WO2023065007A1

WO2023065007A1 - Grow tray system and method for horticulture

Info

Publication number: WO2023065007A1
Application number: PCT/CA2021/051645
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abraham GUSMAN; Gabriel VILLENEUVE; Mark Gregory LEFSRUD; Edward Francisco Castaneda ARIAS
Original assignee: La Ferme À Simba Inc.
Priority date: 2021-10-18
Filing date: 2021-11-19
Publication date: 2023-04-27
Also published as: WO2023065006A1; WO2023065008A1

Abstract

A grow tray for horticulture is provided. The grow tray is configured to hold plants above a container. The grow tray has two opposite laterals sides portions equipped with wheels that allow the grow tray to roll on top surfaces at two opposite laterals sides of the container. The grow tray also has a pair of opposite connector sides that include a first connector side and a second connector side. The first connector side has a first connector element and the second connector side has a second connector element. The first connector element is configured to releasably connect to the second connector element of a like grow tray. The grow tray disclosed herein allows a worker to load, from a single station, a plurality of grow trays onto the container and to remove, the same single station, the plurality of grow trays from the container.

Description

GROW TRAY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HORTICULTURE

Field Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to horticulture systems that include multiple plant growth trays that are placed into, and subsequently removed from the horticulture system grow space.

Background

[0002] Existing horticulture systems that include plant grow trays often require the loading and unloading of the trays from the plant growth space. The loading and unloading often include time consuming and labor intensive loading and unloading steps from multiple, hard to reach or constricted areas of the growth space.

[0003] Therefore, improvements in horticulture systems are desired.

Summary

[0004] The present disclosure provides a grow tray system for horticulture. The grow tray system includes grow trays configured to interlock with each other as they sit on and roll along a top portion of containers such as nutrient solution containers. The top portion of the containers has an opening configured to receive multiple trays that interlock with each other in a side-by-side configuration. In some embodiments, the trays are equipped with wheels that, when the trays are positioned on the container, can roll over a top surface of the container, along the length of the container. The trays define multiple holders at which respective plants are gown.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a grow tray for horticulture. The grow tray is to hold plants above a container. The grow tray comprises a first set of wheel elements, a second set of wheel elements, a pair of parallel, opposite lateral side portions. A first lateral side portion of the pair of parallel, opposite lateral side portions has the first set of wheel elements coupled thereto and aligned therewith. A second lateral side portion of the pair of parallel, opposite lateral side portions has the second set of wheel elements coupled thereto and aligned therewith.

[0006] The container has a pair of opposite sidewalls. A first sidewall of the pair of opposite sidewalls defines a first top surface. A second sidewall of the pair of opposite sidewalls defines a second top surface. A distance between the parallel, opposite lateral side portions of the grow tray corresponds to a distance between the first top surface and the second top surface. The first set of wheel elements is configured to be positioned on the first top surface and the second set of wheel elements is configured to be positioned on the second top surface to enable the grow tray to roll along the first top surface and the second top surface when the grow tray is installed on the container. The grow tray also comprises a pair of opposite connector sides. A first connector side of the pair of opposite connector sides defines a first connector element. A second connector side of the pair of opposite connector sides defines a second connector element configured to connect to the first connector element of a like tray.

[0007] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a grow tray and container arrangement for horticulture. The arrangement comprises a container that has a pair of opposite sidewalls. A first side wall of the pair of opposite sidewalls defines a first top surface. A second sidewall of the pair of opposite sidewalls defines a second top surface. The arrangement also comprises a plurality of like grow trays. Each grow tray of the plurality of like grow trays comprises a first set of wheel elements, a second set of wheel elements, and a pair of parallel, opposite lateral side portions. A first lateral side portion of the pair of parallel, opposite lateral side portions has the first set of wheel elements coupled thereto and aligned therewith. A second lateral side portion of the pair of parallel, opposite lateral side portions has the second set of wheel elements coupled thereto and aligned therewith. A distance between the parallel, opposite lateral side portions of the grow tray corresponds to a distance between the first top surface and the second top surface. The first set of wheels elements is configured to be positioned on the first top surface and the second set of wheel elements configured to be positioned on the second top surface to enable the grow tray to roll along the first top surface and the second top surface when the grow tray is installed on the container. The grow tray also comprises pair of opposite connector sides. A first connector side of the pair of opposite connector sides defining a first connector element. A second connector side of the pair of opposite connector sides defines a second connector element configured to connect to the first connector element of another grow tray of the plurality of like grow trays.

[0008] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a grow tray system for horticulture. The system comprises a first tray and a second tray. The first tray and the second tray each have a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a back side, and a pair of lateral sides extending from the back side to the front side. The front side of the first tray and the front side of the second tray each define a front connector element. The back side of the first tray and the back side of the second tray each define a back connector element. The front connector element of the second tray is configured to releasably connect with the back connector element of the first tray to interconnect the second tray to the first tray in a tandem configuration. The lateral sides of the first tray and the lateral sides of the second tray each have a rolling mechanism coupled thereto and extending from the bottom side of the first tray and from the bottom side of the second tray. Each rolling mechanism is configured enable the first tray and the second tray to roll on a surface.

[0009] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a grow tray and container arrangement for horticulture. The arrangement comprises a container configured to hold a horticulture nutrient solution. The container has two opposite lateral sides each comprising a top surface. The arrangement also comprises a plurality of grow trays. Each grow tray of the plurality of grow trays comprises a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a back side, and a pair of lateral sides extending from the back side to the front side. The front side of each grow tray comprises a front connector element. The back side of each grow tray comprises a back connector element. The front connector element of each grow tray configured to releasably connect with the back connector element of another grow tray of the plurality of grow trays to interconnect the plurality of grow trays in a tandem configuration. The lateral sides of each grow tray of the plurality of grow trays have a rolling mechanism coupled thereto and extending from the bottom side of the grow tray. The rolling mechanisms are configured to enable the plurality of grow trays to roll on the top surface of each of the two opposite lateral sides of the container.

[0010] In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of loading a plurality of grow trays on a container. Each grow tray of the plurality of grow trays has a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a back side, and a pair of lateral sides extending from the back side to the front side. The front side of each grow tray comprises a front connector element, the back side of each grow tray comprising a back connector element, the lateral sides of each grow tray of the plurality of grow trays has a rolling mechanism coupled thereto and extending from the bottom side of the grow tray. The container is configured to hold a horticulture nutrient solution. The container has two opposite lateral sides each comprising a top surface. The container also has a front side and a back side. The method comprises, at the front side of the container, positioning a first grow tray on the container, with the rolling mechanisms of the first grow tray on the top surfaces of the container. Pivoting the back side of a second grow tray upward with respect to the front side of the second grow tray. Apposing the front side of the second grow tray to the back side of the first grow tray. Pivoting the back side of the second tray downward with respect to the front side of the second tray to connect the front connector element of the second tray to the back connector element of the first tray and to position the rolling mechanisms of the second tray on the top surfaces of the container. Pushing the second grow tray toward the back side of the container to cause the first grow tray and the second grow tray to roll on the top surfaces of the container. Pivoting the back side of a third grow tray upward with respect to the front side of the third grow tray. Apposing the front side of the third grow tray to the back side of the second grow tray. And, pivoting the back side of the third grow tray downward with respect to the front side of the third grow tray to connect the front connector element of the third grow tray to the back connector element of the second grow tray and to position the rolling mechanisms of the third grow tray on the rolling surfaces of the container.

[0011] In a sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of removing a plurality of interconnected horticulture grow trays from a container. Each grow tray of the plurality of grow trays having a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a back side, and a pair of lateral sides extending from the back side to the front side. The front side of each grow tray comprises a front connector element. The back side of each grow tray comprises a back connector element. The lateral sides of each grow tray of the plurality of grow trays have a rolling mechanism coupled thereto and extending from the bottom side of the grow tray. The container is configured to hold a nutrient solution. The container has two opposite lateral long sides each comprising a top surface. The container also has two opposite short sides that include a first short side and a second short side. The plurality of interconnected grow trays have a leading grow tray closest to the first short side of the container. The method comprises, at the first short side of the container, pulling the leading grow tray toward the first short side of the container to cause the rolling mechanisms of the plurality of interconnected grow trays to roll on the top surfaces of the container and to move the plurality of interconnected grow trays toward the first short side of the container. Pivoting the back side of the leading grow tray upward with respect to the front side of the closest grow tray. The pivoting to uncouple the front connector element of the leading grow tray from the back connector element of a next grow tray, the next grow tray being a grow tray directly coupled to the leading grow tray, to obtain an uncoupled leading grow tray and remaining interconnected grow trays. Moving the uncoupled leading grow tray away from the container. At the first short side of the container, pulling the next grow tray toward the first short side of the container to cause the rolling mechanisms of the remaining interconnected grow trays to roll on the top surfaces of the container and to move the remaining interconnected grow trays toward the first short side of the container. Pivoting the back side of the next grow tray upward with respect to the front side of the next grow tray. The pivoting to uncouple the front connector element of the next grow tray from the back connector element of a following grow tray, the following grow tray being the grow tray directly coupled to the next grow tray, to obtain an uncoupled next tray. And, moving the uncoupled next grow tray away from the container. [0012] Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures.

[0014] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a tray and container arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0015] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the tray and container arrangement of Fig. 1.

[0016] Fig. 3 shows a top view of a tray in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Fig. 4 shows a bottom view of the tray of Fig. 3.

[0018] Fig. 5 shows a side cutaway view of the tray and container arrangement of Fig. 1 , but with the tray assembly vertically spaced apart from the container.

[0019] Fig. 6 shows the same side cutaway view as in Fig. 5, but with the tray assembly positioned on the container.

[0020] Fig. 7 shows a top view of an embodiment of a tray in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 8 shows a side view of the tray of Fig. 7, as seen from the right side of the tray.

[0022] Fig. 9 shows another side view of the tray of Fig. 7, as seen from the front side of the tray.

[0023] Fig. 10A shows a side view of a first tray, a second tray and a container in accordance with the present disclosure, with the second tray spaced apart from the first tray.

[0024] Fig. 10B shows a close up view of Fig. 10A.

[0025] Fig. 11A shows the first tray, the second stray and the container of Figs. 10A and

10B but with the second tray in contact with the first tray prior to interconnection of the first tray and the second tray.

[0026] Fig. 11 B shows a close up view of Fig. 11 A. [0027] Fig. 12A shows the first tray, the second stray and the container of Figs. 11A and 11 B but with the second tray interconnected to the first tray.

[0028] Fig. 12B shows a close up view of Fig. 12A.

[0029] Figs. 13A-13D show a tray and container assembly in accordance with the present disclosure, at different stages of interconnecting trays.

[0030] Figs. 14A-14C show the tray and container assembly of Figs. 13A-13D at different stages of removing trays.

[0031] Fig. 15 shows another embodiment of a tray according to the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 16 shows two spaced apart trays of Fig. 15, positioned on a container.

[0033] Fig. 17 shows the two trays of Fig. 16 interconnected to each other and positioned on the container.

[0034] Fig. 18 shows the two trays and the container of Fig. 16 but with one of the trays at an oblique angle with respect to the other.

[0035] Fig. 19 shows a top view of another embodiment of a tray according to the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig. 20 shows a side view of the tray shown in Fig. 19.

[0037] Fig. 21 shows a container and two trays in accordance with the embodiment of

Fig. 20, with the trays in an interconnected configuration.

[0038] Fig. 22 shows the container and the two trays of Fig. 21 but with one of the trays at an oblique angle with respect to the other tray.

[0039] Fig. 23 shows a top view of another embodiment of a tray in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0040] Fig. 24 shows a side view of the tray of Fig. 23.

[0041] Fig. 25 shows a container and two trays in accordance with the embodiment of Figs. 23 and 24, with one of the trays positioned to the side and above the other tray.

[0042] Fig. 26 shows the container and two trays according to the embodiment of Figs. 23 and 24, with the two trays interconnected to each other.

[0043] Fig. 27 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of loading grow trays on a container, in accordance with the present disclosure. [0044] Fig. 28 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of removing a plurality of grow trays from a container, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

[0045] The following discloses a grow tray for horticulture is provided. The grow tray is configured to hold plants above a container. The grow tray has two opposite laterals sides portions equipped with wheels that allow the grow tray to roll on top surfaces at two opposite laterals sides of the container. The grow tray also has a pair of opposite connector sides that include a first connector side and a second connector side. The first connector side has a first connector element and the second connector side has a second connector element. The first connector element is configured to releasably connect to the second connector element of a like grow tray. The grow tray disclosed herein allows a worker to load, from a single station, a plurality of grow trays onto the container and to remove, from the same single station, the plurality of grow trays from the container.

[0046] The following also discloses a tray and container arrangement for horticulture systems that facilitates the manual placement of growth trays into the growth space of a horticulture system and the manual removal of the growth trays from the growth space. In some configurations of the tray and container arrangement of the present disclosure allows a worker to place/remove, from a single work post, trays on/from multiple vertically spaced-apart shelves that extend deep into the growth space. The trays described in the examples below are adapted to work in horticulture systems that are not soil-based, such as, for example, hydroponics, aquaponics and aeroponics.

[0047] Methods for loading and unloading grow trays from a container are also disclosed.

[0048] In some embodiments of horticulture systems, seedling plants are grown outside the horticulture system, in a dedicated growth space specialized for growing seeds into seedling plants. When the seedling plants reach a target maturity, they are placed in the horticulture system for further growth, until harvest. The present disclosure provides embodiments a tray and container arrangement that facilitates the placement of the seedling plants into the horticulture system and the removal of the plants at harvest time. An example of a tray and container arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 1. The tray and container arrangement 88 of Fig. 1 is shown in a side view. The tray and container arrangement 88 includes the container 78 and the tray assembly 80 placed atop the container 78. The container 78 can have any suitable dimensions. The broken lines 99 indicate the tray and container arrangement 88 can be of any suitable length such as, for example, the length of the growth space.

[0049] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the tray and container arrangement 88 of Fig. 1. The tray and container arrangement 88 includes a plurality of trays 90, disposed side-by-side, interconnected to each other, and, in the present embodiment, covering the length of the container 78. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the tray and container assembly 88 has a top side 92, a bottom side 94, a front side 96, a back side 98, a left side 100 and a right side 102. The front side 96, back side 98, left side 100 and right side 102 of the tray and container arrangement can also be referred to as the front side 96, back side 98, left side 100 and right side 102 of the container. The present appellation of the various sides of the tray and container 88 is from the point of view of a person standing in front of the front side 96 and looking at the tray and container arrangement 88 in the direction that extends from the front side 96 toward the back side 98. The front side of the container and the back side of the container can be referred to as opposite short sides of the container. The left side of the container and the right side of the container can be referred to as opposite long sides of the container.

[0050] Fig. 3 shows a top view of a tray 90 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The tray 90 has a top side 104, a front side 106, a back side 108, a left side 110 and a right side 112. The tray 90 defines holders 82 configured (sized, dimensioned) to hold rockwool grow cubes (not shown), coco peat, or any other suitable substrate. The holders 82 define a bottom ledge 83 to prevent the substrate from falling out from the bottom side of tray 90. The tray 90 defines holes 105 that can be used by a worker to grab the tray 90. Each tray can define any suitable number of holders. Generally, a tray configured to grow large plants will have a smaller number of holders (or use a smaller number of holders) than a tray configured to grow smaller plants.

[0051 ] Fig. 4 show a bottom view the tray 90. Fig. 4 shows the bottom side 115 of the tray

90, the front side 106, the back side 108, the left side 110 and the right side 112. Also shown in Fig. 4 are the holders 82, the bottom ledges 83, reinforcement ribs 116, wheel housings 118, a tongue 120 and a wall 122. As described in greater detail elsewhere in the disclosure, the wheel housings 118 are configured to have wheels or wheel elements installed therein to enable the trays to roll along the length of the container 78 and, the tongue 120 is configured to connect to the wall 122 of an adjoining tray to interconnect the trays. The holders 82 are arranged in staggered rows or hexagonal configuration to allow each holder an equal space for the plants grown in the holders 82. The holders 82 can be in any suitable configuration, staggered or not. [0052] The front side 106 and the back side 108 can be referred to as opposite connector sides. Each of the opposite connector sides defines a respective connector element. Examples of connector elements are described herein. Although the opposite connector sides are shown as parallel, this need not be the case.

[0053] The left side 110 and the part of the grow tray that is next to left side 110 and that includes the left side wheel housings 118 can be referred to as a lateral side portion. The left side wheels housing and any wheel housed therein are aligned with the lateral side portion. The right side 112 and the part of the grow tray that is next to right side 112 and that includes the right side wheel housings 118 can be referred to as another lateral side portion. The right side wheels housing and any wheel housed therein are aligned with this lateral side portion. The two lateral side portions are parallel to each other can be referred to as parallel, opposite lateral side portions.

[0054] Fig. 5 shows a side cutaway view of the tray and container arrangement 88 of Fig. 1 , but with the tray assembly 80 vertically spaced apart from the container 78 for description purposes. The view is from the back side 98 of the tray and container arrangement 88. Fig. 5 shows the container 78, which has opposite sidewalls 124. The opposite sidewalls 124 have a top surface 126 and a guide barrier 128. The tray assembly 80 has trays 90 with wheels 130 housed in the wheel housings 118. The wheels 130 allow the trays to roll along the top surfaces 126 of the container 78. The guide barriers 128 prevent wheels 130 and the tray assembly 80 from rolling off the top surfaces 126. Fig. 6 shows the same view as Fig. 5, but with the tray assembly 80 positioned on the container 78, with the wheels on the top surfaces 126. Although shown as flat, one or both of the top surfaces 126 can have a concave shape or a groove to better maintain the tray assembly 80 aligned with the container 78.

[0055] The distance between the lateral side portions of the tray 90 corresponds to a distance between the top surfaces 126.

[0056] In other embodiments, wheels can be secured to the container 78 instead of the trays 90 and the trays 90 can have flat surfaces or concave surfaces or grooves against which the wheels of the container roll. For example, wheels could be secured to the container and positioned where the top surfaces 126 are located, and the flat surfaces could be defined at the right and left sides of the tray and configured to contact the wheels of the container when the tray is placed at the top opening of the container.

