Patent Abstract:
A portable, minature greenhouse. The greenhouse is modular, having vertically stackable sections. The base section has a floor, wheels, and insulated upright walls having reflective interior surfaces. Subsequent sections have transparent walls. Optionally, at least one wall is slidably mounted to the greenhouse. An opaque, insulated lid covers the top section. The lid has openings enabling passage of air. The base and subsequent sections have slots formed in their walls for receiving slats placed therein in spaced apart relation. The slats form shelves of selectively variable width. The greenhouse has at least one light and reflective hood mounted in the lid, a timer disposed to control the light, a water supply conduit, forced air ventilation, an air filter which in alternative embodiments has an activated carbon element or a HEPA element, and an air ionizer.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to structures for supporting and nurturing potted plants. More particularly, the invention sets forth a modular, adjustably configured portable greenhouse. The novel greenhouse is useful for growing and displaying individual plants and small groups of plants. It is most advantageously used in residences, commercial, office, and institutional spaces wherein it is desired to grow plants, but which spaces are not conducive to providing specialized needs of plants. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Greenhouses have been employed for a very long time for providing suitable growing environments for plants. A greenhouse can maintain temperatures and humidity in ranges suitable for nurturing plants which could otherwise not flourish in occupied places far from the native habitat of the plants. In particular, it has become popular to grow exotic plants at home, in offices, commercial spaces, and other artificial environments. The desire to grow plants has resulted in miniaturized greenhouses to be developed. 
     An example is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,834, issued to Feliks Garunts et al. on May 31, 1994. The subject device of this patent comprises an insulated cabinet having a fan for forced ventilating, an air ionizer, and illumination in one of its several sections. By contrast, the present invention comprises a cabinet which is readily separable into detachable modules, and which features built up shelves which may be varied in width. Other features of the present invention not seen in Garunts et al. include wheels, reflective interior surfaces, and air filters. 
     A greenhouse intended to contain a single plant is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,020, issued to Keith North on Apr. 9, 1996. North&#39;s device comprises an inverted cup having an opening in the top. A closure which closes this opening has a smaller opening which in turn has a closure. The opening is thus variable in area, depending upon which closures are assembled to the base. North lacks separable modules of equal area, variable width shelves, wheels, reflective interior surfaces, forced ventilation, and air filter and ionizer, all of which are features of the present invention. 
     A nestable miniaturized greenhouse is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,051, issued to Sachi M. Fujimoto on Dec. 8, 1987. The subject greenhouse comprises a plurality of frustoconical receptacles lacking separable modules of equal area, variable width shelves, wheels, reflective interior surfaces, forced ventilation, and air filter and ionizer, as seen in the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,794,727, issued to Kevin J. Smith on Jan. 3, 1989, describes a wheeled greenhouse. Smith lacks the vertically stackable, separable modules, variable width shelves, wheels, reflective interior surfaces, forced ventilation, and air filter and ionizer of the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,135, issued to Jeffery J. DeMarco on Jul. 25, 1989, shows a small plant enclosure having lighting and ventilation. However, the ventilation is not forced, as in the present invention. The device of DeMarco lacks separable modules, variable width shelves, wheels, reflective interior surfaces, air filter, and ionizer, as seen in the present invention. 
     A plant enclosure shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,781, issued to Thomas R. Malczyk on Sep. 7, 1993, provides a forced water supply and lighting. Malczyk lacks separable modules, variable width shelves, wheels, reflective interior surfaces, forced ventilation, and air filter and ionizer, as seen in the present invention. 
     A modular enclosure for plants is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,229, issued to Joseph R. Thomasson et al. on Apr. 23, 1996. However, the modules of Thomasson et al. increase the area of the enclosure. By contrast, modular rearrangement in the present invention selectively increases overall height and the number of available shelves. Thomasson et al. lacks shelves, wheels, reflective interior surfaces, forced ventilation, and air filter and ionizer, all of which are provided in the present invention. 
     None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a versatile, portable greenhouse which is readily reconfigured to suit different plants being housed therein and different external conditions. The novel greenhouse is formed in separable modular sections which are vertically stackable. A lid covers the uppermost module. One significant adjustable characteristic arising from modular construction is that of depth. Different levels for supporting potted plants are created by variable width shelves which are supported on each of the modules. The lowermost module has wheels, so that the greenhouse can be wheeled about to different locations within a room or living space, to have access to water and electrical power, and to be located advantageously for viewing. 
     The modules are readily installed and removed. No tools are required for accomplishing this. The variable width shelves are provided by removable slats which span opposed walls of the modules, therefore also being readily installed and removed. The modules optionally include doors which swing open about a vertical axis of rotation, and vertically sliding wall panels. 
     The novel greenhouse has many features for promoting plant growth. Temperature is maintained by insulation and by reflective internal surfaces of the lowermost module and of the lid. Optionally, reflective coatings are provided to transparent walls of the greenhouse. Openings formed in the lid afford a measure of control of temperature rise. The greenhouse is provided with a water supply system, lighting, and a forced air ventilation system. The ability of the greenhouse to nurture plant growth is thus not dependent upon exposure to the natural environment, and may even succeed in the total absence of natural light. Air is filtered by an activated carbon or high efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filter, and is charged by an ionizer. 
     The novel portable greenhouse is suited for growing different types of plants and is adaptable for use in conditions not conducive to plant growth. Modular construction enables the overall height of the greenhouse to be adjusted according to the height of plants contained therein. Width and location of shelves offers accommodation of location, height, and number of potted plants contained in the greenhouse. Overall dimensions of the novel greenhouse assure that it is compatible with homes, offices, and other living spaces and workplaces of limited area. The plant nurturing features built into the greenhouse render the greenhouse an ideal, self-contained environment for growing plants in living spaces and workplaces that are not inherently favorable for nurturing plants. 
     Accordingly, it is one object of the invention to provide a portable greenhouse which is highly suitable for use in living spaces and workplaces that lack amenities favoring plant growth. 
     It is another object of the invention that the greenhouse be portable and self-contained. 
     It is a further object of the invention to control temperatures within the plant growing area. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide light and water to nurture growing plants. 
     An additional object of the invention is to filter air passing through the greenhouse. 
     It is another object of the invention to ionize air within the greenhouse. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. 
     These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded, side elevational view of an embodiment of the invention, shown partially in cross section. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective detail view of elements which interengage the major components shown spaced apart from one another in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, illustrating removable side windows and swinging doors. 
     FIG. 5 is a top plan detail view of another alternative embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Turning now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, an embodiment of the novel portable, miniature greenhouse is indicated generally by reference numeral  10 . Greenhouse  10  is formed in vertically stackable modules including a base module  12 , a first intermediate module  14 , a second intermediate module  16 , and a lid  18 . Base module  12  is that module which rests on a floor (not shown) or other horizontal environmental surface. Base module  12  has a floor  20 , an upstanding perimetric wall  22  projecting from floor  20 , and wheels  24 ,  26  fixed to base module  12 . An interior  28  having a closed bottom and an open top is formed within wall  22 . Floor  20  and wall  22  of base module  12  are formed from an insulating material such as glass wool, closed cell expanded synthetic foam, a material formed to enclose pockets of air, or a natural material such as perlite having similar insulating characteristics. Wall  22  has internally exposed surfaces bounding interior  28  covered by a reflective material such as aluminum foil  30 . 
     First intermediate module  14  has an upstanding perimetric wall  32  enclosing an interior  34  open at the bottom and at the top. Wall  32  has at least one transparent panel  36 . In the embodiment of FIG. 1, wherein modules  12 ,  14 ,  16  are generally parallelepipeds, wall  32  comprises four transparent panels. Intermediate module  14  engages base module  12  by connecting elements  38 ,  40  which prevents module  14  from sliding out of engagement with base module  12  by interference. Connecting elements  38 ,  40  each comprise a molding strip which projects upwardly from wall  22  of base module  12 . Panels  36  of wall  32  of module  14  are located such that when module  14  is placed onto base module  12  from above, panels  36  collectively encircle connecting elements  38 ,  40 . Preferably, at least one panel  36  is arranged to slide along guides (such as grooves shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) formed in modules  14 , thereby exposing the interior of module  14 . The guides may be similar to those of conventional slidable windows of buildings, display cabinets, and the like. Panels  36  come to rest on wall  22  of base module  12 , and are dimensioned and configured to engage base module  12  and retain module  14  thereon. Module  14  is readily lifted upwardly out of engagement with base module  12 . 
     Turning momentarily to FIG. 2, connecting elements  38 ,  40  are seen to comprise castellated or slotted moldings collectively forming a holder dimensioned and configured to support and retain slats (only one slat  42  is shown, and is typical of all of the slats) therein above wall  22  in spaced apart, generally parallel relation to one another. Each slot  44  is dimensioned and configured to loosely receive a slat  42 . Slats are therefore readily placed onto and lifted from connecting elements  38 ,  40 . The slats collectively form a shelf on which potted plants (not shown) may be rested. Spacing of slats promotes air circulation and ventilation by convection currents. Any number of slats may be placed into the holder, so that width of the shelf is selectively variable. 
     Referring again to FIG. 1, first intermediate module  14  is preferably dimensioned and configured to overlie base module  12 . Connector elements  37 ,  39  are similar in construction to connector elements  38 ,  40  of base module  12 . 
     Second intermediate module  16  is generally similar in construction to module  14 , having an upstanding perimetric wall  46  including at least one and preferably a plurality of transparent panels  48 , connection elements  50 ,  52  similar to those of modules  12  and  14 , and slats (not shown, but similar to slat  42  of FIG. 2) for forming a shelf on module  16 . Connection elements  50 ,  52  form a holder dimensioned and configured to support and retain slats on second intermediate module  16 . Module  16  is supported in overlying relation above module  14  by connector elements  37 ,  39  of module  14 . 
     The open interiors of respective modules  12 ,  14 ,  16  collectively form a receptacle for containing potted plants. This receptacle may be open and unobstructed if no slats are placed in the holders formed by connector elements  38 ,  40  or  37 ,  39 , or  50 ,  52 . Alternatively, module  12  or  14  or both may have a shelf. The shelves may be of full width, wherein each slot formed in the connector elements receives a slat, so that the resultant shelf covers the entire area of the interior of its associated module  12  or  14 . Optionally, any of the slots may be provided with a slat, so that the shelves so formed are selectively variable as to width. The shelves are also selectively located. That is, a shelf of less than full width may overlie a similar shelf formed in the module below. Alternatively, the shelves could be staggered to generate a stair step visual effect when viewed from the side. The various shelf arrangements enable different arrangements of potted plants, with attendant variations in esthetic effect. 
     Lid  18  is dimensioned and configured to cover any of base module  12 , first intermediate module  14 , and second intermediate module  16 . Lid  18  includes insulating material in a manner similar to that of base module  12 . Greenhouse  10  is preferably provided with a lamp  54  disposed to project light into the receptacle formed by the open interiors of modules  12 ,  14 ,  16 . A reflective hood  55  directs light downwardly. It will be appreciated that a further benefit of spacing apart of the slats forming the shelves is that some light will pass to the lowermost portions of plants contained within base module  12 . Lamp  54  is supported on lid  18  in a location assuring that light will be projected downwardly into the receptacle. As seen in FIG. 3, lid  18  has a plurality of openings  56  extending from the upper surface of lid  18  to the lower surface thereof. Openings  56  promote air flow through lid  18 . Air flow limits temperature build up in the vicinity of lamp  54 . 
     Greenhouse  10  includes the following amenities for promoting plant growth. Module  16  has a conduit  58  for discharging water over the receptacle. Conduit  58  may be a perforated hose or alternatively could be a wick. Conduit  58  is connected to a suitable supply of water (not shown), such as a storage vessel located high enough to supply water by gravity, to a small water pump, for example of the type used to circulate water in a fish aquarium, or to any suitable supply of pressurized water. 
     A fan  60  having an electric motor is mounted on base module  12  at an opening  62  formed in wall  22 , so that fan  60  can propel air through the receptacle of greenhouse  10 . An air filter  64  is disposed to filter air passing into the receptacle. In alternative embodiments, air filter  64  has an activated carbon filtration element (not separately shown), a high efficiency, particulate arresting filtration element (not separately shown), or any other effective air filtering element. An air ionizer  66  is disposed to generate ions within air contained within greenhouse  10 . 
     A timer  68  is provided for controlling power conducted to lamp  54 . Timer  68  may be of any commercially available type which is manually adjustable to close and open a power circuit at respective predetermined times. Power is derived from a plug and cord assembly  70 , and is conducted to lamp  54  by conductors  72 . 
     FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment which is open, in that it affords observers both visual and physical access to the interior. The perimetric wall of greenhouse  110  include a plurality of posts  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118  each located at one corner of the perimetric wall. Each post  112 ,  114 ,  116 , or  118  has one vertically oriented groove formed in at least one face thereof, for slidably receiving a removable, transparent window panel  120 ,  122 , or  124  therein. Panels  120 ,  122 ,  124  are preferably formed from glass and more preferably from an acrylic plastic. Each panel  120 ,  122 , or  124  is dimensioned and configured to be manually insertable into and removable from two of grooves  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136  of adjacent ones of posts  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118 . 
     The embodiment of FIG. 4 also includes two transparent swinging doors  138 ,  140  pivotally supported on associated hinges  142 ,  144 . Hinges  142 ,  144  are arranged such that their associated doors  138 ,  140  swing about vertical axes. Door swing is indicated by arrows  146 ,  148 . Doors  138 ,  140  each include handles or door pulls  150 ,  152  fixed thereto. 
     FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein grooves are seen in detail, with window panels removed for clarity. The embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5, while they may have proportions of the embodiment of FIG. 1, preferably are considerably taller than they are wide and deep. Each side of the greenhouses of FIGS. 4 and 5 preferably has a plurality of window panels, so that the overall height of each window panel is not objectionably large and unwieldy. 
     It has been found that suitable dimensions for modules of the embodiment of FIG. 1 include height of two feet, width of two and one half feet, and depth of fifteen inches. Heights of the modules of the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 are on the order of three to five feet. 
     The present invention is susceptible to variations and modifications which may be introduced thereto without departing from the inventive concept. For example, location of lamp  54 , water conduit  58 , fan  60 , air filter  64 , air ionizer  66 , and timer  68  may be located other than as described herein. Fan  60 , air ionizer, and even an electric pump (not shown), if one is provided for pressurizing water supplied to conduit  58 , may be connected to power controlled by timer  68 . More than one lamp  54  may be provided if desired. 
     In further examples, the number of intermediate modules may be increased beyond the two described herein. Also, the connector elements may be reversed in their locations to project downwardly from lid  18  and intermediate modules  14 ,  16 , in place of projecting upwardly, if desired. 
     In still further examples, swinging doors and removable window panels shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be incorporated into any of the other embodiments. 
     It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0