Customizable slidable shelving and support system for horticulture applications

Abstract

The invention is a customizable, slidable shelving and support apparati and system for supporting, storing and accessing horticultural and agricultural specimens within growing spaces, allowing growers to utilize the maximum amount of their linear horizontal and vertical grow space and service specific areas of the garden enterprise while also allowing for maximum workspace through the use of a table and track system that provides stackable options of multiple grow layers. A method of using this slidable shelving and support apparati and system is also included.

Claims

1. One or more portable slidable shelving and support apparatus with a customizable tier configuration, comprising: interlocking trays with tray inserts, each interlocking tray comprising a left side tray portion, a center tray portion, and a right side tray portion, wherein the left side tray portion, center tray portion, and right side tray portion include a top planar portion; and a frame comprising a front beam, a sloped gutter, a rear beam, a center support cross member, a left upright support panel, and a right upright support panel, wherein the rear beam is connected to the left and right upright support panels and wherein the sloped gutter mounts to a backside of the left and right upright support panels and is attached to the front beam so that the sloped gutter remains visible, wherein the rear beam is secured in an elevated position relative to the front beam that allows for increased drainage of the interlocking trays, wherein the left and right upright support panels include one or more grooved wheels attached to each leg of the left and right upright support panels via an aperture that extends through a wheel axle and a fixture that utilizes the aperture such that the fixture is placed upon a mounted floor track surface, wherein the apparatus provides at least one workstation or storage area and thereby provides an optimal growth platform for botanical plants from which botanical extracts are extracted by placement of the apparatus in specific locations within certain geographic regions that include glass enclosed rooms or houses, and wherein the interlocking trays comprise an interlocking functionality.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interlocking functionality comprises a rubber u-channel.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interlocking functionality is molded as part of the interlocking tray.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front beam, sloped gutter, and rear beam are constructed of steel or thermoplastics.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front beam, sloped gutter, and rear beam are powder coated.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interlocking trays are constructed from a metal that can withstand constant exposure to water, support significant amounts of weight, and can withstand the placement of and maintain a welded seam.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the interlocking trays are constructed from 6061 aluminum.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interlocking trays are rectangular, square, round, trapezoidal, or triangular.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a means for locking and unlocking the one or more grooved wheels.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the means for locking and unlocking comprises a pin, pawl, brake, clamp, or stop.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the means for locking and unlocking is activated manually.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the means for locking and unlocking is activated remotely by a means for remote activation.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the means for remote activation comprises hydraulic, pneumatic, electromagnetic, or electromechanical means.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a means of moving the apparatus.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the means of moving the apparatus comprises pushing the apparatus in a forward direction or a reverse direction.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the means of moving the apparatus comprises a hand crank with interlocking gears.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the means of moving the apparatus further comprises a chain, an upper gear, and a lower gear, and wherein the chain connects the lower gear to the upper gear and the upper gear is attached to the hand crank.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the means of moving the apparatus comprises an electric powered motor.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the means of moving the apparatus further comprises a gear, and wherein the electric powered motor turns the gear and the gear interlocks with a track attached to the ground, or provides a means of force to propel the apparatus in a forward direction or a reverse direction along the track.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a single-tier customizable, slidable shelving and support system.

(2) FIG. 1A is an illustrated side view of a single-tiered slidable shelving and support system.

(3) FIG. 1B provides a worm's-eye view of the slidable shelving and support system.

(4) FIG. 1C is an elevated view of the planar work-station portion of a single-tiered slidable shelving and support system.

(5) FIG. 2A is an isometric view of one of the inter-locking left trays.

(6) FIG. 2B is an isometric view of one of the inter-locking center trays.

(7) FIG. 2C is an isometric view of one of the inter-locking right trays.

(8) FIG. 2D is an isometric view of one of the inter-locking tray inserts.

(9) FIG. 2E is a detailed illustration of the rear portion of the interlocking trays.

(10) FIG. 2F is a detailed illustration of the front portion of the interlocking trays.

