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General => Top Tips => Topic started by: Bionic Wellies on January 25, 2009, 17:09:41

Title: Dirt Tubes - Roll-yer-own
Post by: Bionic Wellies on January 25, 2009, 17:09:41
For many years I have been making paper tubes that I fill with dirt and plant my parsnip and carrot seed into.  It involves a short length of 1.5" pipe that I wrap some newspaper around, then crunch the end of the paper over and then fill with compost - quite simple but fairly time-consuming - but the results have generally been very good.

A couple of weeks ago I was looking to speed up this process and I recalled that my dad and my grandfather used to roll-their-own ciggies using a little device with two rollers and a cloth/rubber belt - so ...

the basic thing ...

(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z17/BWMorris/IMGP2596.jpg)

an almost complete roll

(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z17/BWMorris/IMGP2600.jpg)

and a complete one too

(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z17/BWMorris/IMGP2602.jpg)

and a side view

(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z17/BWMorris/IMGP2604.jpg)

thought you might be interrested ....
Title: Re: Dirt Tubes - Roll-yer-own
Post by: grotbag on January 25, 2009, 17:23:01
where's the pics ?? ;D
Title: Re: Dirt Tubes - Roll-yer-own
Post by: Bionic Wellies on January 25, 2009, 17:27:09
Sorry - used the wrong link type - then had to go for dinner! - they should be there now!
Title: Re: Dirt Tubes - Roll-yer-own
Post by: manicscousers on January 25, 2009, 17:47:36
that looks great  ;D
Title: Re: Dirt Tubes - Roll-yer-own
Post by: nilly71 on January 25, 2009, 20:44:29
Very impressive. Have you tried cutting them into 1" pieces to make smaller seed starters like jiffy?

Do you have the plans and what materials you have used.

Neil
Title: Re: Dirt Tubes - Roll-yer-own
Post by: kenkew on January 26, 2009, 09:23:31
That....I like. A lot.

Nice one.
Title: Re: Dirt Tubes - Roll-yer-own
Post by: redimp on January 26, 2009, 18:08:51
Get that design down the patent office before somebody else does!!!
Title: Re: Dirt Tubes - Roll-yer-own
Post by: Bionic Wellies on January 26, 2009, 18:20:39
Well ... a little rough schematic diagram

(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z17/BWMorris/roller.jpg)

Title: Re: Dirt Tubes - Roll-yer-own
Post by: redimp on January 26, 2009, 19:45:30
http://www.ipo.gov.uk/types/patent/p-os.htm
Title: Re: Dirt Tubes - Roll-yer-own
Post by: nilly71 on January 26, 2009, 20:00:22
thanks for that, now you should try and get on dragons den.

Neil
Title: Re: Dirt Tubes - Roll-yer-own
Post by: Bionic Wellies on January 26, 2009, 20:16:38
I doubt that a giant copy of a standard roll-your-own cigarette machine would be eligible for a successful patent application.  I did follow your link to the intellectual property office website and found that it would cost £200 to apply!

I like the idea of going on the dragon's den - I would love to see their faces and hear their comments when I produce a over-sized cigarette made from compost!
Title: Re: Dirt Tubes - Roll-yer-own
Post by: tricia on January 26, 2009, 21:46:21
Go for it BW  8).

My Gordon likes making things, so he will be presented with your plans on Wednesday  ;).

Tricia
Title: Re: Dirt Tubes - Roll-yer-own
Post by: redimp on January 26, 2009, 23:30:04
Quote from: Bionic Wellies on January 26, 2009, 20:16:38
I doubt that a giant copy of a standard roll-your-own cigarette machine would be eligible for a successful patent application.  I did follow your link to the intellectual property office website and found that it would cost £200 to apply!

I like the idea of going on the dragon's den - I would love to see their faces and hear their comments when I produce a over-sized cigarette made from compost!
I think you might be surprised - I used to use one of those rollers many moons ago and it never occurred to me that this would be a use - excellent lateral thinking.  It is a new use for an old design - therefore, it is your IP.  Tout it amongst a few manufacturers and see what they have to say.
Title: Re: Dirt Tubes - Roll-yer-own
Post by: tonybloke on February 03, 2009, 20:20:24
Just seen this, Superb!! go on, patent it!! ;)
Title: Re: Dirt Tubes - Roll-yer-own
Post by: Plot69 on February 03, 2009, 21:26:16
I think it's incredible...

Bet they're a bugger to light though  :o
Title: Re: Dirt Tubes - Roll-yer-own
Post by: Emagggie on February 03, 2009, 22:42:14
Wish I had a Gordon. ;D
Fantastic idea B.W.