Abstract:
A hydroponic produce display apparatus for in-store and market display of plants is provided. The hydroponic produce display apparatus comprises a basin for holding a volume of liquid with an opening formed in the basin. A hydroponic container is provided having a first end and a second end with the first end of the hydroponic container cooperates with the opening in the basin and the plants growing within the hydroponic containers. An irrigation mechanism moves liquid from the basin to the second end of the hydroponic container wherein harvested hydroponic containers are exchanged with harvested containers.

Description:
[0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/733,152, filed on Jan. 3, 2013, entitled “Hydroponic Produce Display Apparatus”, which is a continuation-in-part and claims priority of U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,466, issued on Feb. 5, 2013, entitled “Hydroponic Produce Display Apparatus, which claimed priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/343,038, filed on Apr. 22, 2010, entitled “Hydroponic Produce Display Apparatus”. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to a hydroponic produce production and display apparatus and, more particularly, the invention relates to a hydroponic produce display apparatus allowing home, kitchen, in-store and market display and storage of unpicked, growing vegetables and herbs to consumers. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Traditionally, agricultural produce displayed in supermarkets, farmer&#39;s markets, or other venues has previously been harvested and transported, and as such often suffers wilting and cosmetic blemishes, damage to body and structure, loss of nutrition, and the resulting negative effects on consumption. By presenting living, growing crop plants in the marketplace showing none of the negative characteristics of harvest and transport, many of these hurdles to consumption can be overcome, and storage life of the harvested product increased dramatically. Additionally, presenting crops in a way that allows consumers to choose and harvest plants themselves introduces a positive tactile experience to consumers that contributes to a pleasing customer experience. Additionally, crop plants that are not picked in the marketplace are kept alive and healthy and can be returned, with the production containers to the producer to be harvested and introduced to the market in a more traditional manner. The shelf life of live plants in such a system dramatically exceeds the shelf life of harvested vegetables and herbs. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In addition, the present invention includes a hydroponic produce display apparatus for in-store and market display of plants. The hydroponic produce display apparatus comprises a basin for holding a volume of liquid. An opening is formed in the basin. A hydroponic container having a first end and a second end is provided. The first end of the hydroponic container cooperates with the opening in the basin with the plants growing within the hydroponic containers. Irrigation means move liquid from the basin to the second end of the hydroponic container wherein harvested hydroponic containers are exchanged with harvested containers. 
         [0007]    In addition, the present invention is a hydroponic produce display apparatus for in-store and market display of plants. The hydroponic produce display apparatus comprises a basin having an open top with the basin holding a volume of liquid. A cover is positioned on the open top of the basin with the cover being permeable to liquid. A display backing is provided having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. The first end of the display backing is mounted over the open top of the basin with the display backing extending vertically from the basin. Mounting mechanisms cooperate with the display backing for mounting the plants to the display backing. A liquid introduction mechanism introduces liquid to the plants mounted to the display backing, or to the hydroponic troughs or towers mounted to the display backing. A liquid transfer mechanism moves liquid from the basin to the liquid introduction means. Excess liquid from the liquid introduction means not absorbed by the plants is moved into the basin for transfer back to the liquid introduction means. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view illustrating a hydroponic produce display apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the display skirt, drainage trough with grate cover, display backing, male brackets, overhead sprayers, and horizontal trough drip irrigation systems; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a front elevational view illustrating the plumbing and irrigation system of the hydroponic produce display apparatus of  FIG. 1 , constructed in accordance with the present invention, including inflow and outflow valves with flood valve, pump, ultraviolet light sterilizer, diversion valves, overhead sprayer system, and horizontal trough drip irrigation systems; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a front elevational view illustrating the structural framework of the hydroponic produce display apparatus of  FIG. 1 , constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the hydroponic produce display apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the base tank, the pump, the electrical cord, the irrigation tubing extending to the sprayer/dripper head, the bracket for securing the vertical tower to the support arm, the hole to receive the excess irrigation solution, and the maintenance port; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a front elevational view illustrating a bracket of the hydroponic produce display apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating the bracket of the hydroponic produce display apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a front view illustrating the hydroponic produce display apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with inset channels allowing vertical hydroponic towers to stand flush with a face of the display apparatus; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view illustrating the hydroponic produce display apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with inset channels allowing vertical hydroponic towers to stand flush with the face of the display apparatus; 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is another front perspective view illustrating the hydroponic produce display apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention, with inset channels that allow vertical hydroponic towers to stand flush with a face of the display apparatus; 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view illustrating the hydroponic produce display apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with inset channels that allow vertical hydroponic towers to stand flush with a face of the display apparatus; 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a front view illustrating still another embodiment of the hydroponic produce display apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is side perspective view illustrating the hydroponic produce display apparatus of  FIG. 11 , constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating the vertical hydroponic tower mounted within the base of the hydroponic product display apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the interior of the base of the hydroponic produce display apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the interior of the base of the hydroponic produce display apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-15 , the present invention is a hydroponic produce display apparatus, indicated generally at  10 , allowing in-store and market display of unpicked, growing vegetables and herbs to consumers. The hydroponic produce display apparatus  10  described herein sustains plant life and vitality by supporting the irrigation and display of discreet, modular hydroponic production containers  12  in various forms, including nutrient film technique troughs, drip technique troughs, aeroponic tubes, and vertical hydroponic towers. 
         [0024]    Being lightweight and portable in design, the hydroponic produce display apparatus  10  of the present invention is easily transported from market to market as well as being permanently or semi-permanently plumbed and plugged into electrical outlets for long-term displays or in-house use. Since hydroponic containers  12  on display are exchanged on a regular basis to ensure proper plant growth—and as such, the hydroponic produce display apparatus  10  described herein is designed primarily to sustain plant appearance and vitality until on-site harvest at the market or store, not to provide plant nourishment or promote plant growth. However, by utilizing a nutrient solution the system, some embodiments of the present invention may be used for home and commercial hydroponic production. 
         [0025]    In one embodiment of the hydroponic produce display apparatus  10  of the present invention, the hydroponic produce display apparatus  10  utilizes a rectangular basin  14 , rounded on the two narrow ends and varying in internal volume from fifteen (15 gal.) gallons to three (3 gal.) gallons. In addition, the basin  14  has a drain valve  16  with a hose fitting attached to its wall or base. The basin  14  is secured upon a steel framework  18  and enclosed in a decorative skirt  20  of wood, metal, or plastic varying in height from approximately six (6″) inches to approximately two (2′) feet, encircling the circumference of the basin  14 . 
         [0026]    Flush with the top of the decorative skirt  20  runs a drainage trough circling the inner circumference of the decorative skirt  20 . The trough can be replaced with individual grates  22  in some embodiments. The trough or grate  22  has an internal return pipe at one end that transfers water from the trough down to the basin  14  resting in the middle of the display. The top of the trough is covered by the decorative grate  22  set in a plastic or metal drain that forms an inset approximately three (3″) inches to twelve (12″) inches in width. From the inner edge of the inset rises a display face constructed of wood, metal, or plastic flashing rising to the display top, either straight or tapering inward slightly as it rises, and rising to a height of approximately two (2′) feet to approximately eight (8′) feet. In some embodiments, the display face rises from the front of the grate  22  with inset channels  24  that hold vertical hydroponic towers  12 . In this embodiment, the grate  22  is mostly covered by the face of the display and the vertical towers  12  inset into the display rest on the grate  22  with their faces flush to the face or the display. The display face is fixed to a steel, wooden, or plastic framework. The top of the display can be open or covered by a plastic, wood, or metal decorative top. 
         [0027]    The display face of the display can be configured in a number of ways meant to attach hydroponic towers or troughs  12  to the display. In one embodiment, the display face has the inset channels  24  that allow the vertical towers  12  to stand flush with the face of the display. In others, a series of brackets  26  of variable spacing, having flat, upward projecting hooks of metal for attaching vertical hydroponic towers  12  directly to the display. This hook corresponds with the complementary bracket on the backs of the vertical hydroponic towers. When attached, the vertical towers  12  stand upright, with the bottoms of the towers  12  resting on the grate  22  of the inset  24 , with one or more brackets  26  securing the tower  12  to the display. In this configuration, the plants growing in the towers face outward, away from the display. Towers  12  can be displayed on one side or both of the display or two displays can be place back to back to display competely encircling the display. Advertisement and information boards can also be attached to these brackets  26  offering information on the produce being marketed. When horizontal troughs are being secured to the display, a framework  30  is secured to the upper display brackets that support the horizontal troughs as a series of tapered shelves, with one end of all the troughs slightly elevated above the other to facilitate drainage. At the depressed end, a square or circular pipe stands vertically, with corresponding ports to receive the draining end of the troughs. The bottom of this drainpipe rests on the inset grate  22  and drains into the internal drainage trough. Depending on the type of display  10 , troughs will be displayed as above on both flat sides of the display  10 , with informational and advertisement boards displayed on the rounded ends of the display  10 . 
         [0028]    Irrigation of the displayed plants within the hydroponic produce display apparatus  10  of the present invention is accomplished using a tubing system  32  that rises either from the basin  14  in the display base, or from a three-way “Y” fitting having a valved hose fitting attached on one side, while on the other side interrupting the tubing system  32  above the basin. A pump rests in the basin  14  and pumps water from the basin  14  through a valve and through the “Y” fitting to an ultra violet sterilizer. Water flows through the sterilizer to the top of the display where a “tee” interrupts the irrigation tubing having a valve on both of the downstream ends allowing water to be diverted via valves to two different irrigation structures. The first irrigation structure is employed when vertical hydroponic towers are being displayed. It consists of a ring of irrigation tubing radiating from the center of the display to form a ring around the upper edge of the display backing. Misting, spraying or dripping nozzles are inserted into the irrigation tubing at appropriate intervals so that water is introduced to the tops of the hydroponic towers. The second irrigation option is employed when displaying horizontal hydroponic troughs and consists of a vertical drop-pipe that hangs over the exterior of the display back, on the end of the display that supports the raised ends of the hydroponic or aeroponic troughs. From this pipe feeder tubes emerge horizontally and are inserted into the raised ends of the hydroponic troughs. To the ends of these feeder tubes a variety of spraying, misting, and dripping nozzles can be attached, depending on display crop requirements. 
         [0029]    In another embodiment of the hydroponic produce display apparatus of the present invention, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , hydroponic towers only are displayed, being held erect by a support arm  40  of metal attached to a plastic tank base  14 , or by the base itself. In embodiments where the base is the primary support for the hydroponic tower, as illustrated in  FIGS. 13-15 , support is achieved by supporting the tower  12  using the hole in the lid of the base  14 , while holding the base  14  of the hydroponic tower  12  in place with either pegs or a cup on the end or a support pillar rising from the bottom of the base  14  through the interior. Similarly to the above-described invention, the tower  12  is irrigated from the top and drains into the basin/base  14 , which collects the irrigation solution to be pumped back to the top of the tower by a small submersible pump within the basin/base. This base  14  can rest upon a metal stand, rest directly on the floor, or have wheels to make transport easier. The cord for the pump emerges from the rear of the base tank. The base  14  may or may not have a removable cover for aesthetic appeal or to control algal growth within the base tank  14 . This particular embodiment is also well-suited to dual use for home hydroponic production as well as plant preservation and display. 
         [0030]    The hydroponic produce display apparatus  10  of the present invention has the potential to dramatically increase both the shelf life and quality of produce at market as well as change consumer experiences at market. The apparatus  10  takes advantage of modularity in hydroponic production systems to introduce a new means of marketing produce to consumers, and to offer new methods incentives for wholesale and retail marketers to utilize locally-produced vegetables and herbs. Potential markets for the hydroponic produce display apparatus  10  include farmer&#39;s market retailers, commercial and restaurant kitchens, grocery stores and specialty crop stores as well as home produce consumers. 
         [0031]    The hydroponic produce display apparatus  10  of the present invention is unique in form and function over traditional display technology has consisted of bins or containers with doors since the apparatus  10  is constructed to form a housing that incorporates unharvested plant propagation containers. It functions as a life-support system for hydroponic produce. The irrigation system  32  is essential to the function of the display allowing at-market displays that irrigate the roots of unharvested, living vegetables. The hydroponic produce display apparatus  10  is unique in application resulting in tangible benefits that offer a distinct advantage over the use of traditional bin and refrigerated displays, including elimination of spoilage (produce has an indeterminate shelf life), elimination of refrigeration costs (energy and equipment), allowing secondary use and distribution of uncut produce (eliminating another source of waste for producers), and elimination of most packaging and harvest-related labor costs for producers. The hydroponic produce display apparatus  10  provides either horizontal or vertical brackets or channels to retain horizontal or vertical plant production equipment and is essentially a storage device as much as a display device eliminating the need for refrigeration. Towers and troughs are exchanged by the producer on a regular basis with harvested containers being removed, and unharvested containers being installed in the hydroponic produce display apparatus  10 . 
         [0032]    The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes inform and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein.