along a preplanned route. These systems are designed to function in large acreage farms and are not portable, as they must be assembled and disassembled on location. This category delivers water through hanging tubes or pipes that mist plants from above. It is not practical for anything other than watering crops.
The final category discussed herein includes systems more akin to the instant fluid dispersal and horticultural protection systems that can be grouped into small ground based systems that are portable. These systems include the typical residential lawn dispersal system, crowd misters, or other small pivoting water dispersion devices. These are often used to water residential lawns and small gardens or cool crowds and athletes, and due to the units being ground based they cannot get the same trajectory as taller systems that cover a greater area and are not blocked by low obstacles. A water dispersion system that may be easily transported, may be adjusted to great heights, may provide coverage for large areas, and does not need to be towed to locations or mechanized for operation is vital.
When properly designed and managed, the center pivot and linear move irrigation systems may be the most efficient type of sprinkler irrigation systems. The foundation of their efficiency is the result of locating the sprinklers above the crop canopy which reduces foliage damage resulting from high pressure single streams of water distributed from below the plant material. Further they produce high instantaneous application rates all while maintaining good application uniformity. Sprinklers, such as Rotators, Spinners, and Wobblers, installed with proper distribution heights, reduce the number of water streamlets and water pressure requirements which increase the water drop size and water throw distance (zone) resulting in reducing wind drift and spray evaporation. Compared to other sprinklers available for commercial and agricultural irrigation, wobbling sprinklers operate extremely well in low pressure applications which are highly desirable as it leads to lower operating costs.
The center pivot and linear move irrigation systems were designed for large field applications where the plant material resides in the ground; however, there is a significant need to irrigate plant material in a similar fashion that reside in plastic or wood containers and/or balled and burlap (B&B) methods that reside above the ground and are mobile, as well as, small in-ground plant material plots. Typical areas where one can apply similar irrigation methods in single sprinkler head methods are garden centers, landscaping operation yards and on site applications, nursery staging and holding areas and smaller plots of land such as farming and residential vegetable and/or flower gardens. Of importance, these areas deal with plant material that is mobile, of varying heights, varying foliage textures, seasonal and for a number of reasons usually do not have hard water pipes as a means of water transport to the sprinkler.
The instant apparatus and system, as illustrated herein, is clearly not anticipated, rendered obvious, or even present in any of the prior art mechanisms, either alone or in any combination thereof. The versatile system, method and series of apparatuses for creating and utilizing a series of systems and apparatuses comprising a fluid dispersal system which additionally encompasses additional protection from animals and the elements are illustrated. Thus the several embodiments of the instant apparatus are illustrated herein.
It is therefore an objective of the instant system to create a fluid dispersal and temperature cooling environment via the dispersion of water to satisfy irrigation and plant protection needs for horticultural purposes.
It is therefore an objective of the instant system to create a fluid dispersal and temperature cooling environment via the dispersion of water to satisfy temperature and animal protection needs for agriculture purposes.
Additionally, it is an object of the instant system to irrigate plant material, through customizable methods, in single source sprinkler applications that improve and expedite irrigation practices.
It is also an objective of the instant system to introduce a free standing, adjustable mechanism to provide water dispersion, a shade zone, and an animal and/or plant protection system in the same device. An additional objective of the instant system to introduce a ball containment system for athletic activities.
It is an further object of the instant system to transform water into efficient and economical irrigation droplets of varying sizes in an all-inclusive zone to satisfy the requirements of a wide variety of plant material in custom retail, nursery, landscaping and backyard environments.
Additionally, it is an objective of the instant system to provide an apparatus comprising a PowerPost™ Mounting Bracket and PowerPost that is used as a cooling station for athletes, fans, customers, agricultural animals and others when situated in hot weather conditions.
An additional objective of the instant system is to provide adequate irrigation for plants/crops by a system with head(s) situated on top to spray water down/across onto plants by introducing a multipurpose adjustable pole, constructed of a metal alloy, has two parts main pole and the secondary pole which fits inside the main pole and can be heightened or lowered via a push pin mechanism that is integrated with a corresponding aluminum profile channel pipe mentioned hereinafter that secures the two poles together.
An additional object of the instant system is to irrigate plant material above its canopy with a minimum evaporation loss of the water, lowest possible energy use and by instantaneous application of the water so as to create an expeditious means of the water to ultimately reach the plants root zone by means that are customizable to any environment.
