Mushroom cultivation apparatus and systems

Abstract

Example mushroom cultivation systems and methods for mushroom cultivation are disclosed. An example rack for cultivating mushrooms includes a first shelf formed from a first member (28), a first support member (30) having a first end region, a second end region and a medial region extending between the first end region and the second end region. The rack also includes a second support member (32) having a first end region, a second end region and a medial region extending between the first end region and the second end region and a coupling member (34) configured to couple the first support member and the second support member to a mushroom cultivation system. Further, the first member is configured to pass through a first aperture in the first support member and the first member is configured to pass through a second aperture in the second support member.

Description

[0001] MUSHROOM CULTIVATION APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS

[0002] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 654,453 filed on May 31, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems and methods for sterile batch cultivation of mushroom substrate.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Conventional methods for batch mushroom cultivation may include several steps requiring multiple pieces of equipment. These steps may include substrate mixing, substrate sterilization, spawn preparation, substrate inoculation, substrate bagging, sealing the bags of inoculated substrate, colonizing, pinning, fruiting, and harvesting. Further, the equipment required to perform these steps may include one or more mixers, a steam sterilizer, bed forming or bag filling equipment, fruiting equipment, colonizing equipment and a clean room for inoculation.

[0008] Beginning with the preparation of the mushroom substrate, the methods used to cultivate mushrooms may aim to generate favorable growing conditions for the substrate while eliminating or substantially reducing adverse conditions (e.g., the presence of unwanted mildew, bacteria, detrimental microorganisms, etc.), such that the inoculation, growth and eventual mushroom harvesting may produce an optimal size and quantity of mushroom crop.

[0009] Mushroom substrate may include organic material that the mushrooms use as their energy source for growth. Different species of mushrooms may grow more effectively in different substrates. It can be appreciated that the mushroom substrate utilized to grow a particular type of mushroom species may significantly impact both the size and quantity of the mushroom crop. Accordingly, a variety of materials may be combined to produce a mushroom substrate for a particular type of mushroom. For example, shiitake mushroom substrate may be formed from the combination of sawdust, soy hulls, barley, straw, or other organic materials. Additionally, adjustments may be made to substrate ratios to achieve the desired result for each particular mushroom species. This may include modifications to nitrogen and protein levels of the substrate.

[0010] In a conventional commercial operation, the individual materials selected to form a mushroom substrate may first be combined in a mushroom mixer designed to effectively and thoroughly mix the individual ingredients together. Next, the mushroom substrate may be placed in a bag and water may be added to a desired hydration level. Traditionally, water may be added to approach a 60% moisture level. The mushroom substrate may then be transferred to another machine to be sterilized. In some examples, sterilization of the substrate may be performed via the introduction of pressure and heat (via steam or other method of heating the substrate) in a machine (e g., an autoclave) separate from the mixer. Further, after sterilization, the substrate must cool in the air to a temperature sufficient for inoculation (typically below 30 degrees Celsius). In traditional commercial settings, large amounts of biomass can take up to twenty-four hours to cool to acceptable levels to be inoculated.

[0011] After each individual bag of mushroom substrate is sterilized and includes the desired level of hydration, an inoculation step may be performed in which spawn, agar, or liquid culture is added to each individual bag of sterilized substrate. It can be appreciated that having to add spawn, agar, or liquid culture to each individual bag of substrate is inefficient and cost prohibitive.

[0012] After inoculation, the spawn incubates through the substrate. Incubation starts with leap off, which is the moment when the mycelium initially leaps off the spawn onto the new substrate. This occurs approximately four days after inoculation. The mycelium expands through the substrate in three-dimensions.

[0013] The rate at which a spawn run occurs may vary given the density of the substrate and species of mushroom. Oyster mushrooms, for instance, grow faster than shiitake mushrooms. Further, a sawdust-based substrate grows much faster than a liquid culture. During incubation, temperature and humidity control are the two primary factors to maintain. In contrast, CO2 and lighting conditions are not as important during this phase. As discussed above, in conventional mushroom farming operations, the steps of mixing the raw substrate material, bagging the substrate, hydrating the substrate, sterilizing the substrate (which may include pasteurization), inoculating the substrate, sealing the bags of inoculated substrate, colonization, fruiting and harvesting and may require several different machines and multiple systems, each performing an individual function. It can be appreciated that cultivating mushrooms using multiple machines and / or cultivation systems may be inefficient, resulting in excess costs in time, money and resources. Accordingly, a need exists for a mushroom cultivating system including cultivation racks (e.g., cultivation hangers) and related assembly systems to efficiently performing multiple processes of the mushroom cultivation process.

[0014] BRIEF SUMMARY

[0015] This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing methods for cultivating mushrooms. An example rack for cultivating mushrooms includes a first shelf formed from a first member, a first support member having a first end region, a second end region and a medial region extending between the first end region and the second end region. The rack also includes a second support member having a first end region, a second end region and a medial region extending between the first end region and the second end region and a coupling member configured to couple the first support member and the second support member to a mushroom cultivation system. Further, the first member is configured to pass through a first aperture in the first support member and the first member is configured to pass through a second aperture in the second support member.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the first member is a rod.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the first member is U-shaped.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the first member includes a first lateral region, a second lateral region and a medial region extending between the first lateral region and the second lateral region, and wherein the medial region is substantially perpendicular to the first lateral region and the second lateral region. Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising a second shelf formed from a second member, and wherein the second member is configured to be in vertical alignment with the first member.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the first member includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and wherein the first end of the first member is configured to pass through the first support member and wherein the second end of the first member is configured to pass through the second support member.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the rack is configured to shift from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the coupling member includes a hook.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the coupling member includes a top plate, and wherein the top plate includes a first hook and a second hook.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the hook includes a first end region and a second end region, and wherein the first end region is configured to engage a cable of a mushroom cultivating system.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the second end region includes curved portion designed to accept the first support member, the second support member or both the first and the second support members.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, where the hook further includes a releasable cap configured to engage the first end region of the hook.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the engagement of the cap with the first end region of the hook forms and aperture in the hook, and wherein a cable of a mushroom cultivation system is configured to extend through the aperture.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising a swivel configured to couple a first end of the coupling member to the first support member and the second support member. Another example system for cultivating mushrooms includes a first conveyor assembly, wherein the first conveyor assembly includes a first drive wheel coupled to a framework and a cable coupled to the first drive wheel, wherein the first drive wheel is configured to translate the cable. The system also includes a first cultivation rack assembly coupled to the cable, wherein the first cultivation rack includes a first shelf formed from a first member, a first support member having a first end region, a second end region and a medial region extending between the first end region and the second end region, a second support member having a first end region, a second end region and a medial region extending between the first end region and the second end region and a coupling member configured to couple the first support member and the second support member to a mushroom cultivation system, Further, the first member is configured to pass through a first aperture in the first support member and the first member is configured to pass through a second aperture in the second support member.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the first member is a rod.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the first member is U-shaped.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the coupling member includes a hook.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the hook includes a first end region and a second end region, and wherein the first end region is configured to engage a cable of a mushroom cultivating system.

[0032] Another example system for cultivating mushrooms includes a first conveyor assembly, wherein the first conveyor assembly includes a first drive wheel coupled to a first framework and a first cable coupled to the first drive wheel, wherein the first drive wheel is configured to translate the cable. The system also includes a second conveyor assembly positioned overhead of the first conveyor assembly, a first cultivation rack assembly coupled to the cable, wherein the first cultivation rack includes a first shelf formed from a first member, a first support member having a first end region, a second end region and a medial region extending between the first end region and the second end region, a second support member having a first end region, a second end region and a medial region extending between the first end region and the second end region, a coupling member configured to couple the first support member and the second support member to a mushroom cultivation system. Further, the first member is configured to pass through a first aperture in the first support member and the first member is configured to pass through a second aperture in the second support member.

[0033] The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

[0034] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] FIG. 1 A illustrates an example mushroom cultivation system;

[0037] FIG. IB illustrates another example mushroom cultivation system;

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates an example cultivation rack assembly;

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the cultivation rack assembly of FIG. 2;

[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the cultivation rack assembly of FIG. 2;

[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of the cultivation rack assembly of FIG. 2;

[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of the cultivation rack assembly of FIG. 2;

[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates another example cultivation rack assembly;

[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of the cultivation rack assembly of FIG. 7;

[0045] FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of the cultivation rack assembly of FIG. 7;

[0046] FIG. 10 illustrates a cultivation rack assembly in a collapsed configuration;

[0047] FIG. 11 illustrates another example mushroom cultivation system;

[0048] FIG. 12 illustrates a portion of the cultivation system shown in FIG. 11.

[0049] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The following description should be read with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. The detailed description and drawings illustrate example embodiments of the claimed disclosure. It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure's scope is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

[0051] FIG. 1A illustrates an example mushroom cultivation system 10. The cultivation system 10 may include a framework 12 (e.g., scaffold, support structure, etc.) configured to support one or more overhead cable conveyor assemblies 14. As illustrated in FIG. 1 A, the mushroom cultivation system 10 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more cable conveyor assemblies 14. Additionally, it can be appreciated that each of the cable conveyor assemblies 14 may include a drive wheel 16 (e.g., drive bull wheel, etc.) positioned at a first end of its respective conveyor assembly 14. It can be further appreciated that the drive wheel 16 of each conveyor assembly 14 may be coupled to a drive motor, whereby the drive motor provides power to spin the drive wheel to which it is coupled. The drive motor may be coupled to a VFD (variable frequency drive) which may control the speed at which the drive motor translates the cable 18 and assembly racks 22, 24 (e.g., assembly hangers) attached thereto. It can be appreciated that each of the conveyor assemblies 14 may a return wheel 23 (shown dashed lines) positioned on a second end, opposite the drive wheel 16, of the conveyor assembly 14. In some instances, the cultivation system 19 may include a pull cord attached to the drive motor, whereby the pull cord may permit a mushroom picker (e.g., person who harvests mushrooms) to stop the motor and translation of the cable 18 and assembly racks 22, 24 attached thereto. In some examples, a robotic arm which includes electronic artificial intelligence may replace a human picker to harvest mushrooms from the substrate blocks 26.

[0052] FIG. 1A further illustrates that each conveyor assembly 14 may include a cable 18 (e.g., braided wire cable, reinforced wire, rope, etc.) coupled to the drive wheel 16 and the return wheel 23. It can be appreciated that the drive wheel 16 and the return wheel 23 may include a cable tensioning system, whereby the cable tensioning system may be configured to apply tension to the cable 18.

[0053] FIG. 1 A further illustrates that each conveyor assembly 14 may include one or more support wheels 20 positioned along the length of the their respective conveyor assembly 14. It can be appreciated that each support wheel 20 may be attached to the framework 12 via a vertical bracket, whereby each support wheel 20 is positioned to permit the cable 18 to rest thereupon. It can be appreciated that each support wheel 20 may be spaced along the length of each conveyor assembly 14 to provide sufficient support to the cable 18 despite unequal load distribution being imparted to the cable 18.

[0054] FIG. 1A further illustrates a first mushroom cultivation rack assembly 24 and a second mushroom cultivation rack assembly 22 coupled to the cable 18 of the conveyor system 14. While FIG. 1A illustrates the two cultivation rack assemblies 24 and two cultivation rack assemblies 24 coupled to the cable 18, it can be appreciated that the conveyor system 14 may include any number of cultivation rack assemblies 22, 24 coupled to the cable 18. For example, the conveyor system 14 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 or more cultivation rack assemblies 22, 24 coupled to the cable 18. Further, the conveyor system 14 may include only the cultivation rack assemblies 22, only the cultivation rack assemblies 24 or any combination of the cultivation rack assemblies 22 and the cultivation rack assemblies 24. Further, when configured with a combination of cultivation rack assemblies 22 and cultivation rack assemblies 24, the cultivation rack assemblies 22, 24 may be positioned in any order along the cable 18 of the conveyor system 14.

[0055] As will be described in greater detail below, each of the first mushroom cultivation rack assembly 24 and the second mushroom cultivation rack assembly 22 may be configured to support one or more inoculated “blocks” 26 (shown in FIG. 2) of mushroom substrate. In some examples, the inoculated block 26 shown in FIG. 2 may include a bucket, container, reusable container, bag, sealed bag, log, sealed log, etc. which includes inoculated mushroom substrate. It can be appreciated that in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 A, the blocks 26 of mushroom substrate positioned on each rack assembly 22, 24 may be oriented such that their longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the length of the conveyor assembly 14. In some examples, the blocks 26 of mushroom substrate may be positioned in this configuration during a fruiting phase of the mushroom cultivation process. In this configuration, the individual rack assemblies 22, 24 may be separated from one another about 2 inches to about 36 inches, or about 4 inches to about 32 inches, or about 6 inches to about 28 inches, or about 8 inches to about 24 inches, or about 10 inches to about 20 inches, or about 12 inches to about 18 inches, or about 14 inches to about 16 inches. It can be appreciated that the individual rack assemblies 22, 24 may be spaced away from one another a distance to provide the fruiting mushroom bodies sufficient space to grow and expand along each mushroom substrate block 26.

[0056] Additionally, it can be appreciated that the cultivation system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 A may permit efficient harvesting of the mushroom crop after the mushrooms have grown to their optimal size. For example, it can be appreciated that the cultivation system 10 may be configured to circulate (e.g., move, transfer, convey, etc.) the mushroom substrate blocks 26 (positioned on each mushroom cultivation rack assemblies 22, 24) to positions in which a mushroom picker may manually harvest (e.g., pick) the mushrooms off of each respective mushroom substrate block 26. It can be appreciated that after a mushroom picker has harvested the mushrooms from a respective mushroom substrate block 26, the drive wheel 16 may advance the cable 18 such that a different, unharvested mushroom substrate block 26 is positioned in front of the mushroom picker, thereby permitting the mushroom picker to continually harvest the mature mushrooms from each mushroom substrate block 26 without having to move to each individual mushroom cultivation rack assembly 22, 24. This process may continue until all the mushrooms have been harvested from each mushroom substrate block 26.

[0057] While not illustrated in FIG. 1A, it is contemplated that the mushroom cultivation system 10 may further include a catch basin (e.g., box, frame, etc.) positioned below the rack assemblies 22, 24 to catch mushrooms as they fall from the substrate blocks 26. The catch basin may be a box that is configured to not exceed the height of the bottom of the rack assemblies 22, 24 and may permit the rack assemblies 22, 24 to pass over the catch basin. In some examples, the catch basin may include netting or fabric to avoid bruising the mushrooms as they fall or are picked from the mushroom substrate blocks 26 during harvesting. In some examples, the catch basin may include a frame which supports the fabric or netting.

[0058] When unloading the substrate blocks 26 after harvesting, the spent substrate may collect on a conveyor for transportation out of the grow room or other region of the mushroom cultivation facility. In some examples, the rack assemblies 22, 24 may be tipped from the upper shelf 28and the substrate blocks 26 may fall onto the conveyor for transportation out of the grow room or other region of the mushroom cultivation facility. FIG. IB illustrates another embodiment of the cultivation system 10 described herein. FIG. IB illustrates that in some examples, the cultivation system 10 may include a base (e.g., lower) conveyor system 15 and an overhead conveyor system 17 positioned vertically above the base conveyor system 15. It can be appreciated that the base conveyor system 15 and overhead conveyor system 17 may be similar in form and function to the conveyor system 10 described herein. For example, the base conveyor system 15 may include a framework 12a and a plurality of conveyor assemblies 14a and the overhead conveyor system 17 may include a framework 12b plurality of conveyor assemblies 14b, both of which may be similar in form and function to the framework 12 and the conveyor assemblies 14 described herein. Additionally, the base conveyor assemblies 14a may include a drive wheel 16a which circulates (e.g., move, transfer, convey, etc.) mushroom cultivation rack assemblies 22a, 24a coupled thereto while the overhead conveyor assemblies 14b may include a drive wheel 16b which circulates (e.g., move, transfer, convey, etc.) mushroom cultivation rack assemblies 22b, 24b coupled thereto. It can be appreciated that the cultivation system 10 illustrated in FIG. IB including the base conveyor system 15 and the overhead conveyor system 17 may permit a greater number of mushroom substrate blocks 26 (shown in FIG. 1 A) to be positioned within a given amount of space in a mushroom cultivation facility, thereby increasing the efficiency and mushroom yield within a given area of space in the mushroom cultivation facility. In some examples, the base conveyor system 15 may be designated as a harvesting conveyor system and the overhead conveyor system 17 may be designated for other phases of the mushroom cultivation process (e.g., colonization, fruiting, etc.). It can be appreciated that the mushrooms may be transported from the overhead conveyor system 17 to the base conveyor systems as the mushrooms progress through the growing process.

[0059] FIG. 2 illustrates the example mushroom cultivation rack assembly 24. As described herein, the rack assembly 24 may be used to store individual blocks 26 of inoculated substrate during multiple phases (e.g., colonization, fruiting, harvesting, etc.) of the mushroom cultivation process. In some examples, the rack assembly 24 may include a first support member 30 (e.g., strap, band, belt, ribbon, wire, etc.), a second support member 32 (e.g., strap, band, belt, ribbon, wire, etc.) and one or more shelves 28 coupled to each of the first support member 30 and the second support member 32. Additionally, as will be described in greater detail herein, the rack assembly 24 may include a hook 34 configured to couple the cable 18 to the first support member 30 and the second support member 32. It can be appreciated the first support member 30 and second support member 32 may be constructed from any type of fiber-based materials, including, but not limited to fibers, yarns, braided filaments, woven filaments, braided threads, woven threads, cloth, canvas, leather, fabrics, nylon, metallic fibers, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, or any other similar materials or combinations thereof.

[0060] The each of the shelves 28 may be formed from a single member (e.g., rod, wire, tube, pipe, etc.) which is shaped (e.g., bent, curved, etc.) into the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2. For clarity, the mushroom substrate block 26 has been omitted from the top shelf 28 in FIG. 2, thereby permitting visualization of the shelf 28. As can be appreciated from FIG. 2, each of the shelves 28 may form a U-shape.

[0061] As described herein and illustrated in FIG. 2, the cultivation rack assembly 24 may include the first support member 30 and the second support member 32. In other examples, the cultivation rack assembly 24 may be formed more or less than two individual support members together. While the cultivation rack assembly 24 illustrated in FIG. 2 shows two support members 30, 32, it is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the cultivation rack assembly 24 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more support members.

[0062] FIG. 2 illustrates that, in some embodiments, the shelves 28 may be formed as separate components that are attached to each of the first support member 30 and the second support member 32, in a subsequent manufacturing step. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates that each of the first support member 30 and the second support member 32 may include an aperture which is configured to permit the each shelf 28 to extend therethrough. Further, in some examples, each shelf 28 may include a wire “rod” which has been formed into the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that the each wire rod forming each shelf 28 may extend through the aperture in the first support member 30 and the second support member 32. Further, the detail view of FIG. 2 illustrates that each aperture formed in the first support member 30 and the second support member 32 may be reinforced with a grommet 34.

[0063] FIG. 2 illustrates that the cultivation rack assembly 24 may include six horizontal shelves 28 vertically aligned within one another along the cultivation rack assembly 24. While the cultivation rack assembly 24 illustrated in FIG. 2 shows six horizontal shelves 28, it is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the cultivation rack assembly 24 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or more horizontal shelves 28.

[0064] It can be appreciated that each horizonal shelf 28 of the cultivation rack assembly 24 may be designed to hold a single block 26 of inoculated mushroom substrate. After an operator removes a block 26 of inoculated substrate from a mushroom bagging machine, the operator may place the individual block 26 of inoculated substrate on a single shelf 28 of the cultivation rack assembly 24. It can be appreciated that the shelves 28 of the cultivation rack assembly 24 may be designed to properly space the blocks 26 of inoculated substrate away from one another, thereby assuring optimal air flow around each individual block 26 during various cultivation phases (e.g., colonization, fruiting, harvesting, etc.) of the mushrooms. However, it can be appreciated that the cultivation rack assembly 24 may be sized to accommodate more than one block 26 of substrate per shelf 28. For example, the cultivation rack assembly 24 may be sized to accommodate 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more blocks 26 of mushroom substrate per shelf 28, while still assuring optimal air flow around each individual block 26 during colonization of the mushrooms.

[0065] As discussed herein, the cultivation rack assembly 24 may be designed to be utilized with an automated conveyor system 14 utilized to move the blocks 26 of inoculated mushroom substrate between various areas of the mushroom cultivation facility. In some examples, the cultivation rack assembly 24 may be designed to be hung from the cable 18 of the overhead conveyor system 14. FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed view of the first support member 30 and the second support member 32 engaged with the hook 34. It can be appreciated from FIG. 3 that the first support member 30 may overlap with the second support member 32 along a portion of the hook 34 at an overlap point 36. Overlapping the first support member 30 with the second support member 32 may permit the first support member 30 to easily rotate (e.g., spin, twist, etc.) relative to the second support member 32. It may be beneficial to configure the first support member 30 and the second support member 32 to easily rotate relative to the hook 34 during harvesting of the mature mushrooms from the substrate blocks 26, as easier rotation of the substrate blocks 26 may permit a mushroom picker to access the mature mushrooms more easily from all sides of the substrate blocks 26. The substrate blocks 26 may rotate from 0 to 360 relative to the hook 34. It can be further appreciated that the configuration of the hook 34 illustrated herein may permit a mushroom picker to easily remove or hang the cultivation rack assembly 24 via hanging or removing the first support member 30 second support member 32 from the hook 34. Cultivation systems (including the cultivation rack assemblies disclosed herein) avoid the need to reposition mushroom substrate blocks between various phases of the cultivation process (e.g., between the cultivation and fruiting phases of the cultivation process). In some instances, it may be desirable to orient the mushroom blocks such that the longitudinal axis of the blocks 26 is substantially parallel to the cable 18, while in other instances it may be desirable to orient the mushroom blocks 26 such that the longitudinal axis of the blocks 26 is substantially perpendicular to the cable 18.

[0066] FIG. 4 illustrates that, in some examples, the cultivation rack assembly 24 may include a swivel element 35 configured to couple the first support member 30 and the second support member 32 to the hook 34. The swivel element 35 may cultivation rack assembly 24 to be hung from the cable 18 of the conveyor system 14 for automated or manual transportation around a mushroom cultivation facility. Additionally, while harvesting the mushroom crop, the swivel element 35 may permit an operator to remain stationary and yet easily rotate the shelves 28 to access all sides of the mushroom blocks 26. FIGS. 3-4 illustrate that the configuration of the cultivation rack assembly 24 may permit a mushroom picker to access each mushroom block 26 on each shelf 28 from each direction, while remaining in a stationary position.

