Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to an improved hydroponic cultivation system. An example of a conventional hydroponic cultivation system can be seen in <CIT>. In conventional hydroponic plant cultivation systems, a reservoir holds the nutrient rich water which is pumped to the top of a planting column where the water is directed back downward on the roots of plants contained within the planting column. In conventional systems, the reservoir that held the nutrient rich water typically had a flat cover and a generally square, rectangular, or cylindrical shape. Water contained in reservoirs of such shapes can distribute heat unevenly and as such uneven distributions can be produced throughout the nutrient rich water. Another state of the art hydroponic cultivation apparatus is known from <CIT>. The cover of this apparatus however does not define a second portion of the reservoir. Furthermore said apparatus does not comprise a fluid coupler which extends downward from upper opening of the cover into the second portion of reservoir.

Plant nutrients contained in the water for hydroponic plant cultivation systems can have optimal storage temperatures and conditions which can help prolong the life and efficacy of the nutrients being used in the cultivation system. Inconsistent temperature distribution throughout the reservoir could produce hot or cold spots in the reservoir which can adversely affect the nutrients if the temperature of the water in the hot and cold spots of the reservoir falls outside of the nutrient's optimal storage conditions. Improper storage conditions could adversely affect the useful life and efficacy of the nutrients, which could in turn affect plant growth within the cultivation system.

Another problem with conventional hydroponic plant cultivation systems is that lids or covers for reservoirs in the hydroponic systems are generally flat. As such, as the system is run and humidity builds up in the reservoir between the fluid and the lid or cover, moisture can form on the lid or cover, which can cause mold to form inside the reservoir. Mold inside the reservoir can affect the quality of the nutrients in the system and may also require the reservoir to be cleaned. To clean the reservoir the planting column would need to be removed from the reservoir and the flow of water to the plants would have to be stopped, which is undesirable as the supply of nutrients to the plants is interrupted.

Another problem with conventional hydroponic plant cultivation systems is that they are difficult to move or relocate. Conventional systems are required to be lifted in order to move the systems to a different location. During the relocation process, water can remain in the reservoir and can add substantial weight which would have to be lifted in addition to the weight of the apparatus itself. In some systems, the weight of the water can be so burdensome that the nutrient rich water must be removed in order to lift and relocate the system, which results in a waste of nutrient rich water. Otherwise, the operator would have to wait until the water was depleted to a manageable weight before moving the system. Additionally, in conventional solutions, if the hydroponic system were to be lifted with water remaining in the reservoir, the water could shift during the relocation process and potentially spill from the reservoir, again wasting the nutrient rich water in the reservoir.

What is needed then are improvements to hydroponic plant cultivation systems.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a hydroponic plant cultivation apparatus including a reservoir for holding fluid, the reservoir having a base and a cover, the base defining a first portion of the reservoir, and the cover defining a second portion of the reservoir. An upper opening can be defined in the cover. A planting column having a hollow interior can be positioned above the upper opening in the cover of the reservoir. At least one planting port can be defined in the planting column, the planting port configured to receive plants at least partially into the hollow interior of the planting column. A conduit can pass through the hollow interior of the planting column, the conduit fluidly communicated with the reservoir. A fluid distributor can be positioned atop the planting column, the fluid distributor in fluid communication with the conduit. Fluid can be selectively circulated from the reservoir through the conduit in the planting column and into the fluid distributor, where the fluid is redirected down the hollow interior of the planting column and back to the reservoir. In some embodiments, the cover can arch upward from the base and have rounded walls, the cover converging to the upper opening.

One objective of the present disclosure is to help maintain the temperature of water or fluid in a reservoir of a hydroponic plant cultivation apparatus.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to help ease the process of moving or relocating a hydroponic plant cultivation apparatus.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide improved sealing characteristics between a reservoir and a conduit in the planting column of a hydroponic plant cultivation apparatus.

Numerous other objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art upon a review of the following drawings and description of a preferred embodiment.

While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that are embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous equivalents to the specific apparatus and methods described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments described herein, a number of terms are defined below. The terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as "a," "an," and "the" are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but rather include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the invention, except as set forth in the claims.

In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing, for the sake of clarity. In addition, positional terms such as "upper," "lower," "side," "top," "bottom," "horizontal," "vertical," etc. refer to the apparatus when in the orientation shown in the drawing. A person of skill in the art will recognize that the apparatus can assume different orientations when in use.

An embodiment of a hydroponic plant cultivation apparatus <NUM> according to the invention is shown in <FIG>. Apparatus <NUM> includes a reservoir <NUM> having a base <NUM> and a cover <NUM>. Base <NUM> defines a first portion <NUM> of reservoir <NUM>, and cover <NUM> defines a second portion <NUM> of reservoir <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. As such, cover <NUM> generally arches upward from base <NUM>, and cover <NUM> extends upward from a top edge <NUM> of base <NUM> to define second portion <NUM> of reservoir <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a fill gauge <NUM> can extend through cover <NUM> and into reservoir <NUM>, fill gauge <NUM> indicating the level of nutrient rich water inside reservoir <NUM>. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, fill gauge <NUM> can be a float with an upward extending rod. The upward extending rod can extend through a hole 17a in cover <NUM>, the rod of fill gauge <NUM> being movable up and down through the hole 17a in the cover <NUM>, such that as the water level in reservoir <NUM> changes, the amount which the rod of fill gauge <NUM> extends out of cover <NUM> can vary accordingly. As such, fill gauge can be visible from the exterior of reservoir <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rod on fill gauge <NUM> can include color markings which can visually indicate the level of nutrient rich water in reservoir <NUM> and whether nutrient rich water should be added in reservoir <NUM>. Therefore, the fill gauge allows a user to readily ascertain the water level of reservoir <NUM> and whether reservoir <NUM> needs to be refilled. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, cover <NUM> can also include access port lid <NUM> which can be lifted to allow a user to look inside reservoir <NUM> to inspect the water level inside reservoir <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, cover <NUM> includes an upper opening <NUM>. Cover <NUM> extending upward from base <NUM> allows upper opening <NUM> in cover <NUM> to be vertically offset from top edge <NUM> of base <NUM> as compared to conventional hydroponic systems with flat covers. In some embodiments, cover <NUM> can have a variety of shapes, including but not limited to, square prism, rectangular prism, conical, pyramidal, domed, hemi-spherical, etc., each shape allowing for an upper opening <NUM> to be vertically offset from a top edge <NUM> of base <NUM>.

A planting column <NUM> is positioned above upper opening <NUM>. Planting column <NUM> has a hollow interior, and at least one planting port <NUM> is defined in planting column <NUM>. Planting port <NUM> is configured to receive plants at least partially into the hollow interior of planting column <NUM>. During operation of the apparatus <NUM>, nutrient rich water is supply through planting column <NUM> such that water can contact the roots of plants located in the hollow interior of planting column <NUM>, and plants can subsequently grow out of planting port <NUM>. In some embodiments, planting port <NUM> can be oriented at an angle relative to planting column <NUM> such that planting port <NUM> has a lower wall that is generally oriented at an upward angle, which can facilitate the insertion of plants into planting port <NUM> as well as encourage plants to grow upward and out of planting /column <NUM>. In some embodiments the orientation angle of panting port <NUM> is between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees with respect to an outer wall of planting column <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a seed basket <NUM>, shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, can be positioned in each of planting ports <NUM> in planting column <NUM>. Seed baskets <NUM> can be used to hold a seed for a plant. Seed baskets <NUM> can have multiple openings which can allow roots of the plants in planting ports <NUM> to pass through seed baskets <NUM> and into planting column <NUM> where they can receive nutrient rich water, seed baskets <NUM> also directing the plants themselves out of planting ports <NUM>. As such, seed baskets <NUM> can help prevent plants from becoming trapped inside planting column <NUM> while still allowing the roots of the plants to receive nutrient rich water.

In some embodiments, base <NUM>, cover <NUM>, and planting column <NUM> can be made of a heat-resistant material such as a resin material, such that the heat resistant material can help maintain a constant temperature profile within the plant cultivation system <NUM>, which can help produce more consistent and efficient plant growth. In some embodiments, the resin material can be polystyrene. Heat resistant resins such as polystyrene can provide beneficial thermal properties, while also providing shock-resistant and light weight characteristics.

It may be necessary to remove cover <NUM> and planting column <NUM> from base <NUM> on occasion. Having cover <NUM> extending upward from base <NUM> and an upper opening <NUM> vertically offset from upper edge <NUM> of base <NUM> can allow cover <NUM> and planting column <NUM> to be separated from base <NUM> and placed on the ground, with upper opening <NUM> being vertically offset from the ground allowing water to drain from planting column <NUM> through upper opening <NUM>, to help prevent water in planting column <NUM> from oversaturating the plants.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, cover <NUM> can generally be described as extending upward from the base <NUM> at an acute angle <NUM> with respect to a vertical axis <NUM> of base <NUM> toward upper opening <NUM>. Cover <NUM> arches upward from base <NUM> and have rounded walls <NUM>, cover <NUM> and rounded walls <NUM> converging to upper opening <NUM> in cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, cover <NUM> can extend upward arcuately from base <NUM>, such that cover <NUM> can have a bowed, arched, curved, or rounded shape. As cover <NUM> arches upward from base <NUM>, angle <NUM> formed between respective tangent lines <NUM> of cover <NUM> and vertical axis <NUM> can vary along cover <NUM>, such that cover <NUM> can generally be described as extending at an acute angle <NUM> with respect to vertical axis <NUM> toward upper opening <NUM>, though the acute angle at which cover <NUM> is extending toward upper opening <NUM> may be changing along cover <NUM>. In other embodiments not according to the invention, cover <NUM> can have substantially straight walls that extend at a consistent acute angle with respect to vertical axis <NUM>, for instance when cover <NUM> has a conical or pyramidal shape.

In some embodiments, cover <NUM> can have a substantially domed or rounded shape, the domed cover <NUM> converging to upper opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, cover <NUM> can have an S-shaped cross section <NUM> forming a compound curve, the cross section <NUM> generally revolvable around vertical axis <NUM> to form cover <NUM>. In such embodiments, cross section <NUM> can have an inflection point <NUM> where the concavity of cross section <NUM> changes. As such, cover <NUM> can include an inflection line <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, and in some embodiments, cover <NUM> can extend upward arcuately from base <NUM> with a downward concavity, and cover <NUM> can change concavities across inflection line <NUM> as cover <NUM> converges to upper opening <NUM>. Cover <NUM> changing to an upward concavity as cover <NUM> converges to upper opening <NUM> can form an upward extension portion <NUM> that defines upper opening <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Upward extension portion <NUM> can also provide a vertical seat for planting column <NUM> to be nested in, as shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, base <NUM> can have sidewalls <NUM> that extend arcuately in a downward direction from cover <NUM>. Sidewalls <NUM> can also extend arcuately inward from a lower edge <NUM> of cover <NUM>. As such, base <NUM> and cover <NUM> in some embodiments can form a reservoir <NUM> having a generally spherical shape, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Nutrient rich water <NUM> being stored in reservoir <NUM> can have an optimal storage temperature. Having a reservoir <NUM> with a generally spherical shape can help ensure that the temperature of water <NUM> stored in reservoir <NUM> can maintain an even temperature distribution, as a spherical reservoir can help optimize thermal dissipation within the reservoir.

One problem with conventional hydroponic plant cultivation systems is that the reservoirs in such systems are generally square or rectangular. As such, hot or cold spots can develop in the corners of the reservoir. If the hot or cold spots fall outside of an optimal storage temperature range for the nutrient rich water, the efficacy and useful life of the nutrients located in those hot spots can be adversely affected, which can inhibit plant growth with the system. Having a generally spherical reservoir can help eliminate hot or cold spots within the reservoir and help keep all of the nutrient rich water <NUM> in reservoir <NUM> at an optimal storage temperature.

During the operation of apparatus <NUM>, a space between cover <NUM> and nutrient rich water <NUM> can become humid, which can cause moisture to form on the underside of cover <NUM>. Another potential benefit of having a cover <NUM> that arches upward from base <NUM> or has a domed shape is that any moisture forming on the underside of cover <NUM> within reservoir <NUM> can be urged downward along cover <NUM> and back into nutrient rich water supply <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

In conventional hydroponic systems with flat covers, moisture would remain on the underside of the flat covers and can eventually cause mold to grow on the underside of the covers. Mold in the reservoir can adversely affect the quality of the nutrient rich water supply and the growth of plants within the system. The growth of mold can also require the reservoir to be cleaned more frequently, which would require the operation of the apparatus to be interrupted, and therefore plant growth would be adversely affected. The urging of moisture on cover <NUM>, which arches upward from base <NUM>, downward and into the water supply <NUM> can help reduce the growth of mold, which can help reduce cleaning time and down time for apparatus <NUM>.

A cross section view of <FIG> is shown in <FIG>. A conduit <NUM> passes through hollow interior <NUM> of planting column <NUM>. Conduit <NUM> is fluidly communicated with reservoir <NUM>. A fluid distributor <NUM> is positioned atop planting column <NUM>, fluid distributor <NUM> fluidly communicated with conduit <NUM>. Fluid distributor <NUM> can include a lower wall <NUM> having a plurality of dispersion holes <NUM> such that water entering into fluid distributor <NUM> can disperse into planting column <NUM> and onto plants contained with hollow interior <NUM> of planting column <NUM> through dispersion holes <NUM>. As such, nutrient rich water <NUM> can be circulated from reservoir <NUM> through conduit <NUM> in planting column <NUM> to fluid distributor <NUM>, where the water can be redirected by fluid distributor <NUM> downward through dispersion holes <NUM>, down hollow interior <NUM> of planting column <NUM>, and back into reservoir <NUM> through upper opening <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a pump <NUM> is positioned in reservoir <NUM>. A supply line or hose <NUM> extends from pump <NUM> to conduit <NUM> of planting column <NUM>. As such, pump <NUM> can force nutrient rich water from reservoir <NUM> into conduit <NUM> to the top of planting column <NUM>. According to the invention, cover <NUM> includes a fluid coupler <NUM> which can effectively couple supply line <NUM> to conduit <NUM>, such that fluid coupler can act as a sealing jacket between supply line <NUM> and conduit <NUM>. In some embodiments, fluid coupler <NUM> can include a swivel bearing or other feature that allows supply line <NUM> to rotate with respect to coupler <NUM> such that if planting column <NUM> or cover <NUM> were to rotate, supply line wouldn't twist and potentially kink. As such, supply line <NUM> can include a swivel hose.

In other embodiments, the supply line <NUM> can extend from the pump <NUM> to a splitter. A second supply line can extend from the splitter to a swivel connector to direct water upward into conduit <NUM>. A drain line can also be provided from the splitter, the drain line including a removable plug. The drain line can extend out of reservoir <NUM>. With the plug positioned on the drain line, pump <NUM> can direct water through the second supply line into conduit <NUM> during normal operation of apparatus <NUM>. With the plug removed, pump <NUM> can force water through the drain line such that water <NUM> can be drained from reservoir <NUM> when desired.

A power cord <NUM> can extend from pump <NUM>. Power cord <NUM> can be plugged into a power grid in order to provide power to pump <NUM> and hydroponic planting apparatus <NUM>. In some embodiments, lower edge <NUM> can include a notch that can receive power cord <NUM> such that power cord <NUM> can pass through cover <NUM> while cover <NUM> can be seated properly on base <NUM>. In some embodiments, pump <NUM> can run continuously as power is supplied to pump <NUM>. In other embodiments, pump <NUM> can include a timer such that pump <NUM> can be programmed to operate at predetermined intervals. A timer for pump <NUM> can allow apparatus <NUM> to operate while being unattended.

According to the invention, as shown in <FIG>, cover <NUM> includes a fluid coupler <NUM> positioned in upper opening <NUM>. Fluid coupler <NUM> can be configured to fluidly couple supply line <NUM> and conduit <NUM> together when planting column <NUM> is positioned on or above upper opening <NUM>, fluid coupler <NUM> acting as a sealing jacket for the junction between conduit <NUM> and supply line <NUM>. Because cover <NUM> extends or arches upward from the base of reservoir <NUM>, fluid coupler <NUM> can extend downward from upper opening into second portion <NUM> of reservoir <NUM>. In conventional hydroponic systems with flat covers, such a fluid coupler could not extend below the upper opening in the cover because if the cover was optionally removed from the base and placed on the ground, the coupler would hit the ground and potentially crack or break, which would adversely affect the integrity of the seal between the conduit and the fluid supply line.

Upward extending or arching cover <NUM> allows fluid coupler <NUM> to extend down into second portion <NUM> of reservoir <NUM> without the risk of fluid coupler <NUM> cracking or breaking when cover <NUM> is optionally placed on the ground during cleaning, maintenance, etc. As such, cover <NUM> can include a significantly longer fluid coupler <NUM> than those in the prior art, which can produce a better sealing jacket for the junction between conduit <NUM> and supply line <NUM>. A better seal can increase the efficiency of water being pumped through conduit <NUM> to the fluid distributor.

An exploded view of apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> is shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, planting column <NUM> can include at least a first module <NUM> and a second module <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each module <NUM> and <NUM> can include a hollow interior <NUM>, a bottom wall <NUM> including a plurality of drain holes <NUM>, and an open top end <NUM>. Each module <NUM> and <NUM> can include at least one planting port <NUM> configured to at least partially receive plants into hollow interior <NUM> of modules <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, modules <NUM> and <NUM> can include four planting ports <NUM>, one planting port <NUM> located on each side of modules <NUM> and <NUM>. As such, plants can grow out of all four sides of modules <NUM> and <NUM>.

As can be seen from <FIG>, bottom wall <NUM> of first module <NUM> can be configured to engage top open end <NUM> of second module <NUM>, such that first and second modules <NUM> and <NUM> can be stacked in an end to end configuration to form at least part of planting column <NUM>. In some embodiments, bottom wall <NUM> of modules <NUM> and <NUM> can include multiple protrusions <NUM> which can align with plant ports <NUM> located in top open end <NUM> of modules <NUM> and <NUM>, such that when one module is placed on another, protrusions <NUM> slide into planting ports <NUM> to engage bottom wall <NUM> with top open end <NUM>. In some embodiments, protrusions <NUM> and planting ports <NUM> can act as corresponding angular stop elements on bottom wall <NUM> and top open end <NUM>, the angular stop elements preventing relative rotation between first and second modules <NUM> and <NUM> when the modules are stacked on one another and bottom wall <NUM> engages top open end <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, planting column <NUM> can include one or more support rods <NUM> that extend through holes in modules <NUM> and <NUM>. Support rods <NUM> can be configured to extend through each module in planting column <NUM> such that support rods <NUM> help provide structural integrity to planting column <NUM> and prevent the modules from falling apart or moving relative to one another. Support rods <NUM> can be made from any suitable material, including stainless steel in some embodiments.

As can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the apparatus <NUM> can include a plurality of nuts <NUM> which can be used to secure support rods <NUM> in position through support column <NUM> and fluid distributor <NUM>. A nut <NUM> can be inserted onto support rod <NUM> and support rod <NUM> can then be inserted through support column <NUM> until the nut <NUM> abuts bottom wall <NUM> of the lowest module in support column <NUM>. In some embodiments, an additional nut <NUM> can be positioned on the opposite side of bottom wall <NUM> of the lowest module in support column <NUM> such that support rod <NUM> is secured in position relative to the lowest module in support column <NUM>. Additional modules can then be positioned on support column <NUM> by sliding the modules down onto support rods <NUM> such that the modules are linearly engaged together. Fluid distributor <NUM> can then be positioned on top of support column <NUM> with support rods <NUM> further extending through fluid distributor <NUM>. A nut <NUM> can then be positioned on support rod <NUM> above a lower wall <NUM> of fluid distributor <NUM>, such that support column <NUM> and fluid distributor <NUM> can be rigidly connected together and supported by support rod <NUM>. In embodiments with more than one support rod <NUM>, the above procedure can be repeated for each rod <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, each of modules <NUM> and <NUM> can have a module conduit <NUM> extending from bottom wall <NUM> to top open end <NUM>. Module conduit <NUM> can be configured to engage module conduits <NUM> on adjacent modules, such that module conduit <NUM> on first module <NUM> can engage module conduit <NUM> on second module <NUM>. The engagement of multiple module conduits <NUM> can form the overall conduit <NUM> that extends through planting column <NUM>. Modules <NUM> and <NUM> can therefore be interchangeably stacked on top of one another to form planting column <NUM> such that as plants grow from modules <NUM> and <NUM>, modules <NUM> and <NUM> can be reorganized and restacked if needed to reduce crowding or interference of the plants extending from planting column <NUM>. Additional modules can also be readily added to planting column <NUM> to increase the amount of plants that can be grown in planting column <NUM>.

With first and second modules <NUM> and <NUM> stacked on top of one another, a continuous conduit <NUM> can extend through support column <NUM>. Fluid distributor <NUM> can be positioned atop first module <NUM> and fluid distributor <NUM> can be in fluid communication with conduit <NUM>. As water is pumped from the reservoir up conduit <NUM> to fluid distributor <NUM>, water can be collected in fluid distributor <NUM> and exit fluid distributor <NUM> through dispersing holes <NUM> into planting column <NUM> and hollow interior <NUM> of modules <NUM> and <NUM>. Fluid distributor <NUM> can have a top plate <NUM> that can redirected water entering fluid distributor <NUM> downward and ensure the water exits through dispensing holes <NUM>. Water can pass between modules <NUM> and <NUM> and any other modules in planting column <NUM> by passing through dispensing holes <NUM> in bottom wall <NUM> of each of the modules until the water returns to the reservoir. As the water enters each module, the water can drip on the roots <NUM> of plants received in hollow interior <NUM> of each module <NUM> and <NUM>, thereby promoting growth of the plants. In some embodiments, hollow interior <NUM> can include a planting medium, including but not limited to, air, rock wool, or any other suitable planting medium that can alleviate the need for soil.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the upper opening <NUM> and the planting column <NUM> can have a first pair of corresponding nesting elements <NUM>, as well as a second pair of nesting elements <NUM>. In some embodiments, the upper opening can include a first lip <NUM>. A bottom wall <NUM> of planting column <NUM>, or a bottom wall <NUM> of the lowest module in planting column <NUM>, can be configured to nest inside first lip <NUM> of the upper opening, such that planting column <NUM> can nest inside upper opening <NUM>. Additionally, upper opening <NUM> can include a second lip or groove <NUM>, and the bottom wall <NUM> of planting column <NUM> can further include an annular rib <NUM> that can be configured to nest within second lip or groove <NUM>. As such, planting column <NUM> and upper opening <NUM> can include two pairs of nesting elements <NUM> and <NUM> that can provide an improved seating of planting column <NUM> on upper opening <NUM>. Nesting elements <NUM> and <NUM> can also help prevent lateral movement of planting column <NUM> relative to upper opening <NUM>, which can help maintain the integrity of the seals through conduit <NUM> as apparatus <NUM> is in use. In some embodiments, first lip <NUM> can include upper opening angular stops <NUM> that can engage protrusions <NUM> extending from bottom wall <NUM> of planting column <NUM> or the lowest module of planting column <NUM>. As such, rotation of planting column <NUM> relative to upper opening <NUM> can be prevented by angular stops <NUM>. In still further embodiments, a friction or interference fit can be formed between one or more nesting elements <NUM> and <NUM> on support column <NUM> and upper opening <NUM> of cover <NUM> can help provide an even more secure engagement between support column and cover <NUM>.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, fluid distributor <NUM> and support column <NUM> can include a third set of nesting elements <NUM>, which can include a step defined in lower wall <NUM> of fluid distributor <NUM>. The step in the lower wall <NUM> of fluid distributor <NUM> can nest on the top open end <NUM> of the upper most module in support column <NUM> such that fluid distributor <NUM> can be nested on support column <NUM>. In some embodiments, third nesting elements <NUM> can also form an interference or friction fit between fluid distributor <NUM> and support column <NUM> to provide a better engagement between fluid distributor <NUM> and support column <NUM>.

Another problem with conventional hydroponic systems is that they can be difficult to move or transport, especially with water remaining in the reservoir. Conventional reservoirs have flat bottoms that rest on the ground. To move a conventional system the entire system has to be lifted and move to the new location. If water is present in the reservoir, the system can be increasingly heavy, which can require the water to be drain before the system is moved, thereby wasting nutrient rich water. Additionally, if the system is moved with any water in the reservoir, the water has the potential to shift during transport and spill out of the reservoir, wasting nutrients and also causing a mess for the operator to clean up.

To help alleviate this problem, some embodiments of apparatus <NUM> can include a plurality of rollers <NUM> connected to reservoir <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Reservoir <NUM> can be positioned on rollers <NUM> such that the weight of apparatus <NUM> is carried by rollers <NUM>. As such, when an operator desires to move apparatus <NUM>, the operator can easily roll apparatus <NUM> via rollers <NUM> to the new location without having to lift the potentially heavy apparatus <NUM>, and without having to drain water out of reservoir <NUM>. In some embodiments, an annular indention <NUM> can be defined in the bottom of reservoir <NUM>, annular indention <NUM> configured to receive rollers <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In other embodiments, a separate recess can be defined in the bottom of reservoir <NUM> for each roller <NUM>. In some embodiments, rollers <NUM> can be figured to snap fit into reservoir <NUM> such that rollers <NUM> can be quickly assembled onto reservoir <NUM>. Additionally, in some embodiments, rollers <NUM> can be equipped with one or more stoppers or adjustable locks which can be actuated to prevent rollers <NUM> and apparatus <NUM> from moving unintentionally.

An additional benefit of rollers <NUM> is that reservoir <NUM> can sit off of the ground. As such, a bottom wall <NUM> of reservoir <NUM> is not required to support the weight of apparatus <NUM> when rollers <NUM> are attached to reservoir. As such, a diameter of bottom wall <NUM> can be smaller to accommodate the inward curving sidewalls <NUM> of base <NUM>. In some embodiments, bottom wall <NUM> of reservoir <NUM> can be rounded to further provide reservoir <NUM> with a spherical shape to help optimize thermal dissipation and thermal continuity within reservoir <NUM>.

As can be seen from <FIG>, in some embodiments, lines of drain holes <NUM> can be defined in bottom wall <NUM> of modules <NUM>, <NUM>, the lines extending radially from conduit <NUM>. In some embodiments, modules <NUM> and <NUM> can include <NUM> lines of drain holes <NUM> extending radially from conduit <NUM>, with each line containing <NUM> drain holes <NUM>.

In some embodiments, one or more rod holes <NUM> can be defined in bottom wall <NUM> of modules <NUM> and <NUM>, the rod holes <NUM> being sized to allow a support rod to extend through rod holes <NUM> and the support column.

Similarly, as can be seen from <FIG>, in some embodiments, lines of dispersing holes <NUM> can be defined in lower wall <NUM> of fluid distributor <NUM>, the lines extending radially from conduit <NUM>. In some embodiments, fluid distributor <NUM> can include <NUM> lines of dispersing holes <NUM> extending radially from conduit <NUM>, with each line containing <NUM> dispersing holes <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or more rod holes <NUM> can be defined in lower wall <NUM> of fluid distributor <NUM>, the rod holes <NUM> being sized to allow a support rod to extend through rod holes <NUM> and fluid distributor <NUM>.

In some embodiments, when fluid distributor <NUM> is positioned over support column <NUM>, as shown in <NUM>, support holes <NUM> in the modules of support column <NUM> can be aligned with rod holes <NUM> in fluid distributor <NUM> such that a support road <NUM> can extend through support column <NUM> and fluid distributor <NUM>. In such embodiments, drain holes <NUM> in the modules of support column <NUM> and the dispersing holes <NUM> in fluid distributor can be substantially aligned, such that nutrient rich water passing through apparatus <NUM> generally flows downward in a straight lines.