Additionally, it is the object of the system to be easily and quickly attached to any fixed or mobile support structure of a custom height, size and/or form that provides a suitable base, stand or means to dampen or completely eliminate the vibration of the rotary action of the sprinkler all while providing the means for the dispersion of the water above the plant material in a horizontal manner relative to the ground. Further, the system can disperse water from the side of the plant material in a vertical manner relative to the ground. Ideal applications of this manner include where the plant material resides within multi-shelved plant racks that diminish or eliminate overhead irrigation processes.
It is an additional object of this system to be utilized without the need of any hard pipe as the means of transporting water to the sprinkler resulting in a very mobile and customizable water distribution unit.
Additionally, it is an objective of the instant system to create a fluid dispersal and temperature cooling environment, via the dispersion of water, that is sturdy.
Furthermore, it is an objective of the instant system to create a fluid dispersal and temperature cooling environment, via the dispersion of water, that is compact.
It is an additional an objective of the instant system to create a fluid dispersal and temperature cooling environment, via the dispersion of water, that is durable.
Additionally, it is an objective of the instant system to create a fluid dispersal and temperature cooling environment, via the dispersion of water, that is lightweight.
It is also an objective of the instant system to create a fluid dispersal and temperature cooling environment, via the dispersion of water, that is safe.
An additional objective of the instant system to create a fluid dispersal and temperature cooling environment, via the dispersion of water, that is efficient.
Furthermore, it is an objective of the instant system to create a fluid dispersal and temperature cooling environment, via the dispersion of water, that is versatile.
Additionally, it is an objective of the instant system to create a fluid dispersal and temperature cooling environment, via the dispersion of water, that is ecologically compatible.
Moreover, it is an objective of the instant system to create a fluid dispersal and temperature cooling environment, via the dispersion of water, that is energy conserving.
It is also an objective of the instant system to create a fluid dispersal and temperature cooling environment, via the dispersion of water, that is reliable.
An additional objective of the instant system to create a fluid dispersal and temperature cooling environment, via the dispersion of water, that is easy to manufacture, install, adjust, operate and maintain.
It is a further object of the instant system to provide a shade zone via a tarp or shade cloth.
Also an object of the instant system is to provide a fence to create a barrier against animals.
Additionally, it is an object of the instant system to receive individual or multiple number counts of various size water pressure regulators that can be connected/disconnected by hand and/or with common hand tools to maximize sprinkler performance.
An additional object of the instant system to receive individual or multiple number counts of various size sprinkler heads and types that can be connected/disconnected by hand and/or common hand tools to the system.
It is also an additional object of the instant system to receive individual or multiple number counts of various size water source pipe and/or hose types that can be connected/disconnected by hand and/or with common hand tools to the system.
Additionally, it is an object of the instant system to have the capability to receive hardware at an angle, upright or inverted sprinkler heads for upward, downward or sideways water applications.
Furthermore, it is an object of the instant system to use unique methods of the mounting of the PVC connections (bushing and swivel) to the angle bracket dampen in order to tolerate the vibration of the sprinkler, allow for simple tightening of hoses, sprinklers, water pressure regulators, all while remaining fixed and stationary under normal operating conditions.
It is also an object of the system to prevent vibration from the sprinkler head from being transmitted to the water supply pipe/hose, as well as, the structural support device it is attached to.
Moreover, the instant system applies to differing forms and attachments in order to create advantageous and/or appealing user applications within numerous prescribed industries. Some examples may include, but are in no way limited to, design and/or attachment variances in order to obtain angle, height and/or tool application attachment advantages and/or uses such as, but in no way limited to video cameras, picture cameras, lightening detection devices, lights, motion detection devices, boundary/perimeter sensor devices, radar, weather sensing devices.
These together, with the other objectives of the device, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the apparatus, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the mechanism, its operating advantages, and the specific objectives attained by its use, study of the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter, in which there are illustrations of the preferred embodiments, should be conducted.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the versatile integrated system, and series of accompanying systems and apparatuses and embodiments in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be practice and all aspects and equivalents thereof are intended to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the instant invention may be construed and/or utilized. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments and are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention. The multipurpose horticultural, agricultural and sports adjustable, collapsible and portable stand may be referred to as the “system.”
The system is designed to uniquely satisfy three (3) critical criteria as a horticultural, agricultural and/or sport system, that includes being wholly collapsible, portable, adjustable and simultaneously multipurpose. First, the system is designed to be collapsible in order to afford the user ease of transport and storage, while fitting into a minimal area. In one embodiment, the telescopic pole may be fully lowered to approximately 7′ to fully heightened approximately 10′, may utilize a push pin mechanism to move up and down in order to achieve precise height, direction and/or location requirements.
Second, the system is designed to be portable in order to allow the unit to be transferred to a specific location as it relates to satisfying a unique need within that environment in a timely and cost efficient manner. Of great importance here, the system can be specific and customized into an environment; hence, the system is a practical and efficient means to save time and ultimately costs.
Third the instant system is designed to be adjustable in numerous embodiments, including heightening requirements as it relates to irrigation and water distribution, shade protection and/or fencing height related to an asset deterrent barrier. The means by which the height is adjusted is a push pin mechanism and/or hand tightening bolt device or key slot connector if utilizing an aluminum profile channel pipe as the upper main post. The push pin is engaged by a single finger to a fully lowered through fully heightened position or single hand to loosen and/or tighten the hardware associated with the key slot connector in order to increase or decrease pressure in order to increase or decrease post height. In one embodiment, the lowered height may range from approximately 7′, 8′, 9′ and fully heightened may reach approximately 10′ or more.
The ability to easily and rapidly exchange out the sprinkler apparatus of the instant system affords the user to customize the individual system to meet and satisfy their specific needs and requirements expeditiously. In the instant system, the telescoping pole may possess varying intended purposes and directives, relative to irrigation, deer fence and/or shade cloth uses and/or attachment variances in order to obtain angle, height and/or tool application attachment advantages and/or uses such as, but in no way limited to video cameras, picture cameras, lightening detection devices, lights, motion detection devices, boundary/perimeter sensor devices, radar, weather sensing devices. Herein, a list of exemplary telescoping pole designs and configurations, not to be construed as limiting, that may serve to satisfy a matrix of irrigation, deer fence and/or shade cloth requirements is as follows:
The below list represents, but is not limited to, the matrix of telescoping pole design variations to satisfy single, dual and tri-system configurations as follows:
Each of the following telescoping pole designs will be designed and constructed to satisfy change of direction layouts such as corners and other varying degree angles.
The bracket 12 is also designed to receive a water leader hose 18. The bracket 12 is L-shaped with one side in communication with the upper section of the telescoping pole 14, and the perpendicular side extending outward parallel to the ground. The bracket 12 is secured using removable hardware to ensure the attachments stay in place. The wobbler sprinkler 20 is in communication with the bracket 12.
In some embodiments, the bracket may be moulded as a solid single piece of material capable of receiving various size sprinkler heads and various size hose fittings. In further metallic embodiments, die-casting and forging may be utilized as means of manufacturing. In additional embodiments featuring polymeric members, injection molding or extrusion or other such methods may be utilized. Moreover, in composite embodiments, for example in use of materials such as carbon fibre, weaving techniques may be utilize.
In a further embodiment, instead of utilizing a singular base 16 structure, the lower portion may be constructed of four (4) retractable base legs and the telescopic pole, which may utilize a push pin mechanism to fold up/down in order to become a uniform parallel unit or by means of an aluminum profile channel post utilizing a nut or corresponding key slot connector in order to achieve precise height, direction and/or location requirements. Thus, the system is designed to be collapsible in order to afford the user ease of transport and storage, while fitting into a minimal area.
Furthermore, the value associated with the ability to easily, rapidly and precisely adjust the telescoping post height and easily, rapidly is of great value and may be applied to yet to be determined uses and industries. The ability to integrate multiple embodiments of the telescoping post is not limited to the horticulture, agriculture, viticulture, landscaping and/or sports industries, but will be applied in other industries where the described telescoping posts are coupled with the ability to rapidly, easily and precisely integrate varying end user specific telescoping poles such as, but not limited to those used with video cameras, picture cameras, lightening detection devices, lights, motion detection devices, boundary/perimeter sensor devices, radar, weather sensing devices.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of this versatile system in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the system that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the system in detail, it is to be understood that the system is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The system is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
These together with other objects of the system, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the system, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the system, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the system.
This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of and takes priority from U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 14/494,885 filed on Sep. 24, 2014, which in turn claims the benefit of and takes priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/881,540 filed on Sep. 24, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 14494885 | Sep 2014 | US |
Child | 15362162 | US |