Abstract:
A modular, expandable, growing season augmentation system is described. The system can employ multi-purpose, modular panels to create a free-standing, adjustable shelf system that can be enclosed via an adjustable cover. The shelf system is designed to hold a growth medium in which plants can be nurtured. The system is modular so that a given panel can be employed in numerous roles. Further, the system can be expanded or reduced in size by simply attaching or removing panels and cover components. The cover can be adjusted to minimize the wasted space above the top of the growing plants and can be removed as desired. The cover includes access ports allowing access to the plants therein. Manual or automatic vents can be incorporated in the cover. The cover is supported by an adjustable and removable support structure that can be configured to hold grow lights and/or heating elements.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/518,087 entitled “Modular Expandable Growing Season Augmentation System” and filed on Apr. 28, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/375,706 entitled “Extend-a-Season Is a Heated, Raided Bed for Growing Vegetables, with an Expandable Sphere and Adjustable Dome” and filed on Aug. 30, 2010 both of which are incorporated by reference herein for all that they teach and disclose. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to gardening and the field of horticulture, and more particularly to a modular, expandable, growing season augmentation system. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    People have been practicing horticulture for thousands of years. Traditional methods of preparing a portion of a yard and planting a garden therein are limited by the length of the local growing season (which depends on the latitude and prevailing weather patterns in that area). For example, a garden planted in Florida may experience an almost year-long growing season, while one planted in Anchorage, Ak. may have less than a third of that. One means to overcome overly short growing seasons has been through the use of greenhouses. However, such structures are expensive; usually permanent or at least extremely difficult to disassembly, relocate, and reassemble; require a large commitment of time and energy; and can not be easily expanded or reduced in size as the needs of the user(s) change. For many families, couples, singles, etc., a traditional greenhouse is untenable for one or more of those reasons. 
         [0004]    An additional problem with known growing systems is that they often require that a user kneel or otherwise bend over to tend the plants, water, fertilize, weed, etc. Such contortions are uncomfortable for many people and nearly impossible for others. This situation can lead to the plants and growing system being neglected to the point of failure. 
         [0005]    What is needed is an inexpensive yet sturdy system that can be easily expanded or reduced in size as plants grow and needs change; is simple to disassemble, transport and reassemble; provides its owner(s) with the ability to grow fruits, vegetables, and other plants without having to bend down or use kneepads; and extends the growing season for a given area by providing a controlled environment that is warmed and protected from frosts and other destructive weather. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    One embodiment of the present invention provides a modular, expandable, growing season augmentation system. The system can employ multi-purpose, modular, plastic molded-panels to create a free-standing, adjustable shelf system that can be enclosed via a removable transparent and/or translucent adjustable cover. The shelf system is designed to hold soil or other growth medium in which seeds and/or plants can be nurtured. In one embodiment, the system further utilizes a growth medium heater system or a general heater system to further ensure that the plants do not suffer frost damage on cold nights and to stimulate growth. Insulation or other temperature moderation devices can also be incorporated. 
         [0007]    The system is modular so that a given panel can be employed in more than one role; for example, a side panel can also be used as a shelf panel. Further, the system can be expanded or reduced in size as desired by the user simply by attaching additional panels to lengthen the overall system. If a panel is damaged or otherwise needs to be replaced, it can be removed and a new panel can be substituted therefore. 
         [0008]    The transparent or translucent cover can be adjusted up or down in height to minimize the wasted space between the top of the enclosed plants and the cover itself. As plants grow, the cover can be adjusted upwards and can be easily removed once the danger from frosts and other foul weather has passed. The cover is modular as well and can be easily extended or reduced to fit the size of the shelf units. Furthermore, the cover includes a plurality of access ports to allow a person to access the plants growing on the shelf units in order to weed, water, harvest, etc. One or more vents can be incorporated in the cover (manual or automatic) to ensure that proper temperatures are maintained and fresh supplies of carbon-dioxide rich air are brought in for the plants. Supplemental carbon-dioxide feeding systems can also be incorporated. 
         [0009]    The cover is supported by an adjustable and removable support structure that can be configured to hold grow lights and/or heating elements as needed. Furthermore, a water retention system can be incorporated to capture excess water so that it does not leak out of the bottom of the system. In one embodiment, the water retention system includes a drain or hose hookup. In another embodiment, a user can recycle the excess water by reapplying it to the growth medium to water the plants as needed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system with a cover in a lowered position; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system with the cover extended; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  illustrates a rear elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  illustrates a right side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  illustrates a left side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system with the cover, front and right sides removed; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  illustrates a close-up, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system with the cover, front center panel, center shelf panel, and right side panel removed; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  illustrates a close-up, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system with the cover, front center panel, front right panel, center shelf panel, and right side panel removed; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system with the cover, front panels, center and left shelf panels, right side panel, and left rear panel removed; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  illustrates a close-up, cross-section view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system showing only the bottom right panel, rear center and right panels, and right shelf panel; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 15A and 15B  illustrate perspective views of a standard panel that can be used in an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system, wherein the panel can be used as a front panel, a rear panel, or a shelf panel; 
           [0025]      FIG. 16A  illustrates a perspective view of a standard panel that can be used in an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system, wherein the panel can be used as a front panel, a rear panel, or a shelf panel; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16B  illustrates a side elevation view of a standard panel that can be used in an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system, wherein the panel can be used as a front panel, a rear panel, or a shelf panel; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 17A and 17B  illustrate perspective views of an end panel that can be used in an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 18A and 18B  illustrate perspective views of a bottom panel that can be used in an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system showing one embodiment of a growth medium heating system with the cover, front and right sides removed. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. Furthermore, lists and/or examples are often provided and should be interpreted as exemplary only and in no way limiting embodiments to only those examples. 
         [0031]    Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system  100  with a cover in a lowered position. The system can comprise a plurality of panels that provide the structure and strength of the system. In one embodiment, the panels are formed of two layers of strong plastic having a hollow air space between them. In other embodiments, other materials are utilized and have different shapes but function similarly. 
         [0032]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the system can have a left front panel  122  and a right front panel  124 . In other embodiments, the system can utilize only one front panel or more than the two front panels  122  and  124  shown in  FIG. 1 . The plurality of front panels  122  and  124  are removably attached to the bottom panels  170 . The right side panel  140  attaches to both the right front panel  124  and the right bottom panel  174  (not specifically shown in  FIG. 10 , item  1076 —note that in  FIG. 10 , an exemplary system based on a three-panel long structure is illustrated whereas in  FIG. 1 , a two-panel long structure is illustrated). 
         [0033]    Attached to the other upright edge of the right side panel  140  is the rear panel combination  130 . Similarly, the left side panel  150  is attached to the left of the rear panel combination  130 , the left of the bottom panel combination  170  and the left front panel  122 . Together, the bottom panels  170 , right side panel  140 , left side panel  150 , front panels  122  and  124 , and rear panels  130  form a five-sided, generally rectangular, box having an open top. The shelf  160  comprises a plurality of panels  162  and  164  that fit inside the box and can be positioned at various levels as needed. The cover  110  fits over the structure to protect the plants that will be grown on the shelf  160  and to retain heat within the structure. The cover  110  has a plurality of access ports  118  that can be opened in order to provide access to the interior of the system, as desired. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system  200 . The cover  210  in  FIG. 2  is shown in the fully extended position, thereby providing enhanced vertical interior space for growing plants. When compared to  FIG. 1 , it is easy to see that the cover  210  is designed to retract and extend as required by the needs of the users of the system  200 . 
         [0035]    The system  200  shown in  FIG. 2  is three-panels-long as compared to the two-panels-long system  100  of FIG.  1 —other length systems are contemplated. Further, since the system  200  is modular, a user can simply insert additional panels to lengthen the system  200  to his or her desired length. Although the system  200  is structurally sound as illustrated, if the combination of heavy amounts of growth medium, water, fertilizer and the plants themselves will stress the structure, support posts can be added between the shelf panels  262 ,  264  and  266  and the remainder of the system  200 . The components illustrated in  FIG. 2  include a set of front panels  220  (including a left front panel  222 , a center front panel  224 , and a right front panel  226 ), a right side panel  240 , a left side panel  250 , a set of bottom panels  270 , a set of rear panels  230 , a left shelf panel  262 , a center shelf panel  264 , a right shelf panel  266 , and a cover  210 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system  300  with the cover extended. As in  FIG. 1 , the system  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3  is a two-panel-long system; comparisons between  FIGS. 1 and 3  will highlight the extension and retraction capabilities of the cover  110 / 310 . The components illustrated in  FIG. 3  include a set of front panels  320  (including a left front panel  322  and a right front panel  324 ), a right side panel  340 , a left side panel  350 , a set of bottom panels  370 , a set of rear panels  330 , a left shelf panel  362 , a right shelf panel  364 , and a cover  310 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system  400 . The front panels  420  shown in  FIG. 4  include a left front panel  422 , a center front panel  424 , and a right front panel  426 . The cover  410  is illustrated as are two access ports  417  and  418 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the right access port  419  includes a ventilation port  419 . This ventilation port  419  is shown as being an opening in the cover that can be manually opened and closed as needed. In other embodiments, an automated ventilation system can be utilized including a plurality of ventilation ports, electric fans, thermostats, carbon dioxide sensors, actuators, temperature and humidity sensors, etc. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  illustrates a rear elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system  500 . The rear panels  530  shown in  FIG. 5  include a right rear panel  532 , a center rear panel  534 , and a left rear panel  536 . The cover  510  is illustrated as are two access ports  517  and  518 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  illustrates a right side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system  600 . The right side panel  640  and the cover  610  are illustrated. 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  illustrates a left side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system  700 . The left side panel  750  and the cover  710  are illustrated. 
         [0041]      FIG. 8  illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system  800 . Since the cover  810  can be designed to be transparent and/or translucent, this view provides a look down through the cover  810 . The shelf  860  comprises a left shelf panel  862 , center shelf panel  864 , and right shelf panel  866 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 9  illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system  900 . The bottom panels  970  are illustrated, comprising a left bottom panel  972 , a center bottom panel  974 , and a right bottom panel  976 . Also shown are the bottom edges of the right side panel  940  and the left side panel  950 . The sixteen “dots” shown on each panel can be included as ventilation and water drainage pathways. They are channels that bore through the panels. In other embodiments, more or fewer dots can be employed. 
         [0043]      FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system  1000  with the cover, front and right sides removed. The bottom panels  1070  (comprising the left bottom panel  1072 , the center bottom panel  1074 , and the right bottom panel  1076 ), left side panel  1050 , left rear panel  1032 , center rear panel  1034 , right rear panel  1036 , left shelf panel  1062 , center shelf panel  1064 , and right shelf panel  1066  are all illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Also shown clearly in  FIG. 10  are the hoop cover support structures  1011 ,  1012 ,  1013 ,  1014 , and  1015 . These hoops extend down, into the front, rear and side panels and can be extended or retracted in order to raise or lower, respectively, the cover. Furthermore, the hoops  1011 - 1015  can be completely removed along with the cover if desired. Although not shown in  FIG. 10 , the hoops can also provide support points for hanging or attaching grow lights and/or heat elements inside the system  1000 . Such enhancements can be automatically controlled via timers, thermostats, etc. Additionally, a watering subsystem, fertilizing subsystem, pest control subsystem, humidifier, dehumidifier, and/or air conditioning units can be added to the system  1000  as well. 
         [0044]      FIG. 11  illustrates a close-up, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system  1100  with the cover, front center panel, center shelf panel, and right side panel removed. In this view, the shelf supports of the rear panels  1132 ,  1134  and  1136  can be seen (for more detail, see  FIG. 12 ). Also shown in  FIG. 11  are the left shelf panel  1162 , the right shelf panel  1164 , two hoop cover support structures  1114  and  1115 , the bottom panels  1170  (including the left bottom panel  1172 , the center bottom panel  1174 , and the right bottom panel  1176 ), the left front panel  1122 , and the right front panel  1126 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 12  illustrates a close-up, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system  1200  with the cover, front center panel, front right panel, center shelf panel, and right side panel removed. In addition to the standard components previously illustrated (left front panel  1222 , left bottom panel  1272 , center bottom panel  1274 , right bottom panel  1276 , left shelf panel  1262 , right shelf panel  1266 , left rear panel  1232 , center rear panel  1234 , and right rear panel  1236 ),  FIG. 12  includes some examples of possible shelf support members  1234 A,  1234 B, and  1234 C. As shown in this embodiment, the shelf support members are integrated into the front and rear panels. In other embodiments, the shelf support members are configured differently and may or may not be integrated into the front and rear panels. 
         [0046]    Another new component illustrated in  FIG. 12  are the vertical support tabs  1276 M,  1276 N,  1276 O, and  1276 P near the front edge of the right bottom panel  1276 . These tabs fit into the bottom edge of the front and rear panels that attach to each of the bottom panels. In other embodiments, other means of supporting and attaching the front and rear panels to the bottom panels are contemplated. 
         [0047]      FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system  1300  with the cover, front panels, center and left shelf panels, right side panel, and left rear panel removed. The components shown include those previously described above as well as the strengthening members  1366 A,  1366 B, and  1366 C shown on the underside of the right shelf panel  1366 . In this embodiment, the similarities between the shelf panels and the rear panels can be seen. 
         [0048]      FIG. 14  illustrates a close-up, cross-section view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system  1400  showing the bottom right panel  1476 , rear right panel  1436 , and right shelf panel  1466  in cross section. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 14 , the panels are manufactured in a two-layered design as illustrated in the cross section. The strengthening members  1466 A, B, and C can be seen in detail on the underside of the right support shelf  1466 . Also, the “dots” in the panels can now be clearly seen as the conduits that they are, although in other embodiments the number, size, location, etc. of the dots can vary and there can be zero, one, two, or more dots per panel. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 15A and 15B  illustrate perspective views of a standard panel  1536  that can be used in an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system, wherein the panel can be used as a front panel, a rear panel, or a shelf panel. The panel  1536  has three shelf supports which also function as strengthening members  1536 A, B, and C. Further, the panel has two structural tabs  1536 W and  1536 W which strengthen the attachment made between panels. On the edge opposite the tabs  1536 W and X are the slots  1536 Y and  1536 Z. The tabs W and X fit the slots Y and Z of the next panel. 
         [0050]    Similarly, the plurality of bottom slots  1536 P, O, N, and M fit the vertical support tabs extending upwards from the bottom panels (see previous drawings). 
         [0051]      FIG. 16A  illustrates a perspective view of a standard panel  1636  that can be used in an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system, wherein the panel can be used as a front panel, a rear panel, or a shelf panel. The tabs  1636 W and X are illustrated as is the exterior side of the panel  1636  itself. 
         [0052]      FIG. 16B  illustrates a side elevation view of a standard panel  1636  that can be used in an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system, wherein the panel can be used as a front panel, a rear panel, or a shelf panel. The shelf support members  1636 A,  1636 B, and  1636 C are shown in profile. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 17A and 17B  illustrate perspective views of an end panel  1740  that can be used in an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system. The end panel  1740  has slots  1740 Y and  1740 Z into which fit the tabs of the standard rear or front panels as described above. Similarly, the end panel  1740  has two of its own tabs  1740 W and  1740 X to fit the slots in the other connecting rear or front panels. Additionally, shelf support members  1740 A,  1740 B, and  1740 C are illustrated; these can be slots, protrusions, etc. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 18A and 18B  illustrate perspective views of a bottom panel  1876  that can be used in an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system. The upright bottom tabs  1876 M,  1876 N,  1876 O, and  1876 P are shown as is the bottom horizontal tab  1876 G and bottom horizontal slot  1876 H. The horizontal tab G of one bottom panel fits into the horizontal slot H of the next bottom panel. Although not shown, the tab G and slot H can also be incorporated into the right side panel and left side panel of the system in order to fully engage the bottom panels to the side panels. The system is designed to be easily assembled and disassembled using the slots, tabs, support members, etc. as described above. Additionally, screws, bolts, snap-tight fittings, and other connecting hardware can be incorporated to further strengthen the structure. 
         [0055]      FIG. 19  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular expandable growing season augmentation system  1900  showing one embodiment of a growth medium heating system with the cover, front and right sides removed. The heating system wires  1992  and  1994  shown in  FIG. 19  can be run in the growth medium (preferably near the bottom where the growth medium contacts the shelf panels) in order to provide a heat source to ensure that the growing plants are not damaged by cold temperatures. Other types of heat systems may be employed in other embodiments. 
         [0056]      FIG. 19  also illustrates one embodiment of a water collection tray  1996  installed in the bottom of the system. The tray  1996  is designed to collect any excess water that runs off from the shelf panels  1962 ,  1964  and  1966  above so that the water is contained in the system and does not leak out onto the ground, deck, floor, or other surface upon which the system rests. A built-in drain  1998  can be attached to the tray  1996  for attachment of a drain pipe or hose. In another embodiment, a pump is attached instead allowing a user to re-circulate the water back up to the plants and growth medium positioned on the shelf panels. 
         [0057]    The bottom panels  1970  (comprising the left bottom panel  1972 , the center bottom panel  1974 , and the right bottom panel  1976 ), left side panel  1950 , left rear panel  1932 , center rear panel  1934 , right rear panel  1936 , left shelf panel  1962 , center shelf panel  1964 , and right shelf panel  1966  are all illustrated in  FIG. 19 . Also shown in  FIG. 19  are the hoop cover support structures  1911 ,  1912 ,  1913 ,  1914 , and  1915 . These hoops extend down, into the front, rear and side panels and can be extended or retracted in order to raise or lower, respectively, the cover. Furthermore, the hoops  1911 - 1915  can be completely removed along with the cover if desired. Although not shown in  FIG. 19 , the hoops can also provide support points for hanging or attaching grow lights and/or heat elements inside the system  1900 . Such enhancements can be automatically controlled via timers, thermostats, etc. Additionally, a watering subsystem, fertilizing subsystem, pest control subsystem, humidifier, dehumidifier, and/or air conditioning unit can be added to the system  1900  as well. 
         [0058]    The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary implementations of the described articles of manufacture and methods. It will further be understood from the foregoing description that various modifications and changes may be made in the embodiments of the present invention without departing from its true spirit. This description is intended for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed in a limiting sense. The scope of this invention should be limited only by the language of the following claims.