Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Title of the Invention
[0001] Hydroponic Growing System.
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
[0002] There are no cross-related applications.
Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to assemblies, apparatuses
and/or systems
for growing plants. More specifically, the present invention relates to
assemblies,
apparatuses and systems used particularly for hydroponic culture.
Background of the Invention
[0004] Plant growth assemblies, apparatuses and/or systems which attempt to
conserve
horizontal space and utilize vertical space are known in the art. A typical
hydroponic
plant growth system comprises a nutrient base and circulates a liquid nutrient
solution
through a cultivation portion wherein the plant seeds or young plants are
anchored. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,923 discloses a hydroponic plant growth system
which
consists of a nutrient supply module base which supplies a liquid nutrient
solution to a
series of vertically stacked modules, each module containing a number of plant
growth
sites. As the nutrient solution is pumped to each module, water and nutrients
are
distributed to the plants grown therein.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,027 discloses a plant growth apparatus comprising a
flexible
tubular element wherein slits are provided for the growth of plants. A liquid
nutrient
solution is supplied to the root permeable material via a pump system, the
liquid nutrient
solution thereby being supplied to the plants.
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[0006] Similarly, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,440,836, 5,555,676, 5,918,416 and 4,033,072
all
disclose vertical growing columns for growing a number of plants which are
supplied
water and nutrients through the use of nutrient solution pumps in the base of
the
respective apparatuses, which supply the liquid nutrient solution to the top
of the
apparatuses. The liquid nutrient solution is supplied to the plants as the
liquid travels
from the top of the apparatuses to the base.
[0007] Further, the prior art indicates that multiple vertical plant grow
columns may
utilize a single nutrient base. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,363,594 discloses
a structure
for a vertically oriented plant growth system having a plurality of vertical
columns
arranged to conserve horizontal floor space and utilize a common base for the
supply of
liquid nutrient solution.
[0008] In order to optimize floor space usage and lighting conditions, more
complex
growth systems have been proposed. U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,805 discloses a
circular array of
vertical growing columns, disposed on a common circular base, wherein the
growing
sites on each growing columns are facing a common central space adapted to
receive the
lighting system. U.S. Pat. No. 6,615,542 discloses another growth system which
comprises two semi-circular growing modules which are adapted to be mounted
face to
face in order to define a central space, where, as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,805,
the lighting
system can be disposed.
[0009] More recently, a hydroponic growing chamber has been disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No.
7,143,544. The growing chamber disclosed comprises a generally cylindrical
enclosure
having an inner wall onto which are mounted a plurality of growing media
blocks. The
chamber is further equipped with a central lighting system and a watering
system.
[0010] Though they are all generally practical for their particular use, one
of the main
limitations of the growth systems described above is that these growth systems
are
generally stand alone structures which cannot be horizontally connected or
assembled.
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[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 7,080,482 discloses a modular hydroponic growth assembly
which
comprises linear and circular modules which can be horizontally and vertically
assembled
and/or stacked in order to create different assembly configurations. Though
the growth
assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,080,482 alleviates some of the
shortcomings of the
aforementioned prior art, the assembly does not address the need for easy
replacement or
removal of each individual module of the assembly.
[0012] Hence, there remains a need for a more practical hydroponic growing
system
which alleviates at least some of the shortcomings of the prior art.
Objects of the Invention
[0013] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
hydroponic
growing system wherein different assemblies can be assembled in order to
create
customized growing systems.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hydroponic
growing
system comprising growing elements wherein each growing element can be removed
or
replaced from the system without removing or displacing adjacent growing
elements.
[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a hydroponic
growing
system wherein the system can be customized according to different needs
and/or
constraints.
[0016] Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention will
be obvious
upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be described or
will be
indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to
herein will occur
to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.
Summary of the Invention
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[0017] The aforesaid and other objectives of the present invention are
realized by
providing a substantially modular hydroponic growing system.
[0018] According to the present invention, the growing system generally
comprises three
main sections: a growing assembly which is configured to receive and support
one or
more growing media blocks, a watering assembly which is configured to provide
liquid
nutrient to the growing media blocks of the growing assembly, and a base
assembly
configured to support the growing assembly and to collect excess liquid
nutrient
therefrom.
[0019] However, to provide a certain degree of modularity and/or
customization, each of
the three assemblies are comprised of basic elements.
[0020] Accordingly, the growing assembly generally comprises several growing
elements
which are configured to receive, in a stack arrangement, several growing media
blocks.
The watering assembly generally comprises several support elements, each
adapted to
engage the upper portion of one or more growing elements and to support liquid
nutrient
conduit and one or more liquid nutrient dispensers. Moreover, adjacent support
elements
are connectable together via linear or angular joint brackets. Finally, the
base assembly,
as for the watering assembly, generally comprises several base elements, each
adapted to
receive the lower portion of one or more growing elements and to collect
excess liquid
nutrient dripping therefrom. Additionally, as for the water assembly, adjacent
base
elements of the base assembly are connectable via linear or angular connecting
brackets.
[0021] According to an important aspect of the present invention, by providing
each
assembly in individual components instead of as unitary structure, the growing
system of
the present invention allows the construction of growing systems tailored to
particular
needs and/or constraints. Hence, by selecting the appropriate support
elements, base
elements, connecting brackets and joint brackets, it is possible to construct
a particular
growing system having an arbitrary polygonal shape or having a linear shape.
Thus, the
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growing system of the present invention can be constructed to fit in a room or
to follow a
wall.
[0022] Hence, according to the invention, the system could be provided in
individual
unassembled elements whereby the base elements, the support elements, the
growing
elements and the appropriate joint and connecting brackets could be purchased
individually, thereby allowing the creation of a fully customized growing
system.
Alternatively, preconceived systems could be provided in pre-packaged kits
including all
the necessary elements, accessories and instructions.
[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, the growing
elements are
individually mounted side by side in a horizontal array in the base assembly
and are
further secured to the watering assembly via appropriate engaging means (e.g.
complementary structures, snap-lock fasteners, hooks, holding straps, etc.).
Hence, each
growing element can be individually removed from the growing assembly without
removing or displacing adjacent growing elements.
[0024] Also, depending on the exact configuration of the growing system, other
structural
supporting structures such as, but not limited to, uprights and platforms,
could be
provided for additional support.
[0025] Understandably, the present invention can be further equipped with all
the
necessary equipments for providing liquid nutrient solution, ventilation and
lighting to
the plants. The present invention is not so limited.
[0026] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel
are set forth
with particularity in the appended claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings
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[0027] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention
will
become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being
made to
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the growing
system
of the present invention.
[0029] Figure 2 is a front view of the growing system of Fig. 1.
[0030] Figure 3 is a rear view of the growing system of Fig. 1.
[0031] Figure 4 is a left side view of the growing system of Fig. 1.
[0032] Figure 5 is a right side view of the growing system of Fig. 1.
[0033] Figure 6 is a top view of the growing system of Fig. 1.
[0034] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the growing system of Fig. 1
along line
7-7 of Fig. 6.
[0035] Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmented side view of the view of Fig. 7.
[0036] Figure 9 is a fragmented exploded perspective view of the preferred
embodiment
of the growing system of the present invention.
[0037] Fig 10 is a perspective view of the lighting system and ventilation
system of the
present invention.
[0038] Figure 11 is an external perspective view of the support element.
[0039] Figure 12 an internal perspective view of the support element.
[0040] Figure 13 is an external perspective view of the growing element.
[0041] Figure 14 is an internal perspective view of the growing element.
[0042] Figure 15 is an external perspective view of the base element.
[0043] Figure 16 is an internal perspective view of the base element.
[0044] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a base element supporting bridge.
[0045] Figure 18 is a perspective view of an exemplary support element joint
bracket.
[0046] Figure 19 is a perspective view of an exemplary base element connecting
bracket.
[0047] Figure 20 is a perspective view of an individual liquid nutrient
dispenser.
[0048] Figure 21 is another perspective view of the individual liquid nutrient
dispenser
of Fig. 20.
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Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
[0049] A novel hydroponic growing system will be described hereinafter.
Although the
invention is described in terms of specific illustrative embodiments, it is to
be understood
that the embodiments described herein are by way of example only and that the
scope of
the invention is not intended to be limited thereby.
[0050] As mentioned above, due to the modularity of the different assemblies
and
elements, the hydroponic growing system of the present invention is generally
not
restricted to any particular embodiment. In fact, one of the objectives of the
present
growing system is to allow hydroponic growers the ability to design and build
customized
growing systems according to their particular needs and constraints. Hence,
even though
a particular and exemplary system will be described hereinbelow, the present
invention
should not be construed as being limited to this particular system.
[0051] Hence, referring to Figs. 1 to 6, an exemplary growing system 10 made
according
to present invention is shown. The growing system 10, which has a polygonal
shape,
generally comprises a watering assembly 100, adapted to provide liquid
nutrient to the
plants, a growing assembly 200, adapted to receive one or more growing media
blocks,
and a base assembly 300, adapted to receive the growing assembly 200 and to
collect
excess liquid nutrient.
[0052] The growing system 10 also generally comprises a liquid nutrient
distribution
system 20 generally comprising a reservoir 22, a pump 24 and all the necessary
conduits
26. Preferably, the pump 24 is connected to the base assembly 300 whereby the
excess
liquid nutrient can be recycled into the reservoir 22, from which it can be
redistributed to
the watering assembly 100 connected thereto. The skilled addressee will
understand that
different liquid nutrient distribution system 20 could be used; the present
invention is not
so limited.
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[0053] The growing system 10 is also generally provided with a lighting system
30,
adapted to provide the necessary light to the growing plants, and a
ventilation system 40,
adapted to provide air circulation around the growing plants.
[0054] In use, the growing assembly 200 of the growing system 10 would
generally
receive several blocks of growing media such as, but not limited, FIBRgroTM
growing
media blocks (not shown) into which several plants would grow. The plants
would be
fed with liquid nutrient via the watering assembly 100 and the excess liquid
nutrient
would be collected by the base assembly 300 for further processing and
recycling.
[0055] Referring now to Figs. 7 to 21, the watering assembly 100, the growing
assembly
200, the base assembly 300 and their respective related constitutive elements
will now be
described in more detailed.
[0056] WateYingAssembly
[0057] The watering assembly 100 of the growing system 10 generally comprises
several
support elements 110 which are connected together by joint brackets 140.
Depending on
the exact configuration of the support elements 110 and of the joint brackets
140, the
watering assembly 100 could be configured to be linear or polygonal in shape.
[0058] As shown in Figs. 8, 11 and 12, the support element 110 of the watering
assembly
100 generally comprises a receiving surface 115 configured to receive and/or
support the
liquid nutrient conduit 116. As best shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the liquid
nutrient conduit
116 is generally provided with a series of sites or apertures 117 allowing the
liquid
nutrient dispensers 150 to be connected to the conduit 116 (see also Fig. 8).
Still, the
skilled addressee shall understand that the liquid nutrient conduit 116 could
be differently
mounted to the support element 110; the present invention is not so limited.
[0059] The support element 110 also comprises, at each of its extremities,
openings 111
into which the joint brackets 140 can be inserted (see also Fig. 9).
Understandably, the
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exact shapes of the openings 111 will depend of the shape of the brackets 140
and vice-
versa.
[0060] The support elements 110 of the watering assembly 100 are also provided
with a
downwardly projecting portion 113 configured to engage the growing elements
210 of
the growing assembly 200. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the
second
portion 113 is configured as a laterally extending and downwardly projecting
tongue
which, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, is adapted to engage a corresponding bracket
215.
[0061] Understandably, the exact configuration of the support element 110 can
vary
according to different embodiments of the growing system 10.