[0067] FIG. 5 illustrates the hook 34 described above. The hook 34 may be configured to couple the cable 18 to the first support member 30 and the second support member 32. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the hook 34 may include a first end region 36 configured to coupled to the cable 18 of the conveyor assembly 14 and a second end region 38 configured to engage a portion of the first support member 30 and the second support member 32, as described herein. FIG. 5 illustrates that the first end region 36 of the hook 34 may include a first end 40. The first end 40 may include a cap 56 which may be releasably coupled to the distal end region 36 of the hook 34. When coupled to the first end region 36 of the hook 34, the cap 56 and the first end region 36 may define an aperture 42. It can be appreciated that the aperture 42 may be configured to permit the cable 18 to extend therethrough. FIG. 5 further illustrates that the distal end region 36 may include a curved region 46 which transitions into a vertically extending region 48. Additionally, FIG. 5 illustrates that the vertically extending region 48 may transition into an angled region 50. Additionally, FIG. 5 illustrates that the angled region 50 may transition to a curved region 52 of the second end region 38. It can be appreciated that the reference numeral 54 in FIG. 5 depicts the portion of the hook 34 (e.g., the throat defined by the curved region 52) in which the first support member 30 overlaps with the second support member 32 along the hook 34 at the overlap point 36 shown in FIG. 3.

[0068] FIG. 5 further illustrates that the hook may include an overall length “X”. In some examples, the length X may be about 4 inches to about 20 inches, or about 6 inches to about 18 inches, or about 8 inches to about 16 inches, or about 10 inches to about 14 inches, or about 7 inches to about 9 inches, or about 8 inches. Additionally, FIG. 5 further illustrates that the hook may include a length “Y” which extends from a surface of the vertical extending region 48 facing the cap 56 to a surface of the cap 56 which faces away from the vertical extending region 48. In some examples, the length Y may be about 0.5 inches to about 6 inches, or about 1 inch to about 5 inches, or about 2 inches to about 4 inches, or about 2.25 inches to about 2.75 inches, or about 3 inches, or about 2.5 inches.

[0069] FIG. 6 illustrates the cap 56 being separated from the distal end region 36 of the hook 34. It can be appreciated that the cap 56 may be configured to slide off the distal end region 36, as illustrated by the dashed lines in FIG. 6. It can be further appreciated that the distal end region 36 of the hook 34 may include a first rib 58a and a second rib 58b, whereby each of the first rib 58a and the second rib 58b extend along the entire thickness of the hook 34. Additionally, FIG. 6 illustrates that the distal end region 36 may include an arcuate portion 42a extending between the first rib 58a and the second rib 58b. It can be appreciated that the arcuate portion 42a may define that portion of the hook 34 that rests on the cable 18 described herein. In other words, the radius of the arcuate portion 42a may substantially match the radius of the cable 18.

[0070] FIG. 6 further illustrates that the cap 56 may include a first channel 60a and a second channel 60b, whereby each of the first channel 60a and the second channel 60b extend along the entire thickness of the cap 56. It can be appreciated that when the cap 56 is engaged with the distal end region 36 of the hook 34, the profile of the first rib 58a may mate with the profile of the first channel 60a and the profile of the second rib 58b may mate with the profile of the second channel 60b. It can be appreciated that the engagement of the ribs 58a, 58b with the channels 60a, 60b may releasably secure the cap 56 to the distal end region 36 of the hook 34. In some instances, securement of the cap 56 to the distal end region 36 of the hook 34 may be strengthened via a friction and / or compression fit.

[0071] Additionally, FIG. 6 illustrates that the cap 56 may include an arcuate portion 42b extending between the first channel 60a and the second channel 60b. It can be appreciated that the arcuate portion 42b may define that portion of the cap 56 that extends underneath (e.g., wraps around) the cable 18 and secures the hook 34 to the cable 18. It can be appreciated that the radius of the arcuate portion 42b may substantially match the radius of the cable 18. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that when the cap 56 is engaged with the distal end region 36, together the arcuate portion 42b of the cap 56 and the arcuate portion 42a of the distal end region 36 define the aperture 42 illustrated in FIG. 5. It can be appreciated that the hook 34 may be secured to the cable 18 by initially resting the arcuate portion 42a of the hook on the cable 18, followed by engagement of the cap 56 to the distal end region 36 of the hook 34, thereby wrapping the cap 56 underneath the cable 18 and effectively locking the hook 34 to the cable 18 while the cap 56 is engaged with the distal end region 36 of the hook 34. It can be appreciated that this configuration may prevent the hook 34 from falling off the cable 18 when being transported around a mushroom cultivation facility via the cultivation system 14.

[0072] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the example mushroom cultivation rack assembly 22 described herein. As described herein, the rack assembly 22 may be used to store individual blocks 26 of inoculated substrate during multiple phases (e.g., colonization, fruiting, harvesting, etc.) of the mushroom cultivation process. In some examples, the rack assembly 22 may include a first support member 68 (e.g., strap, band, belt, ribbon, wire, etc.), a second support member 70 (e.g., strap, band, belt, ribbon, wire, etc.) and one or more shelves 28 coupled to each of the first support member 68 and the second support member 70. It can be appreciated the first support member 68 and second support member 70 may be constructed from any type of fiber-based materials, including, but not limited to fibers, yams, braided filaments, woven filaments, braided threads, woven threads, cloth, canvas, leather, fabrics, nylon, metallic fibers, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, or any other similar materials or combinations thereof. Additionally, as will be described in greater detail herein, the rack assembly 22 may include a top plate 62 configured to couple the cable 18 to the first support member 68 and the second support member 70.

[0073] The each of the shelves 72 may be formed from a single wire which is shaped (e.g., bent, curved, etc.) into the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9. For clarity, the mushroom substrate block 26 has been omitted from the top shelf 72 in FIG. 7, thereby permitting visualization of the shelf 72. As can be appreciated from FIG. 7, each of the shelves 72 may form a U-shape.

[0074] As described herein and illustrated in FIG. 7, the cultivation rack assembly 22 may include the first support member 68 and the second support member 70. In other examples, the cultivation rack assembly 22 may be formed more or less than two individual support members together. While the cultivation rack assembly 22 illustrated in FIG. 7 shows two support members 68, 70, it is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the cultivation rack assembly 22 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more support members.

[0075] FIG. 7 illustrates that, in some embodiments, the shelves 72 may be formed as separate components that are attached to each of the first support member 68 and the second support member 70, in a subsequent manufacturing step. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates that each of the first support member 68 and the second support member 70 may include an aperture which is configured to permit the each shelf 72 to extend therethrough. Further, in some examples, each shelf 72 may include a wire “rod” which has been formed into the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that the each wire rod forming each shelf 72 may extend through the aperture in the first support member 68 and the second support member 70. Further, similar to the detail view of FIG. 2, each aperture formed in the first support member 68 and the second support member 70 may be reinforced with a grommet 34 (shown in FIG. 2).

[0076] Referring to FIG. 1A, the cultivation rack assembly 22 may include six horizontal shelves 72 vertically aligned within one another along the cultivation rack assembly 22. While the cultivation rack assembly 22 illustrated in FIG. 7 shows six horizontal shelves 72, it is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the cultivation rack assembly 22 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or more horizontal shelves 72.

[0077] It can be appreciated that each horizonal shelf 72 of the cultivation rack assembly 22 may be designed to hold a single block 26 of inoculated mushroom substrate. After an operator removes a block 26 of inoculated substrate from a mushroom bagging machine, the operator may place the individual block 26 of inoculated substrate on a single shelf 72 of the cultivation rack assembly 22. It can be appreciated that the shelves 72 of the cultivation rack assembly 22 may be designed to properly space the blocks 26 of inoculated substrate away from one another, thereby assuring optimal air flow around each individual block 26 during various cultivation phases (e.g., colonization, fruiting, harvesting, etc.) of the mushrooms. However, it can be appreciated that the cultivation rack assembly 22 may be sized to accommodate more than one block 26 of substrate per shelf 72. For example, the cultivation rack assembly 22 may be sized to accommodate 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more blocks 26 of mushroom substrate per shelf 72, while still assuring optimal air flow around each individual block 26 during colonization of the mushrooms.

[0078] As discussed herein, the cultivation rack assembly 22 may be designed to be utilized with an automated conveyor system 14 utilized to move the blocks 26 of inoculated mushroom substrate between various areas of the mushroom cultivation facility. In some examples, the cultivation rack assembly 22 may be designed to be hung from the cable 18 of the overhead conveyor system 14.

[0079] FIG. 8 illustrates the top plate 62 described above. FIG. 8 illustrates the top plate 62 may include a first hook 64 and a second hook 66, whereby each of the first hook 64 and the second hook 66 may include a first arcuate end 82 configured to engage the cable 18. In some examples, the radius of the first arcuate end 82 may match the profile of the cable 18. Additionally, it can be appreciated that the profile of each of the first hook 64 and the second hook 66 may be stamped or cut out of the material 74 used to construct the top plate 62. Further, after stamping of cutting the profile of the first hook 64 and the second hook 66, each of the first hook 64 and the second hook 66 may be bent 90 degrees to form the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 7-8, whereby each of the first hook 64 and the second hook 66 are in a substantially vertical orientation and substantially parallel to each another. FIG. 8 illustrates the void 76 in the material 74 of the top plate 62 after the first hook 64 has been bent 90 degrees and the void 78 in the material 74 of the top plate 62 after the second hook 66 has been bent 90 degrees.

[0080] FIG. 8 further illustrates that the top plate may include one or more projections 80 extending laterally outward from the top plate 62. It can be appreciated that each of the projections 80 may be configured to be inserted through the first support member 68 and / or the second support member 70, respectively, to secure the first support member 68 and the second support member 70 to the top plate 62. The securement of the first support member 68 and the second support member 70 via the protrusions 80 extending through the first support member 68 and the second support member 70 is also illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0081] FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the mushroom cultivation rack assembly 22 described herein. FIG. 9 illustrates the first support member 68, the second support member 70 and a U-shaped shelf 72 coupled to each of the first support member 68 and the second support member 70. Additionally, FIG. 9 illustrates the underside of the top plate 62 including the cutout void 76 and the cutout void 78 of the first hook 64 and the second hook 66, respectively. FIG. 9 further illustrates the first arcuate end 82 of the first hook 64 and the second hook 66, each of which is configured to engage the cable 18. FIG. 9 further illustrates the projections 80 extending laterally outward from the top plate 62. As discussed herein, it can be appreciated that each of the projections 80 may be configured to be inserted through the first support member 68 and / or the second support member 70, respectively, to secure the first support member 68 and the second support member 70 to the top plate 62.

[0082] FIG. 10 illustrates the cultivation rack assembly 24 in a collapsed configuration. It can be appreciated that any of the support members 30, 32, 68, 70 may be constructed from a flexible material that may be folded, collapse, accordioned, etc. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates that what the individual shelves 28 of the cultivation rack assembly 24 are free of the substrate blocks 26, the support members 30, 32, 68, 70 may be folded into a collapsed configuration in which the space between adjacent shelves 28 is minimized. It can be appreciated that the cultivation rack assembly 24 may be easier to store, stack, manipulate and / or maneuver when in a collapsed configuration.

[0083] FIG. 11 illustrates a portion of another example cultivation system 100. FIG. 11 illustrates a plurality of mushroom cultivation rack assemblies 122 and mushroom cultivation rack assemblies 124 coupled to a rigid beam member 112 (e.g., I-beam, rectangular beam, channel beam, etc.) via a roller bracket 116. It can be appreciated that the cultivation rack assembly 122 may be similar in form and function to the cultivation rack assembly 22 described herein. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates the cultivation rack assembly 122 including a top plate 162, a first hook 164, a second hook 166, a support member 168, a support member 170 and a shelf 172 supporting a mushroom substrate block 26. Further, it can be appreciated that the cultivation rack assembly 124 may be similar in form and function to the cultivation rack assembly 24 described herein. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates the cultivation rack assembly 124 including a hook 134, a support member 130, a support member 132 and a shelf 128 supporting a mushroom substrate block 26.

[0084] While FIG. 11 illustrates the two cultivation rack assemblies 122 and two cultivation rack assemblies 124 coupled to the beam 112, it can be appreciated that the cultivation system 100 may include any number of cultivation rack assemblies 122, 124 coupled to the beam 112. For example, the cultivation system may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 or more cultivation rack assemblies 122, 124 coupled to the beam 112. Further, the cultivation system 100 may include only the cultivation rack assemblies 122, only the cultivation rack assemblies 124 or any combination of the cultivation rack assemblies 122 and the cultivation rack assemblies 124. Further, when configured with a combination of cultivation rack assemblies 122 and cultivation rack assemblies 124, the cultivation rack assemblies 122, 124 may be positioned in any order along the beam 112 of the cultivation system 100.

[0085] As will be described herein, each of the mushroom cultivation rack assemblies 122, 124 may be configured to support one or more inoculated “blocks” 26 (e.g., sealed bag, log, sealed log, etc.) of mushroom substrate. It can be appreciated that in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 11, the cultivation rack assemblies 122, 124 may be configured such that the blocks 26 of mushroom substrate positioned on each rack assembly 122, 124 may be oriented such that the longitudinal axis of each block 26 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beam 112. In other words, each of the cultivation rack assemblies 122, 124 shown in FIGS. 11-12 have been rotated 90 degrees compared to the orientation of the cultivation rack assemblies 22, 24 shown in FIG. 1. In FIGS. 11-12, the blocks 26 of mushroom substrate may be positioned in this configuration during a colonization phase of the mushroom cultivation process (in contrast to the orientation of the blocks 26 in the fruiting phase shown in FIG. 1). In this configuration showing the colonization phase, the individual rack assemblies 122, 124 and mushroom substrate blocks 26 may be closer together as compared to the fruiting phase. In some examples, the cultivation rack assemblies 122, 124 may be separated from one another about 0.5 inches to about 36 inches, or about 1 inch to about 24 inches, or about 2 inches to about 20 inches, or about 2 inches to about 16 inches, or about 3 inches to about 12 inches, or about 3 inches to about 8 inches, or about 4 inches to about 8 inches, or about 4 inches to about 6 inches, or about 1 inch to about 3 inches, or about 1 inch to about 6 inches, or about 2 inches to about 3 inches. It can be appreciated that the spacing the individual rack assemblies 122, 124 closer together during the colonization phase may permit a greater number of mushroom substrate blocks 26 to be positioned within a given amount of space in a mushroom cultivation facility, thereby increasing the efficiency and mushroom yield within a given area of space in the mushroom cultivation facility.

[0086] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of each mushroom cultivation rack assemblies 122, 124 coupled to the beam 112 via a roller element 116. It is noted that a portion of the roller element 116 coupling the cultivation rack assembly 122 to the beam 112 is hidden from view by the beam 112.

[0087] FIG. 12 illustrates the beam 112 may include a channel 114 extending between a first shoulder 129a and a second shoulder 129b of the beam 112. Additionally, FIG. 12 illustrates that each roller element 116 may include a plurality of wheels 120 coupled to a vertical bracket 123. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the wheels 120 may be configured to engage and travel along the upper surface of the first shoulder 129a and a second shoulder 129b.

[0088] It can be further appreciated that each roller element 116 may include a rod 118 extending substantially perpendicular to the vertical bracket 123. Further, FIG. 12 illustrates the hook 134 (which may be similar in form and function to the hook 34 described herein) of the cultivation rack assembly 124 may be configured to releasably engage the rod 118. For example, the hook 134 may be configured to engage the rod 118 in a similar manner as the hook 34 engages the cable 18 as described with respect to FIGS. 2-6. Further, FIG. 12 illustrates the first hook 164 and a second hook 166 (which may be similar in form and function to the first hook 64 and the second hook 66 described herein) of the cultivation rack assembly 122 may be configured to releasably engage the rod 118 of the roller element 116. For example, the first hook 164 and the second hook 166 may be configured to engage the rod 118 in a similar manner as the first hook 164 and the second hook 166 engages the cable 18 as described with respect to FIGS. 7-9.

[0089] It can be appreciated that the beam 112 and associated roller elements 116 may be configured to integrate into any portion of the mushroom cultivation conveyor system described herein. It can be appreciated that in phases of the mushroom cultivation process that permit a greater number of cultivation rack assemblies 22, 24, 122, 124 to be positioned in a given area (e.g., during the colonization phase), the beam 112 and roller element 116 system may be utilized as it provides increased strength to support a greater number of cultivation rack assemblies 22, 24, 122, 124. For example, it can be appreciated that the roller elements 116 that travel along the shoulders 129a, 129b of the beam 112 may be powered by a cable that pulls the elements along the beam 112. Other methods to power the travel of the roller elements 116 along the beam 112 are contemplated. Additionally, it is appreciated that the roller elements 116 may be configured such that they are manually rolled (e.g., translated, moved, conveyed, etc.) along the beam 112. It can be further appreciated that the beam 112 and roller element 116 system may be integrated into a portion of the mushroom cultivation system 10 described herein. For example, the mushroom cultivation system 10 may include any combination of conveyor assemblies 14 and beam 112 and roller element 116 systems to convey any combination of cultivation rack assemblies 22, 24, 122, 124.

[0090] In some embodiments, the mushroom cultivation system 10 described herein and / or any components thereof may be made from a metal, metal alloy, polymer (some examples of which are disclosed below), reusable polymers, reusable plastics, a metal- polymer composite, ceramics, combinations thereof, and the like, or other suitable material.

[0091] Some examples of suitable polymers may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyoxymethylene (POM, for example, DELRIN® available from DuPont), polyether block ester, polyurethane (for example, Polyurethane 85A), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyether-ester (for example, ARNITEL® available from DSM Engineering Plastics), ether or ester based copolymers (for example, butylene / poly(alkylene ether) phthalate and / or other polyester elastomers such as HYTREL® available from DuPont), polyamide (for example, DURETHAN® available from Bayer or CRISTAMID® available from Elf Atochem), elastomeric polyamides, block polyamide / ethers, polyether block amide (PEBA, for example available under the trade name PEBAX®), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), silicones, polyethylene (PE), MARLEX® high-density polyethylene, MARLEX® low-density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene (for example REXELL®), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), poly paraphenylene terephthalamide (for example, KEVLAR®), polysulfone, nylon, nylon- 12 (such as GRILAMID® available from EMS American Grilon), perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) (PF A), ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyolefin, polystyrene, epoxy, polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (for example, SIBS and / or SIBS 50A), polycarbonates, polyisobutylene (PIB), polyisobutylene polyurethane (PIBU), polyurethane silicone copolymers (for example, Elast-Eon® from AorTech Biomaterials or ChronoSil® from AdvanSource Biomaterials), ionomers, biocompatible polymers, reusable polymers, recyclable polymers, high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), other suitable materials, or mixtures, combinations, copolymers thereof, polymer / metal composites, and the like. In some embodiments the sheath can be blended with a liquid crystal polymer (LCP). For example, the mixture can contain up to about 6 percent LCP.

[0092] Some examples of suitable metals and metal alloys include stainless steel, such as 304V, 304L, and 316LV stainless steel; mild steel; nickel -titanium alloy such as linear- elastic and / or super-elastic nitinol; other nickel alloys such as nickel-chromium- molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: N06625 such as INCONEL® 625, UNS: N06022 such as HASTELLOY® C-22®, UNS: N10276 such as HASTELLOY® C276®, other HASTELLOY® alloys, and the like), nickel-copper alloys (e g., UNS: N04400 such as MONEL® 400, NICKELVAC® 400, NICORROS® 400, and the like), nickel-cobalt- chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: R3OO35 such as MP35-N® and the like), nickel-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: N10665 such as HASTELLOY® ALLOY B2®), other nickel -chromium alloys, other nickel-molybdenum alloys, other nickel -cobalt alloys, other nickel-iron alloys, other nickel-copper alloys, other nickel-tungsten or tungsten alloys, and the like; cobalt-chromium alloys; cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: R30003 such as ELGILOY®, PHYNOX®, and the like); platinum enriched stainless steel; titanium; platinum; palladium; gold; combinations thereof; or any other suitable material. It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative.

[0093] Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. This may include, to the extent that it is appropriate, the use of any of the features of one example embodiment being used in other embodiments. The disclosure’s scope is defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A rack for cultivating mushrooms, comprising: a first shelf formed from a first member; a first support member having a first end region, a second end region and a medial region extending between the first end region and the second end region; a second support member having a first end region, a second end region and a medial region extending between the first end region and the second end region; and a coupling member configured to couple the first support member and the second support member to a mushroom cultivation system; wherein the first member is configured to pass through a first aperture in the first support member; wherein the first member is configured to pass through a second aperture in the second support member.

2. The rack of claim 1, wherein the first member is a rod.

3. The rack of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the first member is U-shaped.

4. The rack of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first member includes a first lateral region, a second lateral region and a medial region extending between the first lateral region and the second lateral region, and wherein the medial region is substantially perpendicular to the first lateral region and the second lateral region.

5. The rack of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising a second shelf formed from a second member, and wherein the second member is configured to be in vertical alignment with the first member.

6. The rack of any one of claims 1 -5, wherein the first member includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and wherein the first end of the first member is configured to pass through the first support member and wherein the second end of the first member is configured to pass through the second support member.

7. The rack of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the rack is configured to shift from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration.

8. The rack of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the coupling member includes a hook.

9. The rack of claim 1, wherein the coupling member includes a top plate, and wherein the top plate includes a first hook and a second hook.

10. The rack of claim 8, wherein the hook includes a first end region and a second end region, and wherein the first end region is configured to engage a cable of a mushroom cultivating system.

11. The rack of claim 10, wherein the second end region includes curved portion designed to accept the first support member, the second support member or both the first and the second support members.

12. The rack of claim 8, where the hook further includes a releasable cap configured to engage the first end region of the hook.

13. The rack of claim 12, wherein the engagement of the cap with the first end region of the hook forms and aperture in the hook, and wherein a cable of a mushroom cultivation system is configured to extend through the aperture.

14. The rack of claim 1, further comprising a swivel configured to couple a first end of the coupling member to the first support member and the second support member.

15. A system for cultivating mushrooms, the system comprising: a first conveyor assembly, wherein the first conveyor assembly includes: a first drive wheel coupled to a framework; a cable coupled to the first drive wheel, wherein the first drive wheel is configured to translate the cable; a first cultivation rack assembly coupled to the cable, the first cultivation rack comprising: a first shelf formed from a first member; a first support member having a first end region, a second end region and a medial region extending between the first end region and the second end region; a second support member having a first end region, a second end region and a medial region extending between the first end region and the second end region; and a coupling member configured to couple the first support member and the second support member to a mushroom cultivation system; wherein the first member is configured to pass through a first aperture in the first support member; wherein the first member is configured to pass through a second aperture in the second support member.

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