Mushroom cultivating unit and method

Abstract

A mushroom cultivating unit, comprising: a container having an opening through which mushrooms seeded within the container may grow; and a cover adapted for use with the container; wherein, when fitted to the container, the cover extends over the opening and maintains a humid environment within an interior of the container while permitting outside air exchange to thereby promote pinning of the mushrooms.

Description

MUSHROOM CULTIVATING UNIT AND METHODTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a unit and method for cultivating mushrooms. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a mushroom cultivating unit and method that utilises a container to provide an interior environment that promotes pinning and subsequent fruiting of mushrooms.BACKGROUND

[0002] Mushrooms are a fungi based food source that is extensively used in cooking throughout the world. Whilst wild mushrooms are known to spawn in a diverse range of natural environments, most mushrooms consumed today are commercially grown on large scale indoor farms that use specialised equipment to provide highly controlled environments. Such environments provide means for controlling and balancing humidity, fresh air exchange, temperature, and light in order to provide optimal conditions for each stage of the mushroom growth cycle.

[0003] Recently, there has been an increased desire to grow mushrooms at home. Whilst it is possible to grow mushrooms outside in shaded, moist environments, such process is weather dependent and typically is possible at particular times of year. With this in mind, there is a general preference for home growers to cultivate mushrooms indoors, in an attempt to replicate, to varying degrees, the controlled growing environment that is provided at commercial mushroom farms.

[0004] Against this backdrop, mushroom growing bags or 'grow bags' have become prominent and widely available. Grow bags are typically made of plastic and are designed to be filled with a compost based substrate and seeded with mycelium or mushroom spores, before being hung or rested vertically inside the home or shed. Once filled, a home user will typically make a pair of incisions into the bag to form a pair of flaps through which the substrate may be watered daily, sealing the flaps after watering to retain humidity. Also, mushroom growing 'kits' are becoming popular. Such kits typically include a single-use cardboard box-like growing container within which an open-topped grow bag is sat. When using the kit, a home user spreads a supplied 'casing' or layer of peat moss atop the grow bag. The casing is used as a covering that holds water to creates a moisture-rich microclimate where young mushrooms can form. The kit is then placed in a cool, generally shaded room to provide optimal growing conditions for the mushrooms.

[0005] Increasing environmental concerns around the sustainability of peat-based materials, together with the generally pungent smell associated with handling compost has resulted in a demand for an improved, clean and method and / or system for growing mushrooms at home.

[0006] The present invention has been conceived with the above in mind, and seeks to at least in part alleviate the above-identified problems or to provide the public with a useful choice.SUMMARY

[0007] In a first aspect, the invention provides a mushroom cultivating unit, comprising: a container having an opening through which mushrooms seeded within the container may grow; and a cover adapted for use with the container; wherein, when fitted to the container, the cover extends over the opening so as to maintain a humid environment within an interior of the container while permitting outside air exchange to thereby promote pinning of the mushrooms.

[0008] The opening of the container may be provided within an upper surface thereof and provides passage for watering of the mushrooms. The upper surface of the container may be concave so as to promote over-spray of water to feed back through the opening.

[0009] In some embodiments, the container may include a base and a lid that is removable attachable thereto, the lid and base together defining the interior of the container. The opening may be provided within the lid of the container. The lid may be adapted to engage over an outer rim of the base.

[0010] The container may be adapted to house a grow bag that includes substrate within which the mushrooms are seeded. The container may be configured to permit soaking and / or submersion of the grow bag accommodated therein. The container may be configured to apply pressure onto the grow bag so as to hold the grow bag in abutment therewith. The container may be formed from a substantially opaque material. The container may be formed from a thermally insulating material.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cover may comprise a generally planar tray. The cover may include feet that project from the tray and are configured to provide an air gap between the tray and the opening. The cover may be adapted to rest beneath the container after pinning of the mushrooms and thereby serve as a drip tray for the container. The cover may be formed from a substantially translucent material.

[0012] In a second aspect, the invention provides a container for use with the mushroom cultivating unit as described herein.

[0013] In a third aspect the invention provides a cover for use with the mushroom cultivating unit as described herein.

[0014] In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a mushroom growing kit that includes the mushroom cultivating unit as described herein and at least one grow bag seeded with mushrooms.

