Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of plant cultivating systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a plant growth assembly.

Background of the Invention

Growing plants in a vertical spaced relation has become important particularly in urban environments in which land is scarce and walls are plentiful. However, growing plants, and particularly edible plants, presents many challenges. For instance, different plants have different water, fertilizer and climatic requirements, making growing different plants in a same assembly challenging. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to provide a plant growth assembly that overcomes the aforesaid drawbacks of the prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a compact plant growth assembly that occupies minimal indoor space.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a plant growth assembly in which different plants can be grown without any intermixing of water and fertilizer between the different plants.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a plant growth assembly whose structure facilitates generation of air streams that are conducive to the growth of a plant being grown.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention

A plant growth assembly that comprises a matrix of vertically and laterally adjacent plant growth modules in each of which one or more plants are able to be grown, wherein each of said modules is configured with a structure that is able to physically support a plant growth medium and to isolate a module interior from the interior of an adjacent module, irrigation means for irrigating the one or more plants being grown, one or more drainage ports through which excess liquid is able to be drained from the module interior, and a user accessible wall configured with one or more openings through each of which the plant growth medium is introducible.

In one aspect, a plurality of user accessible walls of each of the modules are vertically oriented and are substantially coplanar.

In one aspect, a corresponding conduit longitudinally extends through the assembly to provide irrigation water for all the modules that are vertically aligned with the corresponding conduit. As referred to herein, the term "irrigation water" includes fertilizer mixed with water as well, although water suppliable to the one or more plants being grown without fertilizer is also within the scope of the invention.

In one aspect, each of the modules comprises one or more planter mounts each configured with the user accessible wall and the one or more openings.

In one aspect, each of the planter mounts is delimited by two side walls and by a bottom surface extending between said two side walls, by which the module interior is isolated from the interior of the adjacent module.

In one aspect, each of the modules is configured with a plurality of growth zones, and each of said growth zones is isolated from all other of the growth zones.

In one aspect, the corresponding conduit provides irrigation water for all the planter mounts that are vertically aligned with the corresponding conduit.

In one embodiment, each of the modules further comprises one or more fixed vertically oriented racks by which a corresponding one of the planter mounts is securely held, preferably further comprising a plurality of holding elements of each of the planter mounts which are in releasable engagement with corresponding holding elements of the corresponding rack, to prevent detachment of the planter mount from the corresponding rack.

In one aspect, each of the planter mounts has a top substantially horizontal cover that covers a portion of the planter mount interior and that prevents cascading drainage water discharged from the one or more drainage ports of an upper planter mount from entering the interior of a lower planter mount. The assembly preferably further comprising a plurality of drip emitters that are in liquid communication with the conduit, the irrigation water issuing from the plurality of drip emitters gravitating into an uncovered portion of the interior of a corresponding planter mount between the front wall and the cover.

In one aspect, each of the planter mounts comprises a protective sleeve encircling each of the one or more openings and protruding forwardly from the user accessible wall, in order to block influx of solar radiation onto the plant being grown.

In one embodiment, each of the modules further comprises an irrigation water guiding member overlying a corresponding planter mount and coupleable therewith, said guiding member configured with a plurality of inlet apertures through each of which irrigation water is deliverable into a growth zone of the corresponding planter mount.

In one aspect, the assembly further comprising a structure that facilitates generation of air streams that are conducive to growth of the one or more plant being grown.

In one aspect, the assembly further comprises plant related gas exchange controlling means.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings:

■ Fig. 1 is a perspective front and top view of an embodiment of a modular plant growth assembly;

■ Fig. 2 is an exploded view from the front of a module provided with the assembly of Fig. 1;

■ Fig. 3 is an exploded view from the side of the module of Fig. 2;

■ Fig. 4 is a perspective view from the rear of the module of Fig. 2, shown when assembled and secured to a horizontally extending beam by which the module is able to be mounted on a wall;

■ Fig. 5 is an enlargement of Detail A of Fig. 1;

■ Fig. 6 is a side view of an upper planter mount of the module of Fig. 2;

■ Fig. 7 is a perspective rear and top view of the upper planter mount of Fig. 6;

■ Fig. 8 is a perspective front and top view of the module of Fig. 2 when the planter mounts are held by the corresponding racks, shown without the irrigation water providing conduits while a vertical cut is made in a portion of the upper rack; ■ Fig. 9 is an enlargement of Fig. 8, showing the upper plant mount being held by the upper rack;

■ Fig. 10 is a perspective view from the front of the planter mount of Fig. 7, showing the planter mount interior while the growth zone dividers and the majority of the planter mount front wall are removed;

■ Fig. 11 is a perspective view from the front of the planter mount of Fig. 7, showing the planter mount interior through the utility apertures;

■ Fig. 12 is a perspective view from the front of the planter mount of Fig. 7 while the module associated therewith is vertically cut, showing an aligned irrigation water receiving recess and drainage port;

■ Fig. 13 is a perspective front and top view of the planter mount of Fig. 7, shown when the planter mount cover is in an opened position;

■ Fig. 14 is a perspective front and top view of the planter mount of Fig. 7, shown when the planter mount cover is in an intermediate folded position;

■ Fig. 15 is an enlarged perspective side view of a planter mount, shown when the planter mount cover is in an additionally folded position relative to the position of Fig. 14 together with a latch being introduced into a socket;

■ Fig. 16 is an enlarged perspective side view of the planter mount of Fig. 15, shown when the planter mount cover is in a fully closed position;

■ Fig. 17 is a perspective front and top view of the planter mount of Fig. 7, shown when the planter mount cover is in a fully closed position;

■ Figs. 18-20 are a side view of the racks of the module of Fig. 2 and of a planter mount with a fully closed cover in an initial spaced relation with one of the racks, showing three stages, respectively, of a mounting procedure;

■ Fig. 21 is a cross sectional view through a vertical cut made in the upper planter mount of the module of Fig. 2 when inserted to a full extent within the corresponding rack, showing the upper planter mount set in frictional engagement with a rack surface;

■ Fig. 22 is a side view of two plant growth assemblies according to another embodiment that are positioned in mutually parallel relation;

■ Fig. 23 is a perspective from the side of a portion of the two plant growth assemblies of Fig. 22, illustrating mounted illumination elements;

■ Fig. 24 is a perspective view from the front and top of a portion of a module of the plant growth assembly of Fig. 22, showing associated electrical apparatus; ■ Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a wheeled carriage for supporting a plant growth assembly;

■ Figs. 26 and 27 are a perspective view of two rail and carriage arrangements, respectively, by which a plant growth assembly is displaceable;

■ Fig. 28 is a perspective view from the top of two vertically coupled plant growth modules according to another embodiment;

■ Fig. 29 is a perspective view from the top of a planter mount usable in conjunction with the module of Fig. 28;

■ Fig. 30 is cross sectional view of the planter mount of Fig. 29, shown along a cut made in a vertical plane;

■ Fig. 31 is a perspective view from the top of a guiding member usable in conjunction with the module of Fig. 28;

■ Fig. 32 is a side view when the guiding member of Fig. 31 is coupled with a planter mount;

■ Fig. 33 is a perspective view from the front of a plant growth assembly that comprises a plurality of the modules of Fig. 28, while some of which have been removed;

■ Fig. 34 is an enlargement of Fig. 33, showing a top portion thereof while a portion of the upper beam is removed;

■ Fig. 35 is an enlargement of Fig. 33, showing a bottom portion thereof while a portion of the lower beam is removed;

Fig. 36 is a perspective view from the side of another embodiment of a plant growth module that facilitates the coupling together of two vertical stacks of modules;

■ Fig. 36A is a perspective view from above of two planter mounts of the module of Fig. 36 that have been coupled together, shown without any guiding members;

■ Fig. 37 is a perspective e view front the front of the plant growth assembly of Fig. 33, when fully assembled and connected to a rail;

■ Fig. 38 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a microclimate air conditioning system; and

■ Fig. 39 is a perspective view from the top and side of a supply plenum usable in conjunction with the air conditioning system of Fig. 38.

Detailed Description of the Invention

A vertically oriented plant growth assembly is a matrix of plant growth modules (which may be denoted as "modules" for brevity) in each of which one or more types of plants are able to be grown, whether vertically or horizontally. The assembly facilitates the display of a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced plants for sale at a store or for beautifying the wall of a building, for example at an urban setting. The display assembly may be mounted outdoors, or alternatively indoors and be artificially illuminated.

A module has a structure that is able to physically support a plant growth medium while being provided with irrigation means and one or more drainage ports. The module structure isolates the module interior from the interior of a neighboring module, so that different plants may be grown in adjacent modules without any intermixing of the plant growth medium between one module and another. A front wall is configured with a utility aperture through which the plant growth medium is introducible. The plant growth medium is generally a mass of soil that may also include peat moss or other constituents that promote a suitable balance of aeration, drainage, moisture retention and nutrition. The plant growth medium may also be a nutrient solution that helps the plant to grow hydroponically. After roots develop within the plant growth medium, the plant is able to continue growing within the module interior or outwardly therefrom.

Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a modular plant growth assembly 10. Plant growth assembly 10 is configured as a matrix of modules 5, for example 36 laterally and vertically adjacent and unconnected modules, with each allocated space of assembly 10 defined by a different identifier Aa- Ff. Each module 5 is shown to have a front wall 6 that is configured with nine utility apertures 7, such that three vertically spaced planters, with each planter having three utility apertures, are provided with each module 5. The vertically oriented front walls 6 of each of the modules are substantially coplanar. A corresponding conduit 8 laterally extending through the width of assembly 10 provides irrigation water for all vertically aligned planters provided with a different corresponding module.

An exploded view of module 5 is shown in Figs. 2 and 3, according to one embodiment. Module 5 comprises three vertically spaced planter mounts lla-c, and each elongated planter mount with a rectangular cross section has a front wall 9 formed with the nine utility apertures 7. Each planter mount lla-c is releasably mountable on a corresponding mounting rack 13a-c.

The planar side walls 16 of each of the three mounting racks 13a-c of a module are interconnected, such as by a triangular element 17. A cavity 19 between racks 13a and 13b and between racks 13b and 13c through which drainage liquid is flowable is defined forwardly to the corresponding interconnecting triangular element 17 and laterally outwardly to a recessed wall 18, which interconnects a first planar surface 25 extending perpendicularly from the bottom edge of the side wall 16 of an upper rack and a second planar surface 28 extending perpendicularly from the upper edge of the side wall 16 of an adjacent lower rack, for each of the two opposed rack side walls 16.

In this embodiment, a planter mount is firmly held on a rack by three elements. Two laterally opposed holding elements are constituted by a guide member 24 that protrudes laterally from a corresponding side wall 27 of the planter mount. Guide member 24, e.g. rectilinear, is positionable on top of the corresponding first planar surface 25. Another holding element is a tooth-like protrusion 33 that upwardly protrudes from a top cover 36 of the planter mount, when the latter is in a closed position to cover a portion of the planter mount interior while preventing cascading drainage water from entering the planter mount interior. Protrusion 33 is in frictional engagement with a surface 32 (Fig. 5) of the corresponding rack, after the two laterally opposed and vertically aligned guide members 24 have been suitably positioned. The planter mount is stably mounted after the three holding elements are in engagement with corresponding elements of the rack, to prevent detachment of the planter mount from the rack.

Holding elements 24 and 33 are shown to be engagement with the rack in Figs. 8 and 9, guide member 24 being in engagement with surface 25 and protrusion 33 being in engagement with the underside of surface 32.

Fig. 4 illustrates a horizontally extending beam 21 by which a module 5 is able to be mounted on a wall. Beam 21 is connected to a fixed or movable wall within or outside to a building, or to an external wall of a building, and is receivable in a notch formed between mounting racks 13a and 13b.

It will be appreciated that module 5 may be mounted onto a wall according to any other suitable means well known to those skilled in the art.

As shown in Fig. 5 showing an enlargement of a portion of an assembled module 5, a plurality of drip emitters 23 are provided along the length of a conduit 8, for example one for each utility aperture 7. Irrigation water issued from a drip emitter 23 gravitates into the uncovered portion of the planter mount interior between front wall 9 and cover 36, as illustrated in Fig. 3. Each conduit 8 is held by convex wall 26 extending upwardly from the upper edge of front wall 9. A drip emitter 23 in liquid communication with conduit 8 is surrounded by the edges of a rectangular aperture 31 formed in a rigid planar surface 32 of the mounting rack which extends between the two side walls 16 and slightly below a concave aperture 29 formed in a rack side wall 16.

Other means for maintaining an inexpensive flexible conduit in a rigid and unbent condition even when spanning the entire length of the matrix assembly are illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7.

A conduit is held between convex wall 26, extending upwardly and outwardly from the upper edge 4 of the front wall 9 of the upper planter mount of a module, and two laterally spaced rigid and wedge- shaped bend restrictors 38 extending upwardly from a central region of upper edge 4 to a height approximately equal to the outer surface of the held conduit. Laterally spaced and aligned stabilizers 39, e.g. triangular, which are significantly shorter than bend restrictors 38 may protrude from convex wall 26 near upper edge 4.

A conduit for use by the intermediate planter mount of a module is embraced from below by convex wall 26 of the intermediate planter mount and from above by two foot elements 41 and 43 which downwardly extend at an angle, such as a different angle, from the main portion of the front wall of the upper planter mount. The embracement of the conduit 8 for use by the intermediate planter mount is shown in Fig. 5.

The bottom surface 37 of planter mount 11 is downwardly sloped to prevent an excessive accumulation of irrigation water or of fertilizer within the planter mount interior and the resulting rotting of the roots of the plant, lowering oxygen levels in the root zone and reducing plant growth. The accumulated liquid is consequently forced to gravitate along bottom surface 37 and to be discharged through drainage ports 44 formed within an intermediate wall 48 at the rear of the planter mount which is located below and slightly forwardly to rear wall 49. A slope of at least 12 degrees has been found to be effective in properly draining the accumulated liquid.

Likewise upper edge 59 of planter mount side wall 27 and the closed cover 36 engaged therewith may be obliquely oriented, such as with a slope of at least 12 degrees, or with any other suitable slope, so that cascading drainage water discharged from the one or more drainage ports 44 of an upper planter mount falling onto cover 36 of a lower planter mount will gravitate along cover 36 and will therefore be prevented from entering the interior of the lower planter mount interior. The interior 45 of a planter mount 11 is shown in Fig. 10 when most of the front wall is removed. In addition to guide member 24 protruding from side wall 27, three curved recesses 46 formed in bottom surface 37 are illustrated. Each recess 46 may have a small-radius and shallow forward end that has a continuously increasing radius and depth until contacting intermediate wall 48 located beneath rear wall 49. The forward end of each recess 46 may be aligned with a corresponding drainage port 44, for example with a centerline of a drainage port.

The planter mount interior is divided into three growth zones 35, one for each utility aperture 7, as shown in Fig. 11. Each growth zone 35 is able to provide a reservoir of liquid delimited by short projections 14 and 15 protruding from bottom surface 37. In addition to use in drainage, bottom surface 37 is adapted to receive and support the plant growth medium, irrigation water and the plantlet. An impediment 34 for preventing contact between bottom surface 37 and planter mount rear wall 49 is positioned adjacent to a drainage port 44.

Fig. 12 illustrates the relation between recess 46 and drainage port 44. When an excessive amount of liquid accumulates within recess 46, its liquid level steadily increases until rising above intermediate wall 49 so that the excess liquid drains into drainage port 44.

Referring back to Fig. 11, a protective sleeve 22 which encircles utility aperture 7 may be provided, in order to block the influx of solar radiation onto the plant being grown. Direct solar irradiation may also be minimized by painting the planter mount front wall 9 with a light color, such as white.

Figs. 13-17 illustrate the folding of planter mount cover 36. During injection molding, cover 36 is in an opened position, as shown in Fig. 13. In order to be secured with integral latch 52, cover 36 is folded by an integral hinge 54. Cover 36 is shown in an intermediate folded position in Fig. 14. Fig. 15 illustrates latch 52 being introduced into a socket 57 whose wall laterally protrudes from an upper edge 59 of the planter mount side wall 27, when cover 36 is additionally folded. Figs. 16 and 17 illustrate cover 36 in a fully closed position.

As shown in Fig. 18, a planter mount 11 is able to be mounted on a corresponding rack 13 when the cover 36 is set in a fully closed position. Then, as shown in Figs. 19 and 20, planter mount 11 is inserted within the corresponding rack without having to contact the rack side walls 16, for example when its closed cover 36 is displaced in a direction substantially parallel to the concave aperture 29 formed in a rack side wall 16. When planter mount 11 is inserted to a full extent within the corresponding rack, protrusion 33 provided with cover 36 is set in frictional engagement with rack surface 32, as shown in Fig. 21, and guide member 24 is positioned on top of rack surface 25, as shown in Fig. 9.

A plant is able to be grown in each of the three planter mounts 11 of a module 5 that are securely held by the corresponding racks 13. After the plants are sufficiently grown, one or two of the planter mounts 11 are able to be removed from the corresponding racks 13, by a procedure opposite in sequence to Figs. 18-21, to increase the volume of the module interior. As various plant structures, such as foliage, branches, fruits and flowers, grow, they occupy additional space, and the increased volume of the module interior is of much utility. At the same time, the water and growth medium within the planter interior is isolated from an adjacent planter interior by the planter mount side walls, bottom surface and cover, to ensure proper plant growth.

In another embodiment shown in Fig. 22, two or more compact matrix assemblies 60A and 60B may be deployed in mutually parallel relation to further increase plant yield per area. Each of assemblies 60A and 60B may comprise the same number of modules as assembly 10 of Fig. 1, or any other number of modules. Plant growth assemblies 60A-B are able to support a plurality of illumination elements 65, such as halogen or a LED illumination elements, for example spotlights, which are adapted to illuminate the opposite assembly when the surroundings are relatively dark or for use in photosynthesis as a substitute for solar irradiation.

A matrix assembly equipped with mounted illumination elements 65 is advantageously able to reduce the spacing between the two assemblies 60A and 60B, e.g. 50 cm, as measured between the front walls of the opposite assemblies, relative to the increased spacing required when intervening light posts are deployed on the floor between the two assemblies.

As shown in Figs. 23 and 24, an arm 67 terminating with illumination element 65 extends forwardly from a planter mount front wall 9, such as from the interface 61 between two adjacent front walls and at the junction with convex wall 26 as illustrated. Electrical apparatus for activating and operating illumination element 65 is generally housed within arm 67, and is electrically connected with a cable 72 housed within waterproof channel 74 that protects against ingress of water. Channel 74 is fixed to the rack, or in some other way within the planter mount interior. Upon inserting the planter mount to a full extent within the corresponding rack, the arm-mounted electrical apparatus becomes reliably electrically connected as well to cable 72, for example by means of a plug-in connection, such as with loop pins characteristic of G9 LED bulbs. Channel 74 may be vertically oriented and vertically extend throughout the assembly, for feeding electricity to all laterally aligned planter mounts. Arm 67 may be conditioned and insulated to ensure that the plastic walls of the planter mount will not be overheated during operation of illumination element 65. Alternatively, other instantly releasable electrical connections well known to those skilled in the art may be employed. Also, a dedicated stand or any other support member connected to planter mount front wall 9 may be used in lieu of an arm.

One or more matrix assemblies deployable within the interior of a room or spaced from an exterior wall may be displaceable. When the matrix assemblies are equipped with mounted illumination elements, a second assembly may be displaced relative to a first assembly mounted on a fixed wall for maintenance or commercial purposes. Flexible cables that are capable of forming a loop may be used to take into account the displacement of a matrix assembly.

For example, a wheeled carriage 83 shown in Fig. 25 has an underlying platform 84 on which is supportable any of the matrix assemblies described herein. With respect to matrix assembly 10 (Fig. 1), a beam 21 (Fig. 4) secured to a plurality of modules 5 is mountable on one or more vertical walls which are connectable to platform 84. Each of the vertical walls is used for supporting a corresponding matrix assembly. Alternatively, each of the vertical walls 86 supporting a corresponding matrix assembly is hung downwardly from a plurality of carriages 81, such that each is adapted to be controllably slid along a corresponding rail 82 as shown in Fig. 26 or along the same rail. The longitudinal end of each rail 82 may be connected to a wall, such as a wall of an enclosure within which the matrix assembly is located, while a carriage 81 drivable by a fixed motor extends upwardly from rail 82 and is located below the ceiling of the enclosure, if the matrix assembly is located indoors If desired, as shown in Fig. 27, racks 13A and 13B for holding corresponding planter mounts are connected to each side of the vertical wall 86 hung downwardly from the carriages 81 for increased spaced utilization.

Another embodiment of a plant growth module 95 and of a matrix assembly 110 assembled from a plurality of plant growth modules 95 is shown in Figs. 28-39. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 28, each module 95 comprises a single rectilinear planter mount 92 defining a plurality of different growth zones within each of which a different plant is able to be grown, and a single irrigation water guiding member 102 overlying the corresponding planter mount 92 and releasably coupleable therewith. A plurality of horizontal conduits 107a-d extending longitudinally, or along the long dimension of the module, for selectively introducing irrigation water to the growth zones are retainable in a chamber 91 associated with guiding member 102. Each growth zone is delimited by a vertical wall 96 surrounding an opening 98 at a corresponding lateral end of planter mount 92 that allows for the outward and upward passage therethrough of the leaves and edible portions of the plant being grown, and by two side partitions 93 or one side partition 93 and one planter mount side wall 97.

Guiding member 102 is configured with a plurality of inlet apertures llla-h, through each of which irrigation water is delivered into a corresponding underlying growth zone. For the illustrated exemplary arrangement, conduits 107a-b supply the irrigation water for the four growth zones that are accessible to the first lateral end 98 of module 95, and conduits 107c-d supply the irrigation water for the four other growth zones that are accessible to the second lateral end 99 of module 95. By use of drip emitters connected to conduits 107a-d at predefined locations, irrigation water is discharged in close proximity to a corresponding inlet aperture.

Each growth zone, within which a plant growth medium is receivable, is in communication with a corresponding drainage port through which excess liquid is able to be drained therefrom into a common vertical gutter 104, for example configured with a rectilinear shape. Common gutter 104 extends throughout the height of the matrix assembly, and comprises a plurality of sections, including a guiding member section and a planter mount section that are able to be positioned one on top of the other for each of the laterally aligned and vertically spaced growth zones, such that all adjacent sections are in abutting relation.

In one embodiment, the matrix assembly also includes a plurality of ducts 109, for example configured with a convex shape, such as a semicircular cross section. A common vertical duct 109 extends throughout the height of the matrix assembly, and comprises a plurality of sections, including a guiding member section and a planter mount section for each of the laterally aligned and vertically spaced growth zones, such that all adjacent sections are coupled together. Fig. 36A illustrates an exemplary planter mount duct section 109a having an upwardly extending tubular coupling element 106 and a downwardly extending tubular coupling element 105 of a smaller diameter than coupling element 106, which is sized to be coupled with the upwardly extending tubular coupling element of the guiding member duct section therebelow. Differently configured coupling elements, such as those configured with male and female portions, are also in the scope of the invention. Each of the planter mount sections is configured with a set of apertures 113 from which conditioned air conducive for the growth of the plant issues to the portions of the plant being grown, particularly the leaves, that have passed through the adjoining opening 98.

As each planter mount duct section protrudes outwardly from vertical wall 96, the conditioned air discharged from apertures 113 is directed to the leaves of the plant being grown. The convex shape of the duct section and of the apertures 113 formed therewith assist in directing the conditioned air in many directions.

The stomata, or size regulating pores, generally found in the lower surface of the leaves of each plant grown in the matrix assembly are responsible for the gas exchange including transpiration of the plant, and are sensitive to the climatic conditions of the surroundings, such as light intensity, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration. For example, the stomata tend to close when the carbon dioxide concentration is greater than a natural threshold.

The stomata directable apertures 113 in conjunction with an air conditioning system which will be described hereinafter constitute novel plant related gas exchange controlling means that involve controlling the microclimate near the leaves of the plant while conserving energy.

It will be appreciated that module 95 may comprise the illumination elements 65 shown in Fig. 24, which may protrude from the portion of a vertical wall 96 between two adjacent openings 98, for example close to a planter mount duct section. A waterproof channel 74 for housing an electrical cable may be positioned in abutment with a planter mount gutter section.

Fig. 29 illustrates the various growth zones A-H that are defined in planter mount 92. The extreme growth zones A and H are defined between a side partition 93 and a neighbouring side wall 97. The intermediate growth zones B-G are defined between two side partitions 93. In an exemplary arrangement for selectively introducing irrigation water to the growth zones, conduit 107a delivers irrigation water to growth zones A and E, conduit 107b delivers irrigation water to growth zones C and G, conduit 107c delivers irrigation water to growth zones B and F, conduit 107d delivers irrigation water to growth zones D and H. It will be appreciated that any other irrigation arrangement may be used to allow for irrigation discontinuation during periods of maintenance, such as when a plant is removed from a growth zone.

Each of the side partitions 93 extends by a straight portion from a junction between vertical wall 96 at the first planter mount lateral end 99 and the adjacent planter mount gutter section 104a and by a curved portion 101 at the inward face 118 of planter mount gutter section 104b inwardly protruding from the second planter mount lateral end 94, to the side of the drainage port 112 formed in inward face 118.

As shown in Fig. 30, each of the growth zones is configured with an inclined bottom surface 121 at the bottom of side partition 93 to define an irrigation water reservoir R thereabove. The depth of reservoir R is plant-specific, and is selected to maintain a mass of soil, or any other plant growth medium, with sufficient moisture to facilitate growth of the selected plant while preventing rotting of the roots of the plant. Bottom surface 121 may be configured with ridges 126 and 127 shown in Fig. 29, by which a mass of soil is supported and the irrigation water is able to flow therebetween and below the soil.

If the depth of reservoir R becomes unintentionally excessive, for example when the volume of irrigation water that is delivered to a growth zone is significantly greater than anticipated, the excessive water is drained through drainage port 112 and planter mount gutter section 104a.

The inclination J of bottom surface 121 relative to a horizontal plane may serve as isolation means. When inclination J is sufficiently great, the irrigation water is prevented from being discharged through the corresponding vertical wall opening 98 (Fig. 28) and from intermixing with another growth zone. Under certain conditions, an optimal inclination J has been found to be 18 degrees.

As shown in Figs. 31-32, guiding member 102 comprises a plate 103 on which conduits 107a-d are positionable. Conduits 107a-d are secured in place by plate 103 from below and by planar pressing member 123 of the planter mount from above, which protrudes downwardly from, and with a narrower dimension than, the bottom planar surface 122 of planter mount 92 (Fig. 30).

Plate 103 is configured with, for each of the inlet apertures llla-h (Fig. 28), a plurality of differently oriented depressed surfaces 108 that guide the emitted irrigation water to a corresponding inlet aperture. The emitted irrigation water is retained in the depression 114 defined by surfaces 108, to ensure that a reliable amount of irrigation water will always be delivered through the corresponding inlet aperture and the downwardly extending delivery tube 117 coinciding therewith.

Pairs of stabilizers 119 extend downwardly from plate 103 and are configured to, when adjacent guiding member and planter mount gutter sections and adjacent guiding member and planter mount gutter sections are coupled together, be in abutting relation with the inward face 118 (Fig. 29) of a corresponding planter mount gutter section.

As shown in Figs. 33-37 a matrix assembly 110 is able to be assembled from a plurality of plant growth modules 125 while the conduits extend throughout the assembly.

A vertical stack 115 of modules 125 may be held in secured longitudinal alignment by a cable tensioning arrangement. The two pairs of conduits 117a-b and 117c-d are spaced from each other as shown for example in Figs. 28, 32 and 35 to accommodate the positioning of a vertically oriented tensioning cable 122 that extends throughout the stack. Tensioning cable 122 is in abutting relation with the same planter mount side wall 187 of each module of stack 115, and is in engagement with cable pulleys 128a-b rotatably mounted within the hollow interior of lower rectilinear beam 129 positioned underneath the lowermost planter mount. A portion of cable 122 upwardly extends so as to be in abutting relation with the other planter mount side wall of each module of stack 115 until being received in the hollow interior of upper rectilinear beam 139 and in engagement with cable pulleys 138a-b rotatably mounted therewithin. This cable tensioning arrangement is similarly applicable for all other stacks of matrix assembly 110, whereby a cable portion is in abutting relation with a first planter mount side wall of the next stack and in engagement with two cable pulleys within lower beam 129, and another cable portion is in abutting relation with a second planter mount side wall of the next stack and in engagement with two cable pulleys within upper beam 139. Lower beam 129 and upper beam 139 may be formed with a cable insertable clearance for eac tensioning cable portion. The end of cable 122 is secured to winch 134, which is generally manually operated but which may be also motorized. After actuation of winch 134, cable 122 is suitably tensioned and all stacks are longitudinally aligned and in secured relation with beams 129 and 139.

Two modules 125A and 125B of neighbouring stacks 115, respectively, are able to be coupled together. Provided with each side wall 187 are male 183 and female 184 coupling pieces in side by side relation. Male coupling piece 183 is to the right of female coupling piece 184 in a first side wall 187 of module 125 and is to the left of female coupling piece 184 in a second side wall thereof. Thus when modules 125A and 125B are positioned in opposite orientation, each male piece 183 is able to be inserted within a corresponding female piece 184. A female piece 184 may be a void area as shown, or may be recessed.

Once assembled, matrix assembly 110 is able to be displaced along two or more overhead rails 82. An engagement element of upper beam 139 of the cable tensioning arrangement is engageable with a recess 88 formed in the wall of a corresponding carriage 81 that is linearly displaceable along rail 82. Carriage 81 is similarly engageable with supporting wall 86 shown in Fig. 26.

Also shown is a board 153 on which is mounted a plurality of faucets 157, generally at least one faucet 157 being provided for each row of modules. Board 153 is positioned to the side of matrix assembly 110.

A microclimate air conditioning system 140 according to one embodiment is schematically illustrated in Fig. 38. Air conditioning unit 145 may be the indoor unit of a split type air conditioner as well known to those skilled in the art, or may be any other suitable air conditioning unit. Warm and humid ambient air 143 from the closed surroundings of the matrix assembly, resulting from the transpiration of the plants and the increased temperature caused by the illumination elements, is drawn into inlet duct 141 which leads to the fan and heat exchanger of air conditioning unit 145. The ambient air 143 may be injected with a supply 147 of carbon dioxide from a source 148, such as a carbon dioxide canister or cartridge, via line 149, which may be generally isolated from inlet duct 141 by valve 152 and controllably opened in response to sensed climatic conditions or operator initiative, in order to regulate the carbon dioxide concentration. The air and carbon dioxide mixture is suitably conditioned in a heating or cooling mode by air conditioning unit 145 with respect to various parameters such as temperature, humidity and speed, possibly in conjunction with a processor 151, and is discharged into outlet 154 that leads to supply plenum 156, which is configured to interface with the matrix assembly. The conditioned air accordingly flows through each vertical common duct 109 of the matrix assembly and is discharged through the stomata directable apertures 113.

Exemplary conditioned air suitable for the growth of lettuce that is discharged by air conditioning unit 145 has the following values: a temperature of 23-27°C and a relative humidity of 50-60% for daytime periods, a temperature of 18-22°C and a relative humidity of 50-80% for nighttime periods, an air speed of 0.2-0.6 m/s when discharged from stomata directable apertures 113, and a carbon dioxide concentration of 450-650 ppm during daytime periods. The carbon dioxide concentration did not have to be controlled during nighttime periods.

Air conditioning system 140 together with the illumination elements is accordingly able to emulate optimal plant-specific growing conditions without the expense of having to air condition an entire enclosure.

Supply plenum 156 illustrated in Fig. 39 supplies the conditioned air for one vertical stack 115 of plant growth modules 95 (Fig. 34). Supply plenum 156 has a planar upper wall 161 for connection to an upper rail and two opposed side walls 163 extending downwardly from upper wall 161, from which outwardly protrude a plurality of spaced vertical plenum duct sections 167. Each plenum duct section 167, which is hollowed and in fluid communication with the interior of supply plenum 156, is adapted to be aligned and coupled with a corresponding guiding member duct section located therebelow. Pairs of stabilizers 169 extend downwardly from the bottom surface 164 of supply plenum 156 and are adapted to be in abutting relation with the inward face of a corresponding guiding member gutter section of the upper level guiding member.

The conditioned air discharged from the air conditioning unit flows lengthwise within the interior of supply plenum 156 defined by upper wall 161, side walls 163 and bottom surface 164 and downwardly through the interior 166 of each plenum duct sections 167.

When a first stack is coupled with another stack, the conditioned air flowing across the distal edge 172 of upper wall 161 is introduced to another supply plenum similar to or identical in configuration as the first supply plenum 156. The conditioned air flows serially through all the interconnected supply plenums and downwardly through all the corresponding common ducts. The conditioned air flows at a sufficiently high speed to be discharged from the stomata directable apertures and to control the rate of gas exchange through the stomata.

Upper beam 139 of the cable tensioning arrangement (Fig. 34) is positioned on top of supply plenum 156 when supply plenum 156 is in use, and the tensioning cable is in abutting relation with both proximal 171 and 172 distal edges of the supply plenum. Interconnected supply plenums are provided with a cable insertable clearance at an interface between two adjacent supply plenums.

With reference to Fig. 31, air streams that are conducive to the growth of a plant being grown are able to be generated without use of an air conditioning system. One lateral end of guiding member 102 is configured with a vertically oriented and longitudinally extending wall 133 formed with a plurality of air passage holes 137. Wall 133 is positioned between a guiding member gutter section and its corresponding guiding member duct section.

In this embodiment, plants are grown only in growth zones located at the lateral end of the modules closest to wall 133. Also, a single stack of freestanding modules 95 may be employed while the lowermost planter mount may be supported on the floor by member 123 (Fig. 30).

When the longitudinal end of the stack is positioned relatively close to, and faces, a wall of an enclosure within which the stack is located, e.g. within a distance of less than 30 cm, a relatively large-velocity airstream is generated that longitudinally flows through the covered interior of each guiding member 102. A substantial portion of this airstream flow laterally through the air passage holes 137 and is directed to the stomata of the leaves of each plant growing upwardly from the adjacent planter mount therebelow to the given guiding member.

While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can be carried out with many modifications, variations and adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalents or alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art, without exceeding the scope of the claims.