[0062] Referring to Fig. 18, the connecting bracket 140 generally comprises a
first
portion 141, adapted to be received in the opening 111 of a first support
element 110, and
a second portion 143, adapted to be received in the opening 111 of a second,
adjacent
support element 110. The first portion 141 and the second portion 143 are
connected by a
central portion 145 which can be straight or angular, depending on the desired
shape of
the watering assembly 100. As the skilled addressee would understand,
different
connecting brackets 140 could be provided with different angles.
[0063] The first portion 141 and the second portion 143 are also respectively
provided
with openings 142 and 144. As shown in Fig. 9, these openings are generally
respectively adapted to receive uprights 240. Understandably, in order for the
uprights
240 to be received in openings 142 and 144, corresponding openings (not shown)
would
be provided in the underside of the support element 110 (see Fig. 8).
[0064] Referring now to Figs. 20 and 21, the liquid nutrient dispenser 150, in
accordance
with the preferred embodiment of the growing system 10, generally comprises a
connector 151 which is configured to be fluidly connected to the liquid
nutrient
dispensing conduit 116 mounted to the receiving surface 115 of the support
element 110.
Preferably, but not exclusively, the connector 151 is configured to be
received in the
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aperture 117 of the conduit 116 and further comprises a threaded portion 152
allowing it
to be fixedly connected thereto. The dispenser 150 also comprises a dispensing
nozzle
156 which is preferably regulated by a valve 155. The nozzle 156 is configured
to be
inserable into the growing media of the block directly located underneath as
generally
shown in Fig. 8. As shown in Figs. 20 and 21, the nozzle 156 and the connector
151 are
fluidly connected by a preferably flexible tube 153.
[0065] In use, as liquid nutrient from the reservoir 22 circulates in the
conduits 116, a
portion thereof flows in each of the dispenser 150 and then in growing media
blocks
located in the growing elements 210.
[0066] Growing Assembly
[0067] The growing assembly 200 of the growing system 10 generally comprises
several
growing elements 210 which are configured to receive one or more growing media
blocks
such as, but not limited to, FIBRgroTM growing media blocks (not shown).
[0068] In the preferred embodiment of the growing system 10, the growing
elements 210
of the growing assembly 200 are generally grouped in several horizontal arrays
205 (see
Fig. 1). Still, other configurations are also possible.
[0069] As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the growing element 210 is essentially a
hollow
structure defining an inner channel 211, into which the growing media blocks
are
inserted, and an elongated opening 213, through which the growing plants can
expand.
As shown in Fig. 9, the elongated opening 213 preferably faces the lighting
system 30
when the growing element 210 is mounted in the growing system 10.
[0070] Additionally, the growing elements 210 could be provided with removable
flow
regulating plates 250 comprising a plurality of openings 251. These flow
regulating
plates 250 would generally be disposed between adjacent growing media blocks
in order
to slow the flow of liquid nutrient as the latter descends toward the base
assembly
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[0071] Referring back to Fig. 13, as mentioned above, the upper portion of the
growing
element 210 is generally provided with a holding bracket 215 which is adapted
to engage
the tongue 113 of the support element 110 to which it is mounted. The
engagement
between the tongue 113 and the bracket 215 is best shown in Fig. 8.
[0072] As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the lower portion of the growing element 210
can be
received in the base element 310 of the base assembly 300.
[0073] According to the invention, even though the growing elements 210 are
preferably
grouped into arrays 205, each growing element 210 is independently mounted in
the
growing system 10 so that each growing element 210 can be installed, removed
and/or
replaced without removing or displacing adjacent growing elements 210.
[00741 Base Assembly
[0075] As for the watering assembly 100, the base assembly of the growing
system 10
generally comprises several base elements 3 10 which are connected together by
connecting brackets 320. Depending of the exact configuration of the base
elements 310
and of the connecting brackets 320, the base assembly 300 could be configured
to be
linear or polygonal in shape. Still, as the skilled addressee would
understand, the shape
of the base assembly 300 must match the shape of the watering assembly 100 or
vice-
versa. Hence, if, as in the present embodiment, the watering assembly 100 is
configured
as an octagon, the base assembly 300 must also be configured as an octagon.
Otherwise,
the stability and the structural integrity of the whole growing system 10
could be affected.
[0076] The base assembly 300 generally serves two purposes. First, it receives
and
supports the growing elements 210 of the growing assembly 200. Second, it
collects the
excess liquid nutrient dripping from the media blocks located in the growing
elements
210. In order to accommodate these two purposes, the base element 310
generally
defines an inner channel having an upper portion 314 and a lower portion 312.
The upper
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portion 314 and the lower portion 312 are separated by two opposite fins or
ribs 311 and
313 onto which the lower portion of the growing elements 210 can rest (see
Figs. 8 and
9). Hence, the liquid nutrient that drips from the lower end of the growing
elements 210
is effectively collected in the lower portion 312 of the inner channel of the
base element
310. The collected excess liquid nutrient can then be recycled back into the
reservoir 22
via the pump 24 and the conduits 26.
[0077] Referring to Fig. 19, the connecting bracket 320 generally comprises a
first
portion 321, adapted to receive the extremity 319 of a first base element 310,
and a
second portion 323, adapted to receive the extremity 319 of a second, adjacent
base
element 310. The first portion 321 and the second portion 323 are connected by
a central
portion 355 which can be straight or angular, as for the joint bracket 140,
depending on
the desired shape of the base assembly 300. As the skilled addressee would
understand,
as for the joint brackets 140, different connecting brackets 320 could be
provided with
different angles. In any case, in order for the watering assembly 100 and the
base
assembly 300 to match, it is important that a corresponding connection bracket
320 exists
for every joint bracket 140 and vice-versa.
[0078] Optionally, in order to add support to the base elements 310, one or
more
supporting bridges 330 could be disposed underneath each base element 310. As
shown
in Fig. 17, the supporting bridge generally defmes a receiving portion 333,
onto which the
base element 310 can rest (see Fig. 8), supported by two legs 331. Still, the
support
bridge 330 could be provided in other shapes; the present invention is not so
limited.
[0079] Structural Support
[0080] Since the growing system 10 of the present invention can become quite
heavy
when all the growing media blocks are wet with liquid nutrient, it is
important that the
growing system 10 be rigid enough to support itself.
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[0081] Hence, it order to add structural support, the growing system 10 is
advantageously
provided with platform 340 equipped with receiving bases 342 and 344 adapted
to
receive uprights 240. As mentioned above, the watering assembly 100 generally
rests on
the upper ends of the uprights 240 via the openings 142 and 144 of the joint
brackets 140,
as shown in Figs. 7 and 8.
[0082] As shown in Fig. 1, in a preferred but not limitative embodiment, a
platform 340
and two uprights 240 are installed for each interconnection of the watering
assembly 100.
Other configurations are however possible.
[0083] Still, the skilled addressee would understand that other structural
elements such
as, but not limited to, struts, trusses and columns, could be used in addition
or instead of
the platforms 340 and uprights 240. The present invention is not so limited.
[0084] Lighting and Ventilation
[0085] Referring to Fig. 10, the lighting system 30 and the ventilation system
40 are
shown.
[0086] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the growing system 10
shown in
the figures, the lighting system 30 generally comprises a support member 35
which is
adapted to rest on the watering assembly 100 as shown in Figs. 1 to 6.
Attached to the
member 35 is a support structure 33 to which are mounted one or more lamps 31.
Understandably, the lighting system 30 is subjected to vary according to the
exact
configuration of the growing system 10. Hence, the invention is not limited to
the
exemplary lighting system 30 shown in the figures.
[0087] The ventilation system 40, in accordance with the preferred embodiment
of the
growing system 10 shown in the figures, generally comprises one or more
ventilators 41
(only one is shown) which forces an upward circulation of air in the growing
system 10.
As for the lighting system 30, the ventilation system 40 is subjected to vary
according to
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the exact configuration of the growing system 10. Hence, the invention is not
limited to
the exemplary ventilation system 40 shown in the figures since the number, the
position
and/or the configuration of the ventilators 41 can vary.
[0088] While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the invention
have been
described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive
concepts may be
otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are
intended to
be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior
art.
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