[0057] Fig. 7 shows a top view of the tray 90. The top side 104 of the tray 90 can have markings 91 that indicate the direction the tray 90 must be oriented when being positioned on the container 98. Fig. 8 shows a side view of the tray 90 taken from the right side 112 of the tray 90, with the wheels 130 installed in the wheel housings 118. In some embodiments, the wheels can have a diameter of 2 cm and a width of 2 mm. Wheels of any suitable dimensions are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Other than wheels, any suitable type of wheel elements or rolling mechanism (roller mechanism), such as bearing, rollers, etc. secured to the tray 90 can be used. Fig. 9 shows a side view of the tray 90 taken from the front side 106. Shown in Fig. 9 is a recess 30 defined by the front side 106. As disclosed below, the recess 30 is dimensioned for the tongue 120 of the back side 108 of another tray 90 to be inserted therein.

[0058] The following paragraphs describe how a series of trays 90 can be interconnected to form the tray assembly 80 of Fig. 2. In Figs. 10A, 10B, 11 A, 11 B, 12A, 12B, 13A-13D and 14A-14C, the trays are shown in composite views that include a cross section of the tray 90 taken along the line X-X of Fig. 7 and the wheels 130. The container 78 is shown in a side view but with a cutaway that omits the guide barrier 128 shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

[0059] Referring to Figs. 10A, a first tray 90A is positioned on the container 78 with the wheels 130 on the top surface 126. A second tray 90B is shown in a tilted orientation as it is brought toward the first tray 90A. The tray 90A is oriented with its tongue 120 pointing toward the back side 98 of the container and tray arrangement 88 and the tray 90B is oriented with its back side 108 and tongue 120 pointing toward the front side 106, the recess 30 and the wall 122 of the first tray 90A. Fig. 10B is a close-up view of Fig. 10A and shows the wall 107 of the back side 108 and the tongue 120 of the second tray 90B and the front side 106, the recess 30 and the wall 122 of the first tray 90A. Fig. 10B also shows that the tongue 120 defines a boss 121. The boss 121 and the wall 107 of back side 108 of the second tray 90B define a notch 123 (or a gap) between the boss 121 and the wall 107. As will described below, the notch 123 of the second tray 90B can be positioned to hold the wall 122 of the first tray 90A.

[0060] Fig. 11A shows the second tray 90B in a tilted orientation, with the bottom side 115 of the tray 90B in contact with the top surface 126. The contact between the bottom side 115 of the second tray 90B with the top surface 126 is shown at contact region 132. Also shown in Fig. 11A is the back side of 108 of the second tray 90B in contact with or apposed to the front side 106 of the first tray 90A and the tongue 120 of the second tray 90B in the recess 30, below the wall 122 of the first tray 90A. Fig. 11 B is a close-up view of Fig. 11A and shows the wall 107 and the tongue 120 of the second tray 90B, the front side 106, the recess 30 and the wall 122 of the first tray 90A, and the contact region 132. Fig. 11 B also shows the notch 123 of the second tray 90B. By pivoting the second tray 90B toward the container 78, the notch 123 of the second tray 90B will capture and hold the wall 122 of the first tray 90A, thereby interconnecting the trays 90A and 90B. [0061] Fig. 12A shows the first tray 90A interconnected to the second tray 90B. Both the first tray 90A and the second tray 90B are positioned on the container 78 with the wheels 130 of the first tray 90A and the second tray 90B on the top surface 126. Fig. 12B is a close-up view of Fig. 12A and shows the notch 123 of the second tray 90B latched onto the wall 122 and holding the wall 122 of the first tray 90A, thereby interconnecting the first tray 90A and the second tray 90B. Fig. 12B also shows the tongue 120 of the second tray positioned in the recess 30 of the first tray 90A.

[0062] Figs. 13A-13D show the tray and container assembly 88 with additional trays being added to the tray assembly 80. In Fig. 13A, a third tray 90C is being added to the tray assembly 80 by positioning the back side 108 of the tray 90C against the front side of the tray 90B and subsequently pushing, in the direction indicated by the arrow 134, the tray assembly 80 toward the back side 98 of the tray and container assembly 88, to arrive at the configuration shown in Fig. 13B. When in the configuration of Fig. 13B, the third tray 90C is pivoted downward, in the direction indicated by the arrow 136, to interconnect the third tray 90C to the second tray 90B, as shown in Fig. 13C. The interconnection of the third tray 90C to the second tray 90B is effected in the same way the second tray 90B is connected to the first tray 90A, as described above in relation to Figs. 10A, 10B, 11A, 11 B, 12A and 12B.

[0063] From the configuration shown in Fig. 13C, a fourth tray 90D, a fifth tray 90E and a sixth tray 90F are added following the same steps as those described in relation to the adding of the third tray 90C to the tray assembly 80. The final configuration of the present example is shown in Fig. 13D with the wheels 130 of all the trays positioned on top surface 126 of the tray 78.

[0064] Figs. 14A-14C show the tray and container assembly 88 and the removal of a tray from the tray assembly 80. Fig. 14A shows the same configuration as that shown in Fig. 12D, but with an arrow 138 showing the direction in which the sixth tray 90F and the tray assembly 80 are to be pulled, i.e. toward the front side 96 of the tray and container assembly 88. The sixth tray 90F is also to be tilted in the direction indicated by the arrow 140 before or simultaneously with the sixth tray 90F and the tray assembly 80 being pulled. In this scenario, the angle at which the sixth tray 90F can be pivoted must be such that the sixth tray 90F is still coupled to the fifth tray 90E, i.e., the angle must be such that the wall 122 is still partly held within the notch 123 (Fig. 10B, 11 B and 12B).

[0065] Fig. 14B shows the tray and container assembly 88 after the sixth tray 90F and the tray assembly 80 have been pulled toward the front side 96 of the tray and container assembly 99 and after the sixth tray 90F has been pivoted upward to uncouple the sixth tray 90F from the fifth tray 90E, i.e. to pivot the tray 90F such that the notch 123 no longer latched to the wall 122 (Figs. 10B, 11 B and 12B). Fig. 14B also shows an arrow 142 that indicates a direction toward which the sixth tray 90F can be pulled to be removed from the tray and container arrangement 88. Fig. 14C shows the sixth tray 90F after being pulled away from the tray assembly 80.

