Flexible Hydroponics Container

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of hydroponics and to apparatus and methods for the growing of plants in a water-based or soil-free environment. A flexible container (2) for growing plants hydroponically is provided, comprising one or more openings (1) for receiving plantlets (16) and/or seeds (15) and one or more openings (1, 5, 6, 7) for receiving a nutrient and/or water (5) and/or oxygen supply (6, 7), which openings may be the same or different to the openings of (i).

Claims

1. A flexible container for growing plants hydroponically, comprising: (i) one or more openings for receiving plants and/or seeds; and (ii) one or more openings for receiving a nutrient and/or water and/or oxygen supply, which openings may be the same or different to the openings of (i).

2. Container according to claim 1 which is substantially closed apart from said openings, preferably wherein said container is a sac-like container.

3. Container according to claim 1, having a top end comprising said one or more openings for receiving plants and/or seeds and a base opposite said top end, wherein green parts of said plant grow towards or through said top end and preferably wherein plant roots grow towards said base.

4. Container according to claim 1 which is capable of being inflated and/or deflated and/or rolled up and/or folded and/or compressed and/or extended.

5. Container according to claim 1, comprising a detachable part, preferably a detachable top part comprising said one or more openings for receiving plants and/or seeds.

6. Container according to claim 5, wherein said detachable top comprises a porous layer impregnated with seeds.

7. Container according to claim 5, wherein said detachable top is removably attached using one or more fasteners, such as zips, Velcro?, hooks, loops, clips, buttons, buckles, cables, toggle arrangement, magnets etc.

8. Container according to claim 1, wherein the interior of the container comprises one or more (porous or low density) layers or elements to aid dispersal of oxygen and/or nutrients and/or cleaning solution throughout the container and/or to act as internal scaffold for the roots and/or shoots and/or to hold seeds, preferably in a dispersed fashion.

9. Container according to claim 8, wherein at least one layer or element is present on said container base.

10. Container according to claim 8, wherein said scaffold is arranged such that roots are able to traverse said support, preferably such that green plant parts are mainly above said support and nearer the top end of the container and plant roots are mainly below said support and nearer said base.

11. Container according to claim 1, further comprising an internal and/or external support.

12. Container according to claim 11, wherein said support is integral to the container.

13. Container according to claim 11, wherein said support comprises a chamber, preferably an inflatable chamber.

14. Container according to claim 11, wherein said support chamber comprises a collar around the periphery of the container and/or wherein said support chamber comprises two parallel tracks either side of the container.

15. (canceled)

16. Container according to claim 1, wherein said container and/or support chamber(s), are made from any non- or low porous material, such as any plastics or other polymers, fibre-reinforced polymers, rubber, composite materials, foams, multilayer flexible laminates, woven materials or a combination of any of the aforementioned materials.

17. Container part, preferably a top part, comprising one or more openings for receiving plants, preferably one or more fasteners and further preferably wherein said container part comprises a porous layer impregnated with seeds.

18. A method for the manufacture of a flexible container for hydroponics, comprising: (i) providing at least two sheets of a non-porous or low-porous substantially flexible material; (ii) superimposing the sheets; and (iii) sealing the sheets so as to create a substantially enclosed sac-like container (iv) creating one or more openings for receiving plants/seeds and a nutrient, water and air supply.

19. Method according to claim 18, wherein said container is manufactured through extrusion, co-extrusion, blown film extrusion or any suitable soft goods manufacturing technique.

20-25. (canceled)

26. Container according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of such containers are connected physically and/or electronically.

27. Container according to claim 1, wherein growing plants in said container alters root architecture.

Description

FIGURES

[0068] The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings in which:

[0069] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of the flexible container of the invention.

[0070] FIG. 2 shows an isometric layered view of the container.

[0071] FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the container in use.

[0072] FIG. 4 shows an isometric cross section of the container.

[0073] FIG. 5 shows a cross section of a further embodiment of the container of the invention.

[0074] FIG. 6 shows a cross section of a further embodiment of the container of the invention.

[0075] FIG. 7 shows a system view of multiple containers of the invention on a moving belt.

[0076] FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the container of the invention with a cloche.

[0077] FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of a further embodiment of the flexible container of the invention.

[0078] FIG. 10 shows a side view of the container shown in FIG. 9.

[0079] FIG. 11 shows a cross section of the container shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0080] FIG. 12 shows a cross section of the container shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 with an expanded view of the chambers or protrusions.

[0081] FIG. 13 shows a side view of a larger container of the invention with multiple aerators.

[0082] FIG. 14 shows the process from start to a harvest stage.

[0083] As illustrated, FIG. 1 shows the flexible hydroponics container 2, which is made from a flexible nonporous material. The top end of the container comprises openings in the form of an array of perforations 1 to facilitate plant and/or seed entry into the container. The seeds may be evenly dispersed across a porous layer (not shown) which is suitably close to the opening to maximise access to air and light. 4 represents a fastener which allows the container to be opened and the top part of the container to be detached in whole or in part. A nutrient/water drain valve 3, which can be open or isolated to control the level or quality of water or nutrient solution in conjunction with a feed valve 5 is also shown.

[0084] FIG. 2 illustrates the interior of the container in which is shown an integrated aerator system 7 connected to the inside base of the container 2 fed by air or air/liquid inlet valve 6 formed of a layered or cast perforated layer 8 producing aeration. Also shown is a porous material layer 9 and support layer (chamber) 10.

[0085] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show porous material layer 9 which supports plants whilst allowing water and air flow between an aerated nutrient liquid layer 11 and the top of the enclosure, layered with support layer (chamber) 10 such that a level of the liquid phase is maintained in an air gap 13 which has an aeroponic mist environment from aeration effervescence 12.

[0086] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show an alternative embodiment of the flexible hydroponic system in which the container need not be filled with water but where plants may be grown on porous layers 9 of expanded size. A porous liquid and air distribution layer 14 is fed by a feed valve 5 (not shown) designed through water potential and material selection to distribute liquid at a certain water potential level or otherwise into the porous layers 9. Capillary action enables water uptake by the porous material and a high surface area aggregate surface can also be included for nutrient, water and air uptake, retention and distribution. Perforations 1 designed for plant input are also shown.

[0087] FIG. 7 shows a system comprising a series of containers 2 on a conveyor belt, which may be wall mounted or arranged horizontally. The containers are moved by mechanical force 18 allowing growth and harvesting to be organised. Seeds 15 or plantlets 16 can be added into the containers through perforations 1 (not shown) or through an opening formed in any other way. Growth is induced/facilitated with the help of the performance of the distribution layer 14 (not shown) in combination with light source 17, which may be natural and/or artificial.

[0088] FIG. 8 shows a cross section view of the container 2 connected to a flexible transparent nonporous material 19 (shown in the form of a cloche, although it may be in any other suitable form) such that a sealed local environment is created which is conducive to biological life. Also shown is pressure valve 20, which controls the pressure of the sealed local environment or causes it to unseal. A nutrient solution is introduced through feed valve 6, also shown is an integrated aerator system 7 connected to the inside base of the container 2 fed by air or air/liquid inlet valve 6. Also shown is a porous material layer 9 and support layer (chamber) 10.

[0089] FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 show an embodiment of the invention comprising support elements or chambers 10 in the form of two parallel tracks. Plants are shown introduced through perforations or holes 1 or seeds may have previously been sown on porous material layer 9. A nutrient solution is introduced through feed valve 6 and air through an integrated aerator 7 which aerates the nutrient liquid layer 11. An air gap 13 is created between the top of the nutrient liquid layer 11 and the porous material layer 9. In the air gap 13 the nutrient solution from nutrient liquid layer 11 is able to reach the plant roots through the spray/splash mechanism of popping bubbles caused by air fed through aerator 7 and surfacing to the top of layer 11. In this way, the roots are consistently moist and with access to air, offering a superior interface between the roots, air and nutrient solution through increasing available oxygen for the whole plant whilst separating water from the stem and leaf system of a plant. FIG. 12 shows an expanded view of the chambers 10 showing a fastener 4 (zip or the like) for detaching the top part of the container. FIG. 13 shows a larger-style container with multiple aerators 7. Also shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 is inflation valve 21.

[0090] FIG. 14 shows the process starting with (1) a rolled up container according to the invention being unrolled ready for inflation in (2). (3) shows the container in its inflated state ready for connection to an air, nutrient and water supply. (4) shows the container ready for the insertion of plants or seeds through the perforations in the top part of the container and (5) shows the plants growing in the container and the establishment of roots, with the plants being ready to harvest. Following harvest, the container may be cleaned and deflated and rolled up or folded ready for storage and reuse when needed.

Items

[0091] The present invention will now be described with reference to the following items in which:

[0092] 1. A flexible hydroponic system comprising in combination: [0093] A flexible container enclosing a chamber for the addition of nutrient solution, aerosol or water, said chamber being made of a non- or low-porosity material such as a polymer, rubber, composite or woven material, where addition of water or nutrient solution also provides outwards pressure giving a degree of support; and [0094] internal of the said container on base of chamber, an integrated aerator system comprising of a small air filled chamber fed from a pneumatic or liquid air mixture supply, adapted to provide aeration and/or a water liquid mixture to the nutrient solution or water within said hydroponic container; and [0095] internal around the edge of said flexible container, a support enclosure to include a gas, liquid or solid material to provide support and structure to the system through the use of low-density floatation above the water or nutrient solution, or mechanical support; and [0096] where a porous material is connected internal to said flexible container where the dimension and placement of the material is connected in proximity to the said support enclosure such that by means of the level of floatation or mechanical support, an air gap is created above the water or nutrient solution in said flexible container, with the said low density flotation mechanism maintaining a set level in all said flexible container water and nutrient solution capacity levels.

[0097] 2. A flexible container in accordance with item 1, in which the said flexible enclosure is formed from adhered or welded layers of sheet material.

[0098] 3. A flexible container in accordance with item 1 or 2, in which the said flexible enclosure is supported by an additional external layer of connected material enabling mechanical support through hanging, securing, staking or otherwise.

[0099] 4. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item, where the said enclosure is manufactured where the said internal support enclosure is a shape extending horizontally around the edge, providing support to the whole said flexible enclosure, or in other configurations of internal support patterns, such as parallel tubes or otherwise.

[0100] 5. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item, where said enclosure in manufactured where the said internal support enclosure is a non-continuous spiral, helical shape or otherwise such that when a supporting material is inserted, the flexible container can be extended or compressed lengthways enabling compact storage and rapid deployment.

[0101] 6. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item, where said enclosure is manufactured from multiple layers of material, such that a middle layer acts as a channel for water, air, nutrient solution or mixture, distributing through pores to a second aggregate layer of porous low density material such that small air gaps are maintained throughout said aggregate layer in addition or water or nutrient solution through material absorbance or capillary mechanisms, and a surface layer of non-porous material with optionally attached support chamber enclosure maintains containment of the system.

[0102] 7. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item, such that said flexible container can be rolled or mechanically manipulated through a support system such that movement along a growth production line is possible with seeding, transplanting, growing, flowering, fruiting, harvesting and cleaning are all accommodated.

[0103] 8. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item, in which the said flexible enclosure is formed from joined layers of composite material such as fibre-reinforced polymer or inclusion of flexible electronic circuits and devices, reflective layers, smart material layers, illustration and graphic layers or otherwise.

[0104] 9. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item, in which liquid or aerosol nutrient intake and drain functions are provided through manufactured joints, holes, ports, threaded holes, fastening holes or otherwise facilitating input.

[0105] 10. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item, in which the said flexible enclosure has an additional hydrophobic or hydrophilic material layer internal to the said hydroponic container such that water retention or other water throughput characteristics can be configured.

[0106] 11. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item, in which the said flexible enclosure has manufactured perforations on the top of the enclosure enabling guided tear and directions for the insertion of plants, lifeforms or otherwise.

[0107] 12. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item, in which the said flexible enclosure has a re-sealable joint where access can be gained to the internal of the container, or specific parts of the container can be removed and re-attached.

[0108] 13. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item, in which the said flexible enclosure is formed from a smart polymer that turns stiff and rigid when in contact with water, such that utility is provided from flexibility during transportation, setup and take down, then structural strength during the active period when water is present.

[0109] 14. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item where by the addition of a transparent or translucent material to the top of the container creates a sheltered growing environment inside of which plants can grow, which may or may not have a support cavity to provide mechanical structure.

[0110] 15. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item where by a larger support cavity facilitates the said system to float on water with both the internal grow system inside the container, and enclosed local environment above container to maintain a growing environment.

[0111] 16. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item where by aquaculture is facilitated, such as the growth of shrimp, fish or otherwise, where the material may be transparent, translucent or opaque depending on whether algae and phytoplankton growth, and light are beneficial to the grown species.

[0112] 17. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item where by the porous supporting material is fastened to the flexible container body by fastening such as zip, hook and loop, button, buckle, cable, or otherwise, such that the whole porous supporting material can be detached from the flexible container for purposes of inserting organisms, removing organisms, inspecting the internals of the flexible container, reconfiguring the use of the flexible container, or otherwise.

[0113] 18. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item whereby micro-organisms can be grown internally for purposes of waste stream particle or molecule sequestering.

[0114] 19. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item whereby by means of pumping nutrient solution through the integrated aerator in such a way that fertigation under low pressure, or a mist spray is output, or otherwise.

[0115] 20. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item whereby integrated thermal transfer channels are connected allowing for input of solid, liquid or gas heating and cooling media which may or may not be recirculated can be input for heating and cooling control in the system.

[0116] 21. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item whereby through inserting a cable, string or other long material through the internal support chamber, flexible container support is facilitated.

[0117] 22. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item whereby though inserted or integrated light emitting modules in proximity to the growing space facilitates organism growth or functional characteristics such as growth control, illumination for visibility or aesthetics, or otherwise.

[0118] 23. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item whereby additional gas release modules are integrated to facilitate rapid inflation of support modules, or for aeration input, or otherwise.

[0119] 24. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item, whereby integrated parts facilitate movement of gas and liquid through venturi effect, ultrasonic nebulization, or otherwise.

[0120] 25. A flexible container in accordance with any preceding item, whereby through vertical hanging, space efficient operation is achieved, or otherwise.

[0121] Preferred features of the further aspects of the invention may be as described above in connection with the first aspect.

[0122] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words comprise and contain and variations of the words, for example comprising and comprises, mean including but not limited to, and do not exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

[0123] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0124] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following example. Generally speaking the invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings). Thus features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

[0125] Moreover unless stated otherwise, any feature disclosed herein may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same or a similar purpose.