Abstract: A self-contained and low-maintenance two-piece planter providing significantly extended self-watering time for plants in an upper member supported by a fluid-containing lower member. An exterior indentation on the bottom perimeter edge of the upper member engages a small interior ledge positioned near the top edge of the lower member to provide a stable and readily-separable connection between upper and lower members. The upper member's bottom surface supports a fill-tube and has perforations covered by fluid-permeable material, and at least one wicking member is positioned on the material with an end extending through one of the perforations. Plants may be in pots supported by the upper member, or plants may be rooted in a growth/support medium distributed therein. No municipal power or water supply connections are used. Applications include, but are not limited to, daily self-watering of plants in residential homes, shopping malls, commercial buildings, hotels, convention centers, and college campuses.

Abstract: A self-contained, low-maintenance planter insert assembly used indoors or outdoors in planters and other containers to provide prolonged self-watering of plants in a tray supported by its fluid-containing base member. A fill-tube and handle combination upwardly-depending from the tray helps lift and position a bottom perimeter notch against an interior rim in the base member for stable but readily-separable connection between them. Plant roots may be in growth/support medium distributed directly into the tray, or in drainable pots. Fluid-permeable material under the support medium allows surplus rainwater to refill the base member, and a wicking member or members extend from the base member to the tray distributing fluid upwardly to plant roots. No connections for power or water are needed for insert assembly function, and its tray has detachable rings for height-adjustment. Applications include, but are not limited to, residential and commercial use, including hotels, convention centers, malls, and schools.

Abstract: A planter insert and planter insert assembly. In an embodiment, the planter insert assembly includes a planter housing with an upper portion and a bottom reservoir portion with a bottom interior surface; a tray defining a containment space for plant support media, wherein the tray is disposed within the upper portion of the planter housing, the tray having a bottom surface with a plurality of perforations allowing for insertion of at least one wicking member, the tray further having a sidewall including a bottom portion, wherein the bottom surface of the tray depends from the bottom portion of the sidewall; and a tray support disposed within the bottom reservoir portion of the planter housing, the tray support having a top surface, wherein the tray is supported only by the tray support when the bottom surface of the tray is positioned on the top surface of the tray support.

Abstract: A self-contained, low-maintenance planter assembly used indoors or outdoors to provide prolonged self-watering of plants in a tray preferably supported by an easily height-adjustable frame insert positioned within the lower reservoir portion of a fluid-containing planter housing. Interior tray-lifting members are located adjacent to the tray's top edge, and the tray's bottom surface has perforations. Plant roots may be in growth/support medium distributed directly into the tray, or in drainable pots. Fluid-permeable material under the growth/support medium allows surplus rainwater to refill the planter housing via the tray's perforations in outdoor applications, while an overfill prevention hole in the planter housing prevents nutrient/liquid therