WO2012151754A1

WO2012151754A1 - Indoor enclosure for plants growing in controlled environment

Info

Publication number: WO2012151754A1
Application number: PCT/CN2011/073982
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zaineng TAN
Original assignee: Tan Zaineng
Priority date: 2011-05-12
Filing date: 2011-05-12
Publication date: 2012-11-15

Abstract

An indoor enclosure for plants growing in a controlled environment is provided, which has a frame structure (13) and an outer layer (18) for enclosing the frame structure. The frame structure (13) includes a plurality of modular glass fiber tubes (14a-d) detachably assembled together. The outer layer (18) includes a plurality of modular panels (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25) detachably assembled together. The risk of corrosion in the presence of water and/or nutrients from the hydroponics system is eliminated. Moreover, assembly or disassembly of the indoor enclosure is simplified.

Description

INDOOR ENCLOSURE FOR PLANTS GROWING IN CONTROLLED

ENVIRONMENT

Background of the Invention

1. Fields of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to indoor gardening, and particularly relates to an indoor enclosure for plants growing in a controlled environment.

2. Description of Prior Art

[0002] In many locations throughout the world there is a necessity to grow plants/ root vegetables and crops that are not native to the country and that require a controlled environment with parameters, such as temperature, humidity, light conditions, C02, nutrients etc., in order to flourish. In such instance an indoor enclosure is typically used for indoor plant growing.

[0003] A conventional indoor enclosure is used for supporting a lighting system to mimic the effect of the sun, fan systems to replenish the air, a hydroponics system with added nutrients to nourish the plants, a heater or cooler unit to manage temperature, and a controller unit that adjusts the input parameters in order to maintain the desired environment within the enclosure. The conventional indoor enclosure typically comprises a roof, side panels and a base for supporting the above equipments. Unlike an outdoor fixed structure such as a greenhouse, an indoor enclosure often needs to be moved. A major benefit of the indoor enclosure is that unlike an outdoor fixed structure it is easily assembled and disassembled therefore making movement of the enclosure uncomplicated and expeditious.

[0004] Generally, a water base tray is provided at a bottom of the conventional indoor enclosure for use in conjunction with the hydroponics system. The water base tray of the conventional indoor enclosure typically receives a level of water permanently therein for the purpose of ensuring a high humidity level within the indoor enclosure. An indoor enclosure may normally hold in excess of 100-1000 liter of fluids, which has significant risk of leakage. Many indoor enclosures are installed in apartments/multi-storey buildings so the damage resulting from leakage is more significant as the water tends to leak to the lower storey levels.

[0005] The conventional indoor enclosure is typically formed of mild steel with Zn plating. The Zn plating may be sacrificial in the presence of water. That is, the Zn plating may corrode to protect the mild steel. This may be acceptable in a short term, but in the presence of water for a long time, the steel may be deteriorated, and even structurally impaired. Moreover, metal material has low damping coefficient. Under the condition that equipments suspended at the top of the conventional indoor enclosure, vibration may be transmitted throughout the conventional indoor enclosure, producing undesired noise. Especially for habitable places, it is important to ensure noise is minimized.

[0006] On the other hand, in manufacture, the conventional indoor enclosure is formed with many scrap material, and extensive cutting of the fabric material is required, resulting in more cutting operations and higher material wastage.

[0007] In addition, the entire internal grow area of the indoor enclosure needs to be accessed. In a conventional enclosure, walkways may be normally provided in the internal grow space for access. This may occupy internal size, resulting in that the required environment parameters are uneasily controlled.

[0008] Accordingly, a need exists for an enclosure that overcomes the disadvantageous discussed above.

Summary of the Invention

[0009] A technical problem of the invention is to provide an indoor enclosure which is easily assembled and disassembled for making movement thereof uncomplicated and expeditious, and which prevents from corrosion in the presence of water and/or nutrients and minimizes noise.

[0010] Another technical problem of the invention is to provide an indoor enclosure which allows to access entire internal grow area thereof.

[0011] A further technical problem of the invention is to provide a method for assembling an indoor enclosure for plants growing.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, an indoor enclosure for plants growing in a controlled environment comprises a frame structure and an outer layer for enclosing the frame structure. The frame structure includes a plurality of modular glass fiber tubes detachably assembled together. The outer layer includes a plurality of modular panels detachably assembled together.

[0013] Optionally, the outer layer comprises an integral PVC water base tray at a bottom thereof for prevention of leakage.

[0014] Optionally, the glass fiber tubes are formed of glass fiber.

[0015] Optionally, the glass fiber tubes are respectively connected to form a top portion, a bottom portion, and intermediate portions between the top portion and the bottom portion.

[0016] Optionally, the corners and the linkages are formed of plastic material.

[0017] Optionally, the indoor enclosure is symmetrical. The frame structure is symmetrical, and the outer layer is symmetrical.

[0018] Optionally, symmetrical doors are provided on the outer layer for allowing three hundred and sixty degree access.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for assembling an indoor enclosure for plants growing in a controlled environment comprises: providing a plurality of modular panels; providing a plurality of modular glass fiber tubes; detachably assembling the glass fiber tubes for forming a frame structure; detachably assembling the panels for forming an outer layer; and assembling the frame structure with the outer layer. For example, the frame structure is assembled within the outer layer.

[0020] The frame structure of the indoor enclosure is assembled with glass fiber tubes. In this way, the risk of corrosion in the presence of water and/or nutrients for the hydroponics system is eliminated. Furthermore, the variation in thermal coefficient of expansion between the glass fiber tubes, the corners and linkages may be reduced for facilitating better fit therebetween. Moreover, the glass fiber tubes have relatively higher damping coefficient, and thus reduce transmitted vibration. On the other hand, the frame structure is assembled with modular glass fiber tubes. The outer layer is assembled with modular panels. Therefore, the indoor enclosure is easily assembled and disassembled, and can be moved readily. Additionally, symmetrical doors are provided on the outer layer for allowing three hundred and sixty degree access. Thus, entire internal grow area can be accessed without occupying internal grow space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an indoor enclosure according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a part of an outer layer of the indoor enclosure is removed for clearly showing a frame structure of the indoor enclosure.

[0022] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of an outer layer of the indoor enclosure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of an outer layer of the indoor enclosure of Fig. 1.

[0024] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a frame structure of the indoor enclosure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0025] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a frame structure of the indoor enclosure according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 6 is an exploded view of an indoor enclosure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a 3-way corner of the indoor enclosure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a 4-way corner of the indoor enclosure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a linkage of the indoor enclosure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0030] The invention is further described in combination with the drawings.

[0031] It will be appreciated that terms such as "front", "back", "top", "bottom" and "side" used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the enclosure and the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the enclosure and the components thereof described herein is within the scope of the invention.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, referring to Fig. 1 , an indoor enclosure for plants growing in a controlled environment, which supports a lighting system to mimic the effect of the sun, fan systems to replenish the air, a hydroponics water system with added nutrients to nourish the plants, a heater or cooler unit to manage temperature, and a controller unit that adjusts the input parameters in order to maintain the desired environment within the indoor enclosure.

[0033] The indoor enclosure comprises a frame structure and an outer layer for enclosing the frame structure. The frame structure includes a plurality of modular glass fiber tubes detachably assembled together. The outer layer includes a plurality of modular panels detachably assembled together.

[0034] According to some embodiments, in assembly, the frame structure is placed and assembled within the outer layer, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

[0035] In one embodiment, the indoor enclosure comprises a frame structure 13 and an outer layer 18 for enclosing the frame structure.

[0036] The frame structure 13 includes a plurality of modular glass fiber tubes detachably assembled together with corners and linkages. In one embodiment, referring to Fig. 4, the glass fiber tubes are respectively connected to form a top portion, a bottom portion, and intermediate portions between the top portion and the bottom portion. Specifically, the top portion are formed with the glass fiber tubes 14a, the bottom portion are formed with the glass fiber tubes 14d, and the intermediate portions are formed with the glass fiber tubes 14b and 14c. Here, the X plane and the Z plane, which are perpendicular to each other, may be only designated relative to the described corners and linkages for simplifying the description. The linkages are provided to connect with double glass fiber tubes which respectively extend in opposite direction in the X plane. The corners comprise three-way corners for connecting with triple glass fiber tubes, two of the triple glass fiber tubes respectively extending at right angles in opposite direction in the X plane, and the third one extending in the Z plane perpendicular to the X plane. Referring to Fig. 5, the corners further comprise four- way corners for connecting with quadruple glass fiber tubes, two of the quadruple glass fiber tubes extending at right angles in the X plane, and another two extending at right angles in the Z plane perpendicular to the X plane.

[0037] The glass fiber tubes are made of glass fiber, which has relatively higher damping coefficient, and thus reduce transmitted vibration. In one embodiment, the corners and the linkage are made of plastic. The risk of corrosion in the presence of water and/or nutrients for the hydroponics system is eliminated. Furthermore, the variation in thermal coefficient of expansion between the glass fiber tubes, the corners and linkages may be reduced for facilitating better fit therebetween. Moreover, the glass fiber tubes, the plastic corners and the plastic linkages reduce individual components weight and therefore the overall frame structure weight. This also facilitates movement of the indoor enclosure.

[0038] The glass fiber tubes are fit to the corners and linkages by friction. Alternatively, the glass fiber tubes may be secured to the corners and linkages by a permanent method, such as adhesive bonding or the like.

[0039] In one embodiment, the glass fiber tubes, the corners and the linkages may be fabricated with poles, and may have optimized lengths to reduce the number of poles required to assemble a range of the frame structures. Dimensions of the indoor enclosure may vary in a range based on optimized lengths of the glass fiber tubes, the corners and the linkages. In this way, the process of assembling and disassembling the frame structure is simplified, and time needed to assemble and disassemble the frame structure is greatly shortened.

[0040] It will be understood that any combination of glass fiber tubes, corners and linkages, shall be within the present scope of the invention. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the frame structure has sixteen glass fiber tubes, eight three-way corners and four linkages. In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the frame structure has thirty six glass fiber tubes, eight three-way corners, eight four- way corners and eight linkages.

[0041] In one embodiment, the glass fiber tubes 14a, 14d, 14b and 14c are formed with male ends. As shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 7, each three-way corner 15 includes a triple female end which has two receivers extending at right angles to each other in the X plane, and a third receiver extending in the Z plane perpendicular to the X plane. The female receivers are adapted to connect with the male ends of the glass fiber tubes 14a, 14d, 14b and 14c. In another embodiment, as shown in Figs. 5 and 8, each four-way corner 17 may include a quadruple female end, which has two receivers extending at right angles to each other, and another two receivers extending at right angles and in opposite directions. In another embodiment, as shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 9, each linkage 16 connects with two glass fiber tubes 14a and 14c which extend in opposite direction in one plane. The linkages and the corners can be used in an end and/or a middle of walls of the frame structure for allowing extension of the width and depth of the indoor enclosure. In one embodiment, the corners and the linkages may be made of translucent material. Therefore, the depth of the glass fiber tubes into the corners and the linkages can be determined. Additionally it is possible to feature mark the corners and the linkages so that it is possible to visually see when the glass fiber tubes are fully inserted and engaged.

[0042] The outer layer includes a plurality of modular panels detachably assembled together. In one embodiment, the panels of the outer layer may be sewn, stitched or otherwise held together.

[0043] In one embodiment, the outer layer has enhanced light reflection properties for increasing the available lumens of light. The outer layer further comprises an integral water base tray 11 at a bottom thereof. The integral water base tray 11 may contain water therein for the purpose of ensuring a high humidity level within the indoor enclosure. The integral water base tray 11 is formed of waterproof material for prevention of leakage, for example PVC. A level of water is permanently maintained in the integral water base tray 11 in order to ensure that a high humidity level is achieved within the indoor enclosure. The outer layer comprises a flexible fabric for enclosing the glass fiber frame structure. It should be understood that the integral water base tray 11 may be formed of different material from other portions of the outer layer. In the preferred embodiment, the other portions of the outer layer includes PP on the outside bonded to PVC in the centre bonded to PET on the inside.

[0044] The outer layer has at least a top panel, at least a base panel, side panels and doors. In one embodiment, the outer layer is symmetrical for decreasing the number of unique parts thereby reducing manufacturing complexity. The outer layer has symmetrical top panels, symmetrical base panels and symmetrical side panels. In one embodiment, the outer layer comprises symmetrical doors for allowing three hundred and sixty degree access.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the outer layer 18 includes two long base panels 19, two short base panels 20, two long side panels 21, two short side panels 22, two long upper panels 23, two short upper panels 24 and two top panels 25. In another embodiment, a centre top panel (not labeled) may be provided between the two top panels 25. In yet another embodiment, one top panel may be provided. It should be understood that the number and location of panels is not a limitation on the present invention and other symmetrical panel arrangements are within the scope of the present invention. The outer layer further comprises symmetrical doors for allowing three hundred and sixty degree access. For example, referring to Fig. 3, the long side panels 21 can act as the symmetrical doors for allowing three hundred and sixty degree access. In assembly, the outer layer may open through three hundred and sixty degrees for allowing the frame structure to be assembled and placed within the outer layer efficiently and easily. Moreover, the indoor enclosure has symmetrical doors which may open three hundred and sixty degrees, thus the indoor enclosure can be easily placed in various locations while still maintaining ease of access.

[0046] Socks and windows are defined in the panels of the outer layer. In one embodiment, referring to Fig. 3, socks 37 and windows 36 are respectively defined in the long base panels 19, the short base panels 20 and the top panels 25. The panels of the outer layer have optimized predefined widths ranged of 245-395cm, for example 245cm, 345cm or 395cm. As an example, a sock 37 and two windows 36 are respectively defined in each long base panel 19. The long base panels 19, the short base panels 20 and the top panels 25 have optimized minimum width as above allows for easy inclusion of the socks and the windows. In one embodiment, the panels of the outer layer have optimized predefined widths ranged of 145-395cm, for example 145cm, 345cm or 395cm, for ease of inclusion of screen print (not shown).

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, at least a long base panel 19 with the windows 36 and the sock 37 is replaced by a single permissive material base strip 38, as shown in Fig. 2. The permissive material allows air to flow therethrough whilst absorbing light and active carbon efficiently.

[0048] The long base panels 19 may be made of waterproof material, for example PVC.

[0049] In another embodiment, referring to Fig. 6, the outer layer includes a front panel 40 and a rear panel (not labeled), a left side panel (not labeled) and a right side panel 41, base panels 42, upper side panels 43, two doors 44 and two top panels 47. The front panel 40 and the rear panel are mirrored. The left side panel and the right side panel 41 are mirrored on opposite sides of the outer layer. The doors 44 are provided on the front panel 40 and the rear panel. It should be noted that the terms such as "front", "rear", "top", "base", "upper" and "side" used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the enclosure and the components as shown in the figure, and that any orientation of the enclosure and the components thereof described herein is within the scope of the invention.

[0050] Molded zippers may be provided to join the panels of the outer layer. If a conventional zipper is stitched into an enclosure whilst separated, the conventional zipper may be stitched in at differing tooth count/unit length. In other words, when the conventional zipper is subsequently closed, the difference in tooth/unit length of the conventional zipper will be different on each side of the conventional zipper. This will result in either the conventional zipper being difficult to close or impossible to close without the teeth disengaging and skipping teeth. It is likely that an opening can propagate from non closure area of the conventional zipper. The molded zipper eliminates these issues and ensures that if stitched into the outer layer separately, tooth count/unit length of the molded zipper is maintained thus mitigating any such issue. The panels of the outer layer may be joined by hook strips. Hook strips are provided to connect panels for adjusting accumulated length through tolerance and providing a suitable light proofing baffle. As an example, molded zippers 45 are provided to respectively connect the front panels 40, the rear panel, the left side panel and the right side panels 41 with the base panels 42 and the upper side panels 43. The front panels 40, the rear panel, the left side panel and the right side panels 41 are joined by hook strips 46. The top panels 47 may be made of waterproof material, for example PVC.

