WO2021077172A1

WO2021077172A1 - A soil barrier biosphere composter

Info

Publication number: WO2021077172A1
Application number: PCT/AU2020/051144
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mohong Xu
Original assignee: Mohong Xu
Priority date: 2019-10-25
Filing date: 2020-10-23
Publication date: 2021-04-29

Abstract

A composter comprising an outer frame and an inner frame arrange to define vertical soil compartments therebetween, the inner frame defining a composting chamber therein and wherein, in use, the compartments are filled with soil and material for composting is loaded into the composting chamber such that the soil forms a soil barrier biosphere at least partially surrounding the composting chamber.

Description

A soil barrier biosphere composter

Field of the Invention

[0001 ] This invention relates generally to composters and more particularly to a composter comprising an outer frame and an inner frame arranged to define vertical soil compartments therebetween.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0002] There is provided herein a composter comprising an outer frame and an inner frame arranged to define vertical soil compartments therebetween. The inner frame defines a composting chamber therein. As such, in use, the compartments can be filled with soil and material for composting can be loaded into the composting chamber.

[0003] Plants may be planted within upper openings of the soil compartments. In embodiments, plants may be planted within side openings of the outer frame also. [0004] As such, the soil forms a soil barrier at least partially surrounding the composting chamber. The soil acts as a moisture barrier, regulating the moisture level within the composting chamber, and reducing water usage whilst both the composting material and soil moist for enhancing composting and watering the plants.

[0005] Surrounding the composting chamber with living soil (which may comprise growing plants and living organisms therein) creates a contained biosphere for the rapid and enhanced composting of material inserted into the composting chamber. These microorganisms are retained within the soil compartments even when emptying the composting chamber for application on the next load of material for composting. The inner panels of the inner frame may comprise apertures for the movement of microorganisms (such as earthworms) between the soil compartments and the composting material therein.

[0006] Furthermore, the soil contains odours and excludes pests.

[0007] The composter may comprise a top panel which may be reassessed with respective upper edges of the frames, thereby defining a tray within which a top layer of soil may be poured for the planting of plants atop the composter also. [0008] The frames may sit atop a base defining a main base compartment. The main base compartment may be filled with filtration material (such as comprising gravel and/or sand) so as to filter liquid seeping from the composting chamber. This liquid may be collected via a tap for liquid fertilisation.

[0009] Moisture may be wicked upwardly by the soil within the soil compartments from liquid collected in the base. In embodiments, the base may comprise soil surroundin g the filtration material therein collocating with the soil compartments thereatop. Furthermore, excess liquid from the composting chamber may seep downwardly into the base via the soil compartments.

[0010] In embodiments, the base comprises a planter box extension which extends to one side of the frames and is open for the pouring of soil therein within which plants may be planted. An arrangement of seepage apertures may interface the main base compartment and a planter box compartment such that filtered liquid seeping from the main base compartment may be further filtered by plants within the planter box extension. The planter box extension may comprise apertures for the release of this further filtered water as greywater suitable for drain disposal.

[0011 ] The composter may comprise a sliding door which selectively encloses an opening. The frames may extend beyond the periphery of the base at the opening so as to define a convenient overhang for the shovelling of composted material from the composting chamber.

[0012] The composter may be modularly assembled so as to allow for flatpack shipping.

[0013] Kitchen countertop collection containers of specific volumes may be used for collecting material for composting in particular ratios. Preferably, composting material loaded into the composting chamber comprises a 2-to- 1 ratio of brown waste (cellulose containing waste such as shredded paper and/or cardboard) and green waste (nitrogen rich waste such as food scraps). As such, these kitchen countertop collection containers can used to approximately prepare the appropriate ratios of waste for insertion into the opening of the composter. [0014] According to one aspect, there is provided a composter comprising an outer frame and an inner frame arrange to define vertical soil compartments therebetween, the inner frame defining a composting chamber therein and wherein, in use, the compartments are filled with soil and material for composting is loaded into the composting chamber such that the soil forms a soil barrier biosphere at least partially surrounding the composting chamber.

