Abstract:
A hydroponic plant growing system including a housing divided into a growing chamber and a fragrance masking manifold by an electrical control panel having spaced holes formed therethrough which permits air flow between the growing chamber and the fragrance masking manifold. A water reservoir is defined between a reservoir top panel and a bottom panel of the housing, the top panel having spaced plant basket collars adapted to support a plant cup to position plant roots in reservoir and to position plant vegetation within the growing chamber. Air discharge tubes in the growing chamber discharge ambient air into the growing chamber by a fan to circulate air through the growing chamber into the fragrance masking manifold where a fragrance source masks odors before the air is discharged back to ambient. An irrigation pump dispenses water into each plant cup, excess water drained back into the reservoir.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to plant growing systems, and more particular to a hydroponic plant growing system designed for optimal plant growth in an economy sized virtually self-contained growing structure. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Home gardening is exhibiting a resurgence in popularity for homeowners in the United States. As food prices rise at the marketplace, more and more homeowners are turning to cultivating small gardens and raising farm animals for producing food and dairy products. However, the apartment and condo owner without access to cultivated ground has been restricted or prohibited from such individual gardening and growing activities. With the advent of hydroponic and aeroponic vegetable and plant growth techniques, smaller systems are becoming more popular for producing relatively smaller quantities of edible foods, herbs and the like. These growing systems depend upon the utilization of nutrient rich water and moisture to nourish the roots of small plants and the germination of seeds within a growing medium to support plant growth. No dirt or potting soil is required, but rather the roots of a plant are consistently and routinely exposed to the water or water vapor nutrient rich environment to support such growth. 
     The present invention teaches the incorporation of hydroponic growth into a compact apartment or condo-size system which is self-contained and may be easily maintained in a closed environment to cultivate and grow small plants from seeds or seedlings to full maturity in a relatively short period of time as opposed to the normal growth cycle in conventional gardening techniques in the outdoors. 
     The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is directed to a hydroponic plant growing system including a housing divided into a growing chamber and a fragrance masking manifold by an electrical control panel having spaced holes formed therethrough which permits air flow between the growing chamber and the fragrance masking manifold. A water reservoir is defined between a reservoir top panel and a bottom panel of the housing, the top panel having spaced plant basket collars adapted to support a plant cup to position plant roots in reservoir and to position plant vegetation within the growing chamber. Air discharge tubes in the growing chamber discharge ambient air into the growing chamber by a fan to circulate air through the growing chamber into the fragrance masking manifold where a fragrance source masks odors before the air is discharged back to ambient. An irrigation pump dispenses water into each plant cup, excess water drained back into the reservoir. 
     The PERSONAL INDOOR GARDEN (PIG) is an enclosed, self-contained and fully automated plant cultivation module that provides the novice gardener a complete mini-indoor greenhouse environment to grow plants at an accelerated rate. 
     The PIG combines state-of-the art materials; growing medium, irrigation/nutrient solution system, ventilation system, lighting and electrical automation system, aeration and reservoir discharge systems that provide the home gardener with a small eco-environment unit for plants similar to what a salt water aquarium provides to fish. All PIG components are high quality, standard sizes for replacement, availability and savings. 
     The Shell 
     The PIG shell and plastic components are fabricated using high tech computerized cutting (CNC) machines. This method of production combines maximum efficiency (time savings) with minimal waste. Shell construction allows for simple access for maintenance and repairs. Highlights are:
         Shell is made from marine grade polymer sheeting (“STARBOARD”).   The exterior color of the PIG is black.   Light weight and durable.   Access to growing chamber from hinged top panel.   The Light Viewing Filter is located under the hinged top panel. The filter allows viewing without opening the housing during critical light cycles.   All hardware (screws, bolts, nuts &amp; hinges) are made from marine-grade 316 stainless steel.   Access door to various components is on back of unit.
 
Growing Medium
       

     In the bottom of the growing chamber, the seeds are placed into the plastic netted plant baskets. The plant baskets are filled with growing media of approximately forty (40) ½″ “GORDON” rockwool cubes. The plant baskets allow direct drainage to the reservoir. Each plant basket (total of 4) is placed within a basket collar. Each collar has a single tuned water nozzle for irrigation. Basket collars allow for easy removal of individual plant root balls without impacting the others. 
     Irrigation System 
     The reservoir is constructed of hand-laid reinforced fiberglass for durability and watertight integrity. The ten (10) gallon capacity reservoir is divided into six (6) separate compartments. Two (2) compartments are for pump isolation and four (4) compartments are for root ball separation.
         Water (nutrient solution) maintains constant temperature by the “radiator style” tube heat exchanger ventilation system molded within the reservoir.   The 160 gph irrigation pump is mounted in the reservoir and provides constant supply of nutrient solution directly to the plant through the calibrated water nozzles located on each of the four (4) basket collars.   The Irrigation pump is protected by baffles that prevent clogging by the plant root balls.   The irrigation pump is controlled by a 24 hour intermittent timer located on the Electrical Control Panel (ECP).   Access to add water and nutrient solutions, testing and to monitor water levels is provided via a dipstick tube located at the top of the housing. A customized dipstick preferably with a small sample vile attached is located within the dipstick tube.
 
Lighting
       

     The energy efficient lighting system consists of four (4)-125 watt Compact Fluorescent Replacement Bulbs (CFRB) powered by two (2) independent electronic ballasts. Lighting provides a total of 500 watts while using minimal power consumption of only 108 watt total.
         The height and angle of the CFRB&#39;s can be adjusted using vertical light slides to maximize exposure to the plant canopy as it grows.   Lighting is controlled by a separate 24 hour intermittent timer located on the Electrical Control Panel (ECP).   The growing chamber inside walls are lined with light reflective film to increase light intensity and even distribution.   Located around each basket collar is a ring-shaped flat reflector which prevents mold from growing in the rockwool cubes.
 
Ventilation System
       

     The PIG maintains a constant internal temperature by utilizing two 65 cfm inline fans. Fresh air is drawn into the housing through four (4) 1″ diameter inlet ports located in the back panel of the housing. Air continues to flow horizontally through 1″ air ducts located in and cooled by water via the reservoir. The air continues to enter the growing chamber vertically via four (4) 1″ perforated tubes. Vertical or upright perforated tubes in the growing chamber distribute air evenly throughout the growing chamber to provide balanced air circulation. 
     The air passes through the growing chambers, cooling the plants and continues through the perforated Electrical Control Panel into the Fragrance Masking Manifold. The manifold has two (2) 1 lb “ONA” gel air fragrance masks or neutralizers that absorb odors as air is drawn by the fan and discharged from an outlet port in the back panel of the housing.
         The ventilation fan runs continuous while the PIG power switch is in the on position.   Second fan comes on when lights are turned on.   All 4″ ductwork is wire reinforced.   A small self-contained water chiller can be installed (optional) to reduce high reservoir water temperatures which will reduce intake air temperature.
 
Aeration System
       

     The nutrient solution maintains a constant supply of oxygen by a 3.2 liter air pump. The pump distributes air through a ¼″ clear tubing to a 6″ air stone located in the reservoir. The air pump is mounted on the electrical control panel in the growing chamber and is controlled by its own On/Off volume switch. 
     Electrical System 
     The PIG is powered by a single 110 v grounded power cord. Power travels through the cord directly to a low profile On/Off switch located on the back of the housing. From the switch, power runs through a single 15 amp push button circuit breakers and then to the wiring harness.
         The inline circuit breaker eliminates the need for GFI compliance while providing maximum electrical safety.   Power from the circuit breaker travels to the electrical control panel via a 14 gauge wiring harness along with two (2) duplex outlets, a single outlet and a single pole switch.   The duplex outlets provide power for:
           Two (2) 24 hour programmable timers for the lighting system and for the irrigation pump.   The air pump and one spare.   
           The single outlet provides power for the reservoir discharge pump and is controlled by the single pole switch.   The wire harness provides electricity to two (2) electronic ballasts which power the compact fluorescent replacement bulbs located in the growing chamber and the inline ventilation fan located behind the electrical control panel.   All electrical components are UL approved and can be disconnected from the wiring harness by snap disconnects for ease in maintenance or replacement.
 
Reservoir Drainage System (RDS)
       

     The RDS is used during periodic reservoir flushing and allows for complete reservoir drainage within 4 minutes. The RDS includes a single 160 gph water pump located in the reservoir. The water pump discharges via a ½″ dia—6′ hose located in the growing chamber for easy access and is controlled by a switch located on the control panel. 
     Shipping 
     The PIG&#39;s overall dimensions have been designed to minimize shipping cost to allow delivery using standard UPS ground shipping rates. The PIG is packaged and shipped fully assembled in a heavy-duty, double-walled, corrugated custom carton. Packaging provides maximum product protection while ease of un-packaging and set-up. 
     The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative and not limiting in scope. In various embodiments one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated while other embodiments are directed to other improvements. In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following descriptions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is another exploded perspective view of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the invention absent the side, front, back and top panels of the housing for clarity. 
         FIG. 6  is another perspective view of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of  FIG. 6  absent the electrical control panel and fragrance masking manifold components for clarity. 
         FIG. 8  is a longitudinal sectional view of the reservoir and plant basket collars of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the air discharge tube and the growing lights and light support arm within the growing chamber. 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of  FIG. 9  absent the growing lights. 
         FIG. 11  is an electronic circuit depicting control features of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a simplified schematic view of the reservoir and hydroponic water delivery arrangement of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a simplified schematic view of the air flow system of the invention. 
     
    
    
     Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in reference figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered to be illustrative rather than limiting. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Nomenclature 
     
         
           10 . plant growing system 
           12 . housing 
           14 . top panel 
           16 . lid support panel 
           18 . lid hinge 
           20 . lid 
           22 . transparent window 
           24 . dipstick cover 
           26 . access panel 
           28 . air exhaust port 
           30 . growing chamber 
           32 . power switch 
           34 . fuse 
           36 . fresh air inlet port 
           38 . fragrance masking manifold 
           39 . power cord 
           40 . reservoir 
           42 . reservoir bottom 
           44 . reservoir top panel 
           46 . plant basket collar 
           48 . reservoir access plate 
           50 . perforated air discharge tube 
           52 . air discharge port 
           54 . light support arm 
           56 . fluorescent growing light 
           58 . electrical control panel 
           60 . dipstick support tube 
           62 . air transfer port 
           64 . fan switch 
           66 . light timer 
           68 . irrigation pump timer 
           70 . air stone 
           72 . air pump 
           74 . light ballast 
           76 . reservoir discharge pump power cord 
           78 . reflective disc 
           80 . fragrance manifold 
           82 . fragrance masking unit 
           84 . dipstick 
           86 . fragrance masking manifold exhaust tube 
           88 . air transfer tube 
           90 . water feed conduit 
           92 . water nozzle 
           94 . water return conduit 
           96 . reservoir discharge pump 
           98 . irrigation pump 
           100 . water conduit 
           102 . reservoir chamber 
           106 . reservoir liner 
           108 . air supply tube 
           110 . electrical control diagram 
           112 . inline fan 
           114 . inline fan 
           116 . reservoir drainage tube 
         P. plant basket 
         GM. growing medium 
       
    
     Referring now to the drawings, the plant growing system or PERSONAL INDOOR GARDEN (PIG) is shown generally at numeral  10  in  FIGS. 1 to 4 . The system  10  includes a rectilinear housing  12  formed of plastic STARBOARD paneling material and, as best seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , includes a front panel  12   a , side panels  12   c  and  d , and a back panel  12   b . The bottom of the housing  12  is formed by a molded fiberglass reservoir  40  having a reservoir bottom  42  which will be described more fully herebelow. 
     A top panel  14  of the housing  10  is formed having an openable lid  20  hingedly connected to a fixed lid support panel  16  whereby the lid  20  is openable about a lid hinge  18  in the direction of arrow A. A transparent window  22  fitted into the lid  20  is also provided for viewing the progress of growth within the system  10  without having to open the lid  20 . As seen in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the back panel  12   b  includes a removable access panel  26 , an air exhaust aperture  28   a  protectively covered by an air grill  28   b , a power switch  32 , operably connected to a resettable fuse  34  and a power supply cord  37  connectable a conventional electric power outlet. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5 , the system  10  defines a growing chamber  30  and a fragrance masking manifold  38 . These separate enclosed areas  30  and  38  are formed by an upright electrical control panel  58  which extends vertically along an interior extent of the housing  12  from the top panel  44  of reservoir  40  to the top panel  14 . As best seen in  FIG. 5 , the electrical control panel  58  supports all of the controlling electrical components including a fan control switch  64 , a light timer  66 , an irrigation pump timer  68 , an air pump  72 , and light ballasts  74 . A reservoir discharge pump power cord  76  is also plugged into a conventional electrical power outlet. The function of these various components with respect to the corresponding counterparts will be described more fully herebelow. The electrical circuit diagram for this system is shown at numeral  110  in  FIG. 11 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 4 to 8 , the reservoir top panel  44  includes a removable reservoir access plate  48  having four spaced apart plant basket collars  46  attached thereatop, each basket collar  46  in alignment with a mating hole formed through the access plate  48 . Each of these plant basket collars  46  is adapted to receive a plant basket P filled with a growing media GM of approximately 40½″ “GORDON” rockwool cubes. Plant seeds are then placed into this growing media GM and nutrient enriched water is then periodically dispensed into the growing media and plant seeds which will be described more fully herebelow. 
     A lighting system is also provided to support plant growth within the system  10  in the form of a plurality of energy efficient 125 watt compact fluorescent bulbs which are supported on horizontally extending light support arms  54 , which, in turn, are supported on upright perforated air discharge tubes  50 . Each of these fluorescent lights  56  are in electrical communication with light ballasts  74 , which, in turn, are in electrical communication with the input power into the system  10 . As seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the fluorescent lights  56  on light support arm  54  are movable vertically in the direction of arrow E along the air discharge tube  50  and are pivotally positionable in the direction of arrow F to best position each of the fluorescent lights  56  above the corresponding plant basket P at a proper height above the growth vegetation as it sprouts from the plant baskets P. 
     Delivery of fresh ambient air into the interior of the housing  12  is vital to nurture and support plant growth therewithin. As best seen in  FIGS. 6 to 8  and  13 , details of the fresh air circulation system of the invention are there shown. Fresh ambient air is introduced into the system in the direction of arrow D through fresh air inlet ports  36  formed into the back of reservoir  40  and the fiberglass reservoir liner  106 . The fresh ambient air is directed through horizontally extending air transfer tubes  88  passing through the extent of reservoir chamber  102 . By this arrangement, ambient air is modified in temperature to generally that of the interior of the reservoir chamber  102  and/or the water in the reservoir  40 . The air is then directed upwardly into the upright air discharge tubes  50  which are capped at their upper distal end so that air is forced outwardly from each of the air discharge tubes  50  through spaced discharge ports  52  which preferably are oriented forwardly against the inner surface of the front panel  12   a.    
     The air discharging from discharge ports  52  in the direction of arrow G shown schematically in  FIG. 13  is then passed through the extent of the growing chamber  30 , exiting therefrom through air transfer ports  62  formed through the electrical control panel  58  in the direction of arrow J. This system air flow of fresh air is produced by two inline fans  112  and  114  positioned at the bottom of the fragrance masking manifold  38  as best shown in  FIGS. 6 and 13 . Air flow entering into the fragrance masking manifold  38  is drawn into a fragrance masking manifold exhaust tube  86  and into the first inline fan  112  and passing beneath ventilation apertures formed in the bottom of fragrance masking units  82 . Air flow is further drawn by the second inline fan  114  for discharge from exhaust port  28  in the direction of arrow C. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 6 and 13 , air flow drawn from the growing chamber  30  will typically absorb odors produced by the growing process of vegetation within each of the plant baskets P. Because the invention is intended for use within the confines of a relatively small living space such as an apartment or a condo, these plant growth odors may become objectionable when discharged back into the ambient air in the direction of arrow C through air exhaust port  28 . Therefore, it is preferred to include a means for reducing these plant growth odors by the addition of fragrance masking units  82 . As the air flow flows between the inline fans  112  and  114 , a deodorizing fragrance is drawn downwardly through apertures formed in the bottom of each of the fragrance masking units  82 , thus deodorizing or adding a pleasant fragrance to the air discharging into the ambient air in the direction of arrow C. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  12 , the irrigation system of the system  10  is best seen in these figures and includes an irrigation pump  98  positioned in the bottom of the reservoir  102  so as to draw water from the reservoir  102  when operational. A water feed conduit  90  receives reservoir water from the irrigation pump  98  and dispenses it into a water nozzle  92  affixed to each of the plant basket collars  46  so as to dispense a calibrated amount of water into each of the plant baskets P in the direction of arrows E atop the growing media and seeds or plant growth therein. Excess water then drains by gravity from the plant basket P in the direction of arrow F back into the reservoir. 
     To increase the oxygen content of the water in the reservoir  102 , an air stone  70  submerged in the water is preferably provided. The air stone  70  receives air pumped from the air pump  72 , dispersing the air into the water as best seen in  FIG. 12 . This oxygen enriching process is also supplemented by the addition of nutrients being added to the water as appropriate for the plant growth being nurtured and sustained within the growing chamber  30 . 
     In order to be able to monitor the water level within the reservoir without opening and disturbing the delicate balanced environment created within the growing chamber  30 , an elongated slender dipstick  82 , best seen in  FIG. 8 , extends downwardly from a removable dipstick cover  24  which caps an elongated dipstick support tube  60 . The lower end of the dipstick  84  is covered by a water absorbent sheath  84   a  or hollow cylinder which, when removed from the reservoir water will give a clear indication of the depth of that water. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 12 , should the reservoir water require replacement, a reservoir discharge pump  96  is also provided which is positioned in submerged fashion within the reservoir water and connected to an elongated reservoir discharge tube  116  such that the reservoir discharge pump  96  will pump and remove the reservoir water into a suitable container exterior to the system  10 . 
     It is preferred, to enhance the effectiveness of the growth nurturing aspects of the growing chamber, that the interior surfaces of the growing chamber be covered with a light reflective foil. A reflective disc  78  be positioned around each of the faces of the growing collars  46  where mildew growth might become a problem as the reflected light will serve to prevent development of such undesirable growth. 
     While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permeations and additions and subcombinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereinafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permeations, additions and subcombinations that are within their true spirit and scope.