[0066] The tray and container arrangement 88 can have any suitable dimensions. For example, the tray 90 can have a length of 508 mm, a width of 716 mm and a height of 27 mm. The trays 90 can define any suitable number of holders 82 (plant holders), for example 60 and have any suitable number of wheels, for example four wheels per side. The distance between the holders 82 in as same row and the spacing between the rows can have any suitable value, for example 77 mm. The holders 82 shown in the figures are open bottom holders but this need not be the case.

[0067] In other embodiments, the interconnection between trays 90 can be effected by other types of connections such as, for example, magnetic connections, hook connections, clip connections, etc.

[0068] As an example, Fig. 15 shows a tray 93 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The tray 93 is similar to the tray 90 shown in Figs. 7, 8 and 9, but instead of having a tongue and notch at the back side 108 and a recess and wall at the front side 106, the tray 93 has back magnetic element 144 at the back side 108 and a front magnetic element 146 at the front side 106.

[0069] Fig. 16 shows two spaced apart trays, tray 93A and tray 93B, positioned on a container 78. The tray 93B is to be moved/pushed/rolled in the direction of the arrow 148, toward tray 93B, to interconnect the trays 93A and 93B to each other. The back magnetic element 144 is lower than the magnetic element 146 to allow the positioning of the back magnetic element 144 of the tray 93B below the front magnetic element 146 of the tray 93A when the tray 93B is rolled/moved toward the tray 93A. Fig. 17 shows the tray 93B interconnected to the tray 93A.

[0070] Alternatively, the tray 93B and the tray 93A can be interconnected to each other by positioning the tray 93B at an oblique angle, as shown in Fig. 18, and pushing, along the direction indicated by the arrow 148, the tray 93B toward the tray 93A until the back magnetic element 144 of tray 93B is below the front magnetic element 146 of tray 93A. Tilting the tray 93B toward the container 98 causes the magnetic element 144 of tray 93B to become magnetically coupled to the magnetic element 146 of tray 93A, to interconnect the trays 93A and 93B. [0071] In some embodiments, the back magnetic element 144 and the front magnetic element 146 can be magnets oriented such that the magnetic polarity of the back magnetic element 144 of the second tray 93B faces the opposite magnetic polarity of the front magnetic element 146 of the tray 93A when the magnetic elements 144 and 146 are vertically aligned with each other to allow the trays 93A and 93B to interconnect to each other through the magnet of one of the trays and the magnet of the other tray. In other embodiments, one of the magnetic elements 144 and 146 can be a magnet and the other of the magnetic elements 144 and 146 can be made of materials that includes a magnetic material (e.g., a ferromagnetic material such as iron) to allow the trays 93A and 93B to interconnect to each other through the magnet of one of the trays and the ferromagnetic material of the other tray.

[0072] Each of the back magnetic element 144 and the front magnetic element 146 can include any number of magnets or magnetic material elements. In some embodiments, the magnetic coupling between the back magnetic element 144 of one tray and the front magnetic element 146 of the tray to which it is connected should be sufficiently strong to allow a person to pull a tray assembly along a container, by pulling on the endmost tray of the tray assembly.

[0073] In the embodiment of Figs. 16-18, the trays can be loaded onto the container 78 at the front side 96 of the tray and container arrangement 89 and unloaded at the back side 98 of the tray and container arrangement 89. As an example, starting from the configuration shown at Fig. 17, a worker positioned at the back side 98 of the tray and container arrangement can unload the tray 93A from the container 78 by tilting the back side of the tray 93A upwards to separate the front magnetic element 146 of the tray 93A from the back magnetic element 144 of the tray 93B and by subsequently pulling the tray 93A away from the tray 93B.

[0074] In the embodiment of Figs. 15-18, the front magnetic element 146 is above the back magnetic element 144. This need not be the case: the front magnetic element 146 can be below the back magnetic element 144 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such an embodiment also allows the unloading of trays at the back side of the tray and container arrangement.

[0075] In other embodiments, trays can be interconnected using a hook and eye mechanism, an example of which is shown at Figs. 19, 20 and 21. Fig. 19 shows a top view of an embodiment of a tray 95 in accordance with the present disclosure. The tray 95 that has eyes 150 formed at the back side 108 and hooks 152 formed at the front side 106. Fig. 20 shows a side view of the tray 95 shown at Fig. 19. Fig. 21 shows a side view of two trays 95A and 95B interconnected through the hook and eye mechanism. In Fig. 21, a first tray 95A has the hooks 152 inserted into the eyes 150 of a second tray 95B, thereby interconnecting the trays 95A and 95B. The trays 95A and 95B are shown positioned on a container 78. Fig. 22 shows the tray 95B with its front side 106 tilted above its back side 108, and with its eye 150 below the hook 152 of the tray 95A. Pivoting the front side 106 downward will connect the tray 95B to the tray 95A to form the tray assembly shown in Fig. 21.

[0076] Figs. 23 and 24 show another embodiment of a tray 95 in accordance with the present disclosure, where the hook 153, are curved upward contrary to the hook 152 (curved downward), shown in the embodiment of Figs. 19 and 20. As shown in Fig. 25 and 26, having the hook 153 curved upward allows the tray 95B to be interconnected to the tray 95A by positioning the eyes 150 of the tray 95B over the hooks 153 of the tray 95A, as shown in Fig. 25, and subsequently lowering the tray 95B to catch the hooks 153 of the tray 95A, as shown Fig. 26.

[0077] In the embodiment of Figs. 23-26 the trays can be loaded onto a container a one end of the container and unloaded at the opposite end of the container. As an example, starting from the configuration shown at Fig. 26, a worker positioned at the end of the container closest to the hooks 150 of the tray 95A can unload the tray 95A from the container 78 by tilting the back side of the tray 95A upwards to un-hook the tray 95B and by subsequently pulling the tray 95A away from the tray 95B.

[0078] Fig. 27 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of loading a plurality of grow trays on a container, in accordance with the present disclosure. Each grow tray of the plurality of grow trays has a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a back side, and a pair of lateral sides extending from the back side to the front side. The front side of each grow tray comprises a front connector element and the back side of each grow tray comprises a back connector element. The lateral sides of each grow tray of the plurality of grow trays have a rolling mechanism coupled thereto and extending from the bottom side of the grow tray.

[0079] The container is configured to hold a horticulture nutrient solution. The container has two opposite lateral sides each comprising a top surface. The container has a front side and a back side.

[0080] The method comprises the following step. At the front side of the container, positioning 200 a first grow tray on the container, with the rolling mechanisms of the first grow tray on the top surfaces of the container. At step 202, pivoting the back side of a second grow tray upward with respect to the front side of the second grow tray. At step 204, apposing the front side of the second grow tray to the back side of the first grow tray. At step 206, pivoting the back side of the second tray downward with respect to the front side of the second tray to connect the front connector element of the second tray to the back connector element of the first tray and to position the rolling mechanisms of the second tray on the top surfaces of the container. At step 208, pushing the second grow tray toward the back side of the container to cause the first grow tray and the second grow tray to roll on the top surfaces of the container. At step 210, pivoting the back side of a third grow tray upward with respect to the front side of the third grow tray. Then, at step 212, apposing the front side of the third grow tray to the back side of the second grow tray; and, at step 214, pivoting the back side of the third grow tray downward with respect to the front side of the third grow tray to connect the front connector element of the third grow tray to the back connector element of the second grow tray and to position the rolling mechanisms of the third grow tray on the rolling surfaces of the container.

[0081] Fig. 28 shows a flowchart of a method of removing a plurality of grow trays from a container, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0082] Each grow tray of the plurality of grow trays has a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a back side, and a pair of lateral sides extending from the back side to the front side. The front side of each grow tray comprises a front connector element. The back side of each grow tray comprising a back connector element, the lateral sides of each grow tray of the plurality of grow trays having a rolling mechanism coupled thereto and extending from the bottom side of the grow tray.

[0083] The container is configured to hold a nutrient solution and has two opposite lateral long sides each comprising a top surface. The container also has two opposite short sides that include a first short side and a second short side.

[0084] The plurality of interconnected grow trays have a leading grow tray closest to the first short side of the container.

[0085] The method comprises the following steps. At the first short side of the container, pulling 300 the leading grow tray toward the first short side of the container to cause the rolling mechanisms of the plurality of interconnected grow trays to roll on the top surfaces of the container and to move the plurality of interconnected grow trays toward the first short side of the container.

[0086] Pivoting 302 the back side of the leading grow tray upward with respect to the front side of the closest grow tray to obtain an uncoupled leading grow tray and remaining interconnected grow trays. The pivoting is to uncouple the front connector element of the leading grow tray from the back connector element of a next grow tray. The next grow tray is a grow tray directly coupled to the leading grow tray,

[0087] Moving 304 the uncoupled leading grow tray away from the container. At the first short side of the container, pulling 306 the next grow tray toward the first short side of the container to cause the rolling mechanisms of the remaining interconnected grow trays to roll on the top surfaces of the container and to move the remaining interconnected grow trays toward the first short side of the container.

[0088] Pivoting 308 the back side of the next grow tray upward with respect to the front side of the next grow tray to obtain an uncoupled next tray. The pivoting to uncouple the front connector element of the next grow tray from the back connector element of a following grow tray. The following grow tray being the grow tray directly coupled to the next grow tray. And, moving 310 the uncoupled next grow tray away from the container.

[0089] The trays and containers described herein can be manufactured through existing manufacturing processes such as, for example, molding (injection molding) and be made of any suitable material, for example polymer based materials, metals, etc.

[0090] Advantageously, the embodiments described herein allow a worker positioned at the front side of the tray and container arrangement to load the trays (e.g., trays containing seedling plants) onto the container and to remove, e.g. at harvest time, the trays from the container, from the same position. That is, a single worker can load all the trays from one end of the container without having to move to different locations along or around the container. Advantageously, this reduces the time required by a single worker to load or unload the trays. The tray assemblies formed by the interconnected trays described herein allow the worker to move the entire trays assembly by pulling or pushing on a single tray of the tray assembly. This single tray is, in the embodiments described herein, the tray closest to the front side of the container. Other prior art horticulture systems would require the worker to repetitively walk up to each tray, unload the tray from the container, and walk the tray to a tray processing station.

[0091] As a further advantage, according to some embodiments described herein, the connector elements or the connector mechanism to interconnect the trays can allow the trays to be loaded at one end of the container and unloaded at the opposite end of the container.

Claims

The invention claimed is:

1. A grow tray for horticulture, the grow tray to hold plants above a container, the grow tray comprising: a first set of wheel elements; a second set of wheel elements; a pair of parallel, opposite lateral side portions, a first lateral side portion of the pair of parallel, opposite lateral side portions having the first set of wheel elements coupled thereto and aligned therewith, a second lateral side portion of the pair of parallel, opposite lateral side portions having the second set of wheel elements coupled thereto and aligned therewith, the container having a pair of opposite sidewalls, a first side wall of the pair of opposite sidewalls defining a first top surface, a second sidewall of the pair of opposite sidewalls defining a second top surface, a distance between the parallel, opposite lateral side portions of the grow corresponding to a distance between the first top surface and the second top surface, the first set of wheels elements configured to be positioned on the first top surface and the second set of wheel elements configured to be positioned on the second top surface to enable the grow tray to roll along the first top surface and the second top surface when the grow tray is installed on the container; and a pair of opposite connector sides, a first connector side of the pair of opposite connector sides defining a first connector element; a second connector side of the pair of opposite connector sides defining a second connector element configured to connect to the first connector element of a like tray.

2. The grow tray of claim 1, wherein the pair of opposite connector sides are perpendicular to the pair of parallel, opposite lateral side portions.

3. The grow tray of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: the first connector element includes a first wall and a tongue extending away from the first wall, the tongue having a distal portion that defines a boss, the first wall and the boss defining a notch therebetween, the second connector element includes a second wall, the first connector element of the tray configured to connect to the second connector element of the like tray when the notch of the first connector catches the second wall of the second connector of the like tray.

4. The grow tray of claim 3, wherein the first connector element of the tray is configured to connect to the second connector element of the like tray by placing the notch of the first connector element of the tray below the second wall of the second connector element of the like tray and pivoting the notch of the first connector element of the tray toward the second wall of the second connector element of the like tray, thereby causing the notch of the first connector of the tray to catch the second wall of the second connector of the like tray.

5. The grow tray of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first connector element is a hook and the second connector element is an eye.

6. The grow tray of claim 5, wherein the hook is curved in an upward direction or in a downward direction.

7. The grow tray of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first connector element is a first magnetic element, and the second connector element is a second magnetic element.

8. The grow tray of claim 7, wherein the first connector element is a first magnet and the second connector element is a second magnet.

9. The grow tray of claim 7, wherein the first magnetic element is one of a magnet and a magnetic material, and the second magnetic element is the other of the magnet and the magnetic material.

10. The grow tray of claim 7, wherein the first connector element is above or below the second connector element.

11. The grow tray of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first top surface and the second top surface are flat.

12. The grow tray of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of the first top surface and the second top surface is concave.

13. The grow tray of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of the first top surface and the second top surface defines a groove configured to receive wheel elements.

14. The grow tray of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the wheel elements are wheels.

15. The grow tray of claim 14, wherein each of the first lateral side portion and the second lateral side portion defines wheel housings to house the wheels.

16. The grow tray of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the grow trays defines a plurality of open bottom plant holders.

17. A grow tray and container arrangement for horticulture, the arrangement comprising: a container, the container having a pair of opposite sidewalls, a first side wall of the pair of opposite sidewalls defining a first top surface, a second sidewall of the pair of opposite sidewalls defining a second top surface, and a plurality of like grow trays, each grow tray of the plurality of like grow trays comprising: a first set of wheel elements; a second set of wheel elements; a pair of parallel, opposite lateral side portions, a first lateral side portion of the pair of parallel, opposite lateral side portions having the first set of wheel elements coupled thereto and aligned therewith, a second lateral side portion of the pair of parallel, opposite lateral side portions having the second set of wheel elements coupled thereto and aligned therewith, a distance between the parallel, opposite lateral side portions of the grow corresponding to a distance between the first top surface and the second top surface, the first set of wheels elements configured to be positioned on the first top surface and the second set of wheel elements configured to be positioned on the second top surface to enable the grow tray to roll along the first top surface and the second top surface when the grow tray is installed on the container; and a pair of opposite connector sides, a first connector side of the pair of opposite connector sides defining a first connector element;

19 a second connector side of the pair of opposite connector sides defining a second connector element configured to connect to the first connector element of another grow tray of the plurality of like grow trays.

18. The arrangement of claim 17, wherein the pair of opposite connector sides are perpendicular to the pair of parallel, opposite lateral side portions.

19. The arrangement of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein: the first connector element includes a first wall and a tongue extending away from the first wall, the tongue having a distal portion that defines a boss, the first wall and the boss defining a notch therebetween, the second connector element includes a second wall, the first connector element of any grow tray of the plurality of like grow trays is configured to connect to the second connector element of any other grow tray of the plurality of like grow trays when the notch of the first connector of the any grow tray catches the second wall of the second connector of the any other grow tray.

20. The arrangement of claim 19, wherein the first connector element of the any grow tray is configured to connect to the second connector element of the any other grow tray by placement the notch of the first connector element of the any grow tray below the second wall of the second connector element of the any other grow tray and pivoting the notch of the first connector element of the any grow tray toward the second wall of the second connector element of the any other grow tray, thereby causing the notch of the first connector of the any grow tray to catch the second wall of the second connector of the any other grow tray.

21. The arrangement claim 17 or claim 18, wherein each first connector element is a hook and each second connector element is an eye.

22. The arrangement of claim 21 , wherein the hooks are curved in an upward direction or in a downward direction.

23. The arrangement of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein each first connector elements is a first magnetic element, and each second connector element is a second magnetic element.

24. The arrangement of claim 23, wherein each first connector element is a first magnet and each second connector element is a second magnet.

20

25. The arrangement of claim 23, wherein each first magnetic element is one of a magnet and a magnetic material, and each second magnetic element is the other of the magnet and the magnetic material.

26. The arrangement of claim 23, wherein each first connector element is above or below each second connector element.

27. The arrangement of any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein the first top surface and the second top surface are flat.

28. The arrangement of any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein at least one of the first top surface and the second top surface is concave.

29. The arrangement of any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein at least one of the first top surface and the second top surface defines a groove configured to receive wheel elements.

30. The arrangement of any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein the wheel elements are wheels.

31. The arrangement of claim 30, wherein each of the first lateral side portion and the second lateral side portion defines wheel housings to house the wheels.

32. The arrangement of any one of claims 17 to 31 , wherein each grow tray of the plurality of like grow trays defines a plurality of open bottom plant holders.

33. The arrangement of any one of claims 17 to 32, wherein each the first sidewall and the second side wall defines a barrier configured to prevent the wheel elements from falling off the first top surface and the second top surface.

34. The arrangement of any one of claims 17 to 33, wherein the container is configured to hold a nutrient solution for the plants held in the plurality of holders.

35. A grow tray system for horticulture, the system comprising: a first tray; and a second tray,

21 the first tray and the second tray each having a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a back side, and a pair of lateral sides extending from the back side to the front side, the front side of the first tray and the front side of the second tray each defining a front connector element, the back side of the first tray and the back side of the second tray each defining a back connector element, the front connector element of the second tray being configured to releasably connect with the back connector element of the first tray to interconnect the second tray to the first tray in a tandem configuration, the lateral sides of the first tray and the lateral sides of the second tray each having a rolling mechanism extending from the bottom side of the first tray and from the bottom side of the second tray, each rolling mechanism configured enable the first tray and the second tray to roll on a surface.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the front connector element of the second tray and the back connector element of the first tray are configured to connect to each other by: pivoting the back side of the second tray upward with respect to the front side of the second tray, apposing the front side of the second tray to the back side of the first tray, pivoting the back side of the second tray downward with respect to the front side of the second tray to connect the front connector element of the second tray to the back connector element of the first tray.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein: the front connector element of the second tray is a tongue having a boss, the boss and the front side of the second tray defining a notch, and the back connector element of the first tray is a wall configured to fit into the notch.