[0015] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method for cultivating mushrooms, including the steps of: (i) housing a substrate having mushrooms seeded therein within a container; (ii) covering an opening of the container with a cover to promote pinning of the mushrooms by maintaining a humid interior of the container while permitting outside air exchange; and (iii) removing the cover to promote fruiting of the mushrooms by permitting growth and watering thereof through the opening.

[0016] The method may include the additional step of: (iv) soaking the substrate by submersion within the container to promote a second flush of mushrooms from the substrate.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 is exploded perspective view of a mushroom cultivating unit, according to an embodiment of the invention;Figure 2 is a perspective view of the mushroom cultivating unit of Figure 1 in a pinning configuration;Figure 2 is a perspective view of the mushroom cultivating unit of Figure 1 in a fruiting configuration;Figure 4 is an end view of a container that forms part of the mushroom cultivating unit of Figure 1 ;Figure 5 is a side view of the container of Figure 4;Figure 6 is a top view of a cover that forms part of the mushroom cultivating unit of Figure 1 ;Figure 7 is a side view of the cover of Figure 6; andFigure 8 is a flowsheet that schematically illustrates a method of cultivating mushrooms, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings may be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0019] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of the example methods and materials are described herein.

[0020] In general terms, embodiments of the invention as shown in the Figures relate to a mushroom cultivating unit 10 that is used to cultivate and harvest mushrooms at home. The unit 10 includes a container 12 and a cover 14 that is adapted for use with the container 12. The container 12 has an interior 16 that is adapted to accommodate a substrate that is seeded with mycelium and / or mushroom spores. An opening 18 within the container 12 provides access to the interior 16 and allows outside air therewith. During use of the unit 10, the cover 14 may be placed atop the container 12 to maintain a generally humid environment within the interior 16 that promotes pinning of the mushrooms and may be subsequently removed from the container 12 to provide an environment within the interior 16 that promotes fruiting of the mushrooms.

[0021] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the components of the mushroom cultivating unit 10, according to a preferred embodiment. Said components include, generally, the container 12 and cover 14 as described above, with the container 12 being made up of a lower portion or base 20 and a separate upper portion or lid 22 . The base 20 serves as a housing for one or more grow bags 24 (not shown) of substrate seeded with mushrooms while the lid 22 includes the opening 18 and, when attached to the base 20, provides an upper surface of the container 12.

[0022] It is important to acknowledge that there are two mains stages to the mushroom cultivation process. The first stage is called “pinning”. This is where the mushrooms start to form within the substrate within which they are seeded, creating small pin-like buds. During this time, it is beneficial to keep a very moist “greenhouse” type environment but also provide enough ventilation to achieve what is known as “fresh air exchange”.

[0023] Humidity needs to be kept high to allow the mushrooms to grow large & healthy while fresh air exchange prevents the accumulation of carbon dioxide that is exhaled by the mushrooms, with the dirty carbon dioxide being replaced with clean outside air. It is understood that, generally speaking, increasing fresh air exchange may often directly reduce humidity. Achieving an optimal balance of these two factors is particularly important in the success and yield of the final crop of "flush".

[0024] The second "fruiting" stage of the mushroom growing process is where the mushrooms grow into the harvested size. Typically, this stage takes place over approximately a week where the mushrooms will be misted once or twice a day until they are ready to be harvested. During this stage, it is important to ensure that the mushrooms are well watered and protected from direct sun light to avoid drying out.

[0025] Turning now to Figures 2 and 3, which show the mushroom cultivating unit 10 in two - different - configurations. In a pinning configuration (shown in Figure 2) the cover 14 is fitted atop the assembled container 12 whereas in a fruiting configuration (shown in Figure 3) the cover is fitted beneath the assembled container 12. These two distinct configurations of the mushroom cultivating unit 10 are designed to provide, respectively, optimal growing conditions for the pinning and fruiting stages of the mushroom cultivation process.

[0026] When arranged in the pinning configuration, the cover 14 is fitted or otherwise positioned atop the base 20 of the container 12. As shown in the Figures, the cover 14 is shaped so as to generally conform with an upper surface of the container 12, as defined by lid 22. In this way, when rested on or otherwise placed above the lid 22, the cover 14 extends over the opening or openings 18 formed therein. In this way, the cover 14 operates to trap moisture within the interior 16 of the container 12, thereby maintaining a humid environment therein. Notably, the cover 14 is configured to also permit a sufficient degree of outside air exchange to allow evacuation of carbon dioxide from the interior 16.