[0015] The outer and inner frames may comprise panels comprising ventilation perforations therethrough.

[0016] The outer frame may comprise side panels and a rear panel and inwardly extending flanges in from front edges of the side panels.

[0017] The inner frame may comprise side panels and a rear panel and at least one spacer flange extending outwardly to interface the outer frame.

[0018] Front edges of side panels of the inner frame may meet inner edges of the inwardly extending flanges of the front frame.

[0019] In use, plants may be planted within the soil via upper open ends of the soil compartments.

[0020] The composter may further comprise a sliding door selectively enclosing an entrance to the composting chamber.

[0021] The sliding door may be slidably retained between forward edges of the inner frame and inwardly extending flanges of the outer frame.

[0022] The composter may further comprise a top panel enclosing the composting chamber.

[0023] The top panel may comprise ventilation perforations.

[0024] The top panel may be recessed with respect to upper edges of the frames, thereby defining a tray and wherein, in use, a top volume of soil may be poured atop the tray and enclosed by inner sides of frames extending above the top panel.

[0025] In use, plants may be planted in the tray.

[0026] The composter may further comprise an opening through the top panel.

[0027] The opening may comprise a chute extending above the top surface of the top panel. [0028] The composter may further comprise a lid for the chute.

[0029] The composter may further comprise a base and wherein the frames may be configured for resting atop the base.

[0030] The base may comprise ledge flanges and wherein the outer frame may be configured for resting atop the ledge flanges.

[0031 ] The base defines a main base compartment therein.

[0032] The main base compartment may be filled with filtration material.

[0033] The composter may further comprise an outlet for seepage of liquid from the filtration material of the main base compartment.

[0034] The filtration material may comprise at least one of gravel and sand.

[0035] The composter may further comprise a base plate separating the composting chamber from the main base compartment.

[0036] The base plate may comprise seepage apertures therethrough.

[0037] The filtration material may comprise gravel and sand and wherein the gravel and sand may be arranged according to the location of the seepage apertures.

[0038] The base may define a planter box extension extending from a side of the frames, the planter box extension being open such that soil can be poured therein in use.

[0039] Plants may be planted within the soil of the planter box extension in use. [0040] An intervening panel may separate a planter box compartment of the planter box extension from the main base compartment.

[0041 ] The intervening panel may comprise seepage apertures therethrough for the seepage of liquid from the filtration material within the main base compartment into the planter box compartment.

[0042] An outer panel of the planter box extension may comprise seepage apertures therethrough for seepage of liquid from the planter box compartment.

[0043] An outer panel of the planter box extension may comprise apertures which may be selectively enclosed by at least one of a bung and a tap for the periodic release of liquid from the planter box compartment. [0044] The composter may further comprise a sliding door selectively enclosing an entrance to the composting chamber and wherein the outer frame extends beyond the base at the sliding door, thereby defining an overhang for the removal of composted material from the composting chamber.

[0045] The inner frame may comprise apertures for microorganisms therethrough, being apertures of greater than 0.2 mm in diameter.

[0046] The outer frame may comprise plant apertures therethrough and wherein, in use, plants may be planted within the plant apertures.

[0047] The outer frame extends outwardly underneath each plant aperture, thereby defining an angled cup for holding a plant therein in use.

[0048] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of composting using a composter as described herein, the method comprising filling the soil compartments with soil and inserting material for composting within the composting chamber such that the soil forms a soil barrier biosphere at least partially surrounding the composting chamber.

[0049] The method may comprise placing soil atop the top panel and planting plants within the soil atop the top panel.

[0050] The method may comprise removing filtered liquid from the composting chamber via the base.

[0051 ] The method may comprise planting plants within the planter box extension and filtering liquid from the base through the planter box extension.

[0052] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0054] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective representation of a composter in accordance with an embodiment;

[0055] Figure 2 shows an assembled perspective representation of the composter; [0056] Figure 3 shows a further exploded representation of the composter; [0057] Figure 4 shows a base of the composter in accordance with an embodiment; [0058] Figure 5 shows a front elevation cross-sectional view of the composter;

[0059] Figure 6 shows a side elevation cross-sectional view of the composter;

[0060] Figure 7 illustrates volumes of soil retained by the composter;

[0061 ] Figure 8 illustrates the operation of the base of the composter;

[0062] Figure 9 illustrates a further exploded representation of the composter;

[0063] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of the composter when closed;

[0064] Figure 1 1 illustrates filtration material for the base of the composter; and [0065] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the composter when open.

Description of Embodiments

[0066] A composter 100 comprises an outer frame 101 and an inner frame 102 defining soil compartments 103 therebetween. The inner frame 102 defines a composting chamber 104 therein.

[0067] In use, a volume of soil 105 is poured into the compartments 103 to thereby defines a soil barrier biosphere surrounding the composting chamber 104. In embodiments, the frames 101 , 102 may be configured such that the soil barrier biosphere has a minimum width of approximately 30 cm.

[0068] The composting chamber 104 may be enclosed by a top panel 106.

[0069] The frames 101 , 102 and top panel 106 may comprise ventilation perforations therethrough.

[0070] The outer frame 104 may comprise side panels 107 and a rear panel 108. Forward edges of the side panels 106 may comprise inwardly extending flanges 109. [0071 ] The inner frame 102 may similarly comprise side panels 1 10 and a rear panel 11 1. Front edges 112 of the side panels 1 10 may meet inner edges of the flanges 109 of the outer frame 101 .

[0072] The side panels 110 or rear panel 11 1 may define spacer flanges 113 to hold the panels 1 10, 11 1 of the inner frame 102 from the panels 107, 108 of the outer frame 110. [0073] The inner frame 102 may comprise ledge flanges 114 atop which the top panel 106 may rest recessed beneath an upper edge 1 15 of the inner frame 102 in the manner shown in Figure 2, thereby defining a tray for a top volume of soil 116.

[0074] The top panel 106 may comprise an entrance chute 1 17 enclosed by a lid 1 18. The chute 117 may arise from the top panel 106 so as to extend through the top volume of soil 116.

[0075] Perforated ventilation pipes 119 may intersect the composting chamber 104. [0076] A sliding door 120 may be slidably retained between the flanges 109 of the outer frame 101 and the forward edges 102 of the side panels 1 10 of the inner frame 102 thereby selectively enclosing an entrance 121. The sliding door 120 may comprise handles 122 thereon.

[0077] The composter 100 may further comprise a base 123. In embodiments, the base 123 may be utilised for filtration and/or planting as will be described in further detail below.

[0078] The base 123 may be generally rectangular and the outer and inner frames 101 , 102 may locate thereatop. In this regard, the base 123 may comprise ledge flanges 124 upon which the frames 101 , 102 may rest.

[0079] A base plate 125 may intersect between the composting chamber 104 defined by the frames 101 , 102 and a main base compartment 132 of the base 123. The base 123 may be filled with layers of sand 126, gravel 127 and soil 128. Preferably, the soil is arranged around the periphery of the main base compartment 132 so as to substantially coincide with the soil within the soil compartments 103 defined by the frames 101 , 102 thereatop.

[0080] The base plate 105 may comprise seepage apertures 129 therein such that liquid may seep from the composting chamber 104 and through the layers 126, 127, 128 for filtration.

[0081 ] The base 23 may comprise a planter box extension 130 extending to one side of the frames 101 , 102. An intervening panel 131 may separate the main base compartment 132 from a planter box compartment 133. The planter box extension 130 may be open at the top thereof for the pouring of soil therein and the planting of plants.

[0082] With reference to Figure 4, the intervening panel 131 may comprise seepage apertures 134 therealong. An outer panel 135 of the planter box extension 130 may similarly comprise seepage apertures 136 therealong. As such, liquid seeping from the composter chamber 104 may seep via the seepage apertures 129 of the baseplate 125, be filtered by the layers 126, 127, 128 within the main base compartment 132 and flow into the planter box extension 130 via the seepage apertures 134 in the intervening panel 131 and escape via the seepage apertures 136 of the outer panel 135 yet further filtered as grey water. In alternative embodiments, the outer panel 135 is devoid of seepage apertures 136, rather comprising apertures 137 into which bungs or taps may be inserted to periodically release grey water 138 to a drain 139.

[0083] The outer frame 109 may extend beyond the edge of the base 123 at the sliding door 120 so as to define an overhang 140 the convenient removal of composted material. The outer frame 101 may comprise a tap 141 at the overhang for the periodic removal of composted liquid 142.

[0084] In embodiments, the panels of the frames 101 , 102 may be modularly provided in various sizes to allow for reconfiguration of the overall dimensions of the composter 100. Furthermore, whereas the composter 100 is shown being generally rectangular in the present illustrations, should be appreciated that the composter 100 may assume differing shapes and sizes in embodiments.

[0085] In embodiments, wheels may be affixed to the base 123, or alternatively, the base 123 may stand atop a raised base stand which itself may comprise wheels. In embodiments, the raised based and may be height adjustable. In embodiments, the composter 100 may comprise a compartment for the storage of treated brown waste. In embodiments, this compartment may be located within the base stand.

[0086] In embodiments, a removable container may locate within the composting chamber 104 for using the removal of compost from the composting chamber 104. [0087] In embodiments, the base 123 may be separable from the frames 101 , 102 so as to allow for the removal thereof for cleaning and/or maintenance and/or for when not required. In embodiments, a removable base 123 may not be provided or may be removed by a user such that, for example, the frames 101 , 102 may be placed directly atop a soil bed such as a garden bed or the like.

[0088] In embodiments, layers of textile may be provided within the composting chamber 104 to separate various layers of composting material.

[0089] The composter 100 may be made from various types of material, including plastic for low-cost manufacture, lightweight transportation and watertight non- degradable use. Plastic panel sheets may be manufactured which may screw together, thereby avoiding more complicated integral injection moulding of the frames 101 , 102. In alternative embodiments, the composter 100 may be made from other types of material, including metal including corrugated iron, steel and the like or even wood. The wood may be coated with a barrier to prevent rotting.

[0090] In embodiments, the apertures 137 may connect to a conduit which may drain to a household rainwater tank/grey water drain.

[0091 ] In embodiments, the composter 100 may comprise a humidity sensor to sense the humidity of the composting material or soil therein. In embodiments, the humidity sensor may display an indication of the measured humidity. In embodiments, the humidity sensor comprises at least one sensor located within the soil compartments 103 so as to provide undisturbed humidity sensing despite replacement of composting material therein.

[0092] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

[0093] The term “approximately” or similar as used herein should be construed as being within 10% of the value stated unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

1 . A composter comprising an outer frame and an inner frame arrange to define vertical soil compartments therebetween, the inner frame defining a composting chamber therein and wherein, in use, the compartments are filled with soil and material for composting is loaded into the composting chamber such that the soil forms a soil barrier biosphere at least partially surrounding the composting chamber.

2. A composter as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the outer and inner frames comprise panels comprising ventilation perforations therethrough.

3. A composter as claimed in claim 2, wherein the outer frame comprises side panels and a rear panel and inwardly extending flanges in from front edges of the side panels.

4. A composter as claimed in claim 3, wherein the inner frame comprises side panels and a rear panel and at least one spacer flange extending outwardly to interface the outer frame.

5. A composter as claimed in claim 4, wherein front edges of side panels of the inner frame meet inner edges of the inwardly extending flanges of the front frame.

6. A composter as claimed in claim 1 , wherein, in use, plants are planted within the soil via upper open ends of the soil compartments.

7. A composter as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a sliding door selectively enclosing an entrance to the composting chamber.