[0051] In one embodiment, fabric material used in the manufacture may be optimized to ensure the minimal use of material and minimal times of cutting operations. The outer layer of the conventional indoor enclosure comprises panels of n widths. In manufacture, the raw fabric material with n defined widths is cut to required length. As an example, raw fabric material is supplied in max width of 1.44m according to industry standard. The doors have width optimized to 1.36m to ensure minimal waste of material, resulting in less cutting operations and less material wastage.

[0052] The frame structure of the indoor enclosure has a plurality of modular glass fiber tubes detachably assembled together, and the outer layer has a plurality of modular panels detachably assembled together. Therefore it is allowed to link multiple indoor enclosures to create a custom-defined enclosure, which may be optimized for the available space.

[0053] The invention is described above in connection with preferred embodiments. However, the preferred embodiments shall not limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art can make various alternations and modifications to the preferred embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention shall be defined as in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An indoor enclosure for plants growing in a controlled environment, comprising a frame structure and an outer layer for enclosing the frame structure, the frame structure including a plurality of modular glass fiber tubes detachably assembled together, the outer layer including a plurality of modular panels detachably assembled together.

2. The indoor enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the outer layer comprises an integral water base tray at a bottom thereof, the integral water base tray being made of waterproof material for prevention of leakage.

3. The indoor enclosure according to claim 2, wherein the integral water base tray is made of PVC.

4. The indoor enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the glass fiber tubes are respectively connected to form a top portion, a bottom portion, and intermediate portions between the top portion and the bottom portion.

5. The indoor enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the glass fiber tubes are connected by corners and the linkages.

6. The indoor enclosure according to claim 5, wherein the glass fiber tubes of the frame structure are fit to the corners and the linkages by friction.

7. The indoor enclosure according to claim 5, wherein the glass fiber tubes of the frame structure are secured to the corners and the linkages permanently.

8. The indoor enclosure according to claim 5, wherein the corners and the linkages are formed of plastic material.

9. The indoor enclosure according to claim 5, wherein the corners and the linkages are made of translucent material.

10. The indoor enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the frame structure is symmetrical and the outer layer is symmetrical.

11. The indoor enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the outer layer has symmetrical doors for allowing three hundred and sixty degree access.

12. The indoor enclosure according to claim 1, wherein molded zippers are provided to join the panels of the outer layer.

13. The indoor enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the panels of the outer layer are joined by hook strips.

14. The indoor enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the panels of the outer layer are made of permissive material.

15. The indoor enclosure according to claim 1, wherein socks and windows are defined in the panels of the outer layer.

16. The indoor enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the outer layer has enhanced light reflection properties.

17. The indoor enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the glass fiber tubes have high damping coefficient for reducing transmitted vibration.

18. An indoor enclosure for plants growing in a controlled environment, comprising a frame structure and an outer layer for enclosing the frame structure, the frame structure including a plurality of modular tubes detachably assembled together, the outer layer including a plurality of modular panels detachably assembled together.

19. A method for assembling an indoor enclosure for plants growing in a controlled environment, comprising:

providing a plurality of modular panels;

providing a plurality of modular glass fiber tubes;

detachably assembling the glass fiber tubes for forming a frame structure; and detachably assembling the panels for forming an outer layer; and

assembling the frame structure with the outer layer.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein with the glass fiber tubes are detachably assembled with corners and linkages.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein with the panels are detachably assembled with molded zippers.

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein the panels are joined by hook strips.

23. The method according to claim 19, wherein the panels have optimized predefined widths for ease of inclusion of socks and windows.

24. The method according to claim 19, wherein the panels have optimized predefined widths for ease of inclusion of screen print.

25. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: opening the outer layer through three hundred and sixty degrees for allowing the frame structure to be assembled within the outer layer efficiently and easily.

26. An indoor enclosure for plants growing in a controlled environment, comprising a frame structure and an outer layer for enclosing the frame structure, the frame structure including a plurality of modular glass fiber tubes detachably assembled together.