[0027] In particular, as shown in the Figures, the cover 14 is, when fitted or otherwise arranged atop the lid 22, spaced away from the opening 18 in a height-wise direction of the container 12 - that is, in a direction that extends outwardly from the interior 16 via the opening 18. In this manner, it is understood that cover 14 has been specifically designed to fit over the lid 22 to create a greenhouse effect within the interior 16 of the container 12 and to be spaced slightly above the upper surface thereof as defined by lid 22 to thereby allow for requisite fresh air exchange with the outside. Also, as shown, the lid is at least partially transparent so as to allow a user to see the interior 16 of the container and identify when the mushrooms therein have pinned.

[0028] Once the mushrooms have pinned, the mushroom cultivating unit 10 is transitioned to the fruiting configuration via removal of the cover 14 from atop the lid 22 and the arrangement thereof beneath the base 20. In particular, as shown in Figure 3, when the mushroom cultivating unit 10 is in the fruiting configuration the cover 14 serves as a drip tray that is designed to capture overspray that may occur during watering of the mushrooms. Meanwhile, the container 12 insulates the grow bag 24 accommodated therein from direct sunlight and high heat, providing a controlled environment within the interior 16 that promotes fruiting of mushrooms.

[0029] It is also understood that with the cover 14 being arranged beneath the base 20, the upper surface of the container 12 as defined by lid 22 is substantially free, such that the opening(s) 18 are clear and not otherwise throttled or impeded by the cover 14. In turn, this allows for a generally less humid environment which is known to be beneficial for the fruiting stage of mushroom cultivation. In this configuration, the opening(s) 18 serve as a passage that provides easy access to the interior 16 of the container 12 without the requirement of the lid 22 thereof being removed. In this way, the mushrooms may be sprayed or otherwise supplied with water via the opening(s) 18. The lid 22 has a generally concave surface -at least within the area immediately surrounding the opening(s) 18 - that catches overspray of water and directs the overspray back through the opening 18 and into the interior 16.

[0030] Notably, at the completion of the fruiting stage and following harvesting of the mushrooms, the mushroom cultivating unit 10 may be transitioned to a soaking configuration (not shown). In the soaking configuration, the cover 14 is set aside and the container 12 serves as a soaking vessel that is used to promote a second crop or flush of mushrooms. In particular, the interior 16 of the container 12 is filled with water (either by removing the lid 22, or through the opening(s) 18) until the grow bag(s) 24 therein is fully submerged in water.

[0031] In this configuration, the lid 22 (which may be refitted following the filling of the base 22 with water) acts as a weigh or anchor that applies a downwards pressure to the grow bag 24 and / or otherwise assists in keeping the grow bag 24 submerged in the water, obviating the need to tie down the grow bag 24 by other means as is typically required due to the fact that the growing medium within the grow bag 24 is typically buoyant and must be held beneath the water. After the soak, the water is emptied from the container 12 by either removing the 22 thereof or pouring out through the opening(s) 18, with the substrate within the grow bag 24 being rehydrated and ready for a second flush of mushrooms. It is understood that the soaking of the grow bag 24 assists in bringing on the second flush faster than would otherwise be the case.

[0032] The various individual components of the mushroom cultivating unit 10 will now be described in detail with respect to the corresponding Figures.

[0033] Turning first to Figures 4 and 5, which show the container 12 of mushroom growing unit 10.

[0034] The base 20 of the container 12 is designed to house the grow bag 24. For example, the base 20 may accommodate either one large, or two smaller grow bags 24 side by side. The base 20 is preferably made from an opaque material that stops direct sunlight from hitting the grow bag 24. As previously noted, direct sunlight can be an inhibitor to good mushroom growth. The base 20 may, for example, be made from a plastic material such as polyurethane or polyethylene.

[0035] As shown, the lid 22 is provided with two slots within the upper surface thereof. These slots provide the openings 18 of the container 12 and are where the mushrooms grow from. The lid 22 is configured to engage with the base 20. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, a skirt 26 provided around an underside of the lid 22 is configured to engage over an outer rim 28 of the base 20. For example, the skirt 26 may be provided with ribs or other engagement members that may clip or otherwise snap about the outer rim 28 of the base 20. Such securement of the lid 22 to the base 20 imparts a generally downwards pressure that assists in securing the grow bag(s) 24 within the base 20, but also helps guide the mushrooms to grow out of the opening(s) 18 in the lid 22 rather than turning back into the base 20 whilst fruiting. Like base 20, the lid 22 is preferably formed from an opaque material.

[0036] When viewed from respective sides thereof, the container 12 has a profile that approximates that of a mushroom, with the lid 22 flaring outwardly from the stem-like base portion 20. In this manner, the container 12 is understood to provide a generally aesthetically pleasing vessel that is designed to look at home in kitchen area - rather than an outdoor or less managed area that is more typical of existing mushroom growing kits. The temperature with a home kitchen tends to be more controlled (for human comfort) than other areas of the home such as the laundry or outdoor sheds and the like, with the generally stable surrounding environment helping to provide a more consistent temperature within the interior 16 of the container 12 for mushroom growth.

[0037] Moving now to Figures 6 and 7, which show the cover 14 of the mushroom growing unit 10.

[0038] The cover 14 comprises a generally planar tray-like body 30 that is designed to fit over the lid 22, being of a generally corresponding size and shape. The body 30 of the cover 14 is also configured to receive a lower or bottom surface 32 of the base 20. It is contemplated thatthe body 30 may include a perimeter lip that is adapted to locate a generally flattened bottom surface 32 of the base 20.

[0039] The cover 14 is provided with feet 34 that as shown, are spaced about the respective corners thereof. The feet 30 assist in spacing the cover 14 slightly above the opening(s) 18 of the lid 22 when fitted or otherwise placed thereon. A further, central, foot 34 is also provided, being disposed so as to lie between the openings 18 when fitted to the lid 22. It is understood that, when the unit 10 is in the fruiting configuration, the feet 34 serve to hold the cover 14 above a surface upon which the container 12 is supported, thereby preventing water from pooling therebeneath.

[0040] The cover 14 is made from a translucent material that helps to temper direct sunlight reaching the interior 16 of the container 12 yet provides visibility for a user to watch for the pinning of the mushrooms therein via opening(s) 18. This is an important characteristic, in that the user can determine the approached time to transition the unit 10 from the pinning to the fruiting configuration, without the need to remove the cover 14 or lid 22. In turn, this assists in maintaining the controlled, humid environment of the interior 16 during pinning.

[0041] It is contemplated that the mushroom cultivation unit 10 may be provided together with one or more grow bags 24 as a kit 36 (not shown). Additional grow bags 24 may subsequently be delivered to the customer on a subscription based service. The grow bags 24 include a growing medium (such as sugar cane waste, sawdust or other organic matter) plus mycelium and mushroom spores and are factory sealed to retard the growing process. To trigger or otherwise begin the growing process, a home user will make a cut in the bag, and eventually the mushrooms will grow from this cut area. It is contemplated that the grow bags 24 will be provided with a label or indicator 38 (not shown) to show the user where to cut the bag 24. Further, the indicator 38 is configured to act as a guide to assist the user in correctly placing the grow bag 24 within the base 20 of the container, such that the grow bag 24 is aligned with the opening(s) 18 of the container 12.

[0042] A method 100 of cultivating mushrooms using the mushroom growing unit 10 as described herein will now be described with reference to Figure 8.

[0043] In a housing step 110, a substrate having mushrooms seeded therein is housed within a container 12. During this step, for example, a user may insert a grow bag 24 into a base 20 of the container, before closing the container 12 by attaching its lid 22. The user may then make one or more cuts into the bag 24 as directed by an indicator 38 of the grow bag 24, and locatethe bag 24 so as to align the cuts with opening(s) 18 of the lid 22. The user may then moisten the substrate of the grow bag by spraying with water.

[0044] In a covering step 120, the opening(s) of the container 12 are (at least partially) covered with a cover 14. During this step, for example, a user may place the cover 14 atop the lid 22 of the container 12, such that tray portion 30 thereof extends over the slot-like openings 18. Notably, however, the tray portion 30 is held slightly above the openings 18 by feet 34 that project downwardly from the tray portion 30. Arranging the cover 14 in this manner promotes pinning of the mushrooms by maintaining a humid environment within the container while permitting outside air exchange.

