IP Library Granted Patent US 10,986,792
Granted Patent B2
US 10,986,792 · App. 16/696,532 · Granted Apr 27, 2021

Rotomolded vertical farming apparatus and system

Inventor: Roger Buelow (Pepper Pike, OH)
Assignee: Just Greens, LLC
A01G31/06
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,986,792
App. No.
16/696,532
Granted
Apr 27, 2021
Kind
B2
Abstract

A growing system is provided that includes a rotomolded chassis that defines (i) an “interior” where plants are/may be located, and (ii) an “exterior” that at least partially defines a perimeter around the interior. The chassis generally includes stacking elements which allow one chassis to be stacked one upon the other. The disclosed growing system also generally includes (i) means for delivering liquid into the chassis, (ii) means for draining liquid from the chassis, and (iii) means for supporting plants that is conducive to their growing within the chassis.

Claims (26)

1. A growing system, comprising:

a. a first growing unit for supporting plant growth, the first growing unit defining an outer perimeter that defines a hollow space and an interior region, wherein nutrient fluids are transported to the interior region by way of the hollow space;

b. a second growing unit for supporting plant growth, the second growing unit adapted to stack relative to the first growing unit; and

c. one or more electric lights that are removably mounted relative to the first growing unit and positioned for emitting light within the interior region of the first growing unit.

2. The growing system of claim 1 , further comprising one or more growing trays that are removably positioned within the interior region of the first growing unit and supported by the first growing unit.

3. The growing system of claim 2 , wherein the second growing unit defines an interior region and further comprising one or more growing trays that are positioned within the interior region of the second growing unit and supported by the second growing unit.

4. The growing system of claim 2 , wherein the first growing unit defines one or more structures associated with an internal face thereof, and wherein the one or more structures are effective to support at least one of the one or more growing trays.

5. The growing system of claim 4 , wherein the one or more structures are selected from the group consisting of a ledge molded into a side wall of the first growing unit, one or more support structures step molded into the first growing unit, one or more protrusions molded into the first growing unit, and one or more support structures adhered to the first growing unit.

6. The growing system of claim 1 , wherein the outer perimeter of the first growing unit includes side walls.

7. The growing system of claim 6 , wherein the hollow space is defined within a portion of the side walls.

8. The growing system of claim 6 , wherein the hollow space is defined along the outer perimeter of the first growing unit in its entirety.

9. The growing system of claim 6 , wherein the hollow space is defined along two sides of the outer perimeter of the first growing unit.

10. The growing system of claim 1 , wherein the second growing unit is stacked relative to the first growing unit.

11. The growing system of claim 10 , wherein the second growing unit is stacked above the first growing unit, and wherein nutrient solution drains from the second growing unit to the first growing unit.

12. The growing system of claim 10 , further comprising one or more joiner elements facilitate stacking of the second growing unit relative to the first growing unit.

13. A growing system, comprising:

a tub defining sidewalls and a base, the tub being adapted to receive nutrient solution associated with plant growth;

wherein the base includes an arch that defines a first region for receipt of nutrient solution and a second region for receipt of nutrient solution;

wherein a first nutrient solution flow path is defined in communication with the first region and a second nutrient solution flow path is defined in communication with the second region;

wherein the first nutrient solution flow path communicates with a first gutter that runs along a length of the tub; and

wherein the second nutrient flow path communicates with a second gutter that runs along the length of the tub.

14. The growing system of claim 13 , wherein the first nutrient solution flow path is a drain.

15. The growing system of claim 14 , wherein the drain communicates with a gutter that runs along a length of the tub.

16. The growing system of claim 13 , wherein the first nutrient solution flow path includes a plurality of openings that communicate with the first region.

17. The growing system of claim 13 , wherein the second nutrient solution flow path includes a plurality of openings that communicate with the second region.

18. The growing system of claim 13 , wherein the arch is molded into the base of the tub.

Assignments (7)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 21, 2025
From: NEW AEROFARMS, INC.
To: SIGULER GUFF AEROFARMS HOLDINGS, LLC
Reel/Frame 071176/0553 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 12, 2025
From: NEW AEROFARMS, INC.
To: SIGULER GUFF AEROFARMS HOLDINGS, LLC
Reel/Frame 071091/0207 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 31, 2024
From: NEW AEROFARMS, INC.
To: HORIZON TECHNOLOGY FINANCE CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 067581/0389 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 2, 2023
From: AEROFARMS, INC.
To: NEW AEROFARMS, INC.
Reel/Frame 065435/0967 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Feb 7, 2023
From: DREAM HOLDINGS, INC.
To: AEROFARMS, INC.
Reel/Frame 062669/0646 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 21, 2022
From: JUST GREENS, LLC
To: DREAM HOLDINGS, INC.
Reel/Frame 061498/0615 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 26, 2019
From: BUELOW, ROGER
To: JUST GREENS, LLC
Reel/Frame 051123/0096 →
Continuity (4)
Continuation 16168420 · Oct 23, 2018
Continuation 15407652 · Jan 17, 2017
Provisional Application 62278652 · Jan 14, 2016
Related Publication 20200093083A1 · Mar 26, 2020