8. A composter as claimed in claim 7, wherein the sliding door is slidably retained between forward edges of the inner frame and inwardly extending flanges of the outer frame.

9. A composter as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a top panel enclosing the composting chamber.

10. A composter as claimed in claim 9, wherein the top panel comprises ventilation perforations.

11. A composter as claimed in claim 9, wherein the top panel is recessed with respect to upper edges of the frames, thereby defining a tray and wherein, in use, a top volume of soil is poured atop the tray and enclosed by inner sides of frames extending above the top panel.

12. A composter as claimed in claim 11 , wherein, in use, plants are planted in the tray.

13. A composter as claimed in claim 12, further comprising an opening through the top panel.

14. A composter as claimed in claim 13, wherein the opening comprises a chute extending above the top surface of the top panel.

15. A composter as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a lid for the chute.

16. A composter as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a base and wherein the frames are configured for resting atop the base.

17. A composter as claimed in claim 16, wherein the base comprises ledge flanges and wherein the outer frame is configured for resting atop the ledge flanges.

18. A composter as claimed in claim 16, wherein the base defines a main base compartment therein.

19. A composter as claimed in claim 18, wherein the main base compartment is filled with filtration material.

20. A composter as claimed in claim 19, further comprising an outlet for seepage of liquid from the filtration material of the main base compartment.

21 . A composter as claimed in claim 19, wherein the filtration material comprises at least one of gravel and sand.

22. A composter as claimed in claim 19, further comprising a base plate separating the composting chamber from the main base compartment.

23. A composter as claimed in claim 22, wherein the base plate comprises seepage apertures therethrough.

24. A composter as claimed in claim 23, wherein the filtration material comprises gravel and sand and wherein the gravel and sand is arranged according to the location of the seepage apertures.

25. A composter as claimed in claim 16, wherein the base defines a planter box extension extending from a side of the frames, the planter box extension being open such that soil can be poured therein in use.

26. A composter as claimed in claim 25, wherein plants are planted within the soil of the planter box extension in use.

27. A composter as claimed in claim 25, wherein an intervening panel separates a planter box compartment of the planter box extension from the main base compartment.

28. A composter as claimed in claim 27, wherein the intervening panel comprises seepage apertures therethrough for the seepage of liquid from the filtration material within the main base compartment into the planter box compartment.

29. A composter as claimed in claim 28, wherein an outer panel of the planter box extension comprises seepage apertures therethrough for seepage of liquid from the planter box compartment.

30. A composter as claimed in claim 28, wherein an outer panel of the planter box extension comprises apertures which may be selectively enclosed by at least one of a bung and a tap for the periodic release of liquid from the planter box compartment.

31 . A composter as claimed in claim 16, further comprising a sliding door selectively enclosing an entrance to the composting chamber and wherein the outer frame extends beyond the base at the sliding door, thereby defining an overhang for the removal of composted material from the composting chamber.

32. A composter as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the inner frame comprises apertures for microorganisms therethrough, being apertures of greater than 0.2 mm in diameter.

33. A composter as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the outer frame comprises plant apertures therethrough and wherein, in use, plants are planted within the plant apertures.

34. A composter as claimed in claim 33, wherein the outer frame extends outwardly underneath each plant aperture, thereby defining an angled cup for holding a plant therein in use.

35. A method of composting using a composter as claimed in claim 1 , the method comprising filling the soil compartments with soil and inserting material for composting within the composting chamber such that the soil forms a soil barrier biosphere at least partially surrounding the composting chamber.

36. A method of composting as claimed in claim 35, further in accordance with the composter as claimed in claim 11 , the method comprising placing soil atop the top panel and planting plants within the soil atop the top panel.

37. A method of composting as claimed in claim 35 further according to the composter as claimed in claim 16, the method comprising removing filtered liquid from the composting chamber via the base.

38. A method of composting as claimed in claim 35 further according to the composter as claimed in claim 25, the method comprising planting plants within the planter box extension and filtering liquid from the base through the planter box extension.