[0045] In a removing step 130, the cover 14 is removed from the opening(s). During this step, for example, a user may remove the cover 14 from atop the lid 22 of the container 12, and place the cover 14 beneath the base 20 to serve as a drip tray. Arranging the cover 14 in this manner promotes fruiting of the mushrooms by providing a less humid environment and by permitting growth and watering of the mushrooms via the openings 18. Typically, this step 130 is performed about one week after step 120, and is triggered by the identification of mushroom pinning via visual inspection by the user.

[0046] Optionally, in a subsequent soaking step 140, the substrate is submerged within the container 12 to promote a second flush of mushrooms. During this step, for example, following harvesting of mushrooms, the user may can choose to fill the container 12 with water such that the grow bag 24 therein is submerged in water with the lid 22 of the container 12 applying a generally downward pressure to hold the buoyant grow bag beneath a level of the water surface. The soaking may be for a duration of approximately twelve hours. Performing this soaking step 140 may speed up the process by which a user to grow a second (or further) crop of mushrooms from the same grow bag 24.

[0047] Summarily, it is understood that embodiments of the invention as described herein provide a mushroom cultivating unit and method that allows home users to easily grow mushrooms at home, while providing an aesthetically pleasing product solution that is suited to being on display in a kitchen or home environment. In particular, the mushroom cultivating unit provides a vessel to house bagged mushroom grow-pods and provide an ideal environment for pinning, fruiting and eventually harvesting of mushrooms. The mushroom cultivating method described herein is an easy process that can be performed home, and is user friendly and “clean” in that users do not need to get their hands dirty by handling the mycelium and growing medium with the cultivating unit.

[0048] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

[0049] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word ‘comprise’, and variations such as ‘comprises’ and ‘comprising’, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.LEGEND

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A mushroom cultivating unit, comprising: a container having an opening through which mushrooms seeded within the container may grow; and a cover adapted for use with the container; wherein, when fitted to the container, the cover extends over the opening so as to maintain a humid environment within an interior of the container while permitting outside air exchange to thereby promote pinning of the mushrooms.2 The mushroom cultivating unit of claim 1 , wherein the opening of the container is provided within an upper surface thereof and provides passage for watering of the mushrooms.3 The mushroom cultivating unit of claim 2, wherein the upper surface of the container is concave so as to promote over-spray of water to feed back through the opening.4 The mushroom cultivating unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container includes a base and a lid that is removable attachable thereto, the lid and base together defining the interior of the container.5 The mushroom cultivating unit of claim 4, wherein the opening is provided within the lid of the container.6 The mushroom cultivating unit of claim 5, wherein the lid is adapted to engage over an outer rim of the base.7 The mushroom cultivating unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is adapted to house a grow bag that includes substrate within which the mushrooms are seeded.8 The mushroom cultivating unit of claim 7, wherein the container is configured to permit soaking and / or submersion of the grow bag accommodated therein.9 The mushroom cultivating unit of any claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the container is configured to apply pressure onto the grow bag so as to hold the grow bag in abutment therewith.

10. The mushroom cultivating unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is formed from a substantially opaque material.1 1 . The mushroom cultivating unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is formed from a thermally insulating material.

12. The mushroom cultivating unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover comprises a generally planar tray.

13. The mushroom cultivating unit of claim 12, wherein the cover includes feet that project from the tray and are configured to provide an air gap between the tray and the opening,14. The mushroom cultivating unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover is adapted to rest beneath the container after pinning of the mushrooms and thereby serve as a drip tray for the container.

15. The mushroom cultivating unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover is formed from a substantially translucent material.

16. A container for use with the mushroom cultivating unit of any one of the preceding claims.

17. A cover for use with the mushroom cultivating unit of any one of claims 1 to 15.

18. A mushroom growing kit that includes the mushroom cultivating unit of any one of claims 1 to 15 and at least one grow bag seeded with mushrooms.

19. A method for cultivating mushrooms, including the steps of: housing a substrate having mushrooms seeded therein within a container; covering an opening of the container with a cover to promote pinning of the mushrooms by maintaining a humid interior of the container while permitting outside air exchange; and removing the cover from the opening to promote fruiting of the mushrooms by permitting growth and watering thereof through the opening.

20. The method of claim 19, including the additional step of: soaking the substrate by submersion within the container to promote a second flush of mushrooms from the substrate.

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