(11) FIG. 3 is a detailed illustration of a two-tiered customizable, slidable shelving and support system connected in series.

(12) FIG. 3A is a detailed illustration of a secured front gutter beam to the support upright.

(13) FIG. 3B is a detailed illustration of an extension upright attached to a base channel support panel using a securing sleeve.

(14) FIG. 3C provides a detailed rear view of a two-tiered customizable, slidable shelving and support system.

(15) FIG. 4A depicts a front beam with sloped gutter.

(16) FIG. 4B depicts a rear beam.

(17) FIG. 5 provides an image of a single upright support panel with crossbar, secured wheel channel, bearing wheel, and a driven wheel with flange bearings.

(18) FIG. 5A provides a detailed illustration of the offset slotted mounting holes found on all upright supports.

(19) FIGS. 5B and 5C provide images of the securing sleeve for multi-tier configurations or optional accessories.

(20) FIG. 6 is an image of the optional trellis pole.

(21) FIGS. 6A and 6B are images of an optional trellis pole attached to the upright support panel.

(22) FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are front, side, and rear illustrations of a two-tiered customizable slidable shelving and support system.

(23) FIG. 8 is a detailed illustration of the driveshaft and driven wheel axis.

(24) FIG. 9 is a detailed illustration of the floor-mounted track and anti-tip mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(25) Disclosed below are several drawings that provide for a slidable support frame for the accessibility and portability which is needed to accelerate plant growth and more specifically for accelerated plant growth primarily in green-houses.

(26) FIG. 1 represents a slidable shelving and support system [100], in a customizable double-tier configuration, that utilizes interlocking trays comprising a left tray (L) [105], center tray (C) [106] (optional) and right tray (R) [107], each housing a tray insert [117] with a top planar surface for use as a workstation or storage area. This shelving and support system includes a frame comprising a front beam [108] containing a sloped gutter [109] feature with a welded one-inch drain hole, a rear beam [125] (as shown in FIG. 1B), and two upright support panels [110], or uprights. The front gutter beam [109] attaches to the two upright support panels [110] on the interior face of the uprights via a boltless slotted connection system [111] (as shown in FIG. 5A), while the rear beam [125] attaches via the exterior face via a boltless slotted connection system [111], the interior slotted system is offset from the exterior slots by 1 inch to provide a slope for water drainage off of [105, 106, 107] into the slopped gutter [109] which angles drainage to the threaded drain hole. One axle-driven grooved wheel [112] (as shown in FIG. 1A) is attached to each upright support panel [110] housed within the base channel [140] (as shown in FIG. 1A). The base channel [140] provides a place for the wheels [112, 144 (as shown on FIG. 1A)] and uprights [110] to reside. One non-driven bearing wheel (as shown in FIG. 1A) is also attached to each base channel [140] and rolls freely.

(27) The wheels roll on the two-piece mounted floor track consisting of an extruded aluminum track [114] and a steel bar [150]. A diagonal support [141] connects the base channel of left upright support panel [110] and the base channel of right upright support panel [110]. An optional drive box [143] mounts to the exterior of one or more uprights [110] and connects via a sprocket to the axle on the driven grooved wheel [112]. Driveshafts [139] connect each driven grooved wheel [112] axle along the entire length of the connected slidable shelving and support system [100] and is protected from accidental bending by the drive shaft cover [142] (further shown in FIGS. 1A & 1B).

(28) Optional features can be added, such as a trellis pole [115], depicted at each top corner of the upright support panels [110].

(29) FIG. 1A provides a side view of the first-tier portion of the slidable shelving and support system [100] and upright support panels [110] provided in FIG. 1. The Drive box handle [146] connects to the internal mechanism of the drive box [143] and allows for precise movement of the system [100] or multiple connected systems with minimal effort required. The drive box handle [146] has an attached locking mechanism [147] which prevents the system from moving when the lock is engaged. Due to the offset slotted connection system [111] (as shown in FIG. 5A) it can be seen that the offset of the rear beam and the front gutter beam [125, 108] creates a downward slope of the interlocking trays [105, 106, 107].

