Abstract:
A device, system, and method are provided for growing, transporting, displaying, and storing produce. The grow ring device may allow produce to grow in a hydroponic growth apparatus. It may then secure the produce in a bowl. The bowl may have an attachable base that can supply water to the produce.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The process of growing produce for ultimate consumer purchase involves many stages. These stages include produce growth, cultivation, harvesting, transportation, and commercial display, where each stage is independently important to the end result. 
         [0002]    Currently, the standard process for growing hydroponic produce is to use a trough system or floating Styrofoam system. In some circumstances, if these devices are to hold a plug of growing medium, it is generally in a small plastic cup that has limited other applications. Once harvested, the produce is generally placed in a plastic shell container that completely encloses the product. The product is then shipped and displayed in this manner, which can be unattractive and obscure the quality of the product. In an alternative process, produce may be loosely shipped and displayed without a protective cover on a produce rack but requires constant mist hydration to keep the product wet. In either case, the stages of the process are disjointed and require an added expense of refrigeration during transportation and display. 
         [0003]    Finally, in some instances such as herb growth, products may be harvested and shipped in a flimsy plastic sleeve with water in the base. However, because the sleeve is not rigid, water often spills during transportation or display which can lead to premature spoilage of the product. 
         [0004]    Once a consumer purchases produce, the consumer must often refrigerate the produce in order to keep it from spoiling. This not only uses energy, but takes up limited refrigerator space. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In one exemplary embodiment, a produce grow ring device may be provided. A produce grow ring device may include a cup and a grow ring seating portion. The cup may have a root aperture and the grow ring seating portion may be disposed from an upper edge of the cup. The grow ring seating portion may have at least one lip and at least one flange. 
         [0006]    In another exemplary embodiment, a produce system may be provided. The system may include a grow ring device, a bowl, and a base. The grow ring device may have a cup and a grow ring seating portion. The cup may have a root aperture. The grow ring seating portion may have at least one grow ring lip and at least one flange. The bowl may have a bowl wall, a substantially flat bottom bowl surface, a bowl lip, a bowl top edge, and a bowl aperture in the substantially flat bottom bowl surface. The bowl lip may be disposed proximate an intersection between the bowl wall and the substantially flat bottom bowl surface. The base may have a substantially flat bottom and a base lip. The base lip may be disposed around a perimeter of a top edge of the base and may be designed for attaching the base to the bowl lip. 
         [0007]    In yet another exemplary embodiment, a method for growing, transporting, displaying, and storing produce may be provided. A plug of growing medium with a seedling, a grow ring device, and a hydroponic trough may be provided. The trough may have the ability to support a grow ring so that a root aperture in the grow ring is proximate a flow of nutrients. The plug of growing medium and the seedling may be inserted in the grow ring. The roots may be allowed to grow through the root aperture and into the flow of nutrients in the trough. The plant may be allowed to reach a desired maturity. Once the desired maturity has been reached, the plant and grow ring may remain intact and may be placed in a bowl by securing the grow ring in a bowl aperture in the bottom of the bowl. A base may be secured to the bottom of the bowl. The base may contain the plant roots and the base may be filled with water or nutrients. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a hydroponic trough and grow ring system. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is an elevation view of a grow ring in a trough. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a grow ring in a trough. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a produce display system. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a top isometric view of a grow ring. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a bottom isometric view of a grow ring. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a top isometric view of a produce display system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    Aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the following description and related figures directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. 
         [0017]    As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. 
         [0018]    Referring to the figures generally, a grow ring  110  may include a cup portion  112  and a grow ring seating portion  120 . Cup portion  112  may have a bottom edge  114  and a root aperture (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) disposed in its bottom. Bottom edge  114  may be beveled or tapered. In some exemplary embodiments, the taper of bottom edge  114  may facilitate guiding grow ring  110  into a bowl aperture. In other exemplary embodiments, all of cup portion  112  may be tapered, having a wider diameter at top edge  118  than bottom edge  114 . Indentations may be disposed around the sidewall of cup portion  112 . The indentations may guide the roots of produce in a grow ring to grow down through the root aperture. Grow ring seating portion  120  may be disposed around an upper edge  118  of cup  112 . Grow ring seating portion  120  may include a grow ring lip  134  and at least one flange  130 . Grow ring lip  134  may include a horizontal portion  122 , an edge  124 , and a substantially vertical portion  126 . In some exemplary embodiments, grow ring lip  134  has a greatest diameter at edge  124 . 
         [0019]    In one exemplary embodiment of grow ring lip  134 , a horizontal portion  122  may be disposed outward from an upper edge  118  of cup portion  112 . A substantially vertical portion  126  may extend above the outer edge  124  of horizontal portion  122  and a top flange  130  may be disposed outward from the top edge  128  of substantially vertical portion  126 . Substantially vertical portion  126  therefore connects the outer perimeter of horizontal portion  122  and the inner perimeter of top flange  130 . Substantially vertical portion  126  may be disposed at an angle in relation to horizontal portion  122  and top flange  130 . Edge  128  may therefore have a different diameter than edge  124 . In one exemplary embodiment, substantially vertical portion  126  and flange  130  may create a 10 degree undercut, as shown in  FIG. 4 . In other words, the angle between top flange  130  and substantially vertical portion  126  may be approximately 80 degrees. As a result, edge  128  may have a smaller diameter than edge  124 . This may allow for securing grow ring  110  in a bowl aperture, such as one in a display bowl or hydroponic trough. The bowl aperture may have a diameter less than edge  124 , therefore requiring force to pass edge  124  through the bowl aperture and consequently seat or unseat grow ring  110 . In other exemplary embodiments, substantially vertical portion  126  may not be disposed at an angle, but may have protrusions disposed around its perimeter, as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  6 . The diameter of substantially vertical portion  126  where it has a protrusion may be larger than the diameter of a bowl aperture. Therefore, when grow ring  110  is seated in a bowl aperture past the protrusions, it may be securely seated. In alternative embodiments, substantially vertical portion  126  may be formed to facilitate a variety of ways to couple grow ring  110  in a bowl aperture, such as friction fitting, screw fitting, flange in groove, adhesive, cake snap, or any other positive seal system reasonably understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0020]    Grow ring  110  may have an overall diameter of approximately 1 inch to approximately 3 inches. Grow ring  110  may have an overall depth of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 1.5 inches. Grow ring  110  may be sized differently for different types of plants or produce, as would reasonably be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Grow ring  110  may be formed by injection molded plastic, vacuum molded plastic, or any other material reasonably understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0021]      FIGS. 5 and 6  show isometric views of a grow ring  110 . Grow ring  110  may have a root aperture  116  in its cup bottom surface  138 . In one exemplary embodiment, root aperture  116  may have a diameter of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 1 inch. However, root aperture may be sized differently to allow for various types of produce or plants. Root aperture  116  may allow roots of a plant pass to pass through grow ring  110 . 
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a produce system  100 . System  100  may be used for growth, transportation, display, and storage. System  100  may include a grow ring  110 , a bowl  150 , and a base  180 . Some embodiments of grow ring  110  may be substantially similar to those described in reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Grow ring  110  may have a cup portion  112  and a grow ring seating portion  120 . Cup portion  112  may include a bottom edge  114 , a top edge  118 , a cup wall  136 , a cup bottom surface  138 , and a root aperture  116  in cup bottom surface  138 . Grow ring seating portion  120  may include a grow ring lip  134  and a top flange  130 . In an exemplary embodiment, grow ring lip  134  may include a horizontal portion  122 , an edge  124 , a substantially vertical portion  126 , and an upper edge  128 . 
         [0023]    Bowl  150  may include a bowl coupling portion  152 , a bowl wall  160 , and a bowl top edge  170 . Bowl coupling portion  152  may be shaped to couple with base  180 . In some exemplary embodiments, bowl coupling portion  152  may have a bowl lip  158  that meets a substantially flat bottom bowl surface  154  of bowl  150 . A bowl aperture  156  may be disposed in the substantially flat bottom bowl surface  154 . Bowl aperture  156  may be sized to receive grow ring  110 . Bowl  150  may have at least one hanger  172  disposed proximate the bowl top edge  170 . Hanger  172  may be any type of hanger as would be reasonably understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Bowl  150  may also have a lid, which may be secured to bowl top edge  170 . 
         [0024]    Bowl aperture  156  and grow ring  110  may be any shape and dimensions that allow grow ring  110  to securely couple to bowl aperture  156 , as would be reasonably understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Grow ring  110  may be inserted from inside bowl  150  so that cup portion  112  projects through bowl aperture  156  and top flange  130  remains within bowl  150 . In some exemplary embodiments, grow ring  110  may be as described above regarding  FIG. 1 . Bowl aperture  156  in bowl  150  may be sized with a smaller diameter than edge  124  of grow ring  110 , but a larger diameter than top edge  128  of grow ring  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, bowl aperture  156  may have a diameter approximately equal to or greater than the outer diameter of top edge  128 , but smaller than the diameter of edge  124 . Grow ring  110  may be inserted through bowl aperture  156  from inside bowl  150 . Cup  112  and grow ring lip  134  may be pushed through bowl aperture  156 , until the grow ring top flange  130  comes in contact with substantially flat bottom bowl surface  154  of bowl  150 , proximate bowl aperture  156 . Alternative embodiments of grow ring  110  may include those described above regarding  FIG. 1 , including alternative embodiments of grow ring lip  134  and its coupling mechanism. 
         [0025]    Substantially flat bottom bowl surface  154  and bowl aperture  156  may be shaped so that grow ring lip  134  and top flange  130  form a water-tight seal with bowl  150 , preventing water from flowing around grow ring  110 . The water-tight seal may prevent water from flowing into or out of base  180 . For example, if produce system  100  were tilted, jostled, knocked over, rested on its side, or even upside down, water provided in base  180  for the plant to survive would not be able to escape base  180  through the connection between bowl  150  and grow ring  110 . The roots and plant itself may also prevent or limit the ability of water to escape through root aperture  116 . The roots may secure the produce in the grow ring by filling the root aperture  116 . Additionally, the placement of root aperture  116  at the bottom of cup portion  112  provides water retention benefits. This may make it more difficult for water to reach and flow through the root aperture when the produce system is tilted, on its side, or upside down. The placement of the root aperture creates an additional surface the water must flow over when the system is tilted, on its side, or upside down. In other embodiments, substantially flat bottom bowl surface  154  and bowl aperture  156  may be shaped so that grow ring lip  134  and top flange  130  do not form a water-tight seal with bowl  150 , allowing water to flow from bowl  150  around grow ring  110  and through bowl aperture  156 . In yet other embodiments, substantially flat bottom bowl surface  154  and bowl aperture  156  may be shaped so that grow ring lip  134  and top flange  130  form a selective seal with bowl  150 , providing a water-tight orientation and a non-water-tight orientation. For example, grow ring  110  may be rotated in bowl aperture  156  to alternate between a water-tight seal and a non-water-tight seal. Further still, some embodiments of grow ring  110  may allow water to flow one directionally, for example grow ring  110  may allow water to flow from bowl  150  into base  180 , but not from base  180  to bowl  150 . 
         [0026]    Bowl  150  may be sized differently for different types of plants or produce. Bowl  150  may be plastic or any other material reasonably understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0027]    Alternative embodiments of bowl  150  may have a section substantially similar to a grow ring formed integrally in the bottom of bowl  150 . The substantially flat bottom bowl surface  154  may have a tapered cylinder or substantially conical section, disposed from it. This section may be disposed in the area where the bowl aperture  156  would be in the embodiments described above. The substantially conical section may be disposed below the bottom of bowl  150 , similar to how a grow ring would sit if inserted in the above described embodiments of bowl  150 . There may be root aperture at the bottom of the substantially conical section, which may allow the roots to pass through. The conical section may create a water dam effect, similar to embodiments having a grow ring inserted through the bottom of the bowl  150 . A plant may be disposed directly in bowl  150  in this embodiment, or a plant may still be secured in a grow ring, which may then snap into the substantially conical section of bowl  150 . The substantially conical section and the grow ring may be shaped to create a secure fit in such an embodiment. In embodiments where a plant is disposed directly in bowl  150 , the plant may be grown from a seed in bowl  150  in substantially the same manner as it would be grown in a grow ring. Therefore, bowl  150  may be able to be situated on a hydroponic trough. 
         [0028]    Base  180  may be substantially cylindrical and have an open top. Base  180  may have a substantially flat bottom  182  and a base lip  184 , disposed around the open top, for securing to bowl lip  158 . In other exemplary embodiments, base  180  may be substantially bowl shaped or any other shape understood to function as described by a person having ordinary skill in the art. In some exemplary embodiments, base lip  184  and bowl lip  158  may removably attach bowl  150  and base  180 . In other exemplary embodiments, bowl  150  and base  180  may be permanently coupled. The connection may be substantially water tight. Lips  158  and  184  may couple in a variety of ways, including friction fit, screw fit, flange in groove, adhesive, and any other embodiment as would reasonably be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Base  180  may be filled with water or nutrients. The roots disposed through root aperture  116  in grow ring  110  may be enclosed by base  180 , allowing them to interact with the contents of base  180 . Base  180  may stabilize system  100  when resting on a surface. Base  180  may allow system  100  to stand with the opening of bowl  150  substantially upward. 
         [0029]    Base  180  may be sized differently for different types of plants or produce. Base  180  may be plastic or any other material reasonably understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0030]    An alternative embodiment of base  180  may be formed with a top portion having a substantially conical section disposed toward the interior of base  180  therefrom. The top portion may be situated so that it is flush against the substantially flat bottom surface  154  of bowl  150 . The conical section may be disposed so as to align with bowl aperture  156 , allowing a plant to be positioned within bowl  150  and have its roots pass through a root aperture in the bottom of the substantially conical section. The top portion and substantially conical section may act as a water dam, similar to the grow ring  110  in combination with the bowl  150  and base  180 . Base  180  may still secure to the bottom of bowl  150  in substantially the same manner. In some embodiments, a grow ring  110  may still be used to secure a plant in bowl  150  and pass its roots through an aperture in the substantially conical section of base  180 . However, a plant may also be disposed in this alternative embodiment without the need for a grow ring. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 1-3  show a hydroponic trough and grow ring system  190 . In some exemplary embodiments, grow ring  110  may rest loosely in a receiving aperture in a hydroponic trough  192 . In other exemplary embodiments, grow ring  110  may snap into a receiving aperture in a hydroponic trough  192 . Hydroponic trough  192  may provide a flow of water or nutrients. Grow ring  110  may be situated such that a root aperture in its cup portion is proximate the flow of water or nutrients. 
         [0032]    An exemplary method of using a produce system  100  may proceed as follows. A plug of growth medium and a seedling may be placed in the cup of a grow ring. The grow ring may be secured proximate a flow of water or nutrients, such as those provided in a hydroponic growth apparatus. In one exemplary embodiment, this may include placing the grow ring in a receiving aperture in a top member of a trough. The seedling may then grow and its roots may pass through a root aperture in the bottom of the grow ring, allowing them to interact with the flow of water and or nutrients. The seedling may be allowed to grow to a desired maturity. 
         [0033]    Once the desired maturity of the plant has been reached, the plant and grow ring may be removed from the growth apparatus. The grow ring may remain around the plant roots. The plant and grow ring may then be inserted in a bowl, which has a bowl aperture. The grow ring may be inserted through the bowl aperture until it snaps or secures in place. A base may then be secured to the bowl, enclosing the grow ring and roots exposed below the bowl. The connection between the base and the bowl may be substantially water tight, so that the base may hold water. With the roots soaking in water provided in the base, the plant may continue to live. The grow ring may act as a stopper and prevent water from flowing out of the base and through the bowl. In some embodiments, the coupling of the bowl and the grow ring may allow water to flow from the bowl, past the grow ring, and into the base. The plant or produce may continue to grow in the produce system, it may be transported in the system, it may be displayed in the system, or it may be stored in the system. 
         [0034]    Since water may be provided to the produce from the base, the produce may continue to live during transportation, display for sale, and storage by a consumer. This may eliminate the need for watering and refrigeration to keep the produce fresh and consequently may eliminate the associated costs and reduce spoilage. In embodiments where the grow ring may act as a stopper, it may facilitate the transportation, storage, display and sale of the produce by retaining water despite movement of the system, including sloshing, tilting, tipping, falling, and dropping. This may further reduce incidental spoilage. The grow ring functioning as a water dam may also facilitate hanging of the system by a hanger disposed from the bowl portion. Some embodiments of the hanger suspend the system at an angle, which could allow the water to leak out of the base if the grow ring were not to act as a stopper. 
         [0035]    The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
         [0036]    Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.