Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of agriculture, and more particularly, a structure for a grow tower assembly to grow plants.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Agriculture is the cultivation of crops for human life. The cultivation of crops involves several steps such as land management, irrigation, fertilization, planting and harvesting. Further, the effectiveness of the cultivation depends on the execution of the said steps and on various environmental and climatic conditions such as sunlight, water availability, temperature ranges, wind, soil, and the like.
[0003] In the cultivation of crops, several pesticides are used to protect the crops from various diseases. However, the use of pesticides is harmful for human health with acute effects and long-term negative health outcomes. As a result, home gardening has become significant as it benefits humans with homegrown organic fruits and vegetables. Home gardening is also considered a gratifying hobby for those who are inclined to farming. Typically, people who are interested in farming find it challenging to pursue due to several challenges, for instance, cost of land, maintenance of land and execution of the aforementioned steps involved in cultivation of crops. Therefore, home gardening has become a promising and integral part of local food systems and family farming.
[0004] Generally, home gardening refers to the cultivation of a small portion of land which may be around the household, within a walking distance from the home, on a terrace of the home and the like. However, a major drawback of home gardening is the lack of space and therefore growing a generous portion of plants becomes challenging.
[0005] In today’s world, hydroponic systems and aeroponic systems have become significant systems for growing crops in a confined space. However, they incur a huge cost to set up. Further, it is vulnerable to power outages, and requires constant monitoring and maintenance.
[0006] Hence, there is a need for an improved structure for a grow tower assembly to grow plants which addresses the aforementioned issue(s).
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An objective of the invention is to provide a grow tower assembly to accommodate plants to grow in less space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0008] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a structure for a grow tower assembly to grow plants is provided. The structure includes a plurality of layers wherein each of the plurality of layers includes a plurality of extension arms wherein each of the extension arm includes a plurality of ports positioned at equidistance on opposite sides of the length pertaining to the extension arm wherein the plurality of extension arms are positioned at a pre-defined angle. The structure also includes a plurality of pods wherein each of the plurality of pods is adapted to accommodate a grow bag to grow one or more plants wherein each of the plurality of pods includes a ring-shaped plate arranged on a top section of the pods and a circular plate arranged on a bottom section of the pods wherein the ring-shaped plate and the circular plate includes a plurality of cutout ports positioned at equidistance along the circumference of the circular plate. Further, the structure includes a plurality of guide rods wherein a first end of each of the guide rod is affixed to a cutout port of the circular plate and a second end of each of the guide rod is affixed to a corresponding cutout port of the ring-shaped plate thereby connecting the circular plate and the ring-shaped plate wherein one of the plurality of guide rods is affixed to a corresponding port of the extension arm thereby fastening the plurality of pods with the plurality of extension arms. Furthermore, the structure includes a core column adapted to clasp the plurality of extension arms at pre-defined angles wherein the core column includes a plurality of cylindrical columns assembled together to form the core column using a concealed bracket.
[0009] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a structure for a grow tower assembly to grow plants in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a core column of the structure of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a clamping bracket of the structure of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an extension arm of the structure of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a pod of the structure of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0016] FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b and FIG. 6c are schematic representations of a top plate, a bottom plate and a guide rod respectively of a pod of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0019] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
[0021] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a structure for a grow tower assembly to grow plants. The structure includes a plurality of layers wherein each of the plurality of layers includes a plurality of extension arms wherein each of the extension arm includes a plurality of ports positioned at equidistance on opposite sides of the length pertaining to the extension arm wherein the plurality of extension arms are positioned at a pre-defined angle. The structure also includes a plurality of pods wherein each of the plurality of pods is adapted to accommodate a grow bag to grow one or more plants wherein each of the plurality of pods includes a ring-shaped plate arranged on a top section of the pods and a circular plate arranged on a bottom section of the pods wherein the ring-shaped plate and the circular plate includes a plurality of cutout ports positioned at equidistance along the circumference of the circular plate. Further, the structure includes a plurality of guide rods wherein a first end of each of the guide rod is affixed to a cutout port of the circular plate and a second end of each of the guide rod is affixed to a corresponding cutout port of the ring-shaped plate thereby connecting the circular plate and the ring-shaped plate wherein one of the plurality of guide rods is affixed to a corresponding port of the extension arm thereby fastening the plurality of pods with the plurality of extension arms. Furthermore, the structure includes a core column adapted to clasp the plurality of extension arms at pre-defined angles wherein the core column includes a plurality of cylindrical columns assembled together to form the core column using a concealed bracket.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a structure (100) for a grow tower assembly to grow plants in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The structure (100) includes a plurality of layers. Each layer includes a plurality of extension arms (125) adapted to accommodate a plurality of pods. The plurality of extension arms (125) are hooked on to a core column (130) with the help of a clamping bracket (135). In one embodiment, the structure may include 3 layers wherein each layer includes 36 pods, and each pod accommodates one grow bag. Therefore, a minimum of 108 grow bags can be accommodated in the structure (100).
[0024] Each of the plurality of extension arms (125) includes a plurality of ports (or grooves) positioned at equidistance on opposite sides of the length pertaining to the extension arms (125). The plurality of extension arms (125) are positioned at a pre-defined angle. In one embodiment, the plurality of extension arms (125) are positioned at 90 degrees to each other. It must be noted that the distance between each groove ensures a standardized spacing between each grow bag.
[0025] In a specific embodiment, the structure (100) is constructed to accommodate 3 layers. In such an embodiment, each layer may have 4 extension arms positioned at 90 degrees to each other. The second layer and third layer may be tilted to 45 degrees with respect to a first layer to provide proper aeration and sufficient sunlight.
[0026] Each of the plurality of pods includes a ring-shaped plate (115) arranged on a top section of the pods (105) and a circular plate (110) arranged on a bottom section of the pods (105). The ring-shaped plate (115) and the circular plate (110) includes a plurality of cutout ports (140) positioned at equidistance along the circumference of the circular plate. Further, the plurality of pods (105) that houses grow bags supports plants with a root system. Typically, the plurality of pods (105) and the plurality of layers are detachable based on a number of grow bags. As used herein, the plurality of pods (105) supports soil and soil less media to grow the plants. In one embodiment, the pods may support plants with a root system that extends up to 8 inches and grows up to maximum height of 16 inches to 24 inches. For example, all types of green leafy vegetables like carrot, radish, beetroot, onion, garlic, spring onions and the like may be grown.
[0027] The structure (100) further includes a plurality of guide rods (120). A first end of each of the guide rod (120) is affixed to a cutout port of the circular plate (110) and a second end of each of the guide rod (120) is affixed to a corresponding cutout port of the ring-shaped plate (115) thereby connecting the circular plate (110) and the ring-shaped plate (115). Further, one of the plurality of guide rods (120) is affixed to a corresponding port of the extension arm (125) thereby fastening the plurality of pods (105) with the plurality of extension arms (125).
[0028] Furthermore, the structure (100) includes a core column (130) adapted to clasp the plurality of extension arms (125) at pre-defined angles. The core column (130) includes a plurality of cylindrical columns assembled together to form the core column (130) using a concealed bracket. In one embodiment, the core column (130) may include 3 cylindrical columns measuring 3 inches in diameter and 660 millimeters tall are assembled to form the core column (130) to a height of 1980 millimeters. In another embodiment, the core column (130) may be extended up to 3 feet.
[0029] In one embodiment, the structure (100) may include a detachable overhead canopy to protect the plants from high temperatures during summer season. In another embodiment, the detachable canopy is used for rainwater harvesting in rainy season.
[0030] In one embodiment, the structure (100) may be used for poultry farming wherein the plurality of pods may be replaced by chicken cages.
[0031] Typically, the grow tower assembly is adapted to convert from grow pod system to a hydroponic system and fixing nutrient film technique (NFT) channels. As used herein, the nutrient film technique (NFT) involves growing plants without the use of a substrate by maintaining a coating of nutrient solution around the roots. The conversion is formed by removing the grow pods.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a core column (130) of the structure of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The core column (130) is used to support (clasp) a plurality of extension arms (125) wherein the extension arms (125) includes the plurality of ports (145) that holds the plurality of pods. In one embodiment, the core column (130) is fixed to a floor with the help of an adhesive to hold and balance the weight of the structure (100). Examples of the adhesive includes, but is not limited to, cement, stone, mucilage and glue.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a clamping bracket of the structure of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The clamping bracket (135) is used to affix the plurality of extension arms (125). In other words, the clamping bracket (135) acts as a concealed bracket to form a central core. It must be noted that at least two clamping brackets (135) are joined together to ensure complete closure.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an extension arm (125) of the structure of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The extension arm (125) includes a plurality of ports (also referred to as ‘grooves’ herein) (145). Typically, the plurality of ports (145) are arranged on opposite sides along the length of the extension arm (125) to clamp a guide rod pertaining to a pod.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a pod of the structure of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The pod (105) includes a plurality of guide rods (120), a circular plate (110) and a ring-shaped plate (115). The circular plate (110) positioned in the bottom section of pod (105) to support a grow bag. The grow bag is typically a large plastic bag that accommodates soil or compost in which plants can be grown.
[0036] FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b and FIG. 6c are schematic representations of a top plate, a bottom plate and a guide rod respectively of the pod of FIG. 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cutout ports (140) that lies on the ring-shaped plate (115) and the circular plate (110) are used to insert guide rods.
[0037] Various embodiments of a structure for a grow tower assembly to grow plants as described above provide a grow tower assembly that helps a user to grow plants on a terrace with less space. The plurality of layers are attached through the core column, which aids in growth of plants in the plurality of pods and the plurality of pods are detachable based on the grow bags the user has. Further, the structure is easy to install and can be customized according to the requirements of the user. Specifically, the number of layers and the number of plants in each layer may be decided by the user by detaching the extension arms and pods accordingly.
[0038] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0039] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0040] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:1. A structure (100) for a grow tower assembly comprising:

a plurality of layers wherein each of the plurality of layers comprises:

a plurality of extension arms (125) wherein each of the extension arm comprises a plurality of ports positioned at equidistance on opposite sides of the length pertaining to the extension arm wherein the plurality of extension arms are positioned at a pre-defined angle;

a plurality of pods (105) wherein each of the plurality of pods (105) is adapted to accommodate a grow bag to grow one or more plants wherein each of the plurality of pods comprises:
a ring-shaped plate (115) arranged on a top section of the pods and a circular plate (110) arranged on a bottom section of the pods wherein the ring-shaped plate (115) and the circular plate (110) comprises a plurality of cutout ports positioned at equidistance along the circumference of the circular plate;
a plurality of guide rods (120) wherein a first end of each of the guide rod (120) is affixed to a cutout port of the circular plate (110) and a second end of each of the guide rod (120) is affixed to a corresponding cutout port of the ring-shaped plate (115) thereby connecting the circular plate (110) and the ring-shaped plate;
wherein one of the plurality of guide rods (120) is affixed to a corresponding port of the extension arm (125) thereby fastening the plurality of pods (105) with the plurality of extension arms; and

a core column (130) adapted to clasp the plurality of extension arms (125) at pre-defined angles wherein the core column (130) comprises a plurality of cylindrical columns assembled together to form the core column (130) using a concealed bracket.

2. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grow tower assembly is adapted to convert from grow pod system to a hydroponic system wherein the conversion is performed by removing grow pods.

3. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of extension arms (125) is affixed to the core column (130) through the clamping bracket.

4. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of layers are positioned at a pre-defined angle for aeration and sunlight.

5. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of pods (105) supports soil and soilless media.

6. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of layers and the plurality of pods (105) are detachable based on a number of grow bags.

7. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of pods (105) that houses grow bags support plants with a root system.

Dated this 18th day of April 2023

Signature

Jinsu Abraham
Patent Agent (IN/PA-3267)
Agent for the Applicant