In some embodiments, as can be seen in <FIG> dispersing holes <NUM> can have a smaller diameter than the diameter of drain holes <NUM>. It can be desirable for a certain amount of nutrient rich water or tonic to be contained in fluid distributor <NUM>, the nutrient rich water then being periodically be dispersed through dispersion holes <NUM>. As such, dispersing holes <NUM> having a generally small diameter can allow nutrient rich water to build up in fluid distributor <NUM>. As nutrient rich water in fluid distributor <NUM> reaches a certain level, pressure created by the weight of the built up nutrient rich water can then force water to be dispersed through dispersion holes <NUM> evenly. If dispersing holes <NUM> had a diameter that was too large, then nutrient rich water would not be retained in fluid distributor <NUM> and nutrient rich water would potentially not disperse through dispersion holes <NUM>, and therefore apparatus <NUM>, evenly, which could negatively effect the growth of plants contained within apparatus <NUM>.

If drain holes <NUM> in the various modules of the support column <NUM> are too small, then nutrient rich water could be retained and stored in one module, which could produce a shortage of water in other lower modules. As such, drain holes <NUM> in some embodiments can be sized to generally allow uninhibited flow of nutrient rich water through the modules and the support column <NUM>. As such, the drain holes <NUM> having a larger diameter than the diameter of dispersing holes <NUM> can allow fluid to be built up in fluid distributor <NUM> such that fluid can be evenly distributed through the apparatus <NUM>, while simultaneously allowing fluid to flow through all modules of support column <NUM> freely, once the fluid passes through dispersing holes <NUM>. In some embodiments, the diameter of the dispersing holes <NUM> can be about <NUM>, and the diameter of the drain holes <NUM> can be about <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A hydroponic plant cultivation apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a reservoir (<NUM>) for holding fluid, the reservoir (<NUM>) including a base (<NUM>) and a cover (<NUM>), the base (<NUM>) having a top edge (<NUM>), the cover (<NUM>) having a lower edge (<NUM>) and an upper opening (<NUM>) vertically offset from the top edge (<NUM>) of the base (<NUM>), wherein the cover (<NUM>) has rounded walls, arches upward from the base (<NUM>) and converges to the upper opening (<NUM>), and wherein the base (<NUM>) defines a first portion (<NUM>) of reservoir (<NUM>), and the cover (<NUM>) defines a second portion (<NUM>) of the reservoir (<NUM>);
a planting column (<NUM>) having a hollow interior (<NUM>), the planting column (<NUM>) positioned above the upper opening (<NUM>) in the cover (<NUM>) of the reservoir (<NUM>);
at least one planting port (<NUM>) defined in the planting column (<NUM>) for receiving plants at least partially into the hollow interior (<NUM>) of the planting column (<NUM>);
a conduit (<NUM>) passing through the hollow interior (<NUM>) of the planting column (<NUM>), the conduit (<NUM>) being in fluid communication with the reservoir (<NUM>);
a fluid distributor (<NUM>) positioned atop the planting column (<NUM>), the fluid distributor (<NUM>) being in fluid communication with the conduit;
a pump (<NUM>) positioned in the reservoir (<NUM>);
a supply line (<NUM>) extending from the pump (<NUM>) to the conduit (<NUM>) of the planting column (<NUM>); and
a fluid coupler (<NUM>) positioned in the upper opening (<NUM>) in the cover (<NUM>), the fluid coupler (<NUM>) configured to fluidly couple the supply line (<NUM>) to the conduit (<NUM>), wherein the fluid coupler (<NUM>) extends downward from upper opening (<NUM>) into the second portion (<NUM>) of reservoir (<NUM>);
wherein fluid is selectively circulatable from the reservoir (<NUM>) through the conduit (<NUM>) in the planting column (<NUM>) to the fluid distributor (<NUM>), where the fluid is redirected down the hollow interior (<NUM>) of the planting column (<NUM>) and back to the reservoir (<NUM>).