38. The system of any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein each rolling mechanism includes a wheel.

39. The system of any one claims 35 to 38, wherein the laterals sides of the first tray and the lateral sides of the second tray define housings, each housing to house a respective rolling mechanism.

22

40. The system of any one of claim 35 to 39, wherein the top side of the first tray and the top side of the second tray each define a plurality of holders configured to hold a grow medium.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein the holders are configured to hold rockwool cubes or coco peat.

42. The system of claim 35, wherein the front connector element is a hook and the back connector element is an eye.

43. The system of claim 35, wherein the front connector element is a first magnetic element, and the back connector element is a second magnetic element.

44. A grow tray and container arrangement for horticulture, the arrangement comprising: a container configured to hold a horticulture nutrient solution, the container having two opposite lateral sides each comprising a top surface; and a plurality of grow trays, each grow tray of the plurality of grow trays comprising: a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a back side, and a pair of lateral sides extending from the back side to the front side, the front side of each grow tray comprising a front connector element, the back side each grow tray comprising a back connector element, the front connector element of each grow tray configured to releasably mate with the back connector element of another grow tray of the plurality of grow trays to interconnect the plurality of grow trays in a tandem configuration, the lateral sides of each grow tray of the plurality of grow trays having a rolling mechanism extending from the bottom side of the grow tray, the rolling mechanisms configured to enable the plurality of trays to roll on the top surface of each of the two opposite lateral sides of the container.

45. The arrangement of claim 44, wherein the front connector element and the back connector element of each grow tray are configured to connect, respectively, with the back connector element and the front connector element of a like grow tray: pivoting the back side of a back grow tray upward with respect to the front side of the back grow tray, the back grow tray being one of the plurality of grow tray, apposing the front side of the back grow tray to the back side of a front tray, the back grow tray being another one of the plurality of grow trays,

23 pivoting the back side of the back grow tray downward with respect to the front side of the front grow tray to connect the front connector element of the back grow tray to the back connector element of the front grow tray.

46. The arrangement of claim 45, wherein: the front connector element of the back grow tray is a tongue having a boss, the boss and the front side of the back grow tray defining a notch, and the back connector element of the front grow tray is a wall configured to fit into the notch.

47. The arrangement of any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein each rolling mechanism includes a wheel.

48. The arrangement of any one claims 44 to 47, wherein the laterals sides of the back grow tray and the lateral sides of the front grow tray define housings, each housing to house a respective rolling mechanism.

49. The arrangement of any one of claim 44 to 48, wherein the top side of each of the plurality of grow grays defines a plurality of holders configured to hold a grow medium.

50. The arrangement of claim 49, wherein the holders are configured to hold rockwool cubes or coco peat.

51. A method of loading a plurality of grow trays on a container, each grow tray of the plurality of grow trays has a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a back side, and a pair of lateral sides extending from the back side to the front side, the front side of each grow tray comprising a front connector element, the back side of each grow tray comprising a back connector element, the lateral sides of each grow tray of the plurality of grow trays having a rolling mechanism coupled thereto and extending from the bottom side of the grow tray, the container configured to hold a horticulture nutrient solution, the container having two opposite lateral sides each comprising a top surface, the container having a front side and a back side, the method comprising: at the front side of the container, positioning a first grow tray on the container, with the rolling mechanisms of the first grow tray on the top surfaces of the container;

24 pivoting the back side of a second grow tray upward with respect to the front side of the second grow tray; apposing the front side of the second grow tray to the back side of the first grow tray; pivoting the back side of the second tray downward with respect to the front side of the second tray to connect the front connector element of the second tray to the back connector element of the first tray and to position the rolling mechanisms of the second tray on the top surfaces of the container; pushing the second grow tray toward the back side of the container to cause the first grow tray and the second grow tray to roll on the top surfaces of the container; pivoting the back side of a third grow tray upward with respect to the front side of the third grow tray; apposing the front side of the third grow tray to the back side of the second grow tray; and pivoting the back side of the third grow tray downward with respect to the front side of the third grow tray to connect the front connector element of the third grow tray to the back connector element of the second grow tray and to position the rolling mechanisms of the third grow tray on the rolling surfaces of the container.

52. A method of removing a plurality of interconnected horticulture grow trays from a container, each grow tray of the plurality of grow trays having a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a back side, and a pair of lateral sides extending from the back side to the front side, the front side of each grow tray comprising a front connector element, the back side of each grow tray comprising a back connector element, the lateral sides of each grow tray of the plurality of grow trays having a rolling mechanism coupled thereto and extending from the bottom side of the grow tray, the container configured to hold a nutrient solution, the container having two opposite lateral long sides each comprising a top surface, the container also having two opposite short sides that include a first short side and a second short side, the plurality of interconnected grow trays having a leading grow tray closest to the first short side of the container; the method comprising: at the first short side of the container, pulling the leading grow tray toward the first short side of the container to cause the rolling mechanisms of the

25 plurality of interconnected grow trays to roll on the top surfaces of the container and to move the plurality of interconnected grow trays toward the first short side of the container; pivoting the back side of the leading grow tray upward with respect to the front side of the closest grow tray, the pivoting to uncouple the front connector element of the leading grow tray from the back connector element of a next grow tray, the next grow tray being a grow tray directly coupled to the leading grow tray, to obtain an uncoupled leading grow tray and remaining interconnected grow trays; moving the uncoupled leading grow tray away from the container; at the first short side of the container, pulling the next grow tray toward the first short side of the container to cause the rolling mechanisms of the remaining interconnected grow trays to roll on the top surfaces of the container and to move the remaining interconnected grow trays toward the first short side of the container; pivoting the back side of the next grow tray upward with respect to the front side of the next grow tray, the pivoting to uncouple the front connector element of the next grow tray from the back connector element of a following grow tray, the following grow tray being the grow tray directly coupled to the next grow tray, to obtain an uncoupled next tray; and moving the uncoupled next grow tray away from the container.

26