Abstract:
A hydroponic system has multiple interconnecting components, including a reservoir, a manifold that fills and drains the hydroponic system, a trunk that extends from the manifold, one or more branches that extend from the trunk, end caps that close the ends of the trunk and the branches, and optionally, extension sections for both the trunk and the branches. The trunk and the branches are constructed from a plurality of tubular sections that interconnect with one another using a levered locking system. An air line is integrated into an interior wall of the manifold and the trunk, and extends from the manifold through the trunk. The system is constructed of pre-assembled components, making it easy for a user to accommodate any size space. The modularity and interconnectivity of the system allows a user to easily and quickly perform maintenance and repairs without the use of tools.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/081,282 filed on Nov. 18, 2014, entitled “MODULAR HYDROPONIC GROWING SYSTEM, KIT, AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to hydroponic growing systems. More specifically, it relates to an interconnecting modular hydroponic growing system. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    In traditional art, one of the most popular hydroponic growing techniques is the flood and drain sub-irrigation technique, also known as the “ebb and flow” system, wherein a tray sits above a reservoir of nutrient solution. In an ebb and flow system, either the tray is filled with growing medium (e.g., clay granules) and plants are placed directly into the tray, or plants can be placed in pots standing in the tray that are filled with medium. At regular intervals, a timer causes a pump to fill the tray with a nutrient solution, then the solution drains back down into the reservoir. This keeps the medium regularly flushed with nutrients and air. Once the tray fills past the drain stop, it begins re-circulating the water until the timer turns the pump off, and the water in the tray drains back into the reservoirs. 
         [0006]    There are several drawbacks in the current hydroponics industry regarding ebb and flow systems. First of all, the ebb and flow systems in the art today are inefficient in their use of water and nutrients in solution (typically, about 120 gallons are used for an 8×8 ft. area). Because nutrients can be expensive, minimizing the volume of water used is beneficial. Another disadvantage of current ebb and flow systems is that since they require the use of a tray or large containers, they are limited in the ways they can be configured to fit a space. In addition, it is difficult or impossible to find a hydroponic kit that includes easy-to-assemble parts made specifically for that use. It is largely up to a user to design and build the system, which includes finding the right parts, including PVC pipes and fittings that must be modified by measuring and cutting in order for the system to work properly. As an example, fill and drain sections used for ebb and flow systems must be constructing using various sections, and commonly leak if built by hand. Due to the multiple parts and connections, there are many possibilities for breakdown and failure to these areas over time. This could cause leaks and damage to property around the growing area. 
         [0007]    Another technique currently used is the nutrient film technique (NFT). In this system, a shallow stream of nutrient solution flows downward through tubing and is re-circulated past the bare roots of plants. The roots of the plants come in contact with either the nutrient solution or a watertight root mat, from which the roots absorb nutrients. A properly designed NFT system requires the right channel slope, flow rate, and channel length. Although, overall, it is probably one of the more productive techniques, one disadvantage of NFT is that it has very little buffering against interruptions in the flow, a particular concern with power outages. The plants will begin to wilt very quickly when water stops flowing through the system. Therefore, NFT systems are best suited for, and most commonly used for, growing smaller plants like varieties of lettuce. 
         [0008]    Other hydroponic systems in the art include drip systems, water culture, aeroponics, and wick. In drip systems, a nutrient solution is pumped up from the reservoir through tubing and drips out of the tubing onto the top of the growing media (where the plant roots are), soaking both the roots and growing media all the way to the bottom of the container. From there the nutrient solution flows through an opening, and gravity allows the nutrient solution to flow downhill through tubing all the way back to the reservoir. Drip systems use a tray that needs to be at a distance above the top of the reservoir so that gravity can drain the excess water back into it. As a result, the flexibility of designing drip systems to fit into a space is limited. Water culture systems can be expensive and complicated to use, as it requires the use of air stones, air hoses, and air pumps to get the right amount of oxygen to the plant in order to maintain a high yield. Also, since the plants are suspended in baskets right above the nutrient solution in the reservoir, there is no way to re-design the configuration of the system to fit any available space. Aeroponic systems are disadvantageous, as they are expensive to build, they have mister/sprinkler heads that are susceptible to clogging, the plant roots are much more vulnerable to drying out if there is any interruption in the watering cycle, and there&#39;s a reduced margin for error with the nutrient levels, especially with the true high pressure systems. Regarding wick systems, a disadvantage is that they do not work well for larger plants that require more water. Similar to NFT systems, wick systems are more suited to grow smaller non-fruiting plants, like lettuce and herbs. Other disadvantages of wick systems include being less efficient at delivering nutrients, the inability to absorb nutrients and water evenly, and the possibility of a toxic buildup of mineral salts in the growing media. 
         [0009]    Finally, in existing systems, there is frequently a conflict between the supply of water, oxygen and/or nutrients, since excessive or deficient amounts of one of the aforementioned components results in an imbalance of one or both of the others. 
         [0010]    Based on the foregoing, there is a need for an inexpensive, interconnecting modular hydroponic growing system that can be made available in a kit with easy-to-assemble parts uniquely manufactured to be used specifically for this hydroponic system, wherein the parts can be easily configured to fit into any available space. There is also a need for a system that reduces nutrient costs, labor, and weight of the system by both, maximizing the use of space and using less materials and water or solution. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    A modular hydroponic system has a reservoir; a manifold connected to the reservoir; a trunk connected to the manifold at a first end of the trunk; and one or more branches connected to the trunk. The manifold is connected to a first end of the trunk, and is responsible for filling and draining the hydroponic system. The trunk has one or more T-fitting sections and an end cap connected at a second end of the trunk. The one or more branches are made of one or more receptacle sections and one or more end caps connected to a second end of the one or more branches. The one or more end caps close the second end of each branch. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment, the modular hydroponic system also has an air line that is integrated into an interior wall of the manifold and the trunk. In a further embodiment, the air line also has an extension that extends toward each of the branches. In yet a further embodiment, an aeration device such as an air diffuser or an air stone is connected to the air line extension. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment, the modular hydroponic system also has one or more receptacles removably inserted into the one or more receptacle sections. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment, the trunk also has one or more trunk extension sections with two open ends for extending the trunk. 
         [0015]    In an embodiment, the one or more branches also have one or more branch extension sections with two open ends for extending the one or more branches. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment, each receptacle section has a fin that is upwardly disposed from the interior bottom surface of the receptacle section. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment, the manifold, the trunk, each of the branches and each of the branch extensions are connected by fastener systems. Each fastener system has a gasket positioned between each pair of abutting sections/components, and two or more locking levers. The locking levers are positioned on opposite sides of each of the sections/components. Each locking lever has a handle and a latch arm. The handle engages with the latch arm to pull it closed as the handle is pushed against the respective section/component. A first end of the trunk and a first end of the one or more branches have two or more connection points adjacent thereto. Each connection point has an aperture that the locking lever handle connects to. The second end of the trunk and the second end of the one or more branches have two or more protrusions adjacent thereto that a catch at an end of the latch arm hooks on to. When joined by the locking levers, the abutting tubes are sealingly engaged. 
         [0018]    In an embodiment, a cross section of the manifold, the trunk, and the one or more branches is oval. 
         [0019]    In an embodiment, the modular hydroponic system is supported by a modular stand. The stand has at least two bases; at least two height-adjustable legs extending upwardly from the at least two bases; and a lateral support beam releasably connected to a top of the at least two legs. The lateral support beam has one ore more support sections, each of which has a recessed groove on a top surface, a vertical channel on a first end, and a protrusion on a second end. The protrusion of one section engages with the vertical channel of an adjoining section to connect the sections together. 
         [0020]    In an alternative embodiment of the modular hydroponic system, the manifold is replaced by a hose connection assembly. A hose extends from the reservoir and is connected to one end of the hose connection assembly. At its opposite end, the hose connection assembly is connected to the first end of the trunk and fills the hydroponic system with water and/or nutrient solution. The first end of each branch is more elevated than the second end, such that each branch is downwardly sloped from the first end to the second end. The second end of each branch is open and in fluid communication with the reservoir. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0021]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2 a    is a perspective view of a receptacle section of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2 b    is a side elevation view of a receptacle section of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2 c    is a top plan view of a receptacle section of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2 d    is a side elevation view of a receptacle section of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3 a    is a perspective view of a receptacle of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3 b    is a side elevation view of a receptacle of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4 a    is a perspective view of a receptacle cover of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4 b    is a top plan view of a receptacle cover of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4 c    is a side elevation view of a receptacle cover of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5 a    is a perspective view of a T-fitting section of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5 b    is a top plan view of a T-fitting section of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5 c    is a front elevation view of a T-fitting section of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5 d    is a side elevation view of a T-fitting section of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 6 a    is a perspective view of a extension section of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 6 b    is a side elevation view of an extension section of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 7 a    is a perspective view of an end cap of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 7 b    is a perspective view of an end cap of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 7 c    is a side elevation view of an end cap of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 8 a    is a perspective view of a manifold of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 8 b    is a perspective view of a manifold of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 8 c    is a side elevation view of a manifold of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 8 d    is a top plan view of a manifold of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 9 a    is a perspective view of a hose connection assembly of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 9 b    is a perspective view of a hose connection assembly of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 9 c    is a side elevation view of a hose connection assembly of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 9 d    is a top plan view of a hose connection assembly of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 10 a    is a perspective view of a levered lock of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 10 b    is a top plan view of a disassembled levered lock of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 10 c    is a side elevation view of a disassembled levered lock of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 10 d    is a perspective view of a disassembled levered lock showing how it connects to the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 11 a    is a perspective view of an air diffuser of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0054]      FIG. 11 b    is a side elevation view of a disassembled air diffuser of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 12 a    is a perspective view of a gasket of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 12 b    is a perspective view of a gasket of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 12 c    is a front elevation view of a gasket of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 12 d    is a front elevation view of a gasket of the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 13 a    is a perspective view of a modular stand for the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0060]      FIG. 13 b    is a front elevation view of a modular stand section for the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 13 c    is a perspective view of a modular stand section for the modular hydroponic growing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0062]      FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the interlocking hydroponic growing system  200  of the present invention. The hydroponic growing system  200  comprises at least one branch  220  having a plurality of generally vertically arranged removable receptacles  230 , for accommodating placement of the plants. In an embodiment, a trunk  210  connects with one or more of the generally perpendicularly aligned branches  220 . A manifold  240 , configured to fill and drain the system  200  with water and/or nutrient solution, is positioned at an end of trunk  210  and maintains fluid communication between trunk  210  and a reservoir  250  via an inlet hose  212  and an outlet hose  214 . At the opposite end of the trunk  210  is an end cap  260  to close the end of the trunk  210  and prevent leakage of fluids from the system  200 . The reservoir  250  holds the majority of the water or nutrient solution that is periodically introduced and removed from the system to feed and grow the plants. The system optionally comprises a pump (not shown) and a timer (not shown) within reservoir  250 . 
         [0063]    The trunk  210 , which receives one or more branches  220 , can be constructed using a combination of one or more T-fitting sections  280 , one or more end caps  260 , and optionally, one or more extension sections  290 . The branches  220  can be constructed using a combination of one or more receptacle sections  270 , one or more end caps  260 , and optionally with one or more extension sections  290  and one or more T-fitting sections  280 . 
         [0064]    In an embodiment, the system is constructed to provide maximum growing space around each plant, so the receptacles  230  are offset diagonally from one another rather than adjacent. This can be done by placing an extension section  290  in between the first receptacle section  270  of a branch  220  and T-fitting section  280  of trunk  210  for every other branch  220 . This way the parts are designed to maintain specific spacing to maximize growing area. 
         [0065]    In an embodiment, spacing can be adjusted to individual needs by utilizing extension parts. For example T-fitting sections  280  can be added or removed from the trunk  210  to add or remove, respectively, branches  220 . As another example, receptacle sections  270  can be added or removed from the branches  220  to lengthen or shorten, respectively, the branches  220 . Similarly, extension sections  290  can be added or removed from the trunk  210  and/or branches  220  to vary spacing among plants as needed. 
         [0066]    For support, the assembly can rest on, be attached to, or be suspended from a support structure such as a platform, table or stand, beam or ceiling. 
         [0067]    In a preferred embodiment, the trunk  210  and branches  220  are co-planar and situated above the reservoir holding the water or solution, such that when the liquid fills the assembly the fluid level is generally the same throughout the tubing. 
         [0068]    At regular intervals, the water or nutrient solution is pumped out of reservoir  250  via a pump (not shown) disposed inside reservoir  250 , and through the outlet hose  214  into trunk  210 . The water or solution then flows from the trunk  210  into each branch  220 , thereby providing each receptacle  230  with water and/or nutrient solution to moisten and/or nourish the plant roots (not shown). Having been circulated, the water or nutrient solution drains back down into reservoir  250  via inlet hose  212 . 
         [0069]    In an embodiment, the user can program the pump (not shown) to turn on or off automatically at desired intervals via a timer (not shown). 
         [0070]    In another embodiment, the user can turn the pump (not shown) on or off manually by a switch (not shown). 
         [0071]    In an embodiment, the branches  220  and the trunk  210  are sloped, such that when the pump (not shown) is turned off, any water within the branches  220  and/or trunk  210  drains, via gravity, to the reservoir  250 . This prevents any excess water from pooling within the branches  220  and/or trunk  210  that could potentially result in, among other things, damage to plant roots and mold growth. 
         [0072]    In another embodiment, the system forms a closed loop in order to continuously circulate the water or solution for a fixed period of time through the tubes. This provides the benefit of allowing each plant to soak in adequate amounts of water, air, and nutrients. The result of this feature is that higher yields of high-quality produce are obtained over an extended period of cropping. 
         [0073]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2 a    through  2   d,  receptacle section  270  is a T-pipe that has opposite ends  271 ,  272 , and a perpendicularly aligned portion  274 . The perpendicularly aligned portion  274  of receptacle section  270  is defined by an aperture  276  that is capable of receiving receptacle  230  for holding a plant. The perpendicularly aligned portion  274  tapers to the inside diameter of the T-pipe forming a chamber  278 , allowing the receptacles  230  to rest snugly in the chamber  278  of receptacle section  270 . 
         [0074]    In a preferred embodiment, each of the receptacle sections  270  described, depicted and/or embodied herein has a fin  400  that is upwardly disposed from the interior bottom surface of the receptacle section  270 . The fin  400  extends below each receptacle  230 , and is configured to support the roots and prevent them from settling to the bottom surface of the section  270 , thus allowing the system to properly and efficiently drain while preventing the roots from potentially being harmed from prolonged exposure to moisture. 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 a    and  FIG. 3 b   , in a preferred embodiment, receptacle  230  is designed to hold plants in a pot tapering from its top  235  to its bottom  233 . In one embodiment, the receptacle is in the form of a truncated cone. The sides of receptacle  230  have a plurality of holes  232  to facilitate the absorption of water, air and nutrients by the roots (not shown). The foot  233  is shaped to fit against the rounded bottom of the receptacle section  270 , and has an open-ended channel  234  running through the bottom of receptacle  230  to prevent blockage of receptacle section  270 , thus allowing a continuous flow of water or solution throughout receptacle section  270  and branches  220 . The top of receptacle  230  has a rim  238  slightly larger in diameter than the perpendicularly aligned portion  274  of the receptacle section  270  that allows the pot to rest vertically in the chamber  278  (see  FIG. 3 b   ) of receptacle section  270 , without falling in. Receptacle  230  is designed to fit snugly inside receptacle section  270  to support the weight of heavy crops. 
         [0076]    The receptacles  230  allow the plants to soak in nutrients so that the plant roots are exposed to adequate supplies of water, oxygen, and nutrients. In one embodiment, the receptacles could be made of dense or flexible materials such as plastic or aluminum, as long they contain a plurality of holes to facilitate exposure to the water, oxygen, and nutrients. 
         [0077]    In another embodiment, the receptacles  230  are made of recycled or porous materials such as a sponge or permeable plastic that would allow the water, nutrient solution and air to penetrate the receptacle  230  and come in contact with the plant roots. 
         [0078]    With reference to  FIGS. 4 a    through  4   c,  in a preferred embodiment, a cover  400  is releasably connected to the top of the receptacles  230 . The cover  400  has two halves that are connected to one another by a hinge  405 . Additionally, an aperture  410  extends through the cover  400 , such that when the cover  400  is hinged open, a plant body (not shown) can be positioned within the aperture  410 . When the plant is properly positioned, the cover  400  is closed, thus blocking light from reaching the growing medium and preventing the growth of mold, etc. that can compete for the plant&#39;s nutrient source. 
         [0079]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 a    through  5   d,  T-fitting section  280 , like receptacle section  270 , is a T-pipe that has opposite ends  281 ,  282  and a perpendicularly aligned portion  284 . Opposite ends,  281 ,  282  are configured to matingly engage with the various adjoining components that comprise the trunk  210 . The perpendicularly aligned portion  284  of T-fitting section  280  extends outward from generally the center of T-fitting section  280 . The perpendicularly aligned portion  284  is configured to matingly engage with an adjoining section of a branch  220 . 