(30) Optional Anti-Tip brackets [145] can be secured to the base channels [140] of uprights to prevent any potential tipping related to seismic events or improper use.

(31) FIG. 1B provides a worm's-eye view of the slidable shelving and support system [100], and shows the accessory mounting bracket(s) [133] attached to the front beam [108] and rear beam [125]. The accessory mounting bracket(s)) [133] allows for attachment of lights, fans, and other hanging features. They also provide underlying support for the interlocking trays [105,106,107].

(32) FIG. 1C provides an elevated view of the planar workstation portion of the slidable shelving and support system [100] and top planar surface of the interlocking trays [105,106,107] provided in FIG. 1.

(33) The left tray (L) [105] is depicted in FIG. 2A, the center tray (C) [106] in FIG. 2B, the right tray (R) [107] in FIG. 2C.

(34) The tray insert [117], as shown in FIG. 2D, can be constructed from high-density polyethylene or food-grade ABS plastic, or other plastic materials that are structurally sound. The edges are rounded and the insert serves as the workstation platform that plant pots/trays/cubes occupy. The tray inserts [117], and trays [105, 106, 107] are sloped downward to carry water run-off to the sloped gutter [109]. The angling, or tilting, of the tray inserts [117] is achieved by the positioning of the rear beam [125] in a higher offset position on the uprights [110] relative to the position of the front beam [108] based on the offset of the boltless slotted connection system [111]. The tray insert [117] is the same height as the dividing walls of the interlocking trays [105, 106,107], so when set in place the entire insert tray [117] surface is level, allowing placement of objects on any portion of the surface.

(35) The interlocking trays [105,106,107] may be constructed of fordable metal (or thermoplastic) and designed to interconnect in the following configuration, L [105].fwdarw.C.sub.n [106].fwdarw.R [107]

(36) depending on the desired total width (d.sub.T) of the slidable shelving and support system [100], where C.sub.n is optional and n=0, 1, 2 and wherein the width (d) of each tray is normally at least 24 inches or 2 feet wide, and provided as d.sub.L (width of left tray [105]), d.sub.cn, and d.sub.R, respectively, where the total width (d.sub.T) of the trays [105, 106, 107] within the assembled shelving unit is determined by utilizing Equation (1):
d.sub.T=d.sub.L+d.sub.CN+d.sub.R  (1)

(37) FIGS. 1A-D represent L.fwdarw.C.sub.n=2.fwdarw.R, where the center tray [106] is present as two sections.

(38) Each interlocking tray [105,106,107] in this instance, exhibits a three-quarter-inch (¾″) drop along the bottom back panel of the tray that locks the tray onto the rear beam [125] and a ¾ inch drop along the bottom front panel locks the tray onto the sloped gutter [109] which locks on to or is part of, the front beam [108]. The front of each interlocking tray [105,106,107] does not include a lip, thereby allowing water to run off into a sloped gutter [109]. Hanging orifices [210] in the rear wall [209] of the interlocking trays [105,106,107] are included for hanging the trays for cleaning/pressure washing. The left tray [105] of FIG. 2A has a dividing wall [212] positioned on the right and positioned on the left an outer wall [211]. The center tray [106] of FIG. 2B has a left and right dividing wall [212], while the right tray [107] of FIG. 2C has a left dividing wall [212] and a right outer wall [211].

(39) In a further embodiment, the interlocking trays [105, 106, 107] can be used without an interlocking feature, allowing for less assembly and materials for production. The interlocking feature can also be provided as a rubber u-channel for watertight seal placed over the adjacent dividing walls of the interlocking trays [105,106,107].

(40) FIGS. 2E and 2F are detailed illustrations of the rear and front respectively, of the interlocking trays [105, 106] showing the interlocking functionality [213] which can be molded as part of the tray or a separate piece. This functions to seal the dividing walls [212] and prevents liquid from passing between the interlocking trays [105, 106, 107]. The same function is found when connecting a left tray [105] and right tray [107] when C.sub.n is optional and n=0.

(41) FIG. 3 is a detailed illustration depicting a two-tiered customizable, slidable shelving and support system [100a] connected in series to another bay by sharing single support upright consisting of a base channel [140] and upright support panel [110] connected to an extension upright [148] via a securing sleeve [119] (as shown on FIG. 3B). Drive-shaft covers [142] are secured by bolts to both the front face, and the top face of the base channel [140].

(42) FIG. 3A is a detailed illustration of the front gutter beam [108,109] connecting to the upright [110] using the interior slots of the slotted system [111]. Diagonal support [128] has been removed for an unobstructed view.

(43) FIG. 3B is a detailed illustration of an extension upright [148] attached to a base channel support panel [110] by bolts using the securing sleeve [119]. This connection is repeated as needed to achieve the desired total height using various lengths of extension uprights [110].

(44) FIG. 3C is a detailed rear view of a two-tiered customizable, slidable shelving and support system [100a]. Two rear beams [125] are connected via the exterior offset slotted system [111]. Two front gutter beams [108] are connected via the interior offset slotted system [111], here the slope of the gutter can be seen when comparing the depth of the two gutter beams.

(45) An extension upright [148] is connected to a base channel [140] upright support panel [110] by a securing sleeve [119].

(46) FIG. 4A depicts the front gutter beam [108] and sloped gutter [109] which mounts to the interior side of the upright support panels [110] via the boltless connection slot system [111]. The sloped gutter [109] directs the water that falls from the interlocking trays [105, 106, 107] for reuse. Possessing a diminutive slope, the sloped gutter [109] directs water flow, unimpeded, to one side of the shelving system where a drainage hole is located and connects a threaded drain or similar attachment to connect plumbing to further direct flow. One embodiment would include a welded-on threaded nipple to the bottom of the gutter; however, a bulkhead fitting could be used.

(47) FIG. 4B illustrates the rear beam [125] which mounts onto the exterior side of the upright support panels [110] via the boltless connection slot system [111].

(48) The front gutter beam [108], sloped gutter [109] and the rear beam [125] are, in this case, constructed of steel. All of these features can be powder coated and it is possible that proper thermoplastics can be employed that function as well or better than steel or other construction metals.

(49) FIG. 5 illustrates the left and right upright support panels [110]. The upright panels [110] are comprised of parallel hollow leg members [126] with slotted mounting holes [111] every 2 inches on the exterior (outward face) and also a matching offset set of slotted mounting holes every 2 inches on the interior (inward face) [111], one or more parallel panel support cross member [127], which is perpendicular to the hollow leg members [126]. One base channel [140], supports the structure and connects the parallel hollow leg members [126]. It may have one or more vertical diagonal cross member(s) [128] per upright support panel [110]. Upright supports of various sizes, including the upright extension [148] are constructed in the same manner as above with the exception of the base wheel channel, which is replaced with a second parallel panel support cross member [127].

(50) Regarding the base channel [140], which has an axle bolt hole on one side to mount a bearing wheel [144] and an axle hole on the other side to mount a driven wheel [112], the driven wheel [112] is attached via two flange bearings and a keyway is used to prevent free rotation. The axle protrudes outward on either side and can connect to either a sprocket housed internally in the drive box [143], a driveshaft [139], or nothing at all. The base channel [140] is beveled in the center to reduce weight and improve airflow along the floor plane. Other tapped holes are found on the base channel to mount other features such as, optional Anti-Tip brackets [145] and diagonal supports [141]. The use of a horizontal diagonal support [141] between each upright support panel [110] further imparts shear stress resistance support to the structure.

(51) FIG. 5A is a detailed illustration of the offset slotted mounting holes [111].

(52) FIG. 5B shows a securing sleeve [119] that sleeves into the top or upright support panels [110] (not shown) that has threaded rivets [129] to receive small bolts to secure the upright support panel [110] to and upon other upright support panels of various heights to extend the total height as required for the final product height.

(53) The securing sleeve [119] can connect various part options and provides structural rigidity to the overall system [100].

(54) FIG. 5C shows the securing sleeve [119] attached to the hollow leg member [126] upper end of an upright support panel [110] in preparation for inclusion of an additional tier or a customizable feature.

(55) Rather than tear drop style orifices, the slidable shelving and support system [100] will use slit orifices [111], although another shaped orifice can be employed if desired. The slit orifices [111] are designed for ease of assembly, customization, and disassembly of the slidable shelving and support system [100].

(56) FIG. 6 depicts the telescoping trellis pole [115]. As plants get taller, growers need poles in corners of grow canopies to attach trellis netting to help support taller plants. The trellis pole [115] is bent and shaped so that when it is inserted into the hollow leg member [126] of the upright channel support panels [110] or similar support panels, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, it does not interfere with the parallel panel support cross members [127], which are perpendicular to the hollow leg members [126], and do not interfere with the diagonal cross member [128].

(57) FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C provide front, side, and rear views, respectively, of a two-tiered customizable, slidable shelving and support system [100a]. FIGS. 7A-7C represent the use of the construction/constructed equation; L.fwdarw.C.sub.n=2.fwdarw.R for each tier, where the center tray is present as two sections. Shelf spacing can be customized as shelves adjust vertically in 2-inch increments. Additionally, the number of shelves that can be mounted to the slidable shelving and support system [100a] is only limited by the amount of space the consumer has available, both vertical and horizontal.

(58) FIG. 8 provides a detailed front view of the drive shaft [139] connecting to the drive axle of the drive wheel [112] which is supported by two flange bearings [149] bolted to the base wheel channel which is part of the base channel [140]. The drive shaft cover [142] has been removed for an unobstructed view.

(59) FIG. 9 is a detailed illustration of the two-piece mounted floor track consisting of an extruded aluminum track [114] and a steel bar [150]. The driven wheel [112] rolls on the steel bar [150] and does not contact the aluminum track. [114] The aluminum track contains an anti-tip channel which allows the anti-tip bracket [145] to glide freely within this channel without contacting the track. Bolts pass through the steel bar [150] and the aluminum track [114] to secure both to the floor. This assembly prevents the slidable shelving and support system [100] of various lengths and heights from being able to disconnect from the floor-mounted track in the event of misuse or a seismic event.

(60) The customizable, slidable shelving and support system [100] is offered in a standard eight (8) foot assembly configuration, represented as L.fwdarw.C.sub.n=2.fwdarw.R, including a left tray, two center trays, and a right tray. Customization of the tray connections to include L.fwdarw.C.sub.n=1.fwdarw.R or L.fwdarw.C.sub.n=0.fwdarw.R requires the separate purchase of custom front and rear beams in four (4) and/or six (6) foot lengths in order to accommodate a change in the number of center trays from C.sub.n=2 to C.sub.n=0, 1.

(61) The L.fwdarw.C.sub.n=2.fwdarw.R embodiment is the standard from which any customization would occur.

(62) In one embodiment, the interlocking trays are constructed from 6061 aluminum at a thickness of 1.57 mm, or any metal that can withstand constant exposure to water, support significant amounts of weight, and can withstand the placement of and maintain a welded seam.

(63) In another embodiment, the interlocking trays are powder coated if they are metallic.

(64) In an additional embodiment, the trays and tray inserts may be rectangular, square, round, trapezoidal, triangular or of any desired shape for the space allowed and of sufficient strength and may incorporate a smooth or textured surface.

(65) In an additional embodiment, the customizable shelving and support system [100] can be used in outdoor greenhouses and by agricultural farmers, as the system has been constructed from materials that will not rust in wet conditions, includes no mechanical or electrical parts, and can be secured to prevent movement as needed.

(66) Methods of locking and unlocking the track wheel system such as utilizing a pin, pawl, brake, clamp, or stop that can be activated manually or remotely by hydraulic, pneumatic, electromagnetic, electro-mechanical means will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and can be employed as desired.

(67) While the principles of this invention have been described in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood clearly that these descriptions are made only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.