The invention relates to a bracket for a multi-level growing system. The invention relates to a multi-level growing system comprising such brackets.

Growing vegetation like vegetables, herbs, flowers, plants and the like requires a surface area sufficient to provide enough nutrients and light for the vegetation to grow properly. Using large areas for growing vegetation for commercial use however has proven to be an increasing problem, because there is often not enough land available and moreover large plots of land will have the disadvantage that it requires lots of movement over said land by machinery and people, which makes it expensive. Moreover growing vegetables on open areas will mean that this will be highly influenced by for example natural light and rain, which cannot be controlled, and may be prone to detrimental influences like bugs, contaminations and the like.

In order to overcome these problems it is known to grow vegetation in greenhouses. Often in greenhouses vegetation is grown om growing tables which are supported on rails, such that they can be moved through the greenhouse. In order to increase the available area to grow vegetation on greenhouses can be provided with multi-level growing structures, in which growing tables are provided in different levels above each other, wherein artificial fighting is provided for providing the necessary light to the vegetation, and water supply means for watering the vegetation on said growing tables. The known multi-level growing systems are manufactured from metal posts and brackets which are welded or bolted to each other to form a frame, in which support structures for the growing tables are provided, welded or bolted to the frame. These frames are relatively bulky and require relatively much distance in a height direction between the different levels in order to provide sufficient space for the water supply system, drainage and lighting for the growing tables.

Such multi-level growing systems are often referred to as vertical farming systems and are for example provided by KG Systems BV, The Netherlands. These vertical farming systems comprise a series of horizontally positioned ladder shaped frame portions placed above each other, supported by side frames. Running wheels are provided on the ladder shaped frame portions, on which the growing tables are supported and can run. These systems are complex in construction and voluminous, which is detrimental to the economic use of available space for growing vegetation.

There is a need for an alternative multi-level growing system. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide such alternative system. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a multi-level growing system which is easy in manufacturing, construction and use, and preferably is efficient in use of available space. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide brackets for use in constructing a multi-level growing system.

At least one of these and other aims are at least partly obtained with a bracket and/or system according to the present disclosure.

In an aspect the present disclosure is directed to a supporting bracket for a multi-level plant growing system, wherein the supporting bracket comprises a connecting portion for connecting the bracket to a system support and a bracket body portion extending from the connecting portion. The bracket body portion has an upper side and a lower side, wherein the upper side is provided with at least a first support for receiving a water gutter and a second support for a rail. Furthermore a third support is provided for connecting to a further supporting bracket or to an intermediate element for connecting the supporting bracket to a further supporting bracket. A bracket according to the disclosure allows easy mounting of the bracket and an integral support for a water gutter, a guide rail and a connection to another bracket for providing extra support.

In an aspect in a bracket according to the disclosure at least one of the first support and the second support comprises or is formed by an indentation in said upper side of the bracket.

By providing a support as an indentation a better support for the gutter and/or rail can be provided. By providing the first and/or second support as indentation furthermore necessary space can be reduced.

In embodiments the first support is positioned between the connecting portion and the second support and the second support is positioned between the first support and the third support, the third support being provided at an end of the bracket opposite the connecting portion.

Such bracket can be conveniently compact and during use provides for support of growing tables in a suitable position, wherein for example an edge of the growing table can extend above the gutter supported by the first support, enabling easy drainage.

Preferably a bracket of the disclosure is made of metal, especially sheet metal. The connecting portion preferably is designed for connecting the bracket to a vertical post, using lips and openings. In such embodiment the bracket can be used with known posts of for example pallet racks, storage racks and the like. The connecting portion more preferably comprises at least two lips in vertically staggered positions, extending in a substantially downward direction, such that they can be clipped over an edge of an opening in said vertical post. The bracket will then be locked to the post at least by the weight of the bracket and its load, and will not need screws or bolts and nuts or such means for mounting.

In embodiments the bracket further comprises a fourth support at the lower side of the bracket, preferably below the first support, wherein the fourth support is designed for supporting a further rail. The further rail can be used for supporting movable devices below the bracket, such as for example but not limited to a water supply system such as a watering robot, movable along the rails over growing tables below the level of said bracket.

The third support in embodiments extends, seen in side view, at a level above at least the first support, preferably such that during use a growing table supported on the second support extends above the gutter supported by the first support, more preferably that the said support rail extends at least partly at a level above a level of upper edges of the gutter.

In an aspect of the present disclosure a system is provided comprising two brackets according to the disclosure, and an intermediate element, connected to and extending between the third supports of the two brackets, wherein the intermediate element comprises at least one fifth support for supporting lighting.

Such system provided for the advantage that the two brackets are connected to each other, providing additional support and structure, whereas the connecting element can be sued for supporting lighting for lighting growing tables at a lower level, below the brackets and/or connecting element.

The disclosure is further directed to a multi-level growing system, comprising at least two parallel series of vertical posts, wherein to each of said series of posts a series of brackets according to the disclosure is mounted, at multiple levels, the brackets mounted to posts of a first of said series extending in a direction towards the second series and vice versa.

In a system of the disclosure brackets are positioned such that on multiple horizontal levels series of growing tables can be supported, as generally known from vertical farming. To this end the brackets are supported by vertical posts, in opposite series, the brackets extending from opposite posts in a direction towards each other. Vertical posts should be understood as at least meaning supports extending at least in a substantially vertical direction, suitable for mounting the brackets one above the other. The brackets are preferably positioned in pairs opposite each other, seen in horizontal direction.

Preferably between each of the brackets mounted to the first series of posts and a bracket mounted directly opposite said bracket to the second series of posts an intermediate element extends, connected to the third supports of the relevant brackets. Thus the brackets and the posts on opposite sides are connected to each other, increasing structural integrity. Moreover the intermediate elements can for example provide for support of lighting for underlying growing tables.

In a system according to the disclosure preferably a first gutter is supported in the first supports of brackets mounted, at a given level, to posts of the first series of posts and a second gutter is supported in the first supports of brackets mounted at said level to posts of the second series of posts, wherein the first gutter and second gutter each have a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis extending parallel to each other.

In such embodiments gutters are provided at or near opposite sides of the growing tables supported on the brackets, providing for efficient drainage and moreover aiding in structural integrity of the system.

In embodiments a first guide rail is supported in the second supports of brackets, mounted at a given level, to posts of the first series of posts and a second guide rail is supported in the second supports of brackets mounted at said level to posts of the second series of posts, wherein the first guide rail and second guide rail each have a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis extending parallel to each other, wherein a series of growing tables is supported on the first guide rail and the second guide rail.

The guide rails provide for a track for the growing tables supported on the guide rails and moreover increase structural integrity of the system.

Preferably lighting is supported from a lower side of the brackets and/or intermediate elements. In embodiments a first support rail is supported by the fourth supports of brackets, mounted at a given level, to posts of the first series of posts and a second support rail is supported by the fourth supports of brackets mounted at said level to posts of the second series of posts, wherein the first support rail and second support rail each have a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis extending parallel to each other.

In such embodiments the first and second support rails form a track for supporting and guiding of a movable device, such as for example a water supplying system, camera system of the like, over growing tables provided at a level below said level. Moreover these support rails further increase structural integrity of the system.

In preferred embodiments of a system of the disclosure the growing tables supported on a first guide rail and a second guide rail at a first level extend over connecting elements at said first level, such that the growing tables can move in the longitudinal direction of the guide rails, wherein the growing tables can drain into the gutters at the first level, whereas a water supply device is supported from the first and second support rail, by especially suspended from brackets at a second level directly above the first level, which water supply device can move in the longitudinal direction of the support rails, over the growing tables supported on the first level, and lighting supported from the brackets and/or connecting elements of the second level extend directly above the growing tables supported on the first level, for illuminating vegetation provided in or on the said growing tables.

In such embodiments preferably lower sides of the lighting supported from the connecting elements at the second level are positioned above a plane defined by lower sides of the brackets of the second level. Thus compactness of the system can be improved further.

For a better understanding embodiments of brackets and systems according to the disclosure, and methods performed therewith shall be further discussed, with reference to the drawings. Therein shows: Fig. 1 schematically, in perspective view, a bracket according to the disclosure;

Fig. 2 schematically, in perspective view, a system comprising two brackets according to the disclosure and a connecting element provided there between;

Fig. 3 schematically in partly cross sectional view a bracket mounted to a post and part of a connecting element, wherein a gutter, a guide rail and a support rail and lighting are schematically shown, supported by the bracket and connecting element;

Fig. 4 schematically in perspective view a system according to the disclosure, with in this embodiment two parallel tracks for growing tables, at twelve levels;

Fig. 5 schematically in front view a system according to the disclosure, in this embodiment comprising four levels with growing tables;

Fig. 6 schematically in front view two levels of growing tables;

Fig. 7 schematically in top view a level of a system according to the disclosure, with partly broken away growing tables and gutter; and

Fig. 8 schematically partially in cross sectional view part of a post with a bracket connected thereto.

In these drawings a bracket and systems according to the disclosure and parts thereof are shown schematically, by way of example only. In these drawings the same or similar parts have the same or similar reference signs.

In this description references to up and down should be understood as meaning in a substantially vertical direction upward or downward, unless specifically indicated differently.

Fig. 1 shows a supporting bracket 1 for a multi-level plant growing system 100. In such system 100 a large number of such brackets 1 can be used. The supporting bracket 1 comprises a connecting portion 2 for connecting the bracket 1 to a system support 3, as for example shown in figs. 3 - 8. A system support 3 can also be referred to as a post 3, which can during use be a vertical post 3. The bracket 1 further comprises a bracket body portion 4 extending from the connecting portion 2.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1 the connecting portion 2 is formed as an angled metal profile or strut, provided with a series of lips 5, as shown in fig. 8 and which will be described hereafter. The bracket body portion 4 is in this embodiment largely made of sheet metal which for example has been stamped or cut to the desired shape, and is connected to the connecting portion 2, for example by welding, screwing, bolting, riveting, gluing, folding, snap -connection or any other suitable means. In other embodiments the connecting portion 2 and the bracket body portion 4 can be made differently, for example integrally as one piece, and/or of a different material or combination of materials, such as for example but not limited to plastic material or plastic and metal.

The bracket body portion 4 has an upper side 6 and a lower side 7. The upper side 6 is provided with at least a first support 8 for receiving a water gutter 9 and a second support 10 for a support rail 11. Furthermore the body portion 4 comprises or forms a third support 12 for connecting to a further supporting bracket 1 or to an intermediate element 13 for connecting the supporting bracket 1 to a further supporting bracket 1.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1 the first support 8 is formed basically by an indentation 13, open to the upper side 6. The gutter 9 can have a cross sectional profile such that it snugly fits in said indentation 14. In the embodiment shown by way of example the gutter 9 and the indentation 14 have matching substantially trapezium-shapes. The second support 10 comprises in this embodiment a second indentation 15, for example semi-circular, in which the support rail 11 fits. At a lower side of the second indentation 15 in this embodiment a bracket 16 is provided, extending at least at one and preferably both sides of the body 4, provided with attachment provisions such as for example openings 17 for attaching the support rail 11, for example by screws, as shown in fig. 3.

At the lower side 7 of the body 4 a fourth support 18 is provided at, preferably below the first support 8, wherein the fourth support 18 is designed for supporting a further rail 19. In this embodiment by way of example the fourth support 18 comprises a bracket 20 mounted to the lower side 7 of the bracket 1, for example by screws, rivets, bolts or the like, as shown schematically in fig. 3. Alternatively the bracket 20 can be provided differently, for example made integral with the bracket body 4.

As can be seen in for example fig. 1 - 3, the first support 8 can be positioned between the connecting portion 2 and the second support 10, and the second support 8 can be positioned between the first support 8 and the third support 12. In such embodiments the third support 12 can be provided at an end of the bracket 1 opposite the connecting portion 2. Preferably the third support 12 extends, seen in side view, at a level above at least the first support 8, further optimizing space below the connecting portion 13 during use.

As can for example be seen in fig. 2 edge portions of the bracket 1 can be folded in order to increase stability.

As indicated the connecting portion 2 is designed for connecting the bracket 1 to a vertical post 3 using bps 21 and openings 22, as schematically shown in fig. 8. The lips 21 are made integrally with the connecting portion 2, for example punched from plate material of which the connecting portion 2 is made, whereas the openings 22 can be provided in a known manner in the posts 3. The lips 21 are preferably made such that the bracket 1 can be mounted by its own weight, wherein the lips may additionally clamp to the post 3. The connecting portion 2 preferably comprises at least two lips 21 in vertically staggered positions, extending in a substantially downward direction, such that they can be clipped over an edge 23 of an opening 22 in said vertical post 3. Fig. 2 shows in perspective view a system 101 of two brackets 1 according to the disclosure and an intermediate element 13, connected to and extending between the third supports 12 of the two brackets 1. The intermediate element comprises at least one fifth support 24 for supporting lighting 25. Further lighting 25 can also be mounted to the brackets 1.

Using at least brackets 1 and/or systems 101 according to the disclosure a multi-level growing system 100 can be formed, as for example shown in perspective view in fig. 4, comprising at least two parallel series 103 of vertical posts 3, wherein to each post of said series of posts 3 a series of brackets 1 according to the disclosure is mounted, at multiple levels. The brackets 1 mounted to posts 3 of a first series 103A of said series 103 extend in a direction towards the second series 103B of posts 3 and vice versa. In other words the brackets 1 extend inside a space 104 provided between the series 103 of posts 3, as can for example be seen in fig. 5 - 7.

Preferably between each of the brackets 1 mounted to the first series 103A of posts 3 and a bracket 1 mounted directly opposite said bracket 1 to the second series 103B of posts 3 an intermediate element 13 extends, connected to the third supports 12 of the relevant brackets 1. By using intermediate elements 13 the length of the brackets can be limited and the distance between the series 103 of posts 3 can easily be adjusted by changing the length of the intermediate elements 13.

A first gutter 9 A is supported in the first supports 8 of brackets 1 mounted, at a given level Nn, to posts 3 of the first series 103 of posts 3 and a second gutter 9B is supported in the first supports 8 of brackets 1 mounted at said level Nn to posts 3 of the second series 103B of posts 3. The first gutter 9A and second gutter 9B each have a longitudinal axis L9, the longitudinal axis L9 extending parallel to each other, as can be seen in fig. 7.

A first guide rail llAis supported in the second supports 10 of brackets 1, mounted at a given level Nn, to posts 3 of the first series 103A of posts and a second guide rail 11B is supported in the second supports 10 of brackets 1 mounted at said level Nn to posts 3 of the second series 103B of posts 3. The first guide rail 11A and second guide rail 11B each have a longitudinal axis Ln, said axis Ln extending parallel to each other. A series of growing tables 105 is supported on the first guide rail 11A and the second guide rail 11B at each level Nn, such that the growing tables 105 can move along the guide rails 11A, B in the direction of said longitudinal axis L9, Ln. In fig. 7 part of some of the tables and gutter are broken away in order to show parts and elements there below.

As is schematically shown in fig. 5 and 6 the growing tables 105 are supported on the guide rails 11 by wheels 26 or sliders or the like. Lighting 25 is supported from a lower side 7 of the brackets 1 and/or from a lower side of the intermediate elements 13. The lighting 25 is provided such at a level N _n that it provides light to growing table and vegetation growing thereon (not shown) at a lower level N _n -i.

A first support rail 19A is supported by the fourth supports 18 of brackets 1, mounted at a given level N _n , to posts 3 of the first series 103A of posts 3 and a second support rail 19B is supported by the fourth supports 18 of brackets 1 mounted at said level N _n to posts 3 of the second series 103B of posts 2. The first support rail 19A and second support rail 19B each have a longitudinal axis L19, the longitudinal axis L19 extending parallel to each other. A water supply device 27 is supported by the first and second support rails 19A, 19B. In fig. 6 it is schematically shown as supported by wheel systems 28, such that the water supply system 27 can move in a longitudinal direction of the rails 20, parallel to the moving direction of the tables 105.

As is shown in the drawings during use in a multilevel growing system 100 according to the disclosure the growing tables 105 are supported on a first guide rail 11 A and a second guide rail 1 IB at a first level N _n and extend over brackets 1 and connecting elements 13 at said first level N _n , such that the growing tables 105 can move in the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 11. The growing tables 105 can drain into the gutters 9 at the first level N _n . To this end in the embodiments shown lateral sides 106 of the tables 105 extend above the gutters 9, wherein the tables 105 are designed such that they drain through and/or over said lateral sides 106, for example through drain holes (not shown).

A water supply device 27 is supported from the first and second support rail 19 supported from brackets 1 at a second level N _n +i directly above the first level N _n , which water supply device 27 can move in the longitudinal direction of the support rails 19, over the growing tables 105 supported on the first level N _n . The water supply device 27 is shown having nozzles 29 facing down towards tables 105 there below. A guide 30 can be provided at the lower side of the connecting elements 13 for supporting water supply lines and electrical cables.

Lighting 25 is furthermore supported from the brackets 1 and/or connecting elements 13 of the second level N _n +i which extend directly above the growing tables 105 supported on the first level N _n . Lower sides of the lighting 25 supported from the connecting elements 13 at the second level Nn+i can be positioned above a plane defined by lower sides of the brackets of the second level N _n +i. Thus again available space can be used even more optimal.

In fig. 4 and 7 two parallel series of rows of growing tables 105 are shown side-by-side. It will however be clear that only one series of rows or more than two rows can be used in a multi-level growing system 100 of the disclosure. In fig. 5 five levels Ni to N5 are shown. Again it will be clear that a different number of levels can be provided in a multi-level system 100 of the disclosure. The posts 3 in embodiments can be known posts used for example in pallet racks, shelving units or the like. The posts 3 can be interconnected by cross supports 31 and length supports 32, further increasing stability of the system 100. In Fig. 3 schematically is shown that in embodiments the gutters 9 can not only be supported by the brackets but can also be connected to the brackets 1, for example using clips attached to the gutter and clipped over the edge of the indentation 14. Thus additional stability can be provided for the system.

The invention is by no means limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, which are shown by way of example only. Many variations thereof are possible within the claims.

For example the posts and connecting parts can be formed differently, as long as they are compatible for mounting the brackets to the posts. Posts according to the disclosure can be used for a single row of brackets or for rows of brackets on opposite sides. The growing tables and water supply devices can be formed differently and can be supported on or by guide rails and support rails differently, for example by sliders. The supports, especially the first and/or second supports can be positioned and/or formed differently, for example depending on the desired position of the gutters and/or the desired position of the rails.

These and many other variants are considered to be disclosed within the ambit of the disclosure.