Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
AIR DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR PLANT GROW RACK
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an air
delivery system for a plant grow
rack.
Background Art
[0002] Plant grow rack systems generally consist of one or
multiple levels of horizontal
grow racks within a framework. Oftentimes, the horizontal grow racks of such
multi-level grow
rack systems are stacked vertically. Each rack is used to grow and harvest one
or more plants.
Plant grow rack systems lack sufficient air distribution¨whether ambient air,
cooled air, and/or
heated air¨across the growing rack.
Summary of the Invention
[0003] An air delivery apparatus constructed to distribute air
across a plant grow rack
includes an inlet; a chamber connected to the inlet; a channel connected to
the chamber, the channel
including a bottom wall; a plurality of channel vents disposed in the bottom
wall; and a flow
diverter constructed to direct air in the chamber toward a channel; wherein
the channel vents are
constructed to receive air within the channel and direct the air down toward
plants or seeds
disposed on or within one or more trays of the plant grow rack.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0004] The present disclosure will be more readily understood
from a detailed description
of some example embodiments taken in conjunction with the following figures:
[0005] FIG. 1 depicts a top isometric view of an air delivery
apparatus.
[0006] FIG. 2 depicts an isometric end view of the air delivery
apparatus of FIG. 1, wherein
the outer housing of the main chamber has been shown in transparent to
illustrate components
inside the main chamber.
[0007] FIG. 3 depicts a bottom isometric view of the air
delivery apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 4 depicts a distal end view of the air delivery
apparatus of FIG. 1.
1
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
[0009] FIG. 5 depicts a top isometric view of another embodiment
of an air delivery
apparatus.
[0010] FIG. 6 depicts a bottom view of the air delivery
apparatus of FIG. 5.
[0011] FIG. 7 depicts a bottom isometric view of a channel cover
of the air delivery
apparatus of FIG. 5.
[0012] FIG. 8 depicts an isometric view of a vent louver of the
air delivery apparatus of
FIG. 5.
[0013] FIG. 9 depicts a top isometric view of a plant grow rack
including the air delivery
apparatus of FIG 1
[0014] FIG. 10 depicts a side elevational view of the plant grow
rack of FIG. 9.
[0015] FIG. 11 depicts a bottom isometric view of the plant grow
rack of FIG. 9.
[0016] FIG. 12 depicts an end view of the plant grow rack of
FIG. 9.
[0017] FIG. 13 depicts a top isometric view of an air discharge
fitting of one or more of
the air delivery apparatuses shown and described herein.
[0018] FIG. 14 depicts a side elevational view of the air
discharge fitting of FIG. 13.
[0019] FIG. 15 depicts a cross sectional view of the air
discharge fitting taken along line
15-15 of FIG. 14.
[0020] FIG. 16 depicts a top isometric view of an end extension
of one or more of the air
delivery apparatuses shown and described herein.
100211 FIG. 17 depicts an end view of the end extension of FIG.
16.
[0022] FIG. 18 depicts a top, partial isometric view of another
embodiment of an air
delivery apparatus with an end extension fully extended.
[0023] FIG. 19 depicts a top, partial isometric view of the air
delivery apparatus of FIG.
18 with the end extension fully inserted within the channels
[0024] FIG. 20 depicts a top isometric view of another
embodiment of an air delivery
apparatus.
2
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
[0025] FIG. 21 depicts an isometric end view of the air delivery
apparatus of FIG. 20.
[0026] FIG. 22 depicts a side elevational view of an end of the
air delivery apparatus of
FIG. 20.
[0027] FIG. 23 depicts an isometric end view of the air delivery
apparatus of FIG. 20
wherein the outer housing of the main chamber has been removed to illustrate
components inside
the main chamber.
[0028] FIG. 24 depicts a top view of the air delivery apparatus
of FIG. 20 wherein the outer
housing of the main chamber has been removed to illustrate components inside
the main chamber.
[0029] FIG 25 depicts an exploded isometric view of a main
chamber of the air delivery
apparatus of FIG. 20.
[0030] FIG. 26A depicts a side elevational view of the main
chamber of FIG. 25.
[0031] FIG. 26B depicts a side elevation view of the main
chamber of FIG. 25, wherein
the outer housing of the main chamber has been shown in transparent to
illustrate components
inside the main chamber.
[0032] FIG. 27A depicts a top-down schematic view illustrating a
flow path through a main
chamber having an asymmetrical pair of structural flow diverters.
[0033] FIG. 27B depicts a top-down schematic view illustrating a
flow path through a main
chamber having a symmetrical pair of structural flow diverters.
[0034] FIG. 27C depicts a top-down schematic view illustrating a
flow path through
another embodiment of a main chamber having an asymmetrical pair of structural
flow diverters.
[0035] FIG. 27D depicts a top-down schematic view illustrating a
flow path through
another embodiment of main chamber having a symmetrical pair of structural fl
ow diverters.
[0036] FIG. 27E depicts a top-down schematic view illustrating a
flow path through a main
chamber having a pair of V-shaped structural flow diverters.
[0037] FIG. 27F depicts a top down schematic view illustrating a
flow path through
another embodiment of a main chamber having a pair of V-shaped structural flow
diverters.
3
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
[0038] FIG. 27G depicts a top down schematic view illustrating a
flow path through a
manifold-style main chamber.
[0039] FIG. 27H depicts a top down schematic view illustrating a
flow path through the
main chamber of FIG. 25 with structural inserts.
[0040] FIG. 28A depicts a front isometric view of a structural
flow diverter of the air
delivery apparatus of FIG. 20.
[0041] FIG. 28B depicts a side elevational view of the
structural flow diverter of FIG. 28A.
[0042] FIG. 28C depicts a rear isometric view of the structural
flow diverter of FIG. 28A.
Detailed Description
[0043] Various non-limiting embodiments of the present
disclosure will now be described
to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure,
function, and use of the
apparatuses, systems, methods, and processes disclosed herein. One or more
examples of these
non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those
of ordinary skill
in the art will understand that systems and methods specifically described
herein and illustrated in
the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features
illustrated or described
in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the
features of other non-
limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be
included within the
scope of the present disclosure.
[0044] Reference throughout the specification to "various
embodiments," "some
embodiments," "one embodiment," "some example embodiments," "one example
embodiment,"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in
connection with any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus,
appearances of
the phrases "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in one
embodiment," "some
example embodiments," "one example embodiment, or "in an embodiment" in places
throughout
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the
particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any
suitable manner in one or
more embodiments.
[0045] The examples discussed herein are examples only and are
provided to assist in the
explanation of the apparatuses, devices, systems and methods described herein.
None of the
4
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
features or components shown in the drawings or discussed below should be
taken as mandatory
for any specific implementation of any of these the apparatuses, devices,
systems or methods
unless specifically designated as mandatory. For ease of reading and clarity,
certain components,
modules, or methods may be described solely in connection with a specific
figure. Any failure to
specifically describe a combination or sub-combination of components should
not be understood
as an indication that any combination or sub-combination is not possible.
Also, for any methods
described, regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a
flow diagram, it
should be understood that unless otherwise specified or required by context,
any explicit or implicit
ordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not imply that
those steps must be
performed in the order presented but instead may be performed in a different
order or in parallel.
[0046] A plant grow rack may generally consist of one or
multiple levels of horizontal
grow racks within a framework (see, e.g., FIGS. 9-12). In the embodiments with
multiple levels
of horizontal grow racks, the horizontal grow racks are spaced apart in a
stacked vertical
arrangement. Each rack is used to grow and harvest one or more plants. Each
rack level may have
its own light source(s) such as, for example, one or more overhead lights for
each rack level.
[0047] Plant grow rack systems lack sufficient air
distribution¨whether ambient air,
cooled air, and/or heated air¨across the growing rack. The air delivery
apparatuses and/or
systems shown and described herein may improve the distribution air across one
or more levels of
the rack system.
[0048] Described herein are example embodiments of air delivery
apparatus useful for
distribution of fluid (e.g., ambient air, cooled air, heated air) across a
plant grow rack apparatus
such as, for example, a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning ("HVAC")
system. An example
embodiment includes a vertical air delivery apparatus, wherein the fluid
(e.g., air) is distributed
horizontally from the source (e.g., fan) to one or more outlets distributed
over and across a plant
grow rack (e.g., one or more trays of the plant grow rack) and then exit the
fluid vertically or
downward toward, adjacent to, and/or onto one or more plants or seeds disposed
on or within one
or more trays of the plant grow rack.
100491 Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of an air delivery
apparatus 10 is illustrated
and will now be described. Air delivery apparatus 10 includes a main chamber
12 (e.g., a plenum,
a manifold, etc.). Main chamber 12 may be formed by one or more walls 14 and
include a chamber
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
inlet 16 and a chamber outlet 18. In the embodiment shown, outlet 18 includes
a first chamber
outlet 18a and a second chamber outlet 18b. Main chamber 12 may be constructed
to have any
shape, size, or configuration. In some embodiments, main chamber 12 may be the
connection
between the inlet and one or more channels connected to the main chamber 12.
[0050] Main chamber 12 is constructed to receive a fluid (e.g.,
air) through chamber inlet
16 and then allow the fluid to flow to and exit from one or more chamber
outlets 18a, 18b.
some embodiments, one or more flow diverters 20 may be included within main
chamber 12 to
assist in directing the fluid from chamber inlet 16 to chamber outlets 18a,
18b and/or to create
turbulence within air delivery apparatus 10 such as, for example, main chamber
12. Examples of
a flow diverter may include, for example, a baffle, vane, fin, air deflector,
partition, or other
structure capable of some or all of directing airflow, modifying airflow,
introducing turbulence
into airflow, smoothing airflow, or otherwise influencing the characteristics
of airflow. In some
embodiments, flow diverters 20 not only assist in directing the fluid from
chamber inlet 16 to
chamber outlets 18a, 18b and/or to create turbulence, but provide support to
the apparatus,
particularly main chamber 12. In some embodiments, flow diverters 20 provide
vertical support
between a top wall 22 and a bottom wall 24 of main chamber 12. It is
understood that some
embodiments of main chamber 12 may include any number of chamber inlets,
chamber outlets,
and/or flow diverters.
[0051] In some embodiments, the air delivery apparatus may
include one or more channels
extending from main chamber 12. These channels may be permanently or
detachably connectable
to the main chamber at respective main chamber outlets. As shown in FIGS. 1-2,
air delivery
apparatus 10 includes a first channel 30a and a second channel 30b detachably
connected to
respective first and second chamber outlets 18a, 18b Examples of a channel may
include, for
example, a pipe, duct, tube, conduit, hose, or other structure capable of some
or all of receiving
airflow, directing airflow, or otherwise influencing the characteristics of
airflow.
[0052] In some embodiments, the air delivery apparatus may
include one or more support
members to connect or support the channels and/or the main chamber. Referring
to FIGS. 1-2, air
delivery apparatus 10 includes a support member 44 connecting first channel
30a to second
channel 30b. Channels 30a, 30b include respective proximal ends 32a, 32b and
distal ends 34a,
34b. At the proximal ends 32a, 32b, respective channels 30a, 30b include
respective channel inlets
6
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
36a, 36b. At the distal ends 34a, 34b, respective channels 30a, 30b include
respective channel
vents 38. In addition, some embodiments of the air delivery apparatus may
include an end bracket.
As shown, air delivery apparatus 10 includes an end bracket 40 connected to
respective distal ends
34a, 34b of first and second channels 30a, 30b. In some embodiments, end
bracket 40 closes off
channel vents 38 at the respective distal ends 34a, 34b, preventing some,
substantially all, or all of
the fluid within the channels from flowing out the respective distal ends 34a,
34b. In some
embodiments, end bracket 40 includes respective caps 42a, 42b that close off
the channel vents 38
of respective distal ends 34a, 34b, preventing some, substantially all, or all
of the fluid within the
channels from flowing out the respective distal ends 34a, 34b. As used,
herein, "substantially all"
means that the ends prevent a majority of the fluid from exiting channel vents
38, but are not
completely sealed off and thus may allow some fluid to leak or escape through
channel vents 38
and/or seams between walls of channels 30a, 30b and end bracket 40. Distal
ends 34a, 34b and/or
end bracket 40 may be constructed to fully seal off respective channels 30a,
30b.
[0053] Channels 30a, 30b may include respective bottom walls
37a, 37b that include one
or more channel vents 38 distributed across each bottom wall 37a, 37b. Channel
vents 38 may be
distributed in a random or designed pattern across bottom walls 37a, 37b.
Channel vents 38 may
have the same size or varied size across bottom walls 37a, 37b. Referring to
FIGS. 2-3, channel
vents 38 have a circular cross section or shape.
[0054] Air delivery apparatus 10 may include an air discharge
fitting 50 detachably
connected to and/or disposed in each channel vent 38. Examples of an air
discharge fitting may
include, for example, a nozzle, grommet, valve, aperture, spout, or other
structure capable of some
or all of receiving airflow, directing airflow, or otherwise influencing the
characteristics of airflow.
In some implementations, air discharge fittings 30 may be coupled to and
removed from channel
vents 38 (e.g., by a friction fit, adhesive, screw fit, or other coupling)
such that they are removable
and replaceable. In some implementations, air discharge fittings 50 may be
permanently affixed
within a channel vent 38 (e.g., by a weld joint, or where the air discharge
fittings 50 are constructed
from the same material and as part of the same piece as the channels 30a,
30b). Air discharge
fitting 50 may be constructed with a cannula, thus having an air discharge
fitting inlet 52 and air
discharge fitting outlet 54 as shown, for example, in FIGS 13-15. Air
discharge fitting 50 may
include a flange 56 about and/or adjacent to air discharge fitting inlet 52,
forming an output channel
7
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
57 having an inner surface 58. It is understood that air discharge fitting
outlet 54 may include a
flange (not shown) about and/or adjacent to it as well. The air discharge
fitting 50 may be
configured to redirect a portion of airflow passing near or above the inlet 52
(e.g., through the first
channel 30a) downwards through the output channel 57 and towards the canopy of
plants
positioned below the air discharge fitting 50. The structure of air discharge
fitting 50 may be
varied to direct airflow in a desired direction or influence the volume or
velocity of airflow, for
example. Similarly, the position and arrangement of the air discharge fitting
50 may be varied to
direct airflow or influence airflow characteristics, such as be positioning
the air discharge fitting
50 at an angle relative to the direction of nearby airflow, or positioning the
air discharge fitting 50
at an angle to direct outgoing airflow in a certain direction.
[0055] In some embodiments, air discharge fitting 50 may include
a first outer diameter
(a) from 0.5 inches to 2.5 inches, e.g., 1.27 inches, and a first inner
diameter (c) from 0.05 inches
to 2.5 inches, e.g., 0.82 inches. Air discharge fitting 50 may include a
second outer diameter (j)
from 0.05 inches to 2.5 inches, and a second inner diameter (i) from 0.05
inches to 2.5 inches, e.g.,
0.75 inches. Air discharge fitting 50 may have a length (b) from 0.1 inches to
2.0 inches, e.g., 0.74
inches. Flange 56 may have a height (d) from 0.1 inches to 0.25 inches, e.g.,
0.14 inches. Air
discharge fitting 50 may have a second length (e) (e.g., from an outlet end of
the air discharge
fitting to an underside of flange 56) from 0.01 inches to 1.5 inches, e.g.,
0.6 inches as shown in
FIG. 15. Air discharge fitting 50 may include a third length (g) (e.g., from
the outlet end of the air
discharge fitting to a vertex 59 along inner surface 58) from 0.01 inches to
1.5 inches, e.g., 0.28
inches. Air discharge fitting 50 may include a fourth length (f) (e.g., from
vertex 59 to an inlet
end of air discharge fitting 50) from 0.01 inches to 1.5 inches, e.g., 0.46
inches. Inner surface 58
may define an angle (h) of 160 about vertex 59. Although it is understood
that other angles are
contemplated, including no angle (i.e., (h) equals 0 ) or radius of curvature,
e.g., a curved or
rounded vertex.
[0056] Illustrative air discharge fittings may be fabricated
from any variety of materials,
including but not limited to plastics, elastomers, composites, or any
deformable and/or resilient
material. In some embodiments, air discharge fitting 50 may be fabricated from
rubber neoprene.
In some embodiments, air discharge fitting 50 is installed, removed, and
capable of being
reinstalled one or more times, for example, by a user. In some embodiments,
the air discharge
8
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
fittings are permanently attached. Air discharge fitting 20 may be constructed
to have any shape,
size, or configuration. In some embodiments, the number of channel vents 38,
spacing between
each channel vent 38, and geometry of air discharge fitting 50 may be
controlled and configured
to maximize and/or more evenly distribute the downward or vertical fluid fl ow
from air delivery
apparatus 10 across a plant grow rack positioned below air delivery apparatus
10.
[0057] Referring back to FIGS. 1-12, air delivery apparatus 10
may include any number
of channel vents 38 such as, for example, any number from 5 channel vents to
200 channel vents
per 8 linear feet of channel. In some embodiments, air delivery apparatus 10
may include 50
channel vents 38 per linear feet of channel. In some embodiments, air delivery
apparatus 10 may
include 60 channel vents 38 per linear feet of channel. In some embodiments,
air delivery
apparatus 10 may include 70 channel vents 38 per linear feet of channel. In
some embodiments,
air delivery apparatus 10 may include 80 channel vents 38 per linear feet of
channel. In some
embodiments, air delivery apparatus 10 may include 90 channel vents 38 per
linear feet of channel.
In some embodiments, air delivery apparatus 10 may include 100 channel vents
38 per linear feet
of channel. In some embodiments, air delivery apparatus 10 may include 110
channel vents 38
per linear feet of channel. In some embodiments, air delivery apparatus 10 may
include 120
channel vents 38 per linear feet of channel. In some embodiments, air delivery
apparatus 10 may
include 130 channel vents 38 per linear feet of channel. In some embodiments,
air delivery
apparatus 10 may include 140 channel vents 38 per linear feet of channel. In
some embodiments,
air delivery apparatus 10 may include 150 channel vents 38 per linear feet of
channel.
[0058] In some embodiments, channel vents 38 have a diameter
from 0.01 inches to 2.0
inches, in another embodiment from 0.05 inches to 1.5 inches, in another
embodiment from 0.7
inches to 1.1 inches, in another embodiment from 0.85 inches to 1.0 inches, or
in another
embodiment from 0.9 inches to 0.95 inches. In one embodiment, channel vents 38
have a diameter
of 0.925 inches. In some embodiments, air discharge fitting outlets 54 have a
diameter from 0.01
inches to 2.0 inches, in another embodiment from 0.05 inches to 1.5 inches, in
another embodiment
from 0.7 inches to 1.1 inches, in another embodiment from 0.85 inches to 1.0
inches, or in another
embodiment from 0.9 inches to 0.95 inches. In one embodiment, air discharge
fitting outlets 54
have a diameter of 0.925 inches. It is understood that channel vents 38, air
discharge fitting 50,
air discharge fitting inlet 52 and air discharge fitting outlet 54 can be any
shape or size. In some
9
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
embodiments, channel vents 38 may be one or more slots or slits disposed along
one or more of
bottom walls 37a, 37b and have any desired length or variety of lengths. In
some embodiments,
air discharge fittings 50 may be shaped to fit within such slots or slits.
[0059] In some embodiments, channel vents 38 are positioned from
1 inch apart (end to
end) to 15 inches apart (end to end), in another embodiment from 4 inches
apart (end to end) to 12
inches apart (end to end), in another embodiment from 6 inches apart (end to
end) to 10 inches
apart (end to end), in another embodiment from 7 inches apart (end to end) to
8 inches apart (end
to end). In one embodiment, channel vents 38 are positioned 7.25 inches apart
(end to end).
[0060] In some embodiments, channel vents 38 are positioned from
1 inch apart (side to
side) to 15 inches apart (side to side), in another embodiment from 4 inches
apart (side to side) to
12 inches apart (side to side), in another embodiment from 6 inches apart
(side to side) to 10 inches
apart (side to side), in another embodiment from 7 inches apart (side to side)
to 8 inches apart (side
to side). In one embodiment, channel vents 38 are positioned 7.0 inches apart
(side to side).
[0061] Air delivery apparatus 10 (e.g., channels 30a, 30b, and
main chamber 12) may be
constructed to have any configuration, shape or size (e.g., length, height,
depth, diameter, and/or
volume) such as for example, rectangular cross sectional shapes, circular
cross sectional shapes,
or other cross sectional shapes. In the embodiment shown, air delivery
apparatus 10 is 4 feet wide
by 8 feet long. In some embodiments, the air delivery apparatus may be 4 feet
wide by 4 feet long.
[0062] Air delivery apparatus 10 and/or channels 30a, 30b may be
constructed to be
permanently or detachably connected to another discrete set of one or more
channels to enable
extending the channels 30a, 30b to any desired length. For example, distal
ends of channels 30a,
30b or end bracket 40 may be constructed to be detachably connected to
proximal ends of another
discrete section of channels. Additional discrete sections of channels may be
added to the distal
ends of the preceding section of channels such that the air delivery apparatus
can be extended to
span the entire length of a plant growing rack or growing space (e.g., an
interior space of a growing
facility). These additional discrete sections of channels may comprise any
length. In some
embodiments, these sections are 4 feet in length; in other embodiments these
sections are 8 feet in
length. The lengths of the connected sections of channels may be varied. For
example, in some
embodiments, air delivery apparatus 10 may be 8 foot in length and then a 4
foot additional channel
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
section may be added to the distal end of the channels of air delivery
apparatus 10 to extend its
length from 8 foot to 12 feet.
[0063] As discussed, any number of discrete sections of channels
may be connected to
each other to form a series of channels extending over any desired distance.
The additional
sections of channels and/or air delivery apparatuses may be, in some
embodiments, connected to
extend the air delivery apparatus up to 200 feet, in another embodiment up to
150 feet, in another
embodiment up to 100 feet, in another embodiment up to 90 feet, in another
embodiment up to 80
feet, in another embodiment up to 70 feet, in another embodiment up to 60
feet, or in another
embodiment up to 50 feet. In some embodiments, air delivery apparatus 10 may
be extended to a
length of 60 feet and be 4 feet wide.
[0064] In some embodiments, air delivery apparatus 10 may
include a blower, e.g., a fan,
(not shown) connected to it (e.g., main chamber inlet 16) to force or draw
fluid (e.g., air) into air
delivery apparatus 10, more particularly into and out of main chamber 12 and
through channels
30a, 30b and out of channel vents 38 and/or air discharge fitting outlets 54.
In some embodiments,
a 6 inch fan is connected to and/or a part of air delivery apparatus 10. In
some embodiments, an
8 inch fan is connected to and/or a part of air delivery apparatus 10. In some
embodiments, a 10
inch fan is connected to and/or a part of air delivery apparatus 10. In some
embodiments, a 12
inch fan is connected to and/or a part of air delivery apparatus 10. In some
embodiments, a 14
inch fan is connected to and/or a part of air delivery apparatus 10. It is
understood that other types,
numbers, and sizes of fans may be connected to and/or a part of air delivery
apparatus 10,
depending upon the airflow requirements. The fan may be connected to A/C power
or DC power
to provide power to the motor that drives the fan.
100651 In some embodiments, when air delivery apparatus 10
ranges from about 1 foot in
length to about 15 feet to 25 feet in length a 6 inch fan is generally
connected to air delivery
apparatus 10. In some embodiments, when air delivery apparatus 10 ranges from
about 1 foot in
length to about 15 feet to 25 feet in length a 10 inch fan is generally
connected to air delivery
apparatus 10. In some embodiments, when air delivery apparatus 10 ranges from
about 15 feet to
25 feet in length to about 40 feet to 60 feet in length an 8 inch fan is
generally connected to air
delivery apparatus 10. In some embodiments, when air delivery apparatus 10
ranges from about
15 feet to 25 feet in length to about 40 feet to 60 feet in length an 12 inch
fan is generally connected
11
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
to air delivery apparatus 10. In some embodiments, when air delivery apparatus
10 ranges from
40 feet to 60 feet in length a 10 inch fan is generally connected to air
delivery apparatus 10. In
some embodiments, when air delivery apparatus 10 ranges from 40 feet to 60
feet in length a 14
inch fan is generally connected to air delivery apparatus 10. It should be
understood that air
delivery apparatus 10 may be expanded in width by adding additional channels
extending from
main chamber 12 and/or expanding main chamber 12 to accommodate additional
these additional
channels. In some embodiments, channels 30a, 30b may extend from main chamber
12 parallel to
one another as shown. In some embodiments, channels 30a, 30b may extend in
nonparallel and/or
random directions from the main chamber.
[0066] In operation, some embodiments use the fan to force or
draw fluid (e.g., air) into
main chamber 12. At least a portion of this fluid in main chamber 12 is forced
against one or more
flow diverters 20 which may create turbulence in the fluid and direct the
fluid towards and/or
through main chamber outlets 18a, 18b and then into channel inlets 36a, 36b.
The fluid (e.g., air)
may flow and/or distribute through channels 30a, 30b. As described above,
channel vents 38 and
associated (e.g., inserted) air discharge fittings 50 may be constructed to
permit and/or direct the
fluid through and/or out of the channel vents 38 (e.g., into air discharge
fitting inlets 52 and out of
air discharge fitting outlets 54) downward toward plants disposed on and/or
within one or more
trays of a plant grow rack and the horizontal members supporting the one or
more trays.
[0067] In another embodiment, main chamber 12 and channels 30a,
30b may be
constructed of PVC piping and channel vents 38 drilled or cut into a bottom
side of the PVC pipe.
PVC elbows, tee joints, and other joints may be included to construct the
desired size, shape and
configuration of the air delivery apparatus. Although not exhaustive, this is
one example where
the air delivery apparatus may not include a main chamber. Or, rather than a
main chamber, the
air delivery apparatus may include one or more lateral pipes (or channels)
that extend in a first
direction from the inlet. In addition, the air delivery apparatus may include
one or more
longitudinal pipes that extend from the one or more lateral pipes in parallel
or nonparallel
directions relative to each other.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 5-8, another embodiment of an air
delivery apparatus 100 is
shown. In this embodiment, all components are the same or similar to the
embodiments shown
and described herein. In this example embodiment, air delivery apparatus 100
includes channel
12
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/ITS2021/047585
vents 138 disposed within channel bottom walls 137a, 137b that are rectangular
in shape. Air
discharge fittings and a support member are not included in this embodiment;
although they could
be if desired.
[0069] As shown, for example, air delivery apparatus 100 may
include a main chamber
112 and first and second channels 130a, 130b connected to respective outlets
(not shown) of main
chamber 112. Air delivery apparatus 100 may also include an end bracket 144
connected to
respective distal ends 134a, 134b of first and second channels 130a, 130b. In
addition, vent louvers
160 may be included and connected to bottom walls 137a, 137b at one or more of
channel vents
138 such that vent louvers 160 are positioned partially, substantially, or
completely over channel
vents 138 to direct the flow of fluid exiting channel vents 138. Vent louvers
160 may be detachably
or permanently attached to bottom walls 137a, 137b and/or channel vents 138.
As shown, each
row of vent louvers 160 direct the flow of fluid in alternate directions. It
is understood that the
louvers can be directed in a variety of angles and/or directions, including
each row being directed
in the same direction.
[0070] In some embodiment, a kit for a plant grow rack may
include an air delivery
apparatus constructed to distribute air across a plant grow rack, a horizontal
tray constructed to
receive a plurality plants; and a plurality of vertical supports constructed
to connect to the tray and
support the tray in a horizontal orientation. The air delivery apparatus may
comprise any of the
illustrative air delivery apparatuses described herein. In some embodiment,
the air delivery
apparatus of the kit, may include an inlet, a chamber connected to the inlet,
a channel connected
to the chamber, the channel including a bottom wall, a plurality of channel
vents disposed in the
bottom wall, and a flow diverter constructed to direct air in the chamber
toward a channel, wherein
the channel vents are constructed to receive air within the channel and direct
the air down toward
the plant grow rack.
[0071] The kit, in some embodiments, may include a fan
connectable to the inlet of the air
delivery apparatus. In some embodiments, the kit may also include a plurality
of air discharge
fittings, each air discharge fitting disposed in a respective one of the
plurality of channel vents. In
some embodiments, the kit may include a plurality of vent louvers connected to
the channel, each
one of the plurality of vent louvers connected at a respective one of the
plurality of channel vents.
In some embodiments, the kit may include a plurality of trays, instead of just
one tray, wherein
13
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/ITS2021/047585
each tray of the plurality of trays is connectable to and spaced apart from
another one of the
plurality of trays. In some embodiments, the kit may include a plurality of
trays, instead of just
one tray, wherein some of the plurality of vertical supports are connectable
between a first one of
the plurality of trays and a second one of the plurality of trays.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 9-12, an illustrative plant grow rack
apparatus is shown as 200.
Plant grow rack apparatus 200 may include a plurality of vertical supports,
for example, four
vertical supports 230. Plant grow rack apparatus 200 may include one or more
levels. For
example, rack apparatus 200 may include a first level that may include a pair
of longitudinal
horizontal members 210 spaced apart from and substantially parallel to each
other. The first level
may also include a pair of latitudinal horizontal members 250 spaced apart
from and substantially
parallel to each other. The pair of longitudinal horizontal members 210 and
the pair of latitudinal
horizontal members 250 may be connected to each other and/or to one or more of
the vertical
supports 230. The first level may include one or more additional latitudinal
horizontal members
220 spaced apart and between the pair of latitudinal horizontal members 250.
[0073] A first plant grow tray (not shown) may be positioned
upon the one or more
latitudinal horizontal members 220, pair of latitudinal horizontal members
250, and/or pair of
longitudinal horizontal members 210. The plant grow tray may be any
conventional plant grow
tray constructed to hold plant growing material, for example, soil, and enable
one or more plants
to be held upon and grow. In one example, the plant grow tray may be
rectangular in shape and
have a depth constructed to hold some plant growing material.
[0074] Plant grow rack apparatus 200 may include additional
levels that are the same or
substantially the same as the first level described above. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 9-12,
plant grow rack apparatus 200 may include a second level that may include a
pair of longitudinal
horizontal members 310 spaced apart from and substantially parallel to each
other. The second
level may also include a pair of latitudinal horizontal members 350 spaced
apart from and
substantially parallel to each other. The pair of longitudinal horizontal
members 310 and the pair
of latitudinal horizontal members 350 may be connected to each other and/or to
one or more of the
vertical supports 330. The second level may include one or more additional
latitudinal horizontal
members 320 spaced apart and between the pair of latitudinal horizontal
members 350.
14
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/ITS2021/047585
[0075] A second plant grow tray (not shown) may be positioned
upon the one or more
latitudinal horizontal members 320, pair of latitudinal horizontal members
350, and/or pair of
longitudinal horizontal members 310. The second plant grow tray may be
identical or similar to
the first plant grow tray.
[0076] As shown in the figures, a first air delivery apparatus
10 is shown connected to an
underside of one or more of the pair of latitudinal horizontal members 350
and/or the one or more
additional latitudinal horizontal members 320. Fig. 10 illustrates that the
first air delivery
apparatus is disposed along the latitudinal horizontal members 350, 320 such
that channel vents
38 may direct air onto one or more plants and/or a first plant grow rack (not
shown) that may be
positioned upon the one or more latitudinal horizontal members 220, pair of
latitudinal horizontal
members 250, and/or pair of longitudinal horizontal members 210.
[0077] Plant grow rack apparatus 200 may include a third level
that may include a pair of
longitudinal horizontal members 410 spaced apart from and substantially
parallel to each other.
The third level may also include a pair of latitudinal horizontal members 450
spaced apart from
and substantially parallel to each other. The pair of longitudinal horizontal
members 410 and the
pair of latitudinal horizontal members 450 may be connected to each other
and/or to one or more
of the vertical supports 430. The third level may include one or more
additional latitudinal
horizontal members 420 spaced apart and between the pair of latitudinal
horizontal members 450.
[0078] A third plant grow tray (not shown) may be positioned
upon the one or more
latitudinal horizontal members 420, pair of latitudinal horizontal members
450, and/or pair of
longitudinal horizontal members 410. The third plant grow tray may be
identical or similar to the
first plant grow tray.
[0079] As shown in the figures, a second air delivery apparatus
10 is shown connected to
an underside of one or more of the pair of latitudinal horizontal members 450
and/or the one or
more additional latitudinal horizontal members 420. Fig. 10 illustrates that
the second air delivery
apparatus is disposed along the latitudinal horizontal members 450, 420 such
that channel vents
38 may direct air onto one or more plants and/or a second plant grow rack (not
shown) that may
be positioned upon the one or more latitudinal horizontal members 320, pair of
latitudinal
horizontal members 350, and/or pair of longitudinal horizontal members 310.
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/ITS2021/047585
[0080] Plant grow rack apparatus 200 may include a fourth level
that may include a pair
of longitudinal horizontal members 510 spaced apart from and substantially
parallel to each other.
The fourth level may also include a pair of latitudinal horizontal members 550
spaced apart from
and substantially parallel to each other. The pair of longitudinal horizontal
members 510 and the
pair of latitudinal horizontal members 550 may be connected to each other
and/or to one or more
of the vertical supports 530. The fourth level may include one or more
additional latitudinal
horizontal members 520 spaced apart and between the pair of latitudinal
horizontal members 550.
[0081] A fourth plant grow tray (not shown) may be positioned
upon the one or more
latitudinal horizontal members 520, pair of latitudinal horizontal members
550, and/or pair of
longitudinal horizontal members 510. The second plant grow tray may be
identical or similar to
the first plant grow tray.
[0082] As shown in the figures, a third air delivery apparatus
10 is shown connected to an
underside of one or more of the pair of latitudinal horizontal members 550
and/or the one or more
additional latitudinal horizontal members 520. Fig. 10 illustrates that the
third air delivery
apparatus is disposed along the latitudinal horizontal members 550, 520 such
that channel vents
38 may direct air onto one or more plants and/or a third plant grow rack (not
shown) that may be
positioned upon the one or more latitudinal horizontal members 420, pair of
latitudinal horizontal
members 450, and/or pair of longitudinal horizontal members 410.
[0083] In some embodiments, the air delivery apparatus of the
plant grow rack, may
include an inlet; a fan connected to the inlet; a chamber connected to the
inlet; a channel connected
to the chamber, the channel including a bottom wall; a plurality of channel
vents disposed in the
bottom wall; and a flow diverter constructed to direct air in the chamber
toward a channel. The
channel vents may be constructed to receive air within the channel and direct
the air down toward
the first tray. In some embodiments, the plant grow rack may include a
plurality of third vertical
supports, each one of the plurality of third vertical supports including a
first end and a second end
and a third tray connected to second ends of the plurality of third vertical
supports.
[0084] In one example, a plant grow rack may include a plurality
of vertical supports; a
first plurality of horizontal longitudinal members, wherein a first one of the
first plurality of
horizontal longitudinal members is connected to a first pair of the plurality
of vertical supports; a
first plurality of horizontal latitudinal members, wherein a first one of the
first plurality of
16
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/ITS2021/047585
horizontal latitudinal members is connected to either one of the plurality of
vertical supports or
one of the first plurality of horizontal longitudinal members, a second
plurality of horizontal
longitudinal members, wherein a first one of the second plurality of
horizontal longitudinal
members is connected to the first pair of the plurality of vertical supports;
a second plurality of
horizontal latitudinal members, wherein a first one of the second plurality of
horizontal latitudinal
members is connected to either one of the plurality of vertical supports or
one of the second
plurality of horizontal longitudinal members; and a first air delivery
apparatus connected to an
underside of one or more of the second plurality of horizontal latitudinal
members. The first air
delivery apparatus may include an inlet, a chamber connected to the inlet, a
channel connected to
the chamber, the channel including a bottom wall, a plurality of channel vents
disposed in the
bottom wall, and a flow diverter constructed to direct air in the chamber
toward a channel, wherein
the channel vents are constructed to receive air within the channel and direct
the air down toward
the first plurality of horizontal latitudinal members.
100851 In another example, the plant grow rack may further
include a third plurality of
horizontal longitudinal members, wherein a first one of the third plurality of
horizontal
longitudinal members is connected to the first pair of the plurality of
vertical supports; a third
plurality of horizontal latitudinal members, wherein a first one of the third
plurality of horizontal
latitudinal members is connected to either one of the plurality of vertical
supports or one of the
third plurality of horizontal longitudinal members; and a second air delivery
apparatus connected
to an underside of one or more of the third plurality of horizontal
latitudinal members. The second
air delivery apparatus may include an inlet, a chamber connected to the inlet,
a channel connected
to the chamber, the channel including a bottom wall, a plurality of channel
vents disposed in the
bottom wall, and a flow diverter constructed to direct air in the chamber
toward a channel, wherein
the channel vents are constructed to receive air within the channel and direct
the air down toward
the second plurality of horizontal latitudinal members.
100861 In some embodiments, the plant grow rack may further
include a first blower
connected to the inlet of the first air delivery apparatus and a second blower
connected to the inlet
of the second air delivery apparatus. In some embodiments, a method of
distributing air across a
plant grow rack may include using a first blower to move air (e.g., blowing
air, drawing air, etc.)
within a first channel of a first air delivery apparatus positioned above a
first level of the plant
17
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/ITS2021/047585
grow rack; exiting (e.g., causing, blowing, and/or directing) air from a
plurality of channel vents
disposed within a bottom surface of the first channel, the air flowing
downward toward one or
more plants positioned along the first level of the plant grow rack; using a
second blower to move
air (e.g., blowing air, drawing air, etc.) within a second channel of a second
air delivery apparatus
positioned above a second level of the plant grow rack; and exiting (e.g.,
causing, blowing, and/or
directing) air from a plurality of channel vents disposed within a bottom
surface of the second
channel, the air flowing downward toward one or more plants positioned along
the second level
of the plant grow rack. In another example, the method may further include
using a third blower
to move air (e.g., blowing air, drawing air, etc.) within a third channel of a
third air delivery
apparatus positioned above a third level of the plant grow rack; and exiting
air from a plurality of
channel vents disposed within a bottom surface of the third channel, the air
flowing downward
toward one or more plants positioned along the third level of the plant grow
rack. In another
example, the first channel used in the method may include two first channels
spaced apart from
each other. In another example, the second channel used in the method may
include two second
channels spaced apart from each other. In another example, the third channel
used in the method
may include two third channels spaced apart from each other. In another
example, the method
may include creating turbulence in the air moving within the first, second,
and third air delivery
apparatuses.
100871 Referring to FIGS. 16-19, an embodiment of air delivery
apparatus 10 is shown. In
this embodiment, air delivery apparatus 10 includes end extensions 60
detachably connected to
respective ends (e.g., distal ends) of the channels (e.g., channels 30a, 30b).
End extensions 60
include one or more plates (e.g., a first plate 62a, a second plate 62b)
connected thereto to enable
end extension 60 to be connected to end bracket 40. The one or more plates may
include one or
more holes and end bracket 40 may include one or more respective holes
corresponding to the one
or more holes of the plates such that these holes of the plates and end
bracket when aligned receive
a screw or bolt to connect end extension 60 to end bracket 40. It is
understood any various devices
and methods of detachably or permanently connecting end extensions 60 to end
brackets 40 may
be used.
100881 End extensions 60 have one or more holes (e.g., 8 holes)
to received respective
screws or bolts 66. The distal ends of the channels (e.g., 30a, 30b) may
include one or more slots
18
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
64 (e.g., 8 slots). Slots 64 are sized and configured to give a desired range
of length extension that
is desired to be provided to the channels. For example, the slot may be 12
inches long, 8 inches
long, 6 inches long, 4 inches long, 3 inches long, 2 inches long, or 1 inches
long. In some
embodiments, the slot is 1.7 inches long.
[0089]
End extensions 60 insert into the distal ends of the channels such that
the one or
more slots 64 align with correspond to the one or more holes disposed within
the channels. Air
delivery apparatus 10 may include one or more screws 66 such that such shanks
of screws 66 slide
through the respective one or more slots 64 and are received within the
respective holes disposed
within the channels. When loosened, screws 66 may slide along and within
respective slots 64
along the respective lengths of each slot. When loosened or removed, screws 66
permit end
extensions 60 to slide into or out of the respective distal ends of the
channels (e.g., 30a, 30b) and
thus permit the length of the channels to be adjusted to a desired length.
When at the desired
length, screws 66 may be tightened within respective slots 64 and holes,
holding the length at that
desired length. It is understood any various devices (e.g., bolts) and methods
of detachably
connecting end extensions 60 to the channels may be used to enable the channel
length to be
adjustable.
[0090]
For example, one or more slots 64 may permit an extension from 0 inches
to 12
inches of length extension. In some embodiments, one or more slots 64 may
permit an extension
from 0 inches to 8 inches of length extension. In some embodiments, one or
more slots 64 may
permit an extension from 0 inches to 6 inches of length extension. In some
embodiments, one or
more slots 64 may permit an extension from 0 inches to 4 inches of length
extension. In some
embodiments, one or more slots 64 may permit an extension from 0 inches to 3
inches of length
extension In some embodiments, one or more slots 64 may permit an extension
from 0 inches to
2 inches of length extension. In some embodiments, one or more slots 64 may
permit an extension
from 0 inches to 1.7 inches of length extension. In some embodiments, one or
more slots 64 may
permit an extension from 0 inches to 1 inch of length extension.
[0091]
FIGS. 20-22 show views of another embodiment of an air delivery
apparatus 600,
which shares many of the features of the air delivery apparatus 10 but
includes an alternate
embodiment of a main chamber 612, which is also shown in isolated and exploded
form in FIG.
25. As may be most apparent in FIGS. 21 and 22, the shown main chamber 612
features a wedge-
19
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
like structure that is distinct from that of the main chamber 12 shown in FIG.
1 and elsewhere.
The air delivery apparatus 600 can define a longitudinal centerline Cl that is
physically centered
along the air delivery apparatus 600. The bottom wall 624 of the main chamber
612 can reside in
a plane Pt that is parallel to the longitudinal centerline CI of the air
delivery apparatus 600. The
top wall 622 descends relative to the plane P1 from its highest point, where
the main chamber 612
connects to the channels via the chamber outlets 618a, 618b (e.g., the
proximal edge of the bottom
wall 624), to its lowest point, at the distal edge of the bottom wall 624
opposite the chamber outlets
618a, 618b. As a result, the overall vertical space between the top wall 622
and the bottom wall
624 decreases as a function of the proximity of the top wall 622 to the bottom
wall 624. The
chamber inlet 616 can define a centerline C2 (FIG. 22) that intersects the
longitudinal centerline
Cl and defines an angle Al therebetween that is measured between an uppermost
portion of the
chamber inlet 616 and the portion of the longitudinal centerline Cl that
extends from the centerline
Cl towards the distal edge of the bottom wall 624. The chamber inlet 616 can
be coupled with the
top wall 622 and can accordingly be angled towards the chamber outlets 618a,
618b such that the
angle Al is less than 90 degrees.
[0092] The structure and arrangement of the main chamber 612
provides several
advantages. As an example, the reduced volume of the main chamber 612 reduces
the volume of
space in which airflow entering the main chamber 612 via the chamber inlet 616
may flow, most
significantly in areas that are distal from the chamber outlets 618a, 618b,
which has the effect of
reducing the potential for undesirable directions and patterns of airflow
(e.g., high velocity airflow
in a direction other than towards the chamber outlets 618a, 618b), and
increasing laminar flow
through the chamber outlets 618a, 618b
[0093] As another example, the chamber inlet 616, which may be
fitted with a fan or other
source of airflow, introduces such airflow to the main chamber 612 at an angle
that is non-
perpendicular to the bottom wall 624. As a result, airflow entering the main
chamber 612 is already
moving in the direction of the chamber outlets 618a, 618b, and so will be
biased towards entering
those outlets rather than deflecting towards the opposite edge or other edges
of the main chamber,
which may result in turbulent pockets of air and a reduced volume and velocity
of air exiting via
the chamber outlets 618a, 618b.
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/ITS2021/047585
[0094] As yet another example, the overall structural strength
of the main chamber 612 is
increased relative to that of the chamber shown in FIG. 1, especially when
constructed from semi-
flexible materials such as sheet metal, due to the wedge-like geometry. As a
result, the diameter
of the chamber inlet 616 may be substantially increased, as well as the
diameter and/or throughput
of the corresponding fan or other source of airflow that is coupled to the
chamber inlet 616.
[0095] While the chamber inlet 616 is shown as an open cylinder,
it should be understood
that the chamber inlet 616 may be of varying structure and position in
different implementations.
As an example, the chamber inlet 616 in FIG. 22 is shown mounted to the
surface of the top wall
622 at an angle matching that of the top wall 622 (e.g., relative to the
bottom wall 624, an angle
between about 60 degrees and about 70 degrees). However, the chamber inlet 616
may instead be
mounted at a different relative angle by changing its overall shape to that of
an slanted or oblique
cylinder, or a cylindrical ellipse, or may be mounted at a different relative
angle by coupling the
chamber inlet 616 to the top wall 622 so that a portion of the bottom edge of
the chamber inlet 616
is partially contained within the main chamber 612. In this manner, the
chamber inlet 616 may be
fixed to the top wall 622 at a range of desired angles relative to the bottom
wall 624 (e.g., between
about 15 degrees and about 80 degrees). In some implementations the chamber
inlet 616 may be
fitted with a straight, angled, or curved extension section to further vary
the position at which the
airflow source mounts, and the resulting direction and flow of air. As an
example, an angled or
curved extension may allow the airflow source to be mounted at any desired
angle or offset relative
to the chamber inlet 616.
[0096] Turning now to FIGS. 23 and 24, those show the main
chamber 612 with the top
wall 622 removed to illustrate the interior of the main chamber 612, which
includes a pair of
structural flow diverters 602a, 602b positioned to each side of the chamber
inlet 616 A structural
flow diverter 602 is shown in isolation in FIGS. 28A-28C, and includes a mount
plate 800 usable
to fix the structural flow diverter 602 to the bottom wall 624, a flow control
surface 802 having an
angled edge 806, and a structural brace 804. The flow control surface 802
influences and diverts
nearby airflow, while the angled edge 806 supports the top wall 621 The
structural brace 804
increases the structural strength of the flow control surface 802 while
minimizing the impact on
nearby airflow. Referring again to FIGS. 23 and 24, the structural flow
diverters 602a, 602b are
coupled to the bottom wall 624 (e.g., by a mechanical coupling, spot weld, or
other means) by their
21
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
mount plates 800, and the angled edge 804 of the structural flow diverters
602a, 602b contacts and
supports the top wall 622 when it is installed.
[0097] The angle of the angled edge 804 may be varied depending
upon the overall
geometry of the main chamber 612 in order to provide an edge that maintains
contact with the top
wall 622 along all or substantially all of the angle edge's 804 length, as
illustrated in FIGS. 26A
and 26B, which show side elevational views of the main chamber with the top
wall 622 visible
(FIG. 26A) and transparent (FIG. 26B). The angled edge 804 may be in contact
with but not
coupled to the top wall 622, or may permanently or removably coupled to the
top wall 622 through
the use of spot welds or mechanical connectors such as a slot and tab
arrangement.
[0098] As can be seen in FIG. 24, the structural flow diverters
602a, 602b are arranged
asymmetrically on the bottom wall 624, such that the same structure (e.g., the
flow diverter 602)
is used on each side. The flow control surfaces 802 of the structural flow
diverters 602a, 602b can
define respective centerlines C3. A vertical plane P2 can be orthogonal to the
plane P1 and can
intersect the intersection of the longitudinal centerline CI and the
centerline C2 (see FIG. 22). The
centerlines C3 can intersect the longitudinal centerline Cl and define
respective angles A2
therebetween that are measured between the centerlines C3 and the portion of
the longitudinal
centerline Cl that extends from the plane P2 towards the proximal edge of the
bottom wall 624.
The structural flow diverters 602a, 602b can be angled outwardly relative to
each other and towards
the chamber outlets 618a, 618b such that the angles A2 are each less than 90
degrees.
[0099] This position of the structural flow diverters 602a, 602b
conditions and creates
desirable airflow towards each of the chamber outlets 618a, 618b, while also
providing sufficient
structural support of the top wall 622 to support the weight of the chamber
inlet 616 and a mounted
fan or other airflow source. This arrangement is also advantageous from a
manufacturing
standpoint, as a single part (e.g., the structural flow diverter 602 of FIG.
28A) may be used in an
asymmetrical pair, which reduces the complexity of assembling and maintaining
the main chamber
612.
[0100] While the arrangement of structural flow diverters 602a,
602b shown in FIG. 24
and elsewhere is advantageous for at least the reasons noted above, it should
be understood that
other advantageous variations on the position and form of structural flow
diverters exist and are
apparent in light of this disclosure. FIGS. 27A-27H each illustrate such an
example by way of a
22
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
schematic illustration of variations on flow paths of the main chamber 612
which include the
position of the chamber inlet 716 illustrated by dotted lines.
[0101] FIG. 27A illustrates a flow path 700 substantially
similar to that of FIG. 24, wherein
a pair of matching structural flow diverters 702a, 702b are positioned to each
side of the chamber
inlet 716, with each structural flow diverter 702a, 702b having a longer flow
control surface and a
shorter structural brace surface, as has been described.
[0102] FIG. 27B illustrates a flow path 710 wherein a pair of
symmetrical or mirrored
structural flow diverters 702, 704 are positioned to each side of the chamber
inlet 716, with each
structural flow diverter 702, 704 having a longer flow control surface and a
shorter structural brace
surface, as has been described.
[0103] FIG. 27C illustrates a flow path 720 wherein a pair of
matching structural flow
diverters 704a, 704b are positioned to each side of the chamber inlet 716,
with each structural flow
diverter 704a, 704b having a longer flow control surface and a shorter
structural brace surface, as
has been described.
[0104] FIG. 27D illustrates a flow path 730 wherein a pair of
symmetrical or mirrored
structural flow diverters 702, 704 are positioned to each side of the chamber
inlet 716, with each
structural flow diverter 702, 704 having a longer flow control surface and a
shorter structural brace
surface, as has been described.
[0105] FIG. 27E illustrates a flow path 740 wherein a pair of
symmetrical or mirrored
structural flow diverters 706a, 706b are positioned to each side of the
chamber inlet 716, with each
structural flow diverter 706a, 706b having two long control surfaces that both
influence airflow
and provide structural support.
[0106] FIG. 27F illustrates a flow path 750 wherein a pair of
symmetrical or mirrored
structural flow diverters 708a, 708b are positioned to each side of the
chamber inlet 716, with each
structural flow diverter 708a, 708b being larger than those shown in FIG. 28,
and having two long
control surfaces that both influence airflow and provide structural support.
As shown in FIG. 27F,
increasing the size or length of a control surface provides additional
structural support for the top
wall 622 and chamber inlet 616, and also provides an increased surface area to
control and direct
the flow of air towards the chamber outlets 718a, 718b.
23
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
[0107] FIG. 27G illustrates a flow path 760 wherein a pair of
matching structural flow
diverters 702a, 702b are positioned to each side of the chamber inlet 716, and
the overall geometry
of the main chamber 714 has been changed relative to prior examples to remove
any corners or
walls that would not direct airflow towards the chamber outlets 71 8a, 718b.
[0108] FIG. 27H illustrates a flow path 770 similar to that of
FIG. 27G, wherein a pair of
matching structural flow diverters 702a, 702b are positioned to each side of
the chamber inlet 716.
The overall geometry of the main chamber 712 is similar to that of prior
examples, however, a set
of structural inserts 772a, 772b, 772c, illustrated as patterned regions, are
positioned within the
main chamber 712 in order to fill areas where airflow may not be desirable,
such that the overall
flow path 770 shares some similarities with that of FIG. 27G. The structural
inserts 772a, 772b,
772c may be formed of rigid foam, plastic, paper, or other materials, and may
provide structural
support for the top wall 622 and chamber inlet 616, in addition to providing
additional flow control
surfaces.
[0109] The characteristics of different features of an air
delivery apparatus may be selected
based upon each particular implementation in order to provide a desired
velocity or volume of
airflow through each air discharge fitting or channel vent along the length of
the air delivery
apparatus. For example, where an ideal, optimal, or otherwise desired air
velocity for circulating
air from the air delivery apparatus to the canopies of nearby plants (e.g.,
within about 6 and about
18 inches below the air delivery apparatus) is known, characteristics such as
the size and power of
a fan or other airflow source, the size, position, angle, and shape of air
discharge fittings or channel
vents, the entry angle of airflow into the main chamber, the size, geometry,
and other
characteristics of the main chamber, the length or cross-sectional area of
channels, and other
characteristics may be varied in order to achieve such a desired air velocity,
with such variations
being apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of this
disclosure.
[0110] The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has
been presented for
purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or limiting to the forms
described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above
teachings. Some of those
modifications have been discussed, and others will be understood by those
skilled in the art. The
embodiments were chosen and described in order to best illustrate principles
of various
embodiments as are suited to particular uses contemplated. The scope is, of
course, not limited to
24
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
WO 2022/046928
PCT/US2021/047585
the examples set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of
applications and equivalent
devices by those of ordinary skill in the art. Rather it is hereby intended
the scope of the invention
to be defined by the claims appended hereto.
CA 03190853 2023- 2- 24
