Modular grow chamber constructions and related growing systems and methods

Abstract

Growing systems may include a number of modular growing chambers with integrated support columns that eliminate the need for an external support frame and which provide a simple way to remove chambers from a stack for harvesting. The chambers can be assembled around a growing plant. Pins provided on the support columns ensure alignment and provide for easy removal of a lower chamber by first supporting the stack and slightly lowering it relative to the stack. The chamber structure supports harvesting processes that permit harvesting of a chamber simply by shifting it relative to the stack and supporting the other chambers in a vertical position andshifting the chambers. A portable shifting device may provide automated support, shifting and removal of one or more chambers for harvesting.

1 . A grow chamber comprising:
 at least two support columns, the support columns each including at least one alignment projection and at least one alignment projection receiving recess for receiving an alignment projection of an adjacent grow chamber support column;   a grow chamber frame extending between the at least two support columns;   wherein the at least two support columns include a shifting interface to enable the fastening of an external support or shifting device to the grow chamber.   
     
     
         2 . The grow chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the support columns are positioned on the outside of the grow chamber frame. 
     
     
         3 . The grow chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the grow chamber frame defines a floor and lid space that can be completely occupied by a number of floor and lid panels. 
     
     
         4 . The grow chamber of  claim 3 , wherein the floor and lid panels define a number of recesses which form respective passages in the floor and lid when the floor and lid panels are placed in the respective space, the passages being adapted to allow a respective plant to pass therethrough. 
     
     
         5 . The grow chamber of  claim 4 , wherein each of the recesses are provided with a plant interface. 
     
     
         6 . The grow chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the grow chamber frame defines a lid space that can be completely occupied by a number of lid panels. 
     
     
         7 . The grow chamber of  claim 1 , further comprising a canopy assembly extending from the grow chamber assembly for supporting a plant shoot/canopy. 
     
     
         8 . The grow chamber of  claim 1 , further comprising an intake panel and an exhaust panel secured to the grow chamber frame and providing for venting of the chamber interior. 
     
     
         9 . The grow chamber of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one removable panel secured to the grow chamber frame for permitting access to the grow chamber interior. 
     
     
         10 . A process for harvesting crop from a section of a plant growing within a grow chamber stack comprising a plurality of grow chambers having support columns, the process comprising:
 supporting at least a first one of the grow chambers in a fixed vertical position;   shifting a second one of the grow chambers to disengage the support columns of the second one of the grow chambers from the first grow chamber; and   removing the desired grow chamber from the grow chamber stack to harvest crop therein.   
     
     
         11 . The process of  claim 10 , further comprising the step of shifting the first one of the grow chambers. 
     
     
         12 . The process of  claim 11 , wherein the step of shifting the first one of the grow chambers comprises using a portable shifting device. 
     
     
         13 . The process of  claim 10 , further comprising the step of providing at least one alignment projection on at least one of the support columns and an alignment projection recess on another of the support columns and wherein the step of disengaging the support columns comprises shifting the desired grow chamber a sufficient distance to remove the alignment projection from the alignment projection recess. 
     
     
         14 . The process of  claim 10 , further comprising the step of assembling t a grow chamber around a section of a growing plant and assembling additional grow chambers around a desired section of the same growing plant. 
     
     
         15 . The process of  claim 11 , wherein the step of assembling a grow chamber comprises assembling a grow chamber frame defining a floor and lid space and supporting a number of floor and lid panels in the respective space, the floor and lid panels defining at least one plant passage extending through the first chamber. 
     
     
         16 . A system for managing growth of at least one plant comprising:
 a base; the base including at least two base support columns;   a first chamber supported on the base, the first chamber including at least two first chamber support columns, the first chamber support columns having a first chamber support column alignment projection extending therefrom;   a second chamber supported on the first chamber, the second chamber including at least two second chamber support columns, the second chamber support columns each having a recess for receiving a respective one of the first chamber support column alignment projections extending therefrom.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising a first chamber frame defining a first chamber floor space, and at least two floor panels supported on the first chamber frame in the first chamber floor space, the at least two floor panels including at least one plant interface for engaging a plant, the chamber frame further defining a first chamber lid space and at least two lid panels supported on the first chamber frame in the first chamber lid space. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising a plant canopy support secured to at least one of the assembled chambers. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein at least one of the support columns includes a shifting interface to enable the fastening of an external support, shifting device to the grow chamber. 
     
     
         20 . A process of constructing a grow chamber around a section of a growing plant comprising the steps of:
 providing at least two support columns;   constructing a chamber frame extending between the at least two support columns, the chamber frame defining a floor and lid space;   providing at least two floor and lid panels in the respective space, each floor and lid panel having a plant interface to engage the plant, the plant extending through the plant interface.   
     
     
         21 . An apparatus for manipulating one or more chambers in a grow chamber stack comprising:
 first and second side frames;   a cross-member connecting the side frames;   at least one shifting carriage movably mounted within each of the side frames, the shifting carriage including a gripping body for engaging the shifting interface on at least one of the chambers.