Root trellis for use in hydroponic growing and methods of using same

Abstract

An apparatus and method is disclosed comprises a root trellis or use thereof. Specifically, a solid medium made from a non-corrosive material composed of a 3-dimensional solid grid for supporting and providing structure to a plant root's downward and lateral growth when roots are otherwise unsupported by a solid medium. The apparatus is potentially constricted with an attached appendage by which the trellis can suspend itself from the container or reservoir it is placed inside to maintain a functional shape, especially if the device composition material is not rigid enough to support its own shape.

Claims

1. A root trellis for promoting plant root growth in the roots of a plant growing in a root container of a hydroponic growing system comprising: a 3-dimensional grid-like lattice structure; wherein said 3-dimensional grid-like lattice structure is comprised of multiple support structures; wherein each of said multiple support structures is configured to intersect at least one other of said multiple support structures; wherein each of said multiple support structures is configured to be parallel to at least one other multiple support structures; wherein said multiple support structures are uniformly layered in two different angled orientations to create the intersecting and parallel configuration; wherein said 3-dimensional grid like lattice structure comprises empty spaces between said each of said multiple support structures allowing the flow of nutrients through said 3-dimensional grid like lattice structure; wherein the distance between each support structure and the nearest other parallel support structure is at least 2.25 inches; wherein said 3-dimensional grid-like lattice structure is configured to support the roots of a plant growing within a container of a hydroponic growing system such that said roots may grow in downward and lateral directions; wherein said 3-dimensional grid-like structure is configured to fit within and intersect across a space defined by the bottom two thirds of said container; and wherein said 3-dimensional grid like structure further comprises one or more anchoring appendages configured to attach to a rim of said container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1A is a cross section an embodiment of the roost trellis showing depth.

(2) FIG. 1B is an overview an embodiment of the root trellis.

(3) FIG. 1C is a cross section an embodiment of the root trellis.

(4) FIG. 2A is a cross section of an embodiment the root trellis with its anchor ng appendages showing depth.

(5) FIG. 2B is an anal view of an embodiment of the root trellis with its anchoring appendages.

(6) FIG. 2C is a cross section of an embodiment of the root trellis with its anchoring appendages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(7) An embodiment of the invention is disclosed in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIGS. 1A and 1C describe the grid-like lattice shape of an embodiment of the inventive root trellis in order. The trellis [1] can be composed of an inert material such as plastic. In one embodiment, the trellis [1] can be composed of a nutrient providing material. The trellis [1] has support structur [2] that are operable to support root growth of plants in a hydroponic system. The overview of FIG. 1B shows that the inventive trellis [1] is operable to fit within and intersect the empty space within the lamer container [3] to provide the roots with support, without interfering with the dynamics of the irrigation methodologies employed by the practitioners of the hydroponic cultivation methodologies implemented within.

(8) FIGS. 2A and 2C describe the grid-like lattice shape of an embodiment of the root trellis [1] but also shows the anchoring appendages [4] attached to the top of the root trellis. FIG. 2B shows how a root trellis [1] with the anchoring appendages [ ] functioning to fill the empty space of the container [3], and how the functional usage of the anchoring appendage does not affect such function.

(9) In one embodiment the inventive root trellis is composed of a material which does not break down in an organic solution. The trellis can be integrated into the container in which an organism with roots, such as plants, are being grown. When integrated, the product interacts with the roots which are unsupported by a growing medium, sod or inert, or otherwise. This could be, but not limited to, when the roots are exposed to air within a container, or if they are exposed to a hydroponic solution within a container, Certain effects of the invention include, but are not limited to, potentially allowing the roots to grow in a lateral direction simultaneous to the natural downward growth of the roots. This will allow the plants rhizosphere, root system, to utilize a greater volume of the potential space within the container they are growing inside of. In one embodiment the inventive trellis suspended within the container through tensional force between the trellis and the side walls of the container.

(10) In one embodiment the overall specifications of the cylindrical container are 14 inches high and 10 inches in diameter. The support structures of the trellis are spaced 2.25 inches apart beginning from the bottom of the container. After the topmost support structure there is approximately 6.5 inches to the top of the container.

(11) The root trellis system is comprised of a series of parallel support structures. These support structures are arranged inn way where the respective structures intersect one another and fit inside of the cylindrical container to form a lattice.

(12) The present invention is advantageous in that is can be used both indoors and outdoors. When used indoors in can allow plants to be grown year-round in all seasons and in all weather conditions.

(13) It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the preferred embodiments described heroin will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other changes and modification, such as those expressed here, or others left unexpressed but apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the following claims.

(14) Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein, may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein.