Plant cultivation apparatus and method

A plant cultivation apparatus and system including a reservoir and central shaft containing a first and second end, wherein the first end of the central shaft terminates in the central chamber of the reservoir. One or more trays are positioned along the central shaft with variable distances between each tray. The plant cultivation apparatus and system also includes an outer housing member having a plurality of plant-receiving apertures. The outer housing member defines a chamber and has a bottom edge. The bottom edge defines a respective opening, which is configured to contact a reservoir opening. The hydroponic apparatus and system may further include a lighting system mounted above the outer housing member, the lighting system illuminating plants inserted into the plant-receiving apertures to enable the associated plants to photosynthesize in environments exposed to low levels of sunlight.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to hydroponic devices for plant cultivation. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to hydroponic devices with water and/or nutrient circulation systems.

BACKGROUND

Various hydroponic devices and systems have been proposed that recirculate water and/or nutrient solution through one or more plant units. The need for systems that can maintain optimal conditions to facilitate plant growth is still not completely met. Additionally, conventional hydroponic systems are restrictive in their portability and lack aesthetically pleasing features. It would thus be desirable to provide a hydroponic device and system that can maximize the number of plants that can be grown in a given hydroponic system while maintaining optimal conditions to facilitate the growth of such plants. Furthermore, it would be desirable that such a device and system be movable between indoor and outdoor environments and have aesthetically pleasing features.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a plant cultivation apparatus that includes a reservoir, a central shaft, a plurality of trays, and an outer housing member. The reservoir is configured to contain a fluid and has a reservoir opening defined by a reservoir edge, and the reservoir opening defines a central chamber. The central shaft has a first end that terminates in the central chamber of the reservoir, a second end, and a length. The plurality of trays is positioned in a spaced relationship along the length of the central shaft, and project radially outward from the central shaft. The outer housing member has a housing member wall and a contact edge connected to the housing member wall. The contact edge also defines a contact edge opening. Further, the contact edge is configured to matingly contact the reservoir edge, and the housing member defines a chamber configured to receive the plurality of trays and the central shaft. Finally, the housing member wall has at least one plant-receiving aperture defined in the housing member wall, wherein the plant-receiving aperture is configured to receive and retain a bare-root plant or a seed starting member.

Also disclosed is a method for hydroponically growing plants, the method including a step of inserting at least one plant root structure into a plant-receiving aperture that is defined in a plant cultivation apparatus. Another step includes intermittently pumping plant nutrient solution from a reservoir to a first tray that includes a plurality of drain apertures that are positioned proximate to, and substantially above, the plant root structure. Another step includes cascading the plant nutrient solution onto at least one plant root structure, wherein the cascading includes the plant nutrient solution traveling through the drain apertures and onto a second tray positioned below the first tray. Another step includes reintroducing the plant nutrient solution to the reservoir.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed is a plant cultivation apparatus100and method500of which one or more plants414can be grown in a soil free environment, such that plants414are fed an intermittent stream of water and/or plant nutrient solution to facilitate growth of the one or more plants414. It is contemplated by this disclosure that there exists a need by both recreational and commercial plant growers for an aesthetically pleasing plant cultivation apparatus that may facilitate the cultivation of a plurality of plants and that may be used in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, in select embodiments the plant cultivation apparatus100may include an outer housing member110that defines a chamber118, a reservoir150that defines a central chamber156and that is operable to contain a fluid424therein, and internal components200. In such embodiments, the outer housing member110may be configured to matingly contact the reservoir150such that the chamber118of outer housing member110and the central chamber156of the reservoir150cooperatively contain the internal components200.

The internal components200may be configured to circulate the fluid424within the chamber118and the central chamber156, such that the fluid424may cascade over one or more plant pod assemblies402, whereby the fluid424is captured in the reservoir150and recirculated. Such fluid424may, for example, be a plant nutrient solution. As another example, the fluid424may be water.

In certain embodiments, the outer housing member110and the reservoir150may include external geometries that cooperatively form an aesthetically pleasing exterior appearance of the plant cultivation apparatus100. For example, the outer housing member110may include an external geometry that resembles a portion of a prolate spheroid, and the reservoir150may include an external geometry that resembles a portion of a spherical ellipsoid, such that when matingly contacting the outer housing member110and reservoir150cooperatively resemble an egg shape.

In other embodiments, the outer housing member110and the reservoir150may have other external geometries. For example, as shown inFIG.1, the outer housing member110may have an external geometry that includes a plurality of curves and ridges to resemble a step-like structure. Other external geometries of the outer housing member110and the reservoir150suitable for plant cultivation are also contemplated by this disclosure such as, for example, pyramidal geometries, cylindrical geometries, ellipsoidal geometries, cubic geometries, or various combinations thereof.

The outer housing member110and the reservoir150may be formed from any suitable material that is resistant to moisture and ultraviolet radiation, such that the plant cultivation apparatus100may be positioned in indoor or outdoor environments without substantially degrading due to precipitation, humidity, and/or sunlight exposure. For example, the outer housing member110and the reservoir150may be formed from plastics such as polycarbonate, high density polyethylene, or the like. As another example, the outer housing member110and the reservoir150may be formed from ceramic materials.

It is contemplated by this disclosure that the plant cultivation apparatus100may be used for demonstrative purposes, for example, to educate students about the operation of hydroponic devices. When used for such purposes, it may be desirable that the outer housing member110and/or the reservoir150be substantially transparent, such that the internal components200may be viewable from the exterior of the plant cultivation apparatus100. In such embodiments, the outer housing member110and/or the reservoir150may be formed from a suitable transparent material such as, for example, acrylic or glass.

The reservoir150may be configured such that the central chamber156has a suitable volume to accommodate the irrigation of the plants414. In select embodiments, the volume of the central chamber156may, for example, be between 10 and 50 gallons. The reservoir150may also be configured with a flat bottom for stability and to accommodate a pump162.

In certain embodiments, the reservoir150may include a base160connected to a bottom area of the reservoir150that may cause the plant cultivation apparatus100to remain in an upright orientation without additional support. The base160may be any suitable geometry to support the plant cultivation apparatus100in an upright orientation. For example, as best shown inFIG.9, the base160may be a flat, bottom portion of the reservoir150. As another example, as shown inFIG.1, the base160may comprise two substantially flat members oriented in an X shape and having a recessed portion to receive a flat, bottom portion of the reservoir150.

In select embodiments, the outer housing member110may comprise an outer housing member wall128, a contact edge114connected to the outer housing member wall128, and a contact edge opening116defined by the contact edge114. In such embodiments, the reservoir150may include a reservoir edge152and a reservoir opening154defined by the reservoir edge152. The reservoir edge152may matingly connect to the contact edge114of the outer housing member110, such that the contact edge opening116is positioned adjacent to the reservoir opening154.

In some embodiments, the outer housing member110may include one or more accessory apertures120configured to secure one or more accessories400to the outer housing member110. The one or more accessory apertures may be positioned in a spaced relationship on the outer housing member110. The one or more accessory apertures120may be configured to receive one or more threaded inserts122to facilitate the attachment of accessories that include threaded portions. Examples of accessories may include, for example, a lighting system300and stakes that support a plant such as plant414during cultivation.

In certain embodiments, the outer housing member110may include one or more support apertures136configured to support the internal components200within the chamber118defined by the outer housing member110. In such embodiments, the one or more support apertures136may be positioned in a spaced relationship on the outer housing member110and may be positioned proximate to the accessory apertures120(as shown inFIGS.2and3).

The contact edge114and the reservoir edge152may be any suitable geometry to form a mating contact between the contact edge114and the reservoir edge152. For example, the contact edge114may include a projection and the reservoir edge152may include a groove, wherein the projection is received by the groove. As another example, the contact edge114and the reservoir edge152may include opposing flanges, such that the flange of the contact edge114is located internal to, and adjacent to, the flange of the reservoir edge152. Embodiments in which the projection, groove, and flange configurations are reversed between the contact edge114and the reservoir edge152, are also contemplated by this disclosure.

The outer housing member110and the reservoir150may also include features for securing the contact edge114to the reservoir edge152. For example, the outer housing member110may include one or more first attachment apertures124and the reservoir150may include one or more second attachment apertures164that correspond to the one or more first attachment apertures124. In such an embodiment, an attachment fastener may extend through the first attachment aperture124and the second attachment aperture164to secure the contact edge114to the reservoir edge152. Another example of a feature for securing the contact edge114to the reservoir edge152is one or more magnets disposed on the contact edge114and/or the reservoir edge152, wherein the contact edge114may be magnetically secured to the reservoir edge152.

In some embodiments, the outer housing member110may comprise, in addition to the outer housing member wall128, an outer housing member cap134. In such an embodiment, the outer housing member wall128may extend upward from the contact edge114to define an upper edge130, the upper edge130defining an upper edge opening132. The outer housing member cap134may connect to the upper edge130and extend over the upper edge opening132to substantially cover the upper edge opening132, wherein the chamber118may be defined within the outer housing member wall128and the outer housing member cap134.

In certain embodiments, the outer housing member110may include one or more plant receiving apertures112defined on the outer housing member wall128, the one or more plant receiving apertures112configured to receive and retain a plant pod assembly402. The one or more plant receiving apertures112may have any suitable shape and size to receive a plant pod assembly402such as that depicted inFIGS.5A and5B. For example, the plant receiving apertures112may be circular, square, triangular, or any other shape. Additionally, in embodiments in which the plant receiving apertures112are circular, the diameter of the plant receiving apertures112may have a value that is one inch, two inches, three inches, etc.

As best shown inFIG.1, in some embodiments, the outer housing member110may include a plurality of plant receiving apertures112, for example, the embodiment depicted inFIG.1contemplates thirty-eight plant receiving apertures112. In such an embodiment, the plurality of plant receiving apertures112may be positioned in a spaced relationship on the outer housing member wall128such that the plurality of plant receiving aperture112are positioned in one or more rows that extend radially around the outer housing member wall128.

In such an embodiment, the one or more rows of plant receiving apertures112may be uniformly positioned. For example, along a row, the plant receiving apertures112may be radially equidistant to one another. Furthermore, in embodiments with three or more rows of plant receiving apertures112, the rows may be uniformly spaced such that, for example, a distance between a top row of plant receiving apertures112and a middle row of plant receiving apertures112is substantially equal to a distance between the middle row of plant receiving apertures112and a bottom row of plant receiving apertures112.

Referring toFIGS.5A-Band6, a plant pod assembly402may comprise a container404and a plant root structure430that is insertable into the container404associated with a plant414. In some embodiments, a plant414may be cultivated from a seed, the plant root structure430that is insertable in the container404may comprise a seed pod412into which the seed S may be inserted. The seed pod412may be comprised of various media including, but not limited to, nutrient-rich foam, soil, peat, liquid media, porous stone, or any other medium that may facilitate the cultivation of the seed S into a plant414.

In such an embodiment, as shown inFIG.5B, the seed may be cultivated such that it develops into a plant414, the plant414having, for example, roots418, a stem420, and leaves422. Once the seed416has been cultivated into a plant414, the seed pod412may disintegrate depending on the media forming the seed pod412. In other embodiments, in which an existing plant414may be cultivated, the plant root structure430may comprise only of bare roots418of a plant414.

The container404may be configured to be insertable into the one or more plant receiving apertures112and may comprise a body408and a rim416. The body408may have any shape such that it may pass through the plant receiving apertures112. For example, as shown inFIGS.5A and5B, the body408may have a shape that is substantially cylindrical. When a plant pod assembly402is inserted into a plant receiving aperture112, the body408of the container404may extend into the chamber118of the outer housing member110. The body408may be configured to receive a plant root structure430and may contain a plurality of openings410that allow the fluid424to contact the plant root structure430. The openings410may have any suitable shape to allow sufficient fluid424to contact the plant root structure430to facilitate the cultivation of a plant414. For example, as shown inFIGS.5A-B, the openings410may be parallel longitudinal apertures that extend perpendicularly from the circular rim416.

The rim416may extend laterally outward from a superior portion of the body such that the rim416may rest upon the outer housing member wall128of the outer housing member110when the plant pod assembly402is inserted into the one or more plant receiving apertures112. The rim416may have any shape such that sufficient material may contact the outer housing member wall128to support the container404in the plant receiving apertures112. For example, the rim416may have a shape that is circular, rectangular, square, triangular, or any other shape.

The container404may define an axis that extends laterally through the body408of the container404, such that when a plant is inserted into a specific pant receiving aperture112of the outer housing member wall128, the axis may be positioned at an angle relative to the central shaft202. The axis of the container404may be positioned at an angle of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees relative to the central shaft202. For example, in one embodiment where the plant root structure430includes a seed pod412, a greater angle (closer to 60 degrees) relative to the central shaft may better facilitate cultivation of a plant414.

As another example, in an alternative embodiment where the plant root structure430includes bare roots418of a plant414, a lesser angle (closer to 30 degrees) relative to the central shaft may better facilitate cultivation of the plant414. In either embodiment mentioned, or in any of the various additional potential embodiments, the plant cultivation apparatus100may be configured such that the fluid424may pass through one or more plant pod assemblies402before being reintroduced into the central chamber156of the reservoir150.

As shown inFIGS.2and3, in select embodiments, the internal components200may include a pump162, a central shaft202operatively connected to the pump162, and one or more trays208positioned along central shaft202. In such embodiments, the pump162may operate to convey the fluid424from the central chamber156of the reservoir150, through the central shaft202, and into contract with the one or more trays208. The fluid424may then fall through one or more drain apertures228of one or more trays208before being reintroduced into the central chamber156of the reservoir150. In embodiments with two or more trays208, the fluid424may cascade between the two or more trays208before being reintroduced into the central chamber156of the reservoir150.

The central shaft202may have a first end204terminating in the central chamber156of the reservoir150, a second end206that is opposite the first end204, and a length extending between the first end204and the second end206. In select embodiments, the central shaft202may extend in a direction generally upward and out of the central chamber156of the reservoir150. Additionally, the central shaft202may be configured such that the fluid424may be conveyed through the central shaft202. For example, the central shaft202may be configured to be a hollow tube, inside which the fluid424may travel.

The pump162may be positioned within the central chamber156of the reservoir150, or may be formed integrally with reservoir150. As shown inFIGS.2and3, the pump162may be located at a base portion of the central chamber156of the reservoir150. The pump162may be operatively connected to the first end204of the central shaft202. The pump162may facilitate the conveyance of the fluid424from the central chamber156of the reservoir150into the central shaft202at its first end204. The fluid424may then come into contact with one or more of the one or more trays208. For example, in embodiments with two or more trays208, the pump162may facilitate the conveyance of fluid424to only one of the two or more trays208, or may facilitate the conveyance of fluid424to all of the two or more trays208. The pump162may be configured to operate by receiving electrical power through a pump power cable166in electrical communication with a power source (e.g., a wall outlet).

The one or more trays208may be positioned in a spaced relationship along the length of central shaft202. For example, the one or more trays208may be positioned equidistant to each other along the length of the central shaft202. In embodiments with two trays, for example, a top tray210may be positioned proximate to the second end206of the central shaft202and a bottom tray214may be positioned proximate to the first end204of the central shaft202. In embodiments with three trays, for example, a top tray210may be positioned proximate to the second end206of the central shaft202, a bottom tray214may be positioned proximate to the first end204of the central shaft202, and an intermediate tray212may be positioned between the top tray210and the bottom tray214.

The one or more trays208may have a base216that projects radially outward from the central shaft202to define an outer edge240, such that the base216is substantially parallel to a horizontal plane. The base216of the one or more trays208may be formed integrally with the central shaft202or may include a shaft aperture230that receives the central shaft202.

For example, in an embodiment where the central shaft202extends upward and out of the central chamber156of the reservoir150in a direction orthogonal to the horizontal plane, the base216of the one or more trays208may project radially outward from the central shaft202such that the base216is positioned at an angle of between eighty degrees and one-hundred degrees relative to the central shaft202. As another example, in an embodiment where the central shaft202extends upward and out of the central chamber156of the reservoir150in a direction that is not orthogonal to the horizontal plane, the base216may project radially outward from the central shaft202such that the base216is positioned at a different angle relative to the central shaft202and is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane.

The outer edge240of the base216of the one or more trays208may have a periphery configured to any suitable geometry. For example, the periphery of the outer edge240of the base216may have a geometry in which a portion of the outer edge240is curvilinear. As another example, the periphery of the outer edge240of the base216may have a geometry in which a portion of the outer edge240is straight. As other examples, the periphery of the outer edge240of the base216may have a geometry that is circular (shown inFIGS.2,3and7), or can be rectangular, triangular, or various combinations thereof.

In select embodiments with two or more trays208, the two or more trays208may have circumferences of different values. In such embodiments, the two or more trays208may be positioned along the central shaft202in an order of increasing circumferences from the second end206of the central shaft202to the first end204of the central shaft202. For example, in an embodiment with two trays208, the top tray210may have a circumference that is smaller than the bottom tray214. As another example, in an embodiment with three trays, the top tray210may have a circumference that is smaller than the intermediate tray212, and the intermediate tray212may have a circumference that is smaller than the bottom tray214.

Referring toFIG.7, the one or more trays208may include a side wall218contiguously connected to, and extending around, the outer edge240of the base216to form a junction224where the base216joins with the side wall218. The side wall218may project upward from the base216in a direction generally toward the second end206of the central shaft202, wherein the base216and the side wall218cooperatively form a tray reservoir242. For example, the side wall218may project upward at an angle of between eighty degrees and one-hundred degrees relative to the base216. The side wall218can be of any sufficient height to retain a suitable volume of fluid424within the tray reservoir242in circumstances where the plant cultivation apparatus100may be placed on a suitable surface.

In select embodiments, the one or more trays208may include a plurality of drain apertures228positioned proximate to the junction224between the side wall281and the base216. Referring toFIGS.4and5, in some embodiments the plurality of drain apertures228may be positioned immediately above each of the one or more plant pod assemblies402inserted into one or more of the plant receiving aperture112. In such embodiments, the plurality of drain apertures228may operate such that, when the fluid424is pumped out of the central chamber156of the reservoir150and into contact with the one or more trays208, the fluid424may accumulate in the tray reservoir242and fall through the plurality of drain apertures228into contact with the one or more plant pod assemblies402located below the respective tray208in the manner depicted by arrows426.

The plurality of drain apertures228may have any suitable configuration to control a stream of the fluid424passing through the plurality of drain apertures228. For example, the plurality of drain apertures may be circular, rectangular, or oval shape, and may have any size suitable to provide a stream of fluid424to the one or more plant pod assemblies402that may facilitate the cultivation of the various plants414inserted in the respective plant receiving apertures112. It is also considered to be within the purview of this disclosure that the associated plant pod assemblies402may receive fluid424by any suitable method, including but not limited to splash irrigation, spray irrigation, flood irrigation, drip irrigation, wick irrigation, fog irrigation, ebb and flow irrigation, and other irrigation methods. Such methods are made possible, in part, due to the configuration of the plurality of drain apertures228.

As best shown inFIG.4, in which the arrows426represent the flow of the fluid424within the plant cultivation apparatus100, in certain embodiments with three trays208, the fluid424may cascade down the three trays208before falling into the central chamber156of the reservoir150. For example, the fluid424may accumulate in a tray reservoir242of a top tray210. The fluid may then fall through a plurality of drain apertures228of the top tray210and accumulate in a tray reservoir242of an intermediate tray212. The fluid424may then fall through a plurality of drain apertures228of the intermediate tray212and accumulate in a tray reservoir242of a bottom tray214. The fluid424may then fall through a plurality of drain apertures228of the bottom tray214to be reintroduced into the central chamber156of the reservoir150.

It will be readily apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art that the cascading process as previously described with three trays208may also be performed with respect to a greater or fewer number of trays208. For example, the cascading process may be performed with two trays208, four trays208, or any other number of trays208.

It is contemplated by this disclosure that the fluid424that may accumulate within the tray reservoir242of the one or more trays208if the fluid424is being pumped into the tray reservoir242at a higher rate than the rate at which the fluid424is being drained out of the tray reservoir242through the plurality of drain apertures228. Therefore, in some embodiments, the one or more trays208may include an overflow wall232that defines an overflow aperture232.

The overflow wall244may project upward from the base216of the one or more trays208in a direction similar to that of the side wall218, and may be positioned within the tray reservoir242of the one or more trays208such that the overflow aperture232defined in cach respective overflow wall244are positioned directly above another one (in embodiments with two or more trays) and the central chamber154of the reservoir150. The overflow wall244may have a height that is less than that of the associated side wall218, such that fluid that accumulates in the reservoir242of the one or more trays208and may flow over the overflow wall244and through the overflow aperture232before the fluid424flows over the side wall218of the one or more trays208.

In certain embodiments, the one or more trays208may include one or more attachment projections226connected to the side wall218and projecting radially outward therefrom. The one or more attachment projections226may correspond with, and be positioned adjacent to, the support apertures136of the outer housing member110. A mechanical fastener may secure the attachment projections226to the support apertures124of the outer housing member110. For example, a threaded fastener may extend through the support apertures136of the outer housing member and into the attachment projections226to support the one or more trays208within the chamber118of the outer housing member110.

It is contemplated by this disclosure that the one or more plant pod assemblies402may discharge debris during cultivation. To prevent debris from contaminating the central chamber156of the reservoir150, referring toFIG.3, the internal components200of the plant cultivation apparatus100may also include a separation plate234. The separation plate234may be positioned along the length of central shaft202and proximate to the first end204of the central shaft202relative to the one or more trays208. For example, in some embodiments the separation plate234may be positioned below the one or more trays208. The separation plate234may be configured to generally separate the chamber118of the outer housing member110from the central chamber156of the reservoir150.

The separation plate234may project radially outward from the central shaft202to define a boundary238. The separation plate234may be formed integrally with the central shaft202or may include a shaft aperture246that receives the central shaft202. The boundary238may have a geometry that substantially matches the geometry of the contact edge opening116of the outer housing member110and/or reservoir opening154of the reservoir150. The separation plate234may also include a plurality of recessed portions236that project inward from the boundary238in a direction generally toward the central shaft202, wherein the fluid424may fall through the plurality of the recessed portion236and into the central chamber156of the reservoir150.

To facilitate the flow of fluid424toward the recessed portions236of the separation plate234, the separation plate234may have a curved shape, such that the curved shape is concave about the first end204of the central shaft202. As an example of the integration of the separation plate234into the flow of fluid424within the plant cultivation apparatus100, the fluid424may be pumped out of the central chamber156of the reservoir150and into contact with the one or more trays208. The fluid424may then cascade through the drain apertures228of the one or more trays208while contacting the one or more plant pod assemblies402. After cascading down the one or more trays208, the fluid424may fall upon the separation plate234, whereby the fluid424may flow toward the recessed portions236of the separation plate234before falling through the recessed portions236where it may be reintroduced into the central chamber156of the reservoir150.

It is contemplated by this disclosure that the separation plate234may also operate to reduce the volume of a sound associated with the fluid424falling into the central chamber156of the reservoir150by reducing the distance by which the fluid424falls into the central chamber156. For example, fluid424falling into the central chamber156from the one or more trays208may result in a splashing sound that is louder than the splashing sound that may result from fluid424falling from the separation plate234into the central chamber156because the separation plate234is positioned proximate to the central chamber156relative to the one or more trays208.

It is also contemplated by this disclosure that the plant cultivation apparatus100may be used in environments where sunlight exposure is below what is required to support adequate photosynthesis to facilitate plant growth (e.g., indoor environments, covered environments, etc.). When the plant cultivation apparatus100is used in such environments, it may be desired to employ a lighting system300that provides artificial light to the plant cultivation apparatus100to supplement sunlight exposure or to provide all light required to support plant growth.

Referring toFIGS.8and9, in select embodiments, the plant cultivation apparatus100may include a lighting system300connecting to the plant cultivation apparatus100. In such embodiments, the lighting system300may be attachable to one or more of the accessory apertures120of the outer housing cover110, and comprise a support member302and a light source308connecting to the support member302, such that the light source308is suspended substantially above the outer housing member110and is oriented to direct electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light) generally toward the outer housing cover110. The support member302may be any suitable shape to suspend the light source308above the outer housing member110. The lighting system300may be configured to operate by receiving electrical power through a lighting system wire314in electrical communication with a power source (e.g., a wall outlet).

In certain embodiments, the support member302may comprise an elongated body member having two ends, a first end attachable to an accessory aperture120defined in the outer housing member110and a second end attachable to another accessory aperture120of the outer housing member110. The elongated body member of the support member302may be configured to extend over the outer housing member110. In such an embodiment, the support member302may be formed from a strip of material that bends over the outer housing member110, such that the support member302forms a curved shape over the outer housing member110, the curved shape being concave about the plant cultivation apparatus100. Further, in such an embodiment, the light source308may be connected to a surface of the elongated body member of the support member302that faces the outer housing member110, such that the light source308faces the outer housing member110and may direct light toward the outer housing member110.

In alternative embodiments, the support member302may comprise an elongated body member, a first intermediate strut304and a second intermediate strut304. The elongated body member may have a first end and a second end, such that the first intermediate strut304is contiguously connected to the first end of the elongated body member, and the second intermediate strut304is contiguously connected to the second end of the elongated body member. In such an embodiment, both the first and the second intermediate struts304may be attachable to suitable accessory apertures120of the outer housing member110.

In select embodiments, the first and second intermediate struts304may be configured such that a length of the first and second intermediate struts304are adjustable. For example, the first and second intermediate struts may be configured to include a telescoping mechanism, such that portions of the first and second intermediate struts304may slide within one another to extend the length of the first and second intermediate struts304. As another example, the first and second intermediate struts304may be configured to accept an additional portion of material, such that a length of material may be attached to the end of the first and second intermediate struts304, between the end and the one or more accessory apertures120of the outer housing member110, to extend the length of the first and second intermediate struts304.

The light source308may be any suitable device operable to emit light that may support photosynthesis. In some embodiments, the light source308may be one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). In such an embodiment, the one or more LEDs may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at a range of wavelengths conducive for photosynthesis. For example, the one or more LEDs may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation between wavelengths corresponding to ultraviolet radiation and wavelengths corresponding to infrared radiation (e.g., full spectrum LEDs). As another example, the one or more LEDs may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation between a narrower range of wavelengths.

Additionally, in embodiments where the light source308comprises LEDs, the LEDs may be configured to emit light at any angle of light spread sufficient to expose plants414inserted into the outer housing member110to a sufficient amount of light to support adequate photosynthesis to facilitate plant growth. For example, forty degrees of light spread, sixty degrees of light spread, ninety degrees of light spread, etc.

In certain embodiments, the light source308may comprise strips of LEDs that include a plurality of LEDs (e.g., twenty LEDs, thirty LEDs, etc.). In such embodiments, the strips of LEDs may be positioned along the support member302such that the strips of LEDS direct light toward the outer housing member110. As an example, in embodiments with a support member302that includes an elongated body member extending over the outer housing member110, the strips of LEDs may be positioned along the elongated body member such that the strips of LEDs may be oriented to direct light toward the outer housing member110.

As shown inFIGS.8and9, in some embodiments with a support member302that extends over the outer housing member110, the lighting system300may further include one or more cross members306connectable to the support member302. The one or more cross members can be connected to the outer housing member110by suitable means such as connectors312as depicted inFIG.11. In such embodiments, the one or more cross members may be configured to support one or more additional light sources308. For example, a cross member306may connect to a top portion of the support member302as at a connection point310and extend over the outer housing member110in a direction perpendicular to the support member302. Furthermore, an additional light source308(e.g., a strip of LEDs) may be positioned along the cross member306. In embodiments where the cross member306comprises an elongated strip of material, the additional light source may be positioned on a side of the cross member306facing the outer housing member110such that light may be directed toward the outer housing member110.

In some embodiments, the one or more cross members306may be pivotably connected to the support member302, such that the one or more cross members306may rotate with respect to the support member302. In such an embodiment, the one or more cross members306may be connectable to the support member302with a mechanical fastener. For example, the one or more cross members306may be attachable to the support member302with a machine screw and a corresponding nut. As another example, the one or more cross members306may be attachable to the support member302with a rivet.

Although examples of configurations of the lighting system300have been provided, it will be readily understood by someone having ordinary skill in the art that the support member302may be configured in any suitable geometry that may position one or more light sources308such that light may be directed substantially toward the outer housing member110. For example, the support member may connect at only one location on the outer housing member110wherein a ring of LEDs may be suspended over the outer housing member110by the support member302. As another example, a plurality of individual light sources308may be supported by support members302attachable to the accessory apertures120of outer housing member110, wherein the support members302may be operable to orient various light sources308toward the outer housing member110.

It is contemplated by this disclosure that it may be desirable to discharge the fluid424from the plant cultivation apparatus100for cleaning purposes, without requiring disassembly of the plant cultivation apparatus100. Therefore, in select embodiments, the plant cultivation apparatus100may include a drain tube428attachable to, and in fluid communication with, the central shaft202and that may extend to the exterior of the outer housing member110. The drain tube428may be configured to discharge fluid424out of the plant cultivation apparatus100such that the chamber118of the outer housing member110, the central chamber156of the reservoir150, and the internal components200may be cleaned.

To discharge the fluid424from the plant cultivation apparatus100, a first end of the drain tube428may be attached to the central shaft202at any suitable location along the central shaft202, wherein a second end of the drain tube428may be positioned outside of the outer housing member110, for example, by extending the drain tube428through one of the one or more plant receiving apertures112. The pump162may then be activated to cause the fluid424to be pumped through the drain tube428and out of the plant cultivation apparatus100.

It is also contemplated by this disclosure that it may be desirable for certain components (e.g., the pump162and/or the lighting system300) of the plant cultivation apparatus100to operate autonomously (i.e., without human input or with limited human input). Therefore, in select embodiments, the plant cultivation apparatus100may include a smart plug432in electrical communication with the pump162and/or the lighting system300. The smart plug432may operate such that it causes the pump162and/or the lighting system300to activate over cycles of predetermined time intervals, the predetermined time intervals depending on the plant414being cultivated by the plant cultivation apparatus100. In other embodiments, the pump162and/or the lighting system300may electrically communicate with any conventional electrical or mechanical timer to cause the pump162and/or the lighting system300. The conventional electrical or mechanical timer may operate such that it causes the pump162and/or lighting system300to activate over cycles of predetermined time intervals, the predetermined time intervals being manually inputted into the conventional electrical or mechanical timer.

The predetermined time intervals may, for example, be set in accordance with one or more periods of time during a single day. For example, where the predetermined time interval is set in accordance with one period of time during a single day, the period of time may be between 5:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Accordingly, the smart plug432or the conventional electrical or mechanical timer may cause the pump162and/or lighting system300to be activated between 5:00 AM and 11:00 AM and may cause the pump162and/or lighting system300to be deactivated between 11:01 AM and 4:59 AM. As another example where the predetermined time interval is set in accordance with two periods of time during a single day, the period of time may be between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM and between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Accordingly, the smart plug432or the conventional electrical or mechanical timer may cause the pump162and/or lighting system300to be activated between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM and between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM, and may cause the pump162and/or lighting system to be deactivated between 10:01 AM and 7:59 PM, and between 11:01 PM and 4:59 AM.

The smart plug432may electrically communicate with the pump162through the pump power cable166, such that the pump power cable166electrically connects the pump162to the smart plug432, whereby the smart plug432electrically connects to a power source (e.g., a wall outlet). The smart plug432may be configured to cause the pump162to operate over cycles of predetermined time intervals, for example, by causing electrical power to be communicated to the pump162only during the predetermined time intervals. The smart plug432may be configured to cause the pump162to activate cyclically for an indefinite period of time, or may be configured to cause the pump162to operate only for a select number of cycles (e.g., ten cycles, twenty cycles, thirty cycles, etc.).

The smart plug432may operate similarly when in electrical communication with the lighting system300. The smart plug432may electrically communicate with the lighting system300through the lighting system wire314, such that the lighting system wire314electrically connects the lighting system300to the smart plug432, whereby the smart plug432electrically connects to a power source (e.g., a wall outlet). The smart plug432may be configured to cause the lighting system300to operate during cycles of predetermined time intervals, for example, by causing electrical power to be communicated to the lighting system300only during the predetermined time intervals. The smart plug432may be configured to cause the lighting system to activate cyclically for an indefinite period of time, or may be configured to cause the lighting system300to operate only for a select number of cycles (e.g., ten cycles, twenty cycles, thirty cycles, etc.).

In certain embodiments, the smart plug432may be configured to cause both the pump162and the lighting system300to activate in cycles of predetermined time intervals. In such embodiments, the smart plug432may be configured to cause the pump162and the lighting system300to operate over the same cycles of predetermined time intervals, or may be configured to cause the pump162and the lighting system300to operate independently (e.g., over different cycles of predetermined time intervals).

The smart plug432may comprise a controller operatively connected to a receiver. The receiver of the smart plug432may receive a signal from a remote device, the signal then being communicated to the controller, wherein the controller may cause the pump162and/or the lighting system300to activate. Examples of remote devices may include a smart phone, a computer, or the like.

In some embodiments, the smart plug432may be configured to operate in accordance with a computer program (e.g., a smart phone application) that may allow a user to set the cycles of predetermined intervals. For example, a user may select, on a smart phone application, a cycle of predetermined intervals based on the plant414that is being cultivated by the plant cultivation apparatus100. The smart phone may then send a signal to the receiver of the smart plug432, which is communicated to the controller, wherein the controller will cause the pump162and/or the lighting system300to operate in accordance with the selected cycle of predetermined intervals.

In embodiments where a conventional electrical or mechanical timer is employed to cause autonomous operation of the pump162and/or lighting system300, the pump162and/or the lighting system300may electrically connect to the conventional electrical or mechanical timer. With regard to the pump162, the pump power cable166may electrically connect the pump162to the conventional electrical or mechanical timer, whereby the conventional electrical or mechanical timer may electrically connect to a power source (e.g., a wall outlet). With regard to the lighting system300, the lighting system wire314may electrically connect the lighting system300to the conventional electrical or mechanical timer, whereby the conventional electrical or mechanical timer may electrically connect to a power source (e.g., a wall outlet).

In such embodiments, the conventional electrical or mechanical timer may be configured to cause the lighting system300to operate during cycles of predetermined time intervals, for example, by causing electrical power to be communicated to the lighting system300only during the predetermined time intervals. The conventional electrical and mechanical timer may be configured to cause the pump162and/or lighting system300to activate cyclically for an indefinite period of time, or may be configured to cause the pump162and/or lighting system300to operate only for a select number of cycles (e.g., ten cycles, twenty cycles, thirty cycles, etc.).