         [0080]    With reference to  FIG. 6 a    and  FIG. 6 b   , extension section  290  is a straight hollow tube having two opposite ends  291 ,  292  configured to matingly engage with, and connect, the various sections and/or components that comprise the trunk  210  and/or the branches  220 . 
         [0081]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7 a    through  7   c,  end cap  260  is an annular fitting with an enclosed end  261 , defining a cavity  262  at the opposite end. End cap  260  serves to cover or close the ends of trunk  210  and the one or more perpendicularly aligned branches  220 , preventing the water or solution from escaping the system  200 . Additionally, the end caps  260  can be removed to allow a user to easily add or remove sections to alter the system&#39;s configuration. Once the configuration has been altered, the end caps  260  are re-attached. 
         [0082]    Trunk  210  and branches  220  can be shortened by disconnecting and removing the T-fitting sections  280 , extension sections  290 , or receptacle sections  270  and covering the ends with end caps  260 . Similarly, trunk  210  and perpendicularly aligned branches  220  can be extended by removing the end caps  260 , adding more T-fitting sections  280 , extension sections  290 , or receptacle sections  270 , and placing end caps  260  on the end(s) of the extension(s). 
         [0083]    In one embodiment, the system is constructed to provide maximum growing space around each plant, so the receptacles  230  are offset diagonally from one another rather than adjacent. This can be done by placing an extension section  290  in between the first receptacle section  270  of a branch  220  and T-fitting section  280  of trunk  210  for every other branch  220 . This way the parts are designed to maintain specific spacing to maximize growing area. 
         [0084]    In an embodiment, spacing can be adjusted to individual needs by utilizing the extension parts. 
         [0085]    With reference to  FIGS. 8 a    through  8   d,  an embodiment of the manifold  240  of the hydroponic growing assembly  200  is shown. Manifold  240  is a hollow structure with an open end  241  and an enclosed opposing end having an outlet hose extension  242  that extends downwardly from the bottom of manifold  240 . Manifold  240  also has a cylindrical hollow inlet hose extension  243  that extends downwardly from the bottom of the manifold  240  near the center of manifold  240 . Air port  245 , configured to receive an air hose (not shown), for example using a friction fit, is located on a top surface of the manifold  240  adjacent to the open end  241 . In a preferred embodiment, air is introduced into the system  200  for aeration of the plants (not shown) through the air port  245  where it enters, and travels through, the air line  445  (see  FIGS. 5 a , 5 c , 5 d , 7 a , 8 a , 8 b , 9 a , and 9 b   ). In an embodiment, manifold  240  has an opening  244  at the top for access to the interior of the manifold  240  in order to clean and perform maintenance, clear debris, or observe water flow. 
         [0086]    In an alternative embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 9 a    through  9   d,  a hose connection assembly  900  can be used in place of manifold system and assembly  240 . Hose connection assembly  900  has two opposing ends  991  and  992 , wherein one end  991  is configured to sealingly engage with the trunk and the opposing end  992  is configured to engage with a standard hose. In an embodiment, hose connection assembly  900  has an opening  994  at the top for access to the interior of the hose connection assembly  900  in order to clean and perform maintenance, clear debris, or observe water flow. 
         [0087]    In an alternative embodiment, system  200  uses hose connection assembly  900 , wherein a pump (not shown) rests in a reservoir, such as a pond or other body of water. One end of a hose is connected to the pump (not shown), and the other end of the hose is connected to the hose connection assembly  900 . The pump pumps the water or solution from the reservoir through the hose and into the trunk via hose connection assembly  900 . The water or solution then flows into the branches and empties back into the reservoir where it is re-circulated through the system. The trunk and/or branches have a downward slope so that gravity directs the water or solution into the reservoir after use. The hose connection assembly  900  allows the system to be a closed loop system, as mentioned above, which re-circulates the nutrient-dense water or solution. 
         [0088]    In a preferred embodiment, receptacle section  270 , manifold  240 , T-fitting section  280 , extension section  290 , end cap  260 , and hose connection assembly  900  are made of lightweight, but resilient, rigid and watertight materials such as plastic, aluminum, or structural composite to add strength to the system and prevent leakage. 
         [0089]    In a preferred embodiment, reservoir  250  is built of plastic, but other materials such as concrete, glass, metal, vegetable solids, and wood can be used. 
