CA2608655C - Hydroponic growing system - Google Patents

Abstract

A hydroponic growing system is provided. The system generally comprises three main sections, the growing assembly, the base assembly and the watering assembly. The growing assembly is adapted to receive and support one or more growing media blocks and is generally mounted between the base assembly, which is configured to receive the lower portion of the growing assembly and to collect the excess nutrient solution dripping therefrom, and the watering assembly, which is configured to support the upper portion of the growing assembly and to provide liquid nutrient to the growing media blocks. The growing assembly generally comprises several independently mounted growing elements whereas the base assembly and the support assembly generally respectively comprise several base elements and several support elements which can be assembled into linear and/or polygonal shapes through linear and/or angular joint and connecting brackets.

Description

File number: 1 1 3 02-00 1 Revision: As Filed Date: 2007/10/26 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.

File number: 11302-001 Revision: As Filed Date: 2007/10/26 [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.

File number: 1 1 3 02-001 Revision: As Filed Date: 2007/10/26 [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 File number: 1 1 3 02-00 1 Revision: As Filed Date: 2007/10/26 [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 File number: 1 1 3 02-00 1 Revision: As Filed Date: 2007/10/26 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 File number: 11302-001 Revision: As Filed Date: 2007 /1 012 6 [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.

File number: 11302-001 Revision: As Filed Date: 2007/10/26 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.

File number: 1 1 3 02-00 1 Revision: As Filed Date: 2007/10/26 [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 File number: 1 1 3 02-00 1 Revision: As Filc-d Date: 2007/10/26 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 File number: 11302-001 Revision: As Filed Date: 2007/10/26 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 File number: 11302-001 Revision: As Filed Date: 2007/10/26 [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 File number: 1 1 3 02-001 Revision: As Filed Date: 2007/10/26 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.

File number: 11302-001 Revision: As Filed Date: 2007/10/26 [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 File number: 11302-001 Revision: As Filed Date: 2007/10126 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.

Claims (21)

1) A hydroponic growing system for cultivating plants comprising:
a) a base assembly, said base assembly comprising a plurality of base elements interconnected with first connecting means;
b) a watering assembly, said watering assembly comprising a plurality of support elements interconnected with second connecting means;
c) a growing assembly, said growing assembly comprising a plurality of growing elements, wherein said growing elements are vertically extending between said base assembly and said support assembly and are adapted to receive growing media blocks.

2) A hydroponic growing system for cultivating plants comprising:
a) a base assembly comprising a plurality of base elements interconnected with first connecting means;
b) a support assembly comprising a plurality of support elements interconnected with second connecting means;
c) a growing assembly comprising a plurality of growing elements, said growing elements extending vertically between said base assembly and said support assembly and being adapted to receive growing media blocks.

3) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of said growing elements has a first end and a second end, each of said first ends being respectively received into one of said base elements.

4) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of said second ends are respectively engaged to one of said support elements.

5) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said growing elements are open-ended.

6) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said growing elements comprise at least one longitudinally extending opening.

7) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one of said growing elements further comprises at least one flow restricting plate disposed transversally therein.

8) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said at least one flow restricting plate comprises at least one opening.

9) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of said growing elements further comprises at least one flow restricting plate disposed transversally therein.

10) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said flow restricting plates each comprises at least one opening.

11) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a liquid nutrient dispensing system.

12) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said liquid nutrient dispensing system comprises at least one conduit mounted to said support assembly, and at least one liquid nutrient dispenser fluidly connected to said at least one conduit.

13) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of said base elements comprise at least one rib onto which said growing elements rest.

14) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 2, further comprising supporting platforms and uprights, said uprights extending between said platforms and said support assembly.

15) A hydroponic growing system comprising a plurality of growing elements adapted to hold growing media blocks, a support assembly configured to removably support an upper end of said growing elements, and a base assembly configured to removably support a lower end of said growing elements, each of said growing elements being independently removable from said hydroponic growing system.

16) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 15, wherein said growing elements are open-ended.

17) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 15, wherein said growing elements comprise at least one longitudinally extending opening.

18) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least one of said growing elements further comprises at least one flow restricting plate disposed transversally therein.

19) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 18, wherein said at least one flow restricting plate comprises at least one opening.

20) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 15, wherein each of said growing elements further comprises at least one flow restricting plate disposed transversally therein.

21) A hydroponic growing system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said flow restricting plates each comprises at least one opening.