WO2016070196A1 - Nested plant grow tray - Google Patents

Nested plant grow tray Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016070196A1
WO2016070196A1 PCT/US2015/058687 US2015058687W WO2016070196A1 WO 2016070196 A1 WO2016070196 A1 WO 2016070196A1 US 2015058687 W US2015058687 W US 2015058687W WO 2016070196 A1 WO2016070196 A1 WO 2016070196A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plant grow
panel
plant
plants
tray
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/058687
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Matthew LIOTTA
Original Assignee
Podponics, Llc
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 Podponics, Llc filed Critical Podponics, Llc
Publication of WO2016070196A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016070196A1/en

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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
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
    • A01G9/029—Receptacles for seedlings
    • A01G9/0295—Units comprising two or more connected receptacles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates, generally, to the field of growing plants and, more particularly, for growing plants in a limited amount of space with fewer transplantations and less human intervention.
  • plants have been grown in nurseries from seeds placed in plastic, soil-filled containers having solid side panels and a solid bottom. Water, fertilizer and other nutrients are provided to the plants during growth via the open tops of the containers. Once the plants reach a first size and maturity, the plants are thinned and the larger, more mature plants are transplanted into other containers and moved to a different area of the nursery. Then, as the plants continue to grow and reach a second size and maturity, the plants are again transplanted into other containers and moved to another area of the nursery.
  • the present invention comprises apparatuses and methods for growing plants in a limited amount of space that minimize the human intervention required to move multiple plants from one location to another location and that minimize damage to plants during such movement.
  • the apparatuses comprise a nested plant grow tray having individual plant grow panels holding a plurality of plants in plant grow cups and in cooperative arrangement such that the individual plant grow panels are configurable in a stacked configuration during initial plant growth and in a non-stacked configuration once the plants reach a greater level of maturity.
  • the plant grow panels are interchangeable and are each adapted to hold a plurality of plant grow cups therein.
  • Each plant grow panel is further adapted with strategically-located openings such that when the panels are in a stacked configuration, the canopies of plants in plant grow cups held by the lower plant grow panel pass through the upper plant grow panel, allowing the upper plant grow panel to be un-stacked from and moved relative to the lower plant grow panel absent significant damage to plants present in plant grow cups of the lower plant grow panel.
  • the plant grow panels are adapted such that when the panels are in a stacked configuration, plant grow cups of the upper plant grow panel are held respectively at locations between adjacent plant grow cups of the lower plant grow panel and plant grow cups of the lower plant grow panel are held respectively at locations between adjacent plant grow cups of the upper plant grow panel.
  • the plant grow cups of one plant grow panel are no longer held at locations between adjacent plant grow cups of the other plant grow panel, thereby increasing the distance between plants and providing thinning of the plants absent uprooting of any plants for transplantation or disposal.
  • the plant grow cups are adapted with slot-like openings that permit plants therein to receive water and nutrients and to be easily removed therefrom without significant damage to the plants' root structure.
  • the plant grow cups are further adapted with resilient, deformable rims that cause the plant grow cups to be securely held by the plant grow panels, while enabling the plant grow cups easy insertion into and removal from the plant grow panels.
  • the nested plant grow tray allows multiple plants to be started in close proximity to one another in a limited amount of space and to be subsequently moved, at the same time and without individual handling, to thin the plants and provide greater distance between the plants in order to promote further plant growth. Also advantageously, in a hydroponic system, the nested plant grow tray permits multiple plants to be moved into and out of nutrient-enriched water at the same time and with little, or no, human intervention. [0007] Other uses, advantages and benefits of the present invention may become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings.
  • Fig. 1 displays a perspective view of a nested plant grow tray in a stacked configuration according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 displays a top plan view of the nested plant grow tray of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 3 displays a perspective view of a nested plant grow tray in an unstacked configuration according to the example embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 4 displays a top plan view of the nested plant grow tray of Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 5 displays a bottom perspective view of a plant grow cup of the nested plant grow tray according to the example embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6 displays a top plan view of the plant grow cup of Fig. 5.
  • Fig. 7 displays a bottom plan view of the plant grow cup of Fig. 5.
  • Fig. 8 displays a front elevation view of the plant grow cup of Fig. 5.
  • Fig. 9 displays a back elevation view of the plant grow cup of Fig. 5.
  • Fig. 10 displays a right side elevation view of the plant grow cup of Fig. 5, the left side elevation view of the plant grow cup of Fig. 5 being a mirror image thereof.
  • Fig. 11 displays a top perspective view of the plant grow cup of Fig. 5.
  • Fig. 12 displays a front perspective view of a nested plant grow tray in a stacked configuration, according to an example embodiment of the present invention, with the plant grow cups of both cup retaining panels immersed in a water flume of a hydroponic plant growing system.
  • Fig. 13 displays a front perspective view of a nested plant grow tray in a stacked configuration, according to an example embodiment of the present invention, with the plant grow cups of the first cup retaining panel removed from a water flume of a hydroponic plant growing system and the plant grow cups of the second cup retaining panel remaining immersed in the water flume.
  • Fig. 14 displays a front perspective view of a nested plant grow tray in a stacked configuration, according to an example embodiment of the present invention, with the plant grow cups of both cup retaining panels removed from a water flume of a hydroponic plant growing system.
  • Fig. 1 displays a perspective view of a nested plant grow tray 100 in accordance with the example embodiment of the present invention.
  • the nested plant grow tray 100 comprises a first cup retaining panel 102 (also sometimes referred to herein as “plant grow tray 102" or as “plant grow panel 102") and a second cup retaining panel 104 (also sometimes referred to herein as "plant grow tray 104" or as “plant grow panel 104”) that are cooperatively configured and stackable atop one another in a first configuration as seen in Fig. 1.
  • the first and second cup retaining panels 102, 104 each comprise a substantially planar member having a plurality of cup retaining web portions 106 that are interconnected to define openings 108 therebetween.
  • Each cup retaining web portion 106 defines an opening 110 that is cooperatively sized to removably receive an individual plant grow cup 112 therein such that the majority of the plant grow cup 112 depends from the cup retaining web portion 106 when the plant grow cup 112 is fully inserted into the opening 110.
  • the openings 108, 110 each have a generally circular shape when viewed in top plan view (see Fig. 2).
  • FIG. 2 The cooperative relationship and relative positions of the first and second cup retaining panels 102, 104 in the first configuration is illustrated more clearly in the top plan view of Fig. 2.
  • the openings 108 are oriented so as to receive a cup retaining web portion 106 and plant grow cup 112 substantially centered therein.
  • the openings 108 are sized to permit the first and second cup retaining panels 102, 104 to be separated from one another without damage to the plants after plants growing in the plant grow cups 112 have reached a desired size.
  • each adjacent pair of openings 108 in the first cup retaining panel 102 has a center-to-center distance, D l5 therebetween that is substantially equal to the center-to-center distance, D 2 , between the openings 110 of the second cup retaining panel 104.
  • each adjacent pair of openings 108 in the second cup retaining panel 104 has a center- to-center distance, D 3 , therebetween that is substantially equal to the center-to-center distance, D 4 , between the openings 110 of the first cup retaining panel 102.
  • center- to-center distance Di has a measure substantially equal to center-to-center distance D 3
  • center-to-center distance D 2 has a measure substantially equal to center-to- center distance D 4 .
  • the particular distances may be selected depending on the type of plants being grown and to accommodate the canopy sizes thereof as the plants mature.
  • the first and second cup retaining panels 102, 104 may be separated, un-stacked (or un-nested) and repositioned relative to one another in a second configuration as seen in Figs. 3 and 4.
  • the first cup retaining panel 102 is positioned adjacent to the second cup retaining panel 102, but may be positioned in a plurality of different positions relative to the second cup retaining panel 102 and may be relocated to an entire different area or facility.
  • the first and second cup retaining panels 102, 104 are separated as seen in Figs.
  • the distance between plant grow cups 112 is increased in the row and column directions, thereby generally providing more space between plants growing in the plant grow cups 112 and allowing the plants to grow with less confinement by and interference from other plants. Also, by virtue of the first and second cup retaining panels 102, 104 being separable and individually re-locatable, plants can be started off closer together using less overall space with the first and second cup retaining panels 102, 104 being stacked, or nested, together and then subsequently separated and moved in mass to another area or location.
  • the plants may be separated and moved in mass by moving an entire first cup retaining panel 102 or second cup retaining panel 104, there is no need to individually unearth the plants, disturb their roots and growth, and transplant them in order to provide them with more space to grow. And, by eliminating the need to move plants individually, the amount of human intervention and labor cost associated with growing the plants is reduced substantially.
  • Figs. 5-11 display various views of an individual plant grow cup 112 in accordance with the example embodiment.
  • the plant grow cup 112 is insertable and removable from openings 110 of the cup retaining web portions 106 of the first and second cup retaining panels 102, 104.
  • Each plant grow cup 112 generally holds a single plant, with the plant growing therein.
  • the plant grow cup 112 has a partial ring 114 (also sometimes referred to herein as a "partial rim 114") at a top 116 thereof and a base 118 at a bottom 120 thereof.
  • the plant grow cup 112 also has a plurality of staves 122 extending between the partial ring 114 and base 118.
  • Each adjacent pair of staves 122 defines a slot-like opening 124 therebetween that enables water and nutrients to be supplied therethrough to a plant present in the plant grow cup 112, particularly when the nested plant grow tray 100 is used in a hydroponic plant growing system and is immersed in nutrient-rich water.
  • the slot- like openings 124 also allow plant roots to grow outward from the plant grow cup 112 and, in contrast to prior art plant grow cups having mesh through which plant roots grow, and permit a plant in the plant grow cup 112 to be removed from the plant grow cup 112 for transplantation without significant breakage of plant roots.
  • Each stave 122 has a vertical portion 126 and a radially extending portion 128 extending between the base 118 of the plant grow cup 112 and the vertical portion 126.
  • the partial ring 114 of the plant grow cup 112 has a shoulder 130 that extends radially beyond the vertical portions 126 of the staves 122 sufficiently such that the shoulder 130 contacts the upper surface of a cup retaining web portion 106 surrounding an opening 110 when the plant grow cup 112 is inserted fully through the opening 110 when in use.
  • the partial ring 114 and shoulder 130 define a gap 132 therein.
  • the plant grow cup 112 is, generally, manufactured from a plastic material that is slightly deformable by the application of pressure by a human tending to squeeze the partial ring 114 of the plant grow cup 112 and reduce the width of the gap 132 proximate the plant grow cup's top 116, yet is sufficiently resilient to return to its original shape after the application of such pressure is removed. Additionally, the diameter measured between diametrically-opposed locations of the shoulder 130 is selected to be slightly larger than the diameter of each opening 110.
  • the outer surfaces of the staves 122 near the shoulder 130 engage the edge of the cup retaining web portion 106 surrounding the opening 110 due to the diameter measured between diametrically-opposed locations of the shoulder 130 being slightly larger than the diameter of the opening 110.
  • Such engagement between the outer surfaces of the staves 122 and the edge of the cup retaining web portion 106 cause the plant grow cup 112 to be more securely retained with the opening 110 and cup retaining web portion 106.
  • the nested plant grow tray 100 allows the growth of a plurality of plants in a minimal amount of space.
  • the nested plant grow tray 100 also allows movement of multiple plants relative to other plants at the same time and with minimal human intervention.
  • These advantages of the nested plant grow tray 100 are illustrated in the successive views of Figs. 12- 14 in which a nested plant grow tray 100 in a stacked configuration is used to grow plants in a hydroponic plant growing system.
  • the plant grow cups 112 of both cup retaining panels 102, 104 of the nested plant grow tray 100 are immersed in water flowing in a flume of the hydroponic plant growing system.
  • Fig. 12 the plant grow cups 112 of both cup retaining panels 102, 104 of the nested plant grow tray 100 are immersed in water flowing in a flume of the hydroponic plant growing system.
  • the first cup retaining panel 102 has selectively been raised relative to the second cup retaining panel 104 such that the plant grow cups 112 of the first cup retaining panel 102 are removed from the water of the flume and the plant grow cups 112 of the second cup retaining panel 104 remain immersed within the water of the flume.
  • the plant grow cups 112 of both cup retaining panels 102, 104 of the nested plant grow tray 100 have been raised and removed from the water of the flume.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a nested plant grow tray and methods of using the same for growing plants in limited space that minimizes the human intervention required to move multiple plants from one location to another location (such as, without limitation, to thin the plants or to move plants into or out of nutrient-enriched water in a hydroponic system) and that minimizes damage to plants during such movement. The nested plant grow tray comprises stackable, unstackable, interchangeable plant grow panels defining a plurality of openings for receiving plant grow cups and a plurality of openings for receiving the canopies of plants therethrough. The plant grow cups have resilient, deformable rims that enable secure holding of the cups in place, while permitting easy insertion and removal from the plant grow panels. Slot- like openings in each plant grow cup make removal of a plant therefrom possible without significant plant damage.

Description

NESTED PLANT GROW TRAY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates, generally, to the field of growing plants and, more particularly, for growing plants in a limited amount of space with fewer transplantations and less human intervention.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] For many years, plants have been grown in nurseries from seeds placed in plastic, soil-filled containers having solid side panels and a solid bottom. Water, fertilizer and other nutrients are provided to the plants during growth via the open tops of the containers. Once the plants reach a first size and maturity, the plants are thinned and the larger, more mature plants are transplanted into other containers and moved to a different area of the nursery. Then, as the plants continue to grow and reach a second size and maturity, the plants are again transplanted into other containers and moved to another area of the nursery.
[0003] While this process has worked well and been successful for the most part, the nursery must have a substantial amount of space to accommodate the plants at their different stages of maturity. Also, some of the plants may be damaged or harmed during repeated transplantation and movement, thereby reducing the survival rate of the plants. Additionally, the transplantation and movement of the plants requires a great deal of human intervention, thereby making the process time-consuming and costly.
[0004] There is, therefore, a need in the industry for apparatuses and methods for growing plants that solve these and other problems, deficiencies, and shortcomings of present apparatuses and methods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Broadly described, the present invention comprises apparatuses and methods for growing plants in a limited amount of space that minimize the human intervention required to move multiple plants from one location to another location and that minimize damage to plants during such movement. According to an example embodiment and without limitation, the apparatuses comprise a nested plant grow tray having individual plant grow panels holding a plurality of plants in plant grow cups and in cooperative arrangement such that the individual plant grow panels are configurable in a stacked configuration during initial plant growth and in a non-stacked configuration once the plants reach a greater level of maturity. The plant grow panels are interchangeable and are each adapted to hold a plurality of plant grow cups therein. Each plant grow panel is further adapted with strategically-located openings such that when the panels are in a stacked configuration, the canopies of plants in plant grow cups held by the lower plant grow panel pass through the upper plant grow panel, allowing the upper plant grow panel to be un-stacked from and moved relative to the lower plant grow panel absent significant damage to plants present in plant grow cups of the lower plant grow panel. Additionally, the plant grow panels are adapted such that when the panels are in a stacked configuration, plant grow cups of the upper plant grow panel are held respectively at locations between adjacent plant grow cups of the lower plant grow panel and plant grow cups of the lower plant grow panel are held respectively at locations between adjacent plant grow cups of the upper plant grow panel. Consequentially, when the plant grow panels are separated and reconfigured in a non- stacked configuration, the plant grow cups of one plant grow panel are no longer held at locations between adjacent plant grow cups of the other plant grow panel, thereby increasing the distance between plants and providing thinning of the plants absent uprooting of any plants for transplantation or disposal. In addition, the plant grow cups are adapted with slot-like openings that permit plants therein to receive water and nutrients and to be easily removed therefrom without significant damage to the plants' root structure. The plant grow cups are further adapted with resilient, deformable rims that cause the plant grow cups to be securely held by the plant grow panels, while enabling the plant grow cups easy insertion into and removal from the plant grow panels.
[0006] Advantageously, the nested plant grow tray allows multiple plants to be started in close proximity to one another in a limited amount of space and to be subsequently moved, at the same time and without individual handling, to thin the plants and provide greater distance between the plants in order to promote further plant growth. Also advantageously, in a hydroponic system, the nested plant grow tray permits multiple plants to be moved into and out of nutrient-enriched water at the same time and with little, or no, human intervention. [0007] Other uses, advantages and benefits of the present invention may become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Fig. 1 displays a perspective view of a nested plant grow tray in a stacked configuration according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Fig. 2 displays a top plan view of the nested plant grow tray of Fig. 1.
[0010] Fig. 3 displays a perspective view of a nested plant grow tray in an unstacked configuration according to the example embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] Fig. 4 displays a top plan view of the nested plant grow tray of Fig. 3.
[0012] Fig. 5 displays a bottom perspective view of a plant grow cup of the nested plant grow tray according to the example embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] Fig. 6 displays a top plan view of the plant grow cup of Fig. 5.
[0014] Fig. 7 displays a bottom plan view of the plant grow cup of Fig. 5.
[0015] Fig. 8 displays a front elevation view of the plant grow cup of Fig. 5.
[0016] Fig. 9 displays a back elevation view of the plant grow cup of Fig. 5.
[0017] Fig. 10 displays a right side elevation view of the plant grow cup of Fig. 5, the left side elevation view of the plant grow cup of Fig. 5 being a mirror image thereof.
[0018] Fig. 11 displays a top perspective view of the plant grow cup of Fig. 5.
[0019] Fig. 12 displays a front perspective view of a nested plant grow tray in a stacked configuration, according to an example embodiment of the present invention, with the plant grow cups of both cup retaining panels immersed in a water flume of a hydroponic plant growing system.
[0020] Fig. 13 displays a front perspective view of a nested plant grow tray in a stacked configuration, according to an example embodiment of the present invention, with the plant grow cups of the first cup retaining panel removed from a water flume of a hydroponic plant growing system and the plant grow cups of the second cup retaining panel remaining immersed in the water flume. [0021] Fig. 14 displays a front perspective view of a nested plant grow tray in a stacked configuration, according to an example embodiment of the present invention, with the plant grow cups of both cup retaining panels removed from a water flume of a hydroponic plant growing system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals represent like elements or steps throughout the several views, Fig. 1 displays a perspective view of a nested plant grow tray 100 in accordance with the example embodiment of the present invention. The nested plant grow tray 100 comprises a first cup retaining panel 102 (also sometimes referred to herein as "plant grow tray 102" or as "plant grow panel 102") and a second cup retaining panel 104 (also sometimes referred to herein as "plant grow tray 104" or as "plant grow panel 104") that are cooperatively configured and stackable atop one another in a first configuration as seen in Fig. 1. The first and second cup retaining panels 102, 104 each comprise a substantially planar member having a plurality of cup retaining web portions 106 that are interconnected to define openings 108 therebetween. Each cup retaining web portion 106 defines an opening 110 that is cooperatively sized to removably receive an individual plant grow cup 112 therein such that the majority of the plant grow cup 112 depends from the cup retaining web portion 106 when the plant grow cup 112 is fully inserted into the opening 110. According to the example embodiment, the openings 108, 110 each have a generally circular shape when viewed in top plan view (see Fig. 2).
[0023] The cooperative relationship and relative positions of the first and second cup retaining panels 102, 104 in the first configuration is illustrated more clearly in the top plan view of Fig. 2. As seen in Fig. 2, the openings 108 are oriented so as to receive a cup retaining web portion 106 and plant grow cup 112 substantially centered therein. The openings 108 are sized to permit the first and second cup retaining panels 102, 104 to be separated from one another without damage to the plants after plants growing in the plant grow cups 112 have reached a desired size.
[0024] As also seen in Fig. 2, each adjacent pair of openings 108 in the first cup retaining panel 102 has a center-to-center distance, Dl5 therebetween that is substantially equal to the center-to-center distance, D2, between the openings 110 of the second cup retaining panel 104. Similarly, each adjacent pair of openings 108 in the second cup retaining panel 104 has a center- to-center distance, D3, therebetween that is substantially equal to the center-to-center distance, D4, between the openings 110 of the first cup retaining panel 102. According to the example embodiment, center- to-center distance Di has a measure substantially equal to center-to-center distance D3, and center-to-center distance D2 has a measure substantially equal to center-to- center distance D4. The particular distances may be selected depending on the type of plants being grown and to accommodate the canopy sizes thereof as the plants mature.
[0025] The first and second cup retaining panels 102, 104, as described briefly above, may be separated, un-stacked (or un-nested) and repositioned relative to one another in a second configuration as seen in Figs. 3 and 4. In the second configuration, the first cup retaining panel 102 is positioned adjacent to the second cup retaining panel 102, but may be positioned in a plurality of different positions relative to the second cup retaining panel 102 and may be relocated to an entire different area or facility. When the first and second cup retaining panels 102, 104 are separated as seen in Figs. 3 and 4, the distance between plant grow cups 112 is increased in the row and column directions, thereby generally providing more space between plants growing in the plant grow cups 112 and allowing the plants to grow with less confinement by and interference from other plants. Also, by virtue of the first and second cup retaining panels 102, 104 being separable and individually re-locatable, plants can be started off closer together using less overall space with the first and second cup retaining panels 102, 104 being stacked, or nested, together and then subsequently separated and moved in mass to another area or location. Because the plants may be separated and moved in mass by moving an entire first cup retaining panel 102 or second cup retaining panel 104, there is no need to individually unearth the plants, disturb their roots and growth, and transplant them in order to provide them with more space to grow. And, by eliminating the need to move plants individually, the amount of human intervention and labor cost associated with growing the plants is reduced substantially.
[0026] Figs. 5-11 display various views of an individual plant grow cup 112 in accordance with the example embodiment. The plant grow cup 112 is insertable and removable from openings 110 of the cup retaining web portions 106 of the first and second cup retaining panels 102, 104. Each plant grow cup 112 generally holds a single plant, with the plant growing therein. The plant grow cup 112 has a partial ring 114 (also sometimes referred to herein as a "partial rim 114") at a top 116 thereof and a base 118 at a bottom 120 thereof. The plant grow cup 112 also has a plurality of staves 122 extending between the partial ring 114 and base 118. Each adjacent pair of staves 122 defines a slot-like opening 124 therebetween that enables water and nutrients to be supplied therethrough to a plant present in the plant grow cup 112, particularly when the nested plant grow tray 100 is used in a hydroponic plant growing system and is immersed in nutrient-rich water. The slot- like openings 124 also allow plant roots to grow outward from the plant grow cup 112 and, in contrast to prior art plant grow cups having mesh through which plant roots grow, and permit a plant in the plant grow cup 112 to be removed from the plant grow cup 112 for transplantation without significant breakage of plant roots.
[0027] Each stave 122 has a vertical portion 126 and a radially extending portion 128 extending between the base 118 of the plant grow cup 112 and the vertical portion 126. The partial ring 114 of the plant grow cup 112 has a shoulder 130 that extends radially beyond the vertical portions 126 of the staves 122 sufficiently such that the shoulder 130 contacts the upper surface of a cup retaining web portion 106 surrounding an opening 110 when the plant grow cup 112 is inserted fully through the opening 110 when in use. The partial ring 114 and shoulder 130 define a gap 132 therein.
[0028] The plant grow cup 112 is, generally, manufactured from a plastic material that is slightly deformable by the application of pressure by a human tending to squeeze the partial ring 114 of the plant grow cup 112 and reduce the width of the gap 132 proximate the plant grow cup's top 116, yet is sufficiently resilient to return to its original shape after the application of such pressure is removed. Additionally, the diameter measured between diametrically-opposed locations of the shoulder 130 is selected to be slightly larger than the diameter of each opening 110.
[0029] During use, when a plant grow cup 112 is to be inserted into and through an opening 110 of a cup retaining web portion 106, pressure is applied by a user to the partial ring 114 and shoulder 130 tending to deform the partial ring 114 and shoulder 130, and reduce the width of the gap 132 proximate the plant grow cup's top 116. When the plant grow cup 112 is fully inserted through the opening 110, the pressure is released allowing the partial ring 114, shoulder 130, and gap 132 to return to their original shapes and dimensions due to the resilience of the material of the plant grow cup 112. Once the partial ring 114, shoulder 130, and gap 132 return to their original shapes and dimensions, the outer surfaces of the staves 122 near the shoulder 130 engage the edge of the cup retaining web portion 106 surrounding the opening 110 due to the diameter measured between diametrically-opposed locations of the shoulder 130 being slightly larger than the diameter of the opening 110. Such engagement between the outer surfaces of the staves 122 and the edge of the cup retaining web portion 106 cause the plant grow cup 112 to be more securely retained with the opening 110 and cup retaining web portion 106.
[0030] When the plant grow cup 112 is to be later removed from the opening 110, pressure is again applied by a user to the partial ring 114 and shoulder 130 tending to deform the partial ring 114 and shoulder 130, and reduce the width of the gap 132 proximate the plant grow cup's top 116. With the width of the gap 132 reduced, the outer surfaces of the staves 122 near the shoulder 130 are disengaged from the edge of the cup retaining web portion 106 surrounding the opening 110, allowing the user to move the plant group cup 112 in a generally upward direction sufficiently to remove the plant grow cup 112 from the cup retaining web portion 106.
[0031] In use, the nested plant grow tray 100 allows the growth of a plurality of plants in a minimal amount of space. The nested plant grow tray 100 also allows movement of multiple plants relative to other plants at the same time and with minimal human intervention. These advantages of the nested plant grow tray 100 are illustrated in the successive views of Figs. 12- 14 in which a nested plant grow tray 100 in a stacked configuration is used to grow plants in a hydroponic plant growing system. In Fig. 12, the plant grow cups 112 of both cup retaining panels 102, 104 of the nested plant grow tray 100 are immersed in water flowing in a flume of the hydroponic plant growing system. In Fig. 13, the first cup retaining panel 102 has selectively been raised relative to the second cup retaining panel 104 such that the plant grow cups 112 of the first cup retaining panel 102 are removed from the water of the flume and the plant grow cups 112 of the second cup retaining panel 104 remain immersed within the water of the flume. In Fig. 14, the plant grow cups 112 of both cup retaining panels 102, 104 of the nested plant grow tray 100 have been raised and removed from the water of the flume.
[0032] Whereas the present invention has been described in detail above with respect to an example embodiment thereof, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications might be effected within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. A plant grow tray, comprising:
a first panel adapted to hold a first plurality of plants; and
a second panel adapted to hold a second plurality of plants, said second panel being further adapted to reside atop said first panel, said second panel defining a plurality of openings arranged to allow plants of said first plurality of plants to protrude at least partially through said second panel.
2. The plant grow tray of Claim 1, wherein said second panel is further adapted to receive a plurality of plant grow cups depending from said second panel for holding plants of said second plurality of plants, and wherein said first panel defines a plurality of openings arranged to allow said plurality of plant grow cups to depend at least partially through said first panel.
3. The plant grow tray of Claim 2, wherein said second panel resides adjacent and substantially against said first panel.
4. The plant grow tray of Claim 2, wherein said second panel is separable from said first panel and movable to another location relative to said first panel.
5. The plant grow tray of Claim 4, wherein said openings of said plurality of openings of said second panel are configured to allow canopies of said plants of said first plurality of plants to protrude at least partially through said second panel and to permit said second panel to be separated from and moved relative to said first panel absent detrimental damage to said plants of said first plurality of plants.
6. The plant grow tray of Claim 2, wherein said first panel is further adapted to receive a plurality of plant grow cups depending from said first panel for holding plants of said first plurality of plants.
7. The plant grow tray of Claim 6, wherein said plant grow cups of said plurality of plant grow cups are adapted for reception by said first panel and said second panel.
8. The plant grow tray of Claim 1, wherein said first panel is further adapted to reside atop said second panel such that the relative positions of said first panel and said second panel are interchangeable.
9. The plant grow tray of Claim 2, wherein said plurality of openings of said second panel comprise a first plurality of openings of said second panel and said second panel further defines a second plurality of openings configured to receive said plurality of plant grow cups, and wherein said plant grow cups of said plurality of plant grow cups are configured relative to said openings of said second plurality of openings such that each plant grow cup exerts a force on said second panel tending to retain said plant grow cup in said second panel.
10. The plant grow tray of Claim 9, wherein at least a portion of each plant grow cup is sized larger than said openings of said second plurality of openings, and wherein said portion of each plant grow cup is deformable to enable insertion and removal of said plant grow cup into an opening of said second plurality of openings.
11. The plant grow tray of Claim 2, wherein each plant grow cup of said plurality of plant grow cups has a wall, and wherein said wall defines at least one slot extending through said wall, whereby water and nutrients pass through said slot to nourish a plant present within said plant grow cup.
12. A plant grow tray, comprising:
a first panel having a plurality of locations for receiving plants;
a second panel stackable on said first panel and having a plurality of locations for receiving plants; wherein when said second panel is stacked atop said first panel, a location of said plurality of locations of said second panel for receiving a plant is positioned between adjacent locations of said plurality of locations of said first panel for receiving a plant.
13. The plant grow tray of Claim 12, wherein when said second panel is stacked atop said first panel, a location of said plurality of locations of said first panel for receiving a plant is positioned between adjacent locations of said plurality of locations of said second panel for receiving a plant.
14. The plant grow tray of Claim 12, wherein the distance between adjacent locations for receiving plants is decreased when said second panel is stacked atop said first panel.
15. The plant grow tray of Claim 14, wherein the distance between adjacent locations for receiving plants is decreased by approximately fifty percent when said second panel is stacked atop said first panel.
16. The plant grow tray of Claim 12, wherein the distance between adjacent locations for receiving plants is increased when said second panel is not stacked atop said first panel.
17. The plant grow tray of Claim 16, wherein the distance between adjacent locations for receiving plants is increased by approximately one hundred percent when said second panel is not stacked atop said first panel.
18. The plant grow tray of Claim 12, wherein said plant grow tray is adapted to enable thinning of plants present in said plant grow tray by removal of said second panel from atop said first panel.
19. The plant grow tray of Claim 12, wherein said second panel is movable in a predominantly vertical direction independent of said first panel.
20. The plant grow tray of Claim 12, wherein when said second panel if stacked atop said first panel, said first panel and said second panel are movable together via movement of said first panel.
21. A nested plant grow tray, comprising:
a first plurality of plant grow cups for receiving respective plants; a first plant grow tray defining a first plurality of openings arranged in a row and column matrix for respectively receiving plant grow cups of said first plurality of plant grow cups, said first plant grow tray further defining a second plurality of openings arranged in a row and column matrix with each opening of said second plurality of openings being positioned between adjacent openings of said first plurality of openings;
a second plurality of plant grow cups for receiving respective plants; and a second plant grow tray stackable on said first plant grow tray and defining a plurality of openings arranged in a row and column matrix for respectively receiving plant grow cups of said second plurality of plant grow cups;
wherein openings of said second plurality of openings of said first plant grow tray are further arranged for respectively receiving plant grow cups of said second plurality of plant grow cups received within openings of said plurality of openings of said second plant grow tray and depending from said second plant grow tray when said second plant grow tray is stacked on said first plant grow tray.
22. The nested plant grow tray of Claim 21,
wherein said plurality of openings of said second plant grow tray comprise a first plurality of openings of said second plant grow tray and said second plant grow tray further defines a second plurality of openings arranged in a row and column matrix with each opening of said second plurality of openings of said second plant grow tray being positioned between adjacent openings of said first plurality of openings of said second plant grow tray, and
wherein openings of said second plurality of openings of said second plant grow tray are further arranged for respectively receiving canopies of plants present within plant grow cups of said first plurality of plant grow cups when said second plant grow tray is stacked on said first plant grow tray.
23. The nested plant grow tray of Claim 21, wherein said second plant grow tray is stackable on said first plant grow tray to reduce the distance between adjacent plants.
24. The nested plant grow tray of Claim 21, wherein said second plant grow tray is separable from said first plant grow tray to increase the distance between adjacent plants.
25. The nested plant grow tray of Claim 21, wherein a plant grow cup of said first and second pluralities of plant grow cups has a top and a bottom, and comprises a partial ring at said top, a base at said bottom, and a plurality of staves extending between said partial ring and said base.
26. The nested plant grow tray of Claim 25, wherein said plant grow cup of said first and second pluralities of plant grow cups
PCT/US2015/058687 2014-10-31 2015-11-02 Nested plant grow tray WO2016070196A1 (en)

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US10306847B2 (en) 2016-07-14 2019-06-04 Mjnn, Llc Environmentally controlled vertical farming system
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