         [0090]    In a preferred embodiment, each of the modular, interconnected sections described, depicted and/or embodied herein has an oval-shaped circumference. This configuration provides additional space on the sides of the receptacles  230 , in addition to the open space through the channel at the bottom of the receptacles  230 , providing increased water flow. Additionally, the oval shape allows more space for the roots to grow horizontally, thus decreasing the likelihood of the roots clogging the system. 
         [0091]    Referring again to  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    (as an example), in a preferred embodiment, located on an exterior surface adjacent to one opening of each of the modular, interconnected sections described, depicted and/or embodied herein is a pair of connection points  415 . Each connection point  415  has an aperture  416  that extends down through the connection point  415 . Located on an exterior surface adjacent to the opening at the opposite end of each section is a pair of protrusions  420  that are generally horizontally aligned with the connection points  415 . The connection points  415 , and the protrusions  420  alike, are located directly across each section&#39;s diameter from one another. Components, such as an end cap  260  or a manifold  240 , having only one open end, have either a pair of connection points  415  or a pair of protrusions  420  adjacent to their opening configured as detailed above. Similarly, each T-fitting sections  280  has an additional pair of connection points  415  or protrusions  420  at the opening of the perpendicularly aligned portion  284 , wherein the connection points  415  or protrusions  420  are configured as detailed above. 
         [0092]    With reference to  FIGS. 10 a    through  10   d,  a locking lever  425  has a handle  430  and a catch arm  435  that has an inwardly extending catch  440  for releasably engaging with a protrusion  420  of an adjoining section. The handle  430  is a generally U-shaped handle having two pairs of axially aligned apertures  431 ,  432 . The catch arm is generally Y-shaped, wherein the top of the “Y” is bridged together, having an aperture  436  extending through a lower portion of the “Y”. 
         [0093]    The handle  430  is hingedly connected to each of the system&#39;s sections by inserting a pin (not shown) through apertures  416 ,  432  in the handle  430  and the connection point  415 , respectively, that correspond, and axially align, with one another. Similarly, the handle  430  and the catch arm  435  are hingedly connected to one another by inserting a pin (not shown) through apertures  431 ,  436  in the handle  430  and the catch arm  435 , respectively, that correspond, and axially align, with one another. When the catch  440  engages the protrusion  420  of an adjoining section, the handle  430  is hinged away from the catch  440 , causing the adjoining sections to be pulled together as the handle  430  moves toward a locked position in which the handle  430  is generally flush with the section to which it is attached. When the handle  430  reaches the locked position, the adjoining sections abut one another and are sealingly engaged with one another to prevent leaks. 
         [0094]    Referring again to  FIGS. 5 a , 5 c , 5 d , 7 a , 8 a , 8 b , 9 a , and 9 b   , in a preferred embodiment, the manifold  240  or hose connection assembly  900 , and each modular, interconnected section of the trunk  210  described, depicted and/or embodied herein (inclusive of T-fitting sections  280 , extension sections  290 , and end caps  260 ) has an air line  445  integrated into their interior wall that extends the length of the section, and in the case of a T-fitting section  280 , an extension  446  releasably connected to the air line  445  extends outwardly from the air line  445  into the perpendicularly aligned portion  284 . The air lines  445  integrated within the T-fitting sections  280  and extension sections  290 , as well as the air line extension  446 , are hollow channels having open ends; whereas, the air lines  445  integrated within the manifold  240 , hose connection assembly  900 , and end caps  260  are hollow channels having an open end that corresponds with the open end of the respective section or component, and a closed end, wherein the closed end is configured to prevent air from unnecessarily escaping from the air line. 
         [0095]    With reference to  FIGS. 11 a    and  11   b,  in a preferred embodiment an air diffuser  450  is connected to the air line extension  446  to aerate the system. The diffuser  450  is a two-part air diffuser  450  having a generally L-shaped hollow upper portion  451  removably connected, for example by a male/female friction fit, at its lower end to a hollow lower portion  452 . A nipple  454  extends outwardly from the upper portion&#39;s upper end, wherein the nipple  454  releasingly engages with the air line extension  446 , for example by a male/female friction fit, within the perpendicularly aligned portion  284  of the T-fitting section  280  to connect the diffuser  450  to the air line extension  446 . The lower portion  452  has a plurality of holes  453  extending from its interior to its exterior, wherein the lower portion  452  is configured to extend into the water to aerate the system. 
         [0096]    In another embodiment, air stones (not shown) are removably connected to the air line extension  446  in place of the diffuser  450 , allowing the user to alter aeration of the system to suit the user&#39;s needs. 
         [0097]    With reference to  FIGS. 12 a    through  12   d,  in a preferred embodiment, a gasket  455  is inserted between each pairing of modular, interconnected sections described, depicted and/or embodied herein. The gasket  455  is configured to align with, and seal adjoining section openings to one another to prevent leaks. In an embodiment, the gasket  455  has an inwardly extending protrusion  456  that is configured to align with, and seal, the air lines  445  of the adjoining sections to one another to prevent unwanted loss of air pressure at the various junctures within the system. An aperture  457  extends through the protrusion  456  and has an outer lip  458  that matingly engages with the air line  445 . The gasket  455  is constructed of silicone, rubber, or any other material that would be known and appreciated by one reasonably skilled in the art for preventing leaks. 
         [0098]    In an alternative embodiment, the openings of each modular section described herein are either a male or a female connector that allows the sections to matingly engage with one another by inserting a male connector of one section or component into a corresponding female connector of an adjoining section or component. The female connector has an inner diameter that is slightly greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the male connector forming an air- and water-tight connection when the male connector frictionally engages with a corresponding female connector. A matingly compatible end cap  260  is releasably affixed, by a friction fit, to the end of each receptacle section  270  furthest from the trunk  210  to prevent leakage of fluid from the system. Similarly, the end of the trunk  210  opposite the end connected to the reservoir  250 , has an end cap  260  matingly engaged thereto to prevent leakage of fluid from the system. 
         [0099]    In an embodiment, an adhesive can be added between any adjoined pair of connectors and/or end caps to bind the respective parts together, similar to ABS or PVC piping systems. 
         [0100]    The interconnectivity among the various system components described, depicted, and/or embodied herein creates a system that is capable of assembly, disassembly, repair, and/or maintenance without using tools, thereby minimizing time and effort of assembly, disassembly, repair, and/or maintenance. 
         [0101]    Referring now to  FIGS. 13 a    through  13   c,  in a preferred embodiment, modular stands  460  are used to support the system. Each stand  460  has at least two bases  465 , from which legs  470  extend upwardly therefrom. The height of the legs  470  can be adjusted to allow a user to adjust the height and/or slope of the system. Connected to the top of each leg  470  is a multi-section interconnected lateral support beam  475 , each support section  480  having a recessed groove  485  that accepts and matingly engages a bottom portion of a branch  220  to secure the branch  220  in place and prevent lateral movement. Each of the beam&#39;s support sections  480  have a vertical channel  490  at one end and a mating protrusion  495  at the opposite end, wherein the protrusion  495  and the channel  490  are generally the same height, which height is less than the height of the support section  480 . The protrusion  495  engages the channel  490  by sliding into the channel  490  from the channel&#39;s top, allowing the support sections  480  to interlock end-to-end with one another to form the beam  475 . 
         [0102]    In a preferred embodiment, light is prevented from passing into the system to prevent algae growth in the nutrient solution. The nutrient solution is changed either on a schedule, such as once per week, or when the nutrient concentration drops below a certain level as determined, for example, by an electrical conductivity meter. Whenever the solution is depleted below a certain level, either water or fresh nutrient solution is added and a Mariotte&#39;s bottle, or a float valve, can be used to automatically maintain the solution level. 
         [0103]    The parts may be made available individually or the assembly may be sold in a variation of kits, whereby each kit will contain all the parts needed to build the assembly, and each variation can have a different number of parts, depending on the needs of, and space available to, the user. This allows the user to design the system in a number of different and imaginative ways for a particular space. The present invention provides an easy-to-assemble kit for novice and/or skilled users that contains all the uniquely manufactured parts made specifically to for this hydroponic system. As an example, the fill and drain section (i.e., the manifold) of the present invention is uniquely manufactured as a single-piece section. 
         [0104]    In preferred embodiment, the kit would be available in various sizes, for example 50 gallon, 25 gallon or 7 gallon. By using less water and smaller basins, the system of the present invention allows the growing plane to be lower, allowing for increased vertical growing area. One reasonably skilled in the art would appreciate and understand that, being a modular system that can be constructed using various diameter and/or length pipe, the size and configuration of the present system is only constrained by space available to the user. Therefore, the present system can be as small or as large as a user desires, without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
         [0105]    The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the specification as a whole.