System and method for cultivating plants

Abstract

A self-contained system for cultivating plants using a combination of aeroponic and hydroponic processes includes a container having successive size reductions to support plant cups, a liquid distribution device, and to provide a reservoir for storing a water and nutrient solution.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for cultivating plants in a controlled environment, the system comprising:
 an enclosure having an internal cavity and an open top;   a container disposed within the internal cavity, the container having a top portion having a first size, a middle portion extending downward from the top portion and having a second size that is smaller than the first size, and a bottom portion extending downward from the middle portion and having a third size that is smaller than the second size;   the container further including at least one shelf positioned at the transition between the middle portion and the bottom portion;   a liquid distribution device including a plurality of liquid emission locations to deliver liquid to desired locations within the container and at least one coupling location for attaching a source of liquid;   the liquid distribution device supported by the shelf;   a lid supported by the container, the lid including at least one cup support opening;   at least one cup support positioned in the at least one cup support opening, each cup support including at least one plant cup opening;   at least one plant cup positioned in the at least one plant cup opening, each plant cup capable of supporting a plant, the plant cup including a plurality of openings to allow plant roots and liquid to pass therethrough; and   a frame removably attached to the enclosure, the frame configured to provide support for at least one illumination device.   
     
     
         2 . The system for cultivating plants of  claim 1 , further including a base. 
     
     
         3 . The system for cultivating plants of  claim 2 , further including a plurality of wheels attached to the base. 
     
     
         4 . The system for cultivating plants of  claim 1 , wherein the position of the at least one illumination device is adjustable. 
     
     
         5 . The system for cultivating plants of  claim 4 , wherein:
 at least one pulley is attached to the frame; and   at least one rope passing through the at least one pulley; the at least one rope removably attached to the at least one illumination device such that the at least one illumination device may be adjusted by pulling on the rope.   
     
     
         6 . The system for cultivating plants of  claim 1 , wherein the container includes at least one drain hole. 
     
     
         7 . The system for cultivating plants of  claim 1 , wherein the container further includes an access opening. 
     
     
         8 . The system for cultivating plants of  claim 7 , further comprising a grommet inserted into the access opening, the grommet including at least one port. 
     
     
         9 . The system for cultivating plants of  claim 1 , further including a reflective member removably attached to the frame. 
     
     
         10 . A method for cultivating plants using a self-contained plant cultivation system, the method including the steps of:
 providing an enclosure having an internal cavity and an open top;   inserting a container into the internal cavity, the container having a top portion having a first size, a middle portion extending downward from the top portion and having a second size that is smaller than the first size, and a bottom portion extending downward from the middle portion and having a third size that is smaller than the second size;   the container further including at least one shelf positioned at the transition between the middle portion and the bottom portion;   providing a liquid distribution device supported by the shelf, the liquid distribution device including a plurality of liquid emission locations to deliver liquid to desired locations within the container and at least one coupling location for attaching a source of liquid;   providing a pump connected to a source of water and nutrients;   coupling the pump to the at least one coupling location;   providing a lid supported by the container, the lid including at least one cup support opening;   providing at least one cup support positioned in the at least one cup support opening, each cup support including at least one plant cup opening;   positioning at least one plant cup in the at least one plant cup opening, each plant cup capable of supporting a plant, the plant cup including a plurality of openings to allow plant roots and liquid to pass therethrough;   providing a plant in each of the plant cups;   removably attaching a frame to the enclosure, the frame configured to provide support for at least one illumination device;   providing a water and nutrient solution to the plant; and   selectively illuminating the illumination device.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , further including the step of adjusting the height of the illumination device in relation to the plant. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , further including the step of selectively operating the pump to control the amount of water and nutrients to provide to the plants. 
     
     
         13 . A system for cultivating plants in a controlled environment, the system comprising:
 an enclosure having an internal cavity and an open top, and configured to provide support for at least one illumination device;   a container disposed within the internal cavity, the container having
 a top portion having a first size; 
 a middle portion positioned below the top portion and having a second size that is smaller than the first size; 
 a bottom portion positioned below the middle portion and having a third size that is smaller than the second size; and 
 at least one shelf positioned between the middle portion and the bottom portion; 
   a liquid distribution device supported by the shelf, and including a plurality of liquid outlets to distribute liquid to desired locations within the container, and at least one connector for attaching to a source of liquid;   a lid supported by the container, the lid having at least one cup support opening;   at least one cup support positioned in the at least one cup support opening, each cup support having at least one plant cup opening; and   at least one plant cup positioned in the at least one plant cup opening, each plant cup capable of supporting a plant, the plant cup having a plurality of openings to allow plant parts and liquid to pass therethrough.