WO2001083690A2 - Systemes de culture en recipients et procedes de culture de plantes - Google Patents

Systemes de culture en recipients et procedes de culture de plantes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001083690A2
WO2001083690A2 PCT/US2001/011700 US0111700W WO0183690A2 WO 2001083690 A2 WO2001083690 A2 WO 2001083690A2 US 0111700 W US0111700 W US 0111700W WO 0183690 A2 WO0183690 A2 WO 0183690A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plant
support
chamber
plug
grow
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/011700
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2001083690A3 (fr
Inventor
Steve M. Kube
Original Assignee
Kube Steve M
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kube Steve M filed Critical Kube Steve M
Priority to AU2001251520A priority Critical patent/AU2001251520A1/en
Publication of WO2001083690A2 publication Critical patent/WO2001083690A2/fr
Publication of WO2001083690A3 publication Critical patent/WO2001083690A3/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G31/00—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics
    • A01G31/02—Special apparatus therefor
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
    • Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2
    • Y02P60/21—Dinitrogen oxide [N2O], e.g. using aquaponics, hydroponics or efficiency measures

Definitions

  • the invention relates to container gardening systems in general and more particularly to hydroponic gardening systems and various methods of cultivating plants.
  • Yet another deficiency of conventional hydroponic gardening techniques relates to the difficulties associated ith manipulating the plants among one or more containers, for transplanting or for inspection of he roots for example. It is generally difficult to remove a plant from a conventional hydroponic system once it reaches a certain size. The openings through which the plants grow are often too small to readily allow large root masses to pass through them. This not only creates a problem for transplanting to other containers but in many cases makes thorough inspection of the root mass impossible. This is particularly true where the containers are made of rigid pipes and other extruded profiles and plants are grown through relatively small openings therein. Access to the interior of the system and to the portions of the plants therein as well as to any associated equipment inside these conventional structures is severely limited.
  • Container gardening with soil presents still further deficiencies. For example, not knowing the nutritional value of the soil, the need to sterilize the soil, the uncertainty of water and air retention ofthe soil, etc.
  • the soil is a source of filth. Pets and children often tip plant containers and the soil spills, and can stain carpets, furniture, drapes, etc. Clean up can be a chore and in the case of stains, it can be costly or even ruinous
  • Yet another set of problems with current container gardening systems relates to the professional growers and the costs and difficulties associated with the continuous consumption of soil, storing and manipulating soil, with soil born diseases, with storing pots, and transplanting and shipping and distributing plants in soil and pots to retail stores, etc.
  • a container garden system comprises a plant support made of a substantially resilient foamed polymer such as a foamed rubber or foamed plaslic(s) of a suitable thickness, density, resiliency and firmness to adequately support plants positioned therein and lo cover one or more openings in a generally hollow root growth chamber made of a substantially rigid material.
  • the root growth chamber and the foamed polymer plant support members have substantially complimentary detachably interlocking profiles.
  • An air gap is provided at the root boundary zone ofthe plant, below the foamed polymer plant support and above a nutrient solution in the root growth chamber. Plants may be inserted directly through the foamed polymer plant supports or a grow plug and or a wick can be used lo further enhance the environment of the plant(s) located therein.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grow plug.
  • FIG. 2 is cross section view of a grow plug taken along lines 2-2 of FIG.l .
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a grow plug sleeve.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross section view of a grow plug with a gauze wick.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bulb grow plug.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross section view of a bulb grow plug taken along lines 6-6 of FIG 5.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a stem plug.
  • FIG, 8 is a cross section view of a stem plug taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 7
  • FIG. 9 is a front view of a woven wick.
  • FIG. 10 is a front view of a woven wick with an integral grow plug.
  • FIG. 1 1 is a cross section view of a woven wick surrounding a grow plug.
  • FIG. 12 is a cross section view of a woven wick on one side of a grow plug.
  • FIG. 13 is a side view of a continuous woven wick, with integral grow plugs spaced along it.
  • FIG.14 is a perspective view of a round foamed polymer plant support having a grow plug hole and relief cuts.
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a thick round foamed polymer plant support having a grow plug hole and relief cuts.
  • FIG.16 is a perspective view of a hexagonal foamed polymer plant support with a grow plug hole.
  • FIG. 17 is perspective view of a foamed polymer plant support having tongue and groove mating edges and having perforated tear lines.
  • FJG. 18 is a perspective view of a foamed polymer plant support having tongue and groove mating edges and a bulb plug hole.
  • FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a foamed polymer plant support having tongue and groove mating edges and a bulb plug hole and a bypass slit.
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a foamed polymer plant, support with tongue and groove mating edges and having grow plug holes and perforated tear lines for plant removal.
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a round foamed polymer plant support having multiple perforated grow plug holes.
  • FIG. 22 is a perspective view of three abutting hexagonal shaped foamed plant supports, each having multiple grow plug holes.
  • FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a continuous, blank, foamed polymer plant support having tongue and groove mating edges.
  • FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a grow plug hole cover
  • FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a foamed polymer plant support having tongue and groove mating edges, and having grow plugs and wicks mounted therein.
  • FIG. 26 is a cross section view ofthe foamed polymer plant support of FIG. 31, taken along lines 26-26 of FIG. 25
  • FIG. 27 is a cross section view of a foamed polymer plant support having a bulb plug inserted therein.
  • FIG.28 is a cross section view of a foamed polymer plant support having a bulb plug with a lower flange inserted therein.
  • FIG. 29 is a cross section view of a grow plug inserted in a stem plug.
  • FIG. 30 is a plan view of a mesh root support having support flanges.
  • FIG. 31 is a side view of a mesh root support having support flanges, and a foamed polymer plant support positioned above it.
  • FIG. 32 is a side view of a mesh root support having support flanges, and a foamed polymer plant support attached to it.
  • FIGS. 33 through 41 show various embodiments of the connection between foamed polymer plant supports and the various elements ofthe root growth chambers.
  • FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a container garden ofthe present invention.
  • FIG. 43 is cross section view o the container garden of FIG. 42 taken along line 43-43 in FIG. 42.
  • FIG. 44 is a cross section view of a container garden having two sets of foamed polymer plant support channels and showing an internal venturi pump and float valve.
  • FIG. 45 is a cross section view of the container garden of FIG. 42 taken along line 45-45 in FIG. 42.
  • MG. 46 is a perspective view of multiple container gardening systems plumbed together with an external plumbing manifold.
  • FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a trough style chamber in line connector.
  • FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a trough style chamber pump access box.
  • F IG. 49 is a perspective view of two trough style chambers connected in line to form a single system.
  • FIG. 50 is a perspective view of an end cap with plumbing fittings.
  • FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a single channel container gardening system having end cap vents.
  • FIG. 52 is a cross section view ofthe container gardening system of FIG 51 , taken along line 52-52 in FIG.
  • FIG. 53 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a container gardening system ofthe present invention.
  • FIG. 54 is a cross section view ofthe container gardening system of FIG 53, taken along line 54-54 in FIG.
  • FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a container gardening system having a removable chamber lid.
  • FIG. 56 is a cross section view of the container gardening system of FIG 55 taken along line 56-56 of FIG
  • FIG. 57 is a cross section view of another container gardening system having a removable lid.
  • FIG. 58 is a cross section view of two different decorative styles of container gardening systems joined by common plumbing lines.
  • FIG. 59 is a cross section view of a combined supply/drain tube.
  • FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a number of plants in a square foamed polymer plant support with a cany- home tray.
  • FIG. 61 is a perspective view of a plant in a round foamed polymer plant support and a carry-home pot. 5
  • the container gardening system ofthe present invention comprises a plant support 200, (shown most clearly in Figs. 14 - 23), and a root growth chamber 400, (shown most clearly in Figs. 42-46, 49,
  • a plant may be inserted directly through plant support 200 but some plants will benefit from the inclusion of a small amount of growing medium such as a grow plug 100, (Figs. 1-8). Therefore, the following description begins with various embodiments of suitable growing medium configurations, commonly known as grow plugs, and proceeds from there. A description of several of the various embodiments ofthe main '
  • Suitable configurations of grow plugs are comprised of a suitable growing medium such as the material used by Grow-Tech Inc. of San Juan Bautisla, CA, to form their grow plugs.
  • a suitable growing medium such as the material used by Grow-Tech Inc. of San Juan Bautisla, CA
  • Grow-Tech Inc. uses a combination of polymers and peat to create grow plugs.
  • other 35 suitable materials may be used to fo ⁇ n grow plugs, such as those materials used by other grow plug and starter plug manufacturers to form their products.
  • Figs. 1-2 show a grow plug 100 comprising a body of grow plug 101, a head of grow plug 102, an optional seeding hole 103, and an optional slit 104.
  • Plug head 102 is sized such that plug 100 is easily inserted into plug hole 40 201 to the head 102 and no further.
  • Seeding hole 103 is sized to accept general or specific sizes of seeds.
  • Slit 104 penetrates from an outer periphery, substantially to the center of plug body 101 and can be continuous for the full length of plug body 101 or partial length from top to bottom. Additionally, grow plug 100 may be provided in a pre-seeded configuration having one or more plant seeds, (not shown), inserted therein.
  • Fig 3 shows a grow plug sleeve 1 10 comprised of a thin walled generally hollow plastic liner and further comprises a sleeve body 1 1 1 , a sleeve head 1 12, and a sleeve grow plug cavity 1 13.
  • Sleeve 110 is sized to substantially slip fit around grow plug 100.
  • Fig. 4 shows a grow plug 100 wrapped with a loose gauze wick 140.
  • any suitable absorbent woven or non woven fiber or fabric or absorbent sponge material can be used to fo ⁇ n a suitable wick.
  • Figs. 5-6 show a bulb grow plug 120 which comprises a bulb plug body 121 , a bulb plug head 122, a bulb plug lop cap 123, a bulb plug lop cap slit 124, and a bulb plug cavity 125.
  • Bulb plug head 122 is sized lo function similarly to head 102 of grow plugs 100.
  • Top cap 123 is sized to fit snuggly in the upper portion of cavity 125 to substantially seal it off and slit 124 may be continuous or perforated to allow shoots from bulbs or other plant matter in cavity 125 to more easily grow therethrough.
  • bulb plug 120 can be provided to end users with the bulb of a plant, (not shown) inserted in cavity 125.
  • Figs. 7-8 shows a stem plug 130 comprising a stem plug body 131, a stem plug head 132, a stem plug channel 133, and a stem plug slit 134.
  • Slit 130 is continuous through one side of stem plug 130 to allow it to be opened, thus completely exposing stem plug channel 133.
  • grow plug 100, bulb plug 120 and stem plug 130 are suited to general and or specific purposes. Generally round shapes are shown but square and other shapes can be used as well. Possible enhancements to these embodiments, but not shown, include ribs and or other flanges on the outer bodies of the plugs to enhance the connection between plug and foamed polymer plant supports 200. Also, stem plug 130 may comprise one or more interior ribs located in stem plug channel 133 to better accommodate small diameter plant stems for example. Another enhancement to various growing medium configurations not shown is the inclusion of webbing or mesh lo further support plant portions therein. For example, a bulb grow plug could have a lower body comprised mainly of an open weave mesh. Also, various grow plug configurations can incorporate a wicking material other than the material used to form the plugs.
  • Fig. 9 shows a woven wick 140 comprised of an absorbent fiber or fabric or other suitable wicking material.
  • Fig. 10 shows a grow plug 100 and a wick 140 together.
  • Plug 100 may be placed adjacent to wick 140 or integrally formed thereto, or otherwise attached or affixed thereto.
  • Fig. 1 1 shows a grow plug 100 substantially wrapped by wick 140.
  • Fig. 12 shows a grow plug 100 having a wick 140 on one side only.
  • Fig. 13 shows a continuous wick 140 having grow plugs 100 integrally formed thereon and spaced a suitable distance apart.
  • the size of these components and the spacing between plugs 100 can be determined by 5 their general and specific uses such as use within automated assembly or planting equipment. Additionally, one type of wick can be substituted for another and any other configuration of growing medium, such as bulb plug 120 or a stem plug 130, can be used with wicks J 40 in manners similar to those described for grow plug 100.
  • Plant supports 200 comprise a foamed polymer such as, but not limited to foamed polyethylene, foamed 0 rubber, foamed polyurethane, and or combinations of these and or other suitable foamed polymers.
  • Closed cell foams are preferred to form a substantially impervious barrier to keep undesirable elements such as dust, water, spores, etc. from entering root growth chamber 400.
  • open cell foams can be used to allow air for example to enter chamber 400 and to filter out dust, spores, etc.
  • open cell foams generally offer greater resiliency than closed cell foams and may be advantageous to growing some plants.
  • the thickness, density, tear 5 resistance, UV stability, and other characteristics ofthe foamed polymer plant supports 200 are such to provide optimum conditions for the types of plants to be grown in the respective systems. Any combination of these characteristics may be used as desired. For example, a high UV resistance additive will be desired for foams intended to last a long time and to be used in high levels of exposure to sunshine. However, little or no UV additive will be needed for foams intended to be used for short periods of time or in low exposure to high levels of sunshine. 0 Also, differing degrees of tear resistance may be desired for different specific purposes disclosed herein. Also, the colorant used in the foams can be changed to affect desired outcomes including aesthetics, light blocking, etc. These and other characteristics can be used to customize plant supports 200 to general as well as specific purposes.
  • plant supports 200 may be fabricated by a number of methods such as cutting them from larger sheets of foamed polymer material, molding them, or by extrusion. Other processes can be used as well such die cutting 5 for example, as well as printing on them. Additionally, they may comprise multiple layers of one or more types of foamed polymer or combinations of polymers, including some that are not foamed such as including a sealing layer of non-foamed polymer over an open cell foamed polymer. Additionally, supports 200 may comprise a convoluted foam (not shown), or may comprise hollow portions (not shown) and or have other than nominally flat or regular surfaces (not shown). Accordingly a more detailed description of various embodiments of plant support 200 0 follows.
  • Fig. 14 shows a round or disc shaped plant support 200 having a grow plug hole 201 and relief cuts 203.
  • Grow plug hole 201 is sized such that a grow plug 100 will fit snuggly into it.
  • Relief cuts 203 can be formed all the way through plant support 200, from top to bottom or may only partially penetrate through the foamed support 200, 35 such as only halfway up from the bottom for example.
  • Relief cuts 203 may be of any suitable length and may also be perforated as desired.
  • Fig. 15 shows a thick round plant support 200 having a grow plug hole 210 and relief cuts 203.
  • a thick plant support 200 having a relatively small diameter may be used to fit into an opening of a root growth chamber 40 400 much as a cork in a bottle, (not shown) and have particularly desirable characteristics.
  • Fig. 16 shows a hexagonal plant support 200 having a grow plug hole 210.
  • Fig. 17 shows a square shaped plant support 200 having complimentary tongue 205 and groove 206 on opposing parallel edges thereof and further comprises a perforated line 212 for tongue and groove removal and additionally comprising a perforation for profile conversion 214 and a perforated bulb grow plug hole 21 1, a grow plug hole 201 and relief cuts 203.
  • Perforated bulb plug hole 202 is sized similarly to grow plug hole 201 in that a bulb plug 120 should fit snuggly into it.
  • the perforation for profile conversion 214 is sized to be able to change a 10 square shaped support 200 of a given size to a round shaped support 200. The dimensions of these two basic shapes being such to fit into standard sizes of trays T Fig. 60-61 or into standard configurations of root growth chambers 400, (standard sizes not shown nor yet determined).
  • Fig. 18 shows a square plant support 200 having complimentary tongue 205 and groove 206 profiled edges 15 and a grow plug hole 202.
  • Complimentary tongue 205 and groove 206 may be of any suitable profile such that the two substantially interlock, overlap and or otherwise join adjacent mating members to form a more aligned and or sealed union.
  • Fig. 19 shows a square plant support 200 having complimentary tongue 205 and groove 206 profiled edges 20 and a grow plug hole 202 and further comprises a bypass slit 215.
  • Bypass slit 215 may be perforated or be a partial or complete cut through plant support 200 from one edge through to a hole for receiving plants therein.
  • Fig. 20 shows a square plant support 200 having complimentary tongue 205 and groove 206 profiled edges and a multiple of grow plug holes 201 and further comprising perforations for plant removal 213.
  • Perforations for 25 plant removal 213 are sized such that a user can more easily tear plant support 200 in order to release plant P from within it. Additionally, these perforations 213, similar to the other perforated cuts shown, may be completely through the material of support 200 or only partially through it.
  • Fig. 21 shows a round plant support 200 having multiple grow plug holes 201. Multiple grow plug holes. 30 201 may be perforated and may be provided in any number suitable for specific plants.
  • Fig. 22 shows multiple abutting hexagonal plant supports 200, each having multiple grow plug holes 201.
  • Fig. 23 shows a long section of blank, foamed polymer plant support 200 having complimentary tongue 35 205 and groove 206 profiled edges.
  • blank foamed plant support 200 may be provided without tongue 205 and groove 206 to be used in various embodiments of these systems.
  • Blank supports 200 can be oversized to be cut to fit by the user, or they may be cut to fit specific embodiments of this system.
  • Fig. 24 shows a plant hole cover 230 which is comprised of any material suitable for insertion into a hole 40 in plant support 200 in order lo cover or eliminate the hole and is sized to fit snuggly therein.
  • Fig. 25 shows a plant support 200 with a multiple of grow plug 100 positioned therein and having wicks • 140 extending downward therefrom.
  • the plant support 200 of Fig. 25 further comprises complimentary tongue 205 and groove 206 profiles on opposite edges.
  • Fig. 26 shows a cross section of plant support 200 having multiple grow plug 100 inserted therein and wicks 140 extending downward therefrom, taken along line 26-26 in Fig. 25.
  • the length to which wicks 140 are to extend downward from plant support 200 are determined by the general or specific application they will be used for.
  • Fig. 27 shows a cross section of a plant support 200 having a bulb plug 120 inserted therethrough.
  • Fig. 28 shows a cross section of a plant support 200 having a bulb plug 120 inserted therethrough and bulb plug 120 further comprising a lower flange 126.
  • Lower flange 126 is sized to permit bulb plug 120 to be inserted through a bulb plug hole 202 and to more securely hold bulb plug 120 in position.
  • Fig. 29 shows a grow plug 100 inserted into a stem plug 130.
  • Figs. 30-32 show a mesh root support 300, mesh root support flange301, mesh root support foam support .
  • pin 302 a mesh root support square to disc break line303 and mesh root support disc to hex break line 304, all of which can be molded into the same one piece configuration.
  • This component can be made using any suitable moldable plastic.
  • the break lines can be perforated lines or simply lines where the material ofthe component is thinner than the adjacent material such that when bent repeatedly the material will part along the break line.
  • the mesh root support lo foam support pin 302 can comprise barbs, (not shown) to substantially hold the mesh root support 300 in position once (he foamed plant support 200 is pressed onto support pins 302, or the pins 302 can be substantially straight to aid primarily in lateral positioning.
  • mesh root support flange 301 is to span across support members within root growth chamber 400 such as chamber to support foam bottom(s) 410 Figs. 33 though 40, (Mesh root support 300 being supported within chamber 400 not shown), The various components of mesh root support 300 are to be of a strength suitable for the general and or . * specific weight ormaterial to be held in it.
  • Mesh root support 300 is an optional use item in that many plants and configurations ofthe present invention will be able to do without it. However, some plants may be better grown within these systems with a mesh root support 300 and it should be sized accordingly.
  • Fig. 32 shows a mesh root support consisting of a comb configuration 310 Fig. 32, whereby a number of suitably spaced parallel lines 311 are connected to a common cross member 3 12 at one end.
  • the tines can be substantially straight or curved.
  • the common cross member 12 would rest and be supported on one chamber lo foam support bottom 410 and the tines 311 would span across chamber 400 and their ends rest on another support bottom 4 (0. If it became desirable to remove mesh root support 300 from a root mass R, it would be much easier when using a comb configured mesh root support 310. It would also be similarly easier to install a comb root support 310 under a plant P having substantial root mass R.
  • Comb 310 can be injection molded of any suitable plastic for example and should be sized according to its general and or specific intended use.
  • Figs. 33 through 41 show other embodiments of foamed polymer plant supports 200 that additionally comprise one or more of the following: Foam to chamber hook groove(s) 221, foam to chamber convexity 222, and foam lo chamber concavity 223. These elements may be included in an extmded or molded foam profile for example or may be cut into the foamed plant support 200 after the foam is cut from a sheet for example. These additional features are used to mate with corresponding complimentary profiles in root growth chambers 400.
  • Root growth chamber 400 is preferably made of a substantially rigid material such as a moldable plastic including, but not limited to high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC or vinyl), or combinations of these and or other suitable materials.
  • a moldable plastic including, but not limited to high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC or vinyl), or combinations of these and or other suitable materials.
  • trough style chambers 400 extruded profiles and or co-extruded profiles or laminations ofthe above mentioned plastics are preferred.
  • trough style chamber 400 can be extruded using a foamed polymer such as PVC using any suitable foamed extrusion process.
  • any suitable moldable plastics may be used.
  • materials such as clay, ceramic, porcelain, and or other suitable materials may be used to create chambers 400.
  • chamber 400 may be molded using substantially rigid foamed polymers such as but not limited to PP, PE, or even polystyrene (PS) using foamed beads of these materials as is commonly used to make packaging components and or ice chests, etc.
  • substantially rigid foamed polymers such as but not limited to PP, PE, or even polystyrene (PS) using foamed beads of these materials as is commonly used to make packaging components and or ice chests, etc.
  • PS polystyrene
  • foamed chambers 400 being their superior insulating qualities.
  • the material(s) used to fabricate chambers 400 comprise an opaque or light blocking material such that the interior of chamber 400 is substantially dark in order to minimize algae growth.
  • one embodiment of chamber 400 comprises a substantially clear or translucent material, (not . shown) such that students and others may more readily view root R growth of plants P being raised in the system.
  • such clear or translucent material also comprises a coating such as a low emissive, (low-e) coating which substantially blocks
  • root growth chamber 400 comprises a single trough as shown in FIGS. 51 through 54.
  • chamber 400 comprises a dual or side by side trough as shown in FIGS. 42 through 46 and FIG. 49.
  • chamber 400 can comprise any of a virtually unlimited number of shapes and forms, a few examples of which are disclosed herein.
  • the materials that can be used to fashion chambers 400 are essentially too numerous to list and may readily be determined by anyone skilled in the various arts that can be used to make them. For example; very slender trough style chambers 400 can be extruded and coaled with a chrome plating to produce an architectural treatment in the form of a hanging garden that could be suspended by "invisible" wires.
  • a chamber 400 can be formed in the style of a ginger jar using clay or porcelain and can furtiier be glazed and have any possible coloring or pattern for aesthetic purposes. Additionally, these chambers 400 can be fashioned in any practical size. As another form of architectural treatment a chamber 400 could be, by way of example, five feet in diameter, generally round, and stand three feet tall. In this latter form concrete could be used as the material to make chamber 400. A multiple of foamed plant supports 200 could best be used to cover very large chambers 400. Additionally, large chambers 400 of the latter description may further comprise an interior fluid Iray 408 as shown in Fig.58. Also, some embodiments of chamber 400 may further comprise a removable chamber lid 409 as shown most clearly in Figs 56-57.
  • chamber 400 comprises multiple troughs a chamber interior wall 405 Fig. 43-45, separates adjacent troughs.
  • interior wall 405 comprises a chamber interior wall pump port 406 and a chamber interior wall fluid return port 407 as shown in Fig 45.
  • FIGS. 33 through 41 Various combinations of elements formed integrally with wall(s) of chamber 400 substantially interlock with and support foamed polymer plant supports 200 as shown in FIGS. 33 through 41.
  • these interlocking elements of chamber 400 are intended to be complimentary with corresponding mating elements of the foamed polymer plant supports 200 to be used with them. Which combination of these elements are best used will depend upon the various aspects ofthe elements including sizes or dimensions of he components as well as rigidity, flexibility and or resiliency ofthe chamber 400 and ofthe plant supports 200 and the desired degree of interlocking and supporting characteristics as well as aesthetic considerations ofthe final design. Some flexibility is desired to permit the insertion and removal of plant supports 200 into the interlocking elements of chamber 400. While the elements of chamber 400 are generally substantially rigid, some interlocking components such as chamber to support foam barbs 413 Fig. 35. for example, can be substantially flexible.
  • chamber to foam support bottom 410 extends from chamber wall(s) 401 and or chamber interior wall(s) 405 Fig. 44. to a distance suitable for adequately supporting foamed plant support 200.
  • the distance the support bottom 410 extends is further than the distance which chamber to foam support top 411 extends to prevent foamed support 200 from jumping past support bottom 410 when introducing support 200 to chamber 400.
  • Chamber to foam support bottom may further comprise a chamber to foam support hook 412, not shown on chamber to foam support bottom but is similar to chamber to foam hook 412 as shown in FIG. 34 and extends downward from chamber to foam support top 411.
  • a hook 412 on a bottom support 410 would extend upward into foamed plant support 200.
  • Chamber to foam support barb 413 as shown in FIG 35 can be substantially rigid and sharp in order to effectively pierce the foam of plant support 200 and hold it in position, Barb 413 can be of any suitable length and any suitable numbers of barb 413 may be used. Alternately to piercing the foam of plant support 200 in order to hold it in position, barb 413 may be flexible and deflect downward as foamed plant support 200 is entered into position and barb 413 would substantially act as a spring to hold foamed support 200 in place, pushing it against an opposite wall for example, or into another barb on an opposite side of chamber 400.
  • FIG. 33-41 various complimentary profiles of chamber 400 substantially mate with corresponding profiles of foamed plant supports 200.
  • a chamber to foam support convexity 414 compliments a foamed plant support concavity 223.
  • a chamber to foam support concavity 415 compliments a foamed plant support convexity 222.
  • a chamber lip 416 compliments a foamed plant support to chamber lip receiver 224 Fig. 41.
  • Figs. 56-57 show one embodiment of chamber 400 which further comprises a removable chamber lid 409.
  • a removable chamber lid 409 When a removable chamber lid 409 is used the various elements used to interlock with plant support 200 are contained within the removable chamber lid 409 as shown in FIGS. 56 and 57.
  • a hinged or lift top chamber lid (not shown) would also contain the elements for interlocking with plant supports 200.
  • the foamed plant supporl(s) 200 and the planl(s) P would lift off of chamber 400 for inspection, etc.
  • Fig. 42 shows one preferred embodiment of a complete and substantially self-contained container garden system of the present invention.
  • Plants P are growing through grow plugs 100 which are located in foamed polymer plant support 200 which is in turn held in place within root growth chamber 400.
  • the ends of chamber 400 are sealed off and completed with chamber end caps 420.
  • End caps 420 may be injection molded of any suitable material such that end cap 420 may be connected and sealed to chamber 400.
  • Fig. 43 shows a cross section view of the system of Fig. 42 taken along line 43-43 and further shows chamber interior wall 405, chamber to foam support 410 and 411 as well as nutrient solution N and air gap A.
  • Fig. 44 shows a cross section view of another preferred embodiment of a container gardening system of the present invention which further comprises a venturi pump 500 having pump filter 502 attached to pump intake, (not shown), and having a venturi intake tube 503 attached thereto and extending upward through foamed plant support 200 and capped with a venturi muffler 504.
  • Pump 500 further comprises an outlet 501 located on an opposite side of interior wall 405 from pump inlet which is inside of filter 502.
  • pump 500 comprises a power cord, (not shown) which is connected to an external power source, (not shown).
  • the system of Fig. 44 further comprises a float valve 520 which is connected to an external water supply, (not shown).
  • the system of Fig. 44 comprises an interior wall which extends from the bottom of chamber 400 to a point above foamed plant supports 200 and divides foamed plant supports 200 into at least two sections to cover chamber 400.
  • Fig, 45 shows a cross section view ofthe system of Fig. 42 and ofthe system of Fig. 43 without pump 500 and the associated components of pump 500 and without float valve 520.
  • the roots R of plants P extend below plant supports 200 and grow plugs 100, across air gap A and into nutrient solution N.
  • chamber interior wall pump port 406 can be seen as well as chamber interior wall fluid return port 407.
  • End caps 420 enclose chamber 400 at each end.
  • Fig. 46 shows a number of trough style container gardening systems ofthe present invention substantially intei connected via an external plumbing system.
  • End caps 420 are used on one end of the individual chambers 400 and plumbed end caps 421 are used on the other end of chamber 400.
  • External plumbing supply lines 505 are connected to plumbed end cap supply fittings 422 and are connected lo an external plumbing supply manifold 506.
  • external plumbing drain lines 510 are connected to plumbed end cap drain fittings 423 and are connected to an external plumbing drain manifold 51 1.
  • Foamed polymer plant supports are inserted into chambers 400 as needed. Also shown are how one or more plant supports 200 can be used to cover chamber 400 as can be seen by noting the line between adjacent foamed supports 207.
  • two different styles of chamber 400 are used, dual cover style Fig. 44 and single cover style Fig. 43.
  • Fig. 47 shows a trough style chamber 400 in line connector 440 having a trough connector stop.
  • Fig. 48 shows a pump access box 250 having an access box lid 451 and an interior wall pump port 406 a pump power cord port 453 and a venturi intake tube port 452.
  • Fig. 49 shows two trough style chambers 400 having connector 440 used to join them and having plumbed end caps 421 with plumbed end cap fittings 423 and further comprising multiple plant supports 200 abutting one another along lines 207.
  • Fig. 50 shows the interior portion 424 of plumbed end cap 421.
  • Fig. 51 shows another preferred self contained embodiment of the present invention having a single channel trough style chamber 400 finished with vented end caps 430 which comprise vents 431. Additionally, a single plant support 200 is used to cover chamber 400 and support a plurality of plants P.
  • Fig. 52 shows a cross section ofthe system of Fig. 51 taken along line 52-52 and more clearly shows the relationship between plant P, grow plug 100, support 200, chamber 400, nutrient solution N, and air gap A as well as vented end cap 430 and vent 431.
  • Chamber vent(s) 431 should be sized appropriately for allowing air to roots R in chamber 400.
  • a filter not shown, such as a piece of open cell foamed polymer may be used in conjunction with chamber vents 431 to minimize the intrusion of dust, spores, etc into chamber 400.
  • Fig. 53 shows another embodiment of a single channel trough style system ofthe present invention expressing a different aesthetic form for illustrative purposes.
  • Fig, 54 shows a cross section view taken along lines 54-54 of Fig. 53 and better illustrates the shape of chamber 400 the relationship of grow plug 100, plant support 22, chamber to foam supports 410 and 41 1 , nutrient solution N and chamber 400. Additionally, an internal plumbing supply line 443 is shown.
  • Fig. 55 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a self contained and generally upright container garden of the present invention having chamber 400, removable lid 409 which further comprises chamber to foam support bottom 410 and chamber to foam support top 41 1.
  • This style of container garden is more suited to fabrication using clay, porcelain, and or other materials and may be of any suitable size.
  • Fig. 56 shows a cross section view of the system of Fig. 55 taken along line 56-56 and shows the relationships of the parts; grow plug 100, plant support 200, removable lid 409, air gap A, nutrient solution N and wick 140.
  • Fig. 57 shows a cross section view of another embodiment ofthe present invention which is substantially similar to that shown in Fig. 56 but of a shorter stature and illustrates the relationships of grow plug 100, plant support 200, removable lid 409, air gap A, nutrient solution N and wick 140. Additionally, general air vent 432 is shown which permits air to pass through the joint between chamber lid 409 and chamber 400.
  • Fig. 58 shows a cross section view of another preferred embodiment wherein two different decorative styles of the system are joined by common plumbing elements and further shows the relationships ofthe parts previously mentioned. Additionally, Fig. 58 shows an interior fluid tray 408, an external plumbing inside supply line 507, and a combined plumbing supply and drain line 515 which is also more clearly shown in Fig. 59 which comprises a plumbing supply line 516 and a plumbing drain line 517.
  • Fig. 60 shows a number of plants P with roots R situated in a square foamed polymer plant support 200 and poised to be placed in a tray T.
  • Tray T is formed of any suitable material such that it may be considered substantially disposable.
  • Fig. 61 shows a plant P with roots R, in a round foamed polymer plant support 200 and poised to be placed into a round Iray T,
  • Substantially self contained container gardening systems of the present invention may comprise drain ports
  • the systems of the present invention can be substantially self contained or they may be connected lo external plumbing systems and or to additional container gardening systems. Also, generally speaking, they can be essentially static, having no moving parts, or they can be dynamic having for example an internal or external pump for circulating nutrient solutions for example. Also, these systems can be used for home and hobby use, academic or research purposes, and as architectural treatments for example or for commercial applications. For these varied purposes there are differences in modes of operation that can be employed. However; there are no restrictions for one mode of operation to be employed by any user of any described system. Indeed, one object and advantage of the present invention is to provide container gardening systems, and more particularly hydroponic gardening systems to provide more efficient methods of using hydroponic gardening techniques and to advance the art of horticulture in general and more specifically the art of hydroponics.
  • a basic mode of operation of the present invention is to insert a wick 140 into grow plug hole
  • a grow plug 100 is pressed downward into foamed plant support 200 until the plug head 102 comes into contact with the upper surface of plant support 200.
  • the next step is to place this assembly into a removable chamber lid 409 as shown in Fig. 57.
  • the next step is to introduce a nutrient solution N into chamber 5 400 and place removable lid 409 with wick 140 and grow plug 100 and plant support 200 onto chamber 400.
  • Nutrient solution N is drawn up wick 140 and saturates grow plug 100.
  • a plant seed (not shown) is then inserted into seeding hole 103.
  • Ambient external air freely exchanges with air in air gap A though chamber general air vent 432.
  • the system is then positioned in a suitable environment and plant P emerges from grow plug 100 while roots R grow into and through grow plug 100 and extend downward from plant support 200, through air gap A, and 0 into nutrient solution N.
  • Periodically chamber lid 409 is removed from chamber 400 and chamber 400 is cleaned as needed and or nutrient solution N is replenished as needed and roots R may be inspected. Plain water may be substituted for nutrient solution N during sprouting.
  • chamber lid 49 is re-positioned on chamber 400.
  • plug hole 201 15 200 outwardly from plug hole 201, generally uniformly in all directions.
  • plant P grows larger and requires more support it generally can withstand a firmer grip on its stem.
  • the expansion ofthe stem as it grows provides a (inner grip on plant P by foamed support 200.
  • plant P grows and requires more nutrient solution N, more roots R grow across air gap A and into nutrient solution N and thereby provides the necessary water and nutrients for continued plant growth.
  • Options to this mode of operation include; providing relief cuts 203 in plant support 200 to provide a gentler grip on plant P as it grows and expands. Another option is to eliminate grow plug 100 and instead of having a grow plug hole 201 in plant support 200, provide a planting slit 204, in support 200 and to introduce a wick 140 into slit 204 and to place a seed between the wick 140 and the material of plant support 200. Another option is to
  • 25 provide multiple slits 204, or grow plug holes 201 or a combination of these into support 200 along with multiple wicks 1 0 and or multiple grow plugs 100 and multiple seeds.
  • Another basic mode of operation is to utilize a bulb grow plug to raise a plant from a bulb.
  • a bulb plug hole 202 would be provided in plant support 200, along with a wick 140.
  • bulb plug 120 also comprises a lower flange 126 it will need to be compressed and pushed through bulb plug hole 202. The upper surface of flange 126 will press against the lower surface of plant support 200 and along with bulb plug head 122 pressing against the top surface of support 200, will more securely hold the bulb plug in position.
  • a plant bulb, (not shown) is then inserted into cavity 125, and a bulb plug top cap 123 is inserted
  • Another basic mode of operation is to insert a seedling, (not shown), or other more mature plant P into plant support 200.
  • a stem plug 130 can be used for plants having small root R masses that will fit through a standard size hole in plant support 40 200, such as a bulb plug hole 202. Stem plug 130 is opened along slit 134 and the stem of the plant P to be planted is laid into channel 133. Stem plug 130 is then closed around the stem and gently grips it. The plant P with stem plug 130 is then inserted into plug hole 202, with or without a wick as needed.
  • a bypass slit 215 is used for plants P having root masses R that are too large to fit through a standard size hole in plant support 200 .
  • Foamed plant support 200 is separated by twisting it for example, at bypass slit 215 and the stem of plant P, along with stem plug 130 is introduced to a standard sized hole such as a bulb plug hole 202 in support 200. Foam support 200 is then allowed to substantially close back to an original position.
  • a plant P with large root mass R may be held directly by foam support 200, with or without a wick 140.
  • grow plug 100 it may be desirable to increase the size ofthe growing medium being used, such as grow plug 100. This can be easily achieved by inserting grow plug 100 into a stern plug 130. This can be done prior to seeding plug 100 or sometime after seeding it. Additionally, a plant P may have some substantial growth in grow plug 100 prior lo inserting plug 100 into a stem plug 130.
  • a grow plug 100 can be used to nurture a cutting by placing it directly into the grow plug slit 104.
  • a cutting may be positioned directly through a hole or slit in the foamed plant support 200 such that it extends downward into nutrient solution N.
  • a bulb plug 120 may be used to nurture a cutting. For example a small amount of suitable growing medium can be held in bulb plug cavity J25, the cutting inserted therein, and bulb plug top cap 124 can be split in two, or otherwise separated, preferably along slit 124, and the cutting can extend through that.
  • top cap 123 would be positioned into upper portion of cavity 125 around the cutting extending upwardly from therein. Additionally, a stem plug 130 could be used for propagating from cuttings by placing the cutting through the channel 133 of stem plug 130 to extend into root growth chamber 400.
  • wick 140 is needed.
  • a plant P has roots R that are long enough to reach across air gap A and into nutrient solution N, then no wick is needed.
  • an ebb and flow hydroponic technique is used wherein the depth of nutrient solution ] ⁇
  • Another hydroponic technique that can be used substantially atomizes nutrient solution N and mixes it with the air in chamber 400.
  • This technique eliminates the need for wicks as well and may substantially alter some modes of operation, particularly with regards to propagating or rooting cuttings, etc.
  • a hydroponic technique which sprays nutrient solution N inside of chamber 400 will obviate the need for some steps in the various modes of operation and necessitate other steps.
  • prc-seeded plant supports 200 arc provided to the end user.
  • the user simply inserts the pre seeded plant support 200 into their container gardening system and supplies an amount of nutrient N or water.
  • Pre-seeded plant supports can comprise any suitable number of configuiations of plugs, such as grow plug(s) 100 or bulb plug(s) 120. It may further comprise any suitable wick(s) 140. Pre-conl ⁇ gured arrangements of flowers for example can be sold lo the end user. In addition to being very simple, such pre-seeded foamed supports 200 will take the guess work out of proper spacing of various plants. Also, plants can be pre-arranged to provide aesthetically pleasing gardens, or to provide an arrangement of plants that thrive well together for example.
  • bulbs such as tulips
  • bulbs can be pre-planled into plant supports 200 and sold to the end user.
  • more mature plants such as shrubs, etc, can be commercially grown with these systems and provided to the user to continue to be grown within personal systems of these designs.
  • foamed polymer plant supports 200 are provided with holes or slits for accepting wicks 140, plugs 100, 120 and or 130, seeds, plants (P) or plant parts, (not shown). Users then insert any combination of these items as desired.
  • foamed polymer plant supports 200 are pi ovided in a blank form and the user modifies them as desired.
  • foamed plant support 200 is provided in a form ready to fit into a chamber 400.
  • support 200 is provided oversized and can be cut to lit.
  • some embodiments of plant support 200, as shown in Fig. 17 can be modified by the end user to fit within more than one style or size of container gardening system.
  • a perforated profile conversion line is used to tear support 200 and change the basic size and or shape of support 200.
  • a single support 200 can be made to fit in a variety of chambers 400 by altering its basic size and or shape without the use of any tools.
  • a support 200 having complimentary mating tongue 205 and groove 206 intended to be used in a system along with additional supports 200 may be modified without the use of tools by tearing off the mating profiles at perforation for tongue and groove removal 212.
  • Fig. 17 shows a square shaped support 200 with tongue 205 and groove 206 which can easily be changed to a simple square or round shape
  • a larger round support 200 could readily be changed to a smaller round support 200 using the same techniques.
  • a rectangular support 200 could be changed into a number of squares or a number of other shapes for example.
  • lines for cutting through can be printed on the back side of supports 200 and the user could take a pair of scissors and cut out whatever shape he. needed from a wide variety of possibilities.
  • plants P that have been commercially grown in foamed plant supports 200 can be provided to the end user.
  • a user would purchase plants P within foamed plant supports 200 and simply introduce them to corresponding container gardens designed to accept them. This will be discussed further later in the disclosure.
  • foamed plant support 200 can be removed from chamber 400, along with the plant(s) P. This can also be done in order to clean and or inspect or otherwise maintain chamber 400 and any associated equipment therein. Removing foam support 200 with plant(s) P can also be done in order to transplant plant(s) P from one chamber 400 to another for example.
  • steps that may be included in various modes of operation include cutting a length of wick 140 having a grow plug 100 integrally formed therewith or otherwise formed thereto, from a string of such grow plugs 100 attached to wick 140 as shown in Fig. 13.
  • Another step can be to pre-soak any ofthe various configurations of plugs 100, 120, and 130 in order to soften them prior to insertion into plant support 200 and or to create a more suitable environment for a seed, seedling or plant P to be inserted therein.
  • a grow plug sleeve 1 10 is used to substantially contain and direct the roots R of plant P so that plant P may be more easily removed from foamed support 200 without needing to tear support 200 or otherwise alter it in order lo remove a root mass R that has grown larger than plug hole 201.
  • This mode of operation better permits a user to start a large number of plants P, starting from seeds for example, in a relatively small area and to transplant them later to a more preferred spacing, within another container garden for example.
  • the sleeve 1 10 keeps the root mass from expanding outwardly and larger than plug hole 201 prematurely.
  • planl(s) P are removed from plant support 200 by tearing plant support 200 along perforation for plant removal 213.
  • Mesh root supports 300 may be used to provide additional support to plant P when desired. For example, if a more mature plant P is lo be positioned in a system of the present invention it may be desirable to place root mass R into or onto mesh root support 300 and to introduce the plant P to foamed support 200 via bypass slit 215. If mesh root support 300 has pins 302 the foamed support 200 can be pressed down onto the pins 302, piercing support 200. If pins 302 further comprise barbs, (not shown) the foamed support 200 will be substantially attached to mesh root support 300. The mesh root support flange 301 will rest on chamber to foam support bottom 410 within chamber 400 or within chamber lid 409 and support mesh root support 300.
  • a generally square flange on root support 300 can be broken along break lines to change the general shape to a more suitable shape, to fit in a round chamber 400 or round chamber lid 409 for example.
  • mesh root support 300 can be put in place within the system prior to plant P growth in anticipation of the need for additional support.
  • Another alternative here is to remove a plant support 200 along with plant P from a system and to add a mesh root support 300 to the system when it becomes apparent that additional support is needed. After positioning mesh root support 300 either into chamber 400 or onto the bottom of plant support 200, plant support 200 along with plant P are rejoined with chamber 400.
  • a root support comb 310 Fig. 32 can be used to provide additional support to roots R.
  • Comb 310 can be pre-positioned into chamber 400 on chamber to foam support bottom 410 prior to plant P and root R growth.
  • comb 310 can be introduced to a root mass R after it has matured by piercing the mass much like a hair comb pierces your hair. Comb 310 being much easier to remove from root mass 15 R and thus being generally more re-usable.
  • substantially large plant(s) P are to be grown in a system of the present invention it can be desirable to provide a substantially thicker plant support 200 as shown in Fig. 15.
  • a rose bush for example, can better be supported by a thicker and or denser formulation of foamed plant support 200, Additionally, a removable chamber
  • lid 409 having a small opening for a plant P can have a large opening at its base where it mates with chamber 400. If it is desirable to be able to remove a large plant P from chamber lid 409 having a small opening through which plant P has grown, and plant P has both a large root mass R and a large foliage mass, (not shown), chamber lid 409 can comprise an assembly of two or more pieces, (not shown), that can be disassembled for removal of plant P for example,
  • connection between foamed polymer plant support 200 and root growth chamber 400 require subtle differences in various modes of operation.
  • support 200 will need to be bent, compressed, or otherwise deformed to varying degrees in order to introduce it to chamber 400.
  • degree of deformation required depends on the relative sizes of the elements associated with the interaction between support
  • a trough style chamber 400 could be open on one end for example, particularly at the area where plant support 200 meets chamber 400, as could readily be the
  • plant support 200 can be introduced to chamber 400 without the need to compress, bend or otherwise deform support ' 200.
  • a single plant support 200 is used to substantially cover and seal 40 chamber 400 and in another mode of operation multiple supports 200 are used.
  • multiple supports 200 are used.
  • each support 200 is isolated from eveiy other support 200.
  • a chamber 400 may have multiple openings for accepting supports 200, (not shown), as in the case of a strawberry pot style of chamber 400. Each opening would receive a single support 200.
  • multiple plant supports 200 abut one another.
  • Another example of multiple supports 200 being isolated from one another within chamber 400 is with the use of a plant support grid, (not shown).
  • a very large diameter chamber 400 with an otherwise open top can have a grid over the opening and multiple supports 200 would then be positioned into each cavity or open space of the grid, much like suspended ceiling tiles are held in a grid and isolated from one another.
  • the grid can be of any suitable size and shape that will accept appropriately sized and shaped supports 200 such as round or disc shaped supports 200 in a grid having round openings, or square, rectangular or hexagonal shaped supports 200 in a grid accordingly sized and spaced.
  • Such a grid can be substantially flat or can comprise a more complex surface. Hexagonal grids can be used to form a flat honeycomb surface or a slight, or pronounced dome shaped honeycomb grid for example.
  • grids include a grid of one or more pyramids, a grid producing one or more tented rows for example, or one or more steps or stairs of foamed supports 200.
  • the grids can have regular or irregular patterns.
  • the use of grids can open a new field of topiary for example wherein artists will be free to create new and unique structures incorporating foliage.
  • an interior fluid tray 408 Fig. 58 can be used inside of very large chambers 400 for example, to direct nutrient N to a level closer to roots R.
  • fluid tray 408 can be utilized as a false bottom to chamber 400 to minimize the volume of nutrient N for example, or to locate other equipment thereunder.
  • abutting edges of supports 200 interlock and or overlap to some degree in order to substantially seal the gap between the abutting supports 200 and to align the surfaces ofthe supports 200. Additionally, interlocking the edges of supports 200, as with complimentary tongue and groove joints, provides greater strength among the multiple individual supports 200.
  • a trough style chamber 400 is used with multiple supports 200 as shown most clearly in Fig. 49, a first support 200 is introduced to chamber 400 and is pushed or slid along laterally within chamber 400 until it meets one end of chamber 400.
  • Either a foamed support mating tongue 205 or a foamed support mating groove 206 will be exposed on the edge of support 200 facing towards the opposite end of trough style chamber 400.
  • a second support 200 is then introduced to chamber 400 such that the complimentary edge of second support 200 will mate with and compliment the mating edge ofthe first support 200.
  • Second support 200 is then pushed or slid into juxtaposition with first support 200.
  • Additional supports 200 are similarly introduced lo chamber 400 and slid into position with preceding support 200 until chamber 400 is substantially covered.
  • one mating edge of plant support 200 can comprise an adhesive strip, (not shown), such as a pressure sensitive adhesive with a protective covering material.
  • an adhesive strip such as a pressure sensitive adhesive with a protective covering material.
  • Another alternate to abutting profiles having adhesive strips is to swipe one mating edge of a plant support 200 with a suitable adhesive, as with a suitable glue stick for example, prior to introducing a second support 200 to it.
  • Specific growing techniques to be used within these systems it isn't the purview of this disclosure to place any limitations on how these systems can be used. All descriptions of specific growing techniques such as various hydroponic techniques, are for illustrative or suggestive purposes. Generally, no one specific growing technique is preferred over any other. Unless a particular technique would be incompatible for a specific purpose, such as for growing particular types of plants for example, or if adding a growing medium to a container gardening system of the present invention would render it. unsafe (by adding too much weight for example), unusable or otherwise self defeating, then another suitable growing technique should be substituted. The decision of which technique to use is best left to the end user or anyone of ordinary skill in the art.
  • an external nutrient solution reservoir (not shown) can be of any suitable size and shape.
  • Systems ofthe present invention can have one or more external reservoirs located very close to, or substantially remote from chambers 400.
  • a hydroponic garden located on a deck, porch, or balcony for example can have external reservoirs located in the immediate vicinity ofthe chambers 400 and plants P.
  • the reservoir(s) can be located some distance away such as under a deck, in a basement, or . other location out of view for example.
  • an extensive rooftop gardening system located on a grocery store or warehouse for example, may need a veiy large nutrient solution reservoir that would be prohibitively heavy for locating on a roof.
  • the reservoir(s) would be more suitably placed on the ground for example, and nutrient N would be pumped to the gardens on the roof.
  • nutrient solution N comprises the water, sediment, and other nutrients found at or near the bottom of fish ponds.
  • a pump in conjunction with other equipment, draws these materials from the bottom of ponds that are being used to farm fish for example, and direct the flow through chambers 400 to supply water and nutrients N to plants P.
  • a venturi pump 500 is introduced into a pump access box 450 which has been fitted to one end of a double (rough style chamber 400.
  • the inlet (not shown), of pump 500 is positioned through chamber interior wail pump port 406 of access box 450 and pump filter 502 is affixed to pump inlet, substantially holding pump 500 in position.
  • Venturi intake tube 503 is routed to the exterior of chamber 400, through venturi port 452, and pump power cord (not shown) is similarly routed out of chamber 400, through a power cord port 453.
  • an optional float valve 520 it will be installed through a hole (not shown) in a chamber exterior wall 401 , preferably through the end of access box 520, and connected to an external water supply (not shown).
  • Water is then introduced to the interior of chamber 400 to a level adequate to permit proper functioning of pump 500, and low enough lo provide an air gap A.
  • Pump 500 is then energized and the system checked for leaks, proper venturi operation, and to ensure the water circulates from pump outlet 501 down the first trough, through fluid return port 407 in chamber interior wall 405, back up the second trough to retum to pump 500 through filler 502.
  • One or more foamed polymer plant supports 200 are Ihcn introduced to chamber 400 thereby substantially covering chamber 400.
  • the various modes of introducing plants to supports 200 have been previously disclosed. 5
  • multiple trough style chambers 400 are connected to an external plumbing system as shown in Fig. 46.
  • An external plumbing system can comprise standard components of current practice in the field of hydroponics such as pump, reservoir, float valve, etc.
  • Connections are made to supply fittings 422 and drain fittings 423 in chamber end cap 420 using detachable connectors, (not shown).
  • Chambers 400 are covered with supports 200 and plants P are inserted therein.
  • Nutrient solution N is circulated through chambers 400 and plants P are grown to a desired maturity. Chambers 400 are then disconnected from external plumbing system and plants P are then transported to a buyer such as a retail location for example. At the retail location or at any other distribution point, chambers 400 are reconnected to another external plumbing system. When plants P are consumed from chamber 400 chamber 400 is returned to the grower to be put back into use. At a retail level for example, customers can purchase plants P located in supports
  • Plants P in sections of support 200 can also be carried home by the end user in cany home trays T for example.
  • plants P that are grown in the system are 0 harvested al the desired maturity directly from the chambers 400.
  • root growth chambers 400 are planted at one location and then moved to another location where they are then connected to an external plumbing system for continued plant growth.
  • an area of a greenhouse operation may be set-up for planting, either manually or with automated pick and place 25 equipment for example.
  • individual systems are filled with plants P the system is then moved to another location in the greenhouse.
  • one or more (rough style chambers 400 are placed in a substantially sloping position.
  • Nutrient solution N is pumped into the elevated end of chambers 400 by way of external plumbing fittings
  • Nutrient solution N flows by gravity through chamber 400, to the lower end o the trough chambers 400 and through external plumbing fittings located in that end and returns to the external plumbing system.
  • trough chamber connector 440 is used to make this connection, inserting one trough chamber 400 into connector 440 up to stop 441, then inserting a second trough chamber 400 into the other side of connector 440 and up to stop 441, thus
  • Another mode of operation is to raise plants P in decorative chambers 400 to the desired maturity level, to a blooming stage for example, and then to put the entire chamber 400 and plants P out for display.
  • a decorative chamber 400 such as that shown in Fig. 53 can be used as an architectural treatment and can be 40 suspended by wires in an atrium or other suitable location. Additionally the nutrient solution N flowing through these suspended chambers 400 can be allowed to pour out of one end of chamber 400 and into a pool for example, or some other architectural feature. Additional decorative chambers 400 with plants P can be maintained at another location such as a nursery for example.
  • suspended chambers 400 can be removed from the display location and be replaced with freshly prepared chambers 5 400 with a new set of plants P already housed in them.
  • the dii ⁇ erent sets of decorative chambers 400 can be of different colors for example to be more in accord with the color schemes of a holiday or season or with the whims of fashion.
  • An optional feature that can be added to a dynamic single trough style system for example is an internal fluid supply line 433 Fig. 54. If decorative trough 400 is to have nutrient solution pouring out one open end, nutrient N can be pumped into that same open end and into line 433 for routing nutrient N to the other end of 0 chamber 400.
  • Such an arrangement will give the illusion of an endless supply of nutrient N being poured out of chamber 400, particularly if external supply line 505 is clear and routed such that the nutrient N pouring out of chamber 400 substantially, or entirely covers supply line 505, thus hiding it from view.
  • Another architectural treatment type mode of operation is to position artificial lighting, (not shown), within 5 large chambers 400 and under foamed plant supports 200.
  • supports 200 are substantially translucent such lighting will, particularly at night, give the foamed plant supports an intriguing soft glow.
  • translucent material is used to fabricate chamber 400, and internal light source would illuminate chamber 400 as well for additional aesthetic affects. Such lighting will need to be of a water proof nature, perhaps utilizing fixtures commonly used in pools for example.
  • container gardening systems including 5 hydroponic gardening systems, that:

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de culture en récipients comprenant des éléments en mousse de polymère (200) destinés à l'insertion de plantes, des tubes (140) et/ou des tubes de croissance traversant ladite mousse et comprenant des logements (400) de croissance de racine sensiblement rigides et globalement creux. Les éléments en mousse polymère (200) sont utilisés comme supports pour les plantes (P) et/ou pour recouvrir et rendre sensiblement étanche le logement (400) de croissance de racine. Les parties en mousse polymère (200) peuvent être assemblés de manière amovible avec le logement (400) de croissance de racine pour maintenir la mousse (200) en place à proximité du logement (400) de croissance de racine. La partie en mousse (200) est suffisamment solide pour suspendre des plantes (P) et/ou des parties de plantes. De préférence, la partie en mousse polymère (200) comprend une mousse en plastique cellulaire offrant une barrière sensiblement imperméable aux corps étrangers. L'élément de support de plante en mousse (200) peut être pré-découpé pour avoir la forme souhaitée pour l'insertion de plantes (P) et/ou de tubes de croissance (100) et pour s'assembler avec des logements (400) de croissance de racine de taille spécifique. Ce support de plante en mousse (200) peut être facilement découpé par l'utilisateur à l'aide d'un couteau, de ciseaux ou d'une lame de rasoir, par exemple, afin de permettre le passage de tubes de croissance (100) et/ou de parties de plantes dans un quelconque emplacement à travers la mousse ou pour insérer le support de plante en mousse (200) dans des logements de croissance de racine d'une autre taille. Les éléments de support de plante en mousse (200) peuvent également comprendre des perforations de séparation (213) pour faciliter la modification de la forme de l'élément sans utilisation d'outils, et/ou pour faciliter l'insertion d'objets à travers la mousse. Ces systèmes peuvent également utiliser des tubes de croissance (100, 120, 130) et/ou des tubes (140) à forme spéciale pour améliorer davantage l'environnement d'une plante (P). Les éléments de support de plante en mousse polymère (200) peuvent être pré-semés ou pré-plantés ou peuvent être fournis vides pour être plantés ou modifiés par l'utilisateur. Une grande variété de techniques de croissance hydroponique peuvent être utilisées avec ces systèmes, y compris des techniques de culture sur film nutritif, d'aéroponique, à solution nutritive profonde statique, à solution nutritive profonde aérée et des techniques de flux et reflux, pour en citer quelques unes. Ces systèmes peuvent être utilisés sans milieu de croissance, avec une petite quantité de milieu de croissance avec utilisation de tubes de croissance (100, 120, 130), ou avec un milieu de croissance. Ces systèmes peuvent être autonomes ou en plusieurs unités pouvant être assemblées les unes aux autres et à des éléments de plomberie externes. Ces systèmes et/ou leurs composants peuvent également être utilisés comme supports pour le transport de plantes à travers des circuits de marketing et de distribution. Ces systèmes peuvent être utilisés à l'intérieur comme à l'extérieur, pour des utilisations domestiques, académiques, de recherche, de développement et ou commerciales.
PCT/US2001/011700 2000-04-14 2001-04-09 Systemes de culture en recipients et procedes de culture de plantes WO2001083690A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

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AU2001251520A AU2001251520A1 (en) 2000-04-14 2001-04-09 Container gardening systems and processes for cultivating plants

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US55004100A 2000-04-14 2000-04-14
US09/550,041 2000-04-14

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Cited By (10)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2338967A1 (es) * 2008-02-26 2010-05-13 Innovacions Tecnologiques, S.A. I.T.S.A. Estructura perfeccionada para contener sistemas de cultivo en ciclo cerrado de agua.
EP2888933A1 (fr) * 2013-12-27 2015-07-01 Olusculum Pte Ltd Unité de croissance aéroponique pour la croissance de plantes, système, serre et procédés associés
EP2086307A4 (fr) * 2006-11-20 2015-11-18 Grassroots Biotechnology Dispositifs pour la croissance et l'imagerie de plantes, procédés et produits-programmes d'ordinateurs associés
US20180064042A1 (en) * 2016-09-07 2018-03-08 Rodney Sidloski Plant nursery and storage system for use in the growth of field-ready plants
CN109392685A (zh) * 2018-10-24 2019-03-01 杭州师范大学 多功能寄生植物培养装置及使用方法
US10645886B2 (en) * 2016-01-29 2020-05-12 Board Of Trustees Of Michigan State University Methods and apparatus for gnotobiotic plant growth
US10945389B1 (en) * 2017-02-14 2021-03-16 United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of Nasa Passive nutrient delivery system
DE102020128230A1 (de) 2020-10-27 2022-04-28 Stadtgemüse UG (haftungsbeschränkt) Modulares Kultivierungssystem und Verfahren zur Kultivierung von prokaryotischen und/oder eukaryotischen Organismen
US20220151173A1 (en) * 2016-09-07 2022-05-19 Rodney Sidloski Plant nursery and storage system for use in the growth of field-ready plants
WO2022223948A1 (fr) * 2021-04-20 2022-10-27 GyroPlant Limited Système hydroponique et dispositifs d'irrigation d'une culture en croissance

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US5535542A (en) * 1993-04-13 1996-07-16 Gardner Terry Container for the purpose of humidifying vessels of flowers and plants and vessels capable of humidifying flowers and or plants

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US5535542A (en) * 1993-04-13 1996-07-16 Gardner Terry Container for the purpose of humidifying vessels of flowers and plants and vessels capable of humidifying flowers and or plants
USD367728S (en) * 1994-12-30 1996-03-05 Goody Products, Inc. Comb

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2086307A4 (fr) * 2006-11-20 2015-11-18 Grassroots Biotechnology Dispositifs pour la croissance et l'imagerie de plantes, procédés et produits-programmes d'ordinateurs associés
ES2338967A1 (es) * 2008-02-26 2010-05-13 Innovacions Tecnologiques, S.A. I.T.S.A. Estructura perfeccionada para contener sistemas de cultivo en ciclo cerrado de agua.
EP2888933A1 (fr) * 2013-12-27 2015-07-01 Olusculum Pte Ltd Unité de croissance aéroponique pour la croissance de plantes, système, serre et procédés associés
WO2015097291A1 (fr) * 2013-12-27 2015-07-02 Olusculum Pte Ltd Unité de culture aéroponique pour cultiver des plantes, système, serre et procédés correspondants
US10645886B2 (en) * 2016-01-29 2020-05-12 Board Of Trustees Of Michigan State University Methods and apparatus for gnotobiotic plant growth
US20200045893A1 (en) * 2016-09-07 2020-02-13 Rodney Sidloski Plant nursery and storage system for use in the growth of field-ready plants
US20180064042A1 (en) * 2016-09-07 2018-03-08 Rodney Sidloski Plant nursery and storage system for use in the growth of field-ready plants
US20220151173A1 (en) * 2016-09-07 2022-05-19 Rodney Sidloski Plant nursery and storage system for use in the growth of field-ready plants
US10945389B1 (en) * 2017-02-14 2021-03-16 United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of Nasa Passive nutrient delivery system
CN109392685A (zh) * 2018-10-24 2019-03-01 杭州师范大学 多功能寄生植物培养装置及使用方法
CN109392685B (zh) * 2018-10-24 2024-05-14 杭州师范大学 多功能寄生植物培养装置及使用方法
DE102020128230A1 (de) 2020-10-27 2022-04-28 Stadtgemüse UG (haftungsbeschränkt) Modulares Kultivierungssystem und Verfahren zur Kultivierung von prokaryotischen und/oder eukaryotischen Organismen
WO2022089795A1 (fr) 2020-10-27 2022-05-05 Stadtgemüse UG (haftungsbeschränkt) Système de culture modulaire et procédé de culture d'organismes procaryotes et/ou eucaryotes
WO2022223948A1 (fr) * 2021-04-20 2022-10-27 GyroPlant Limited Système hydroponique et dispositifs d'irrigation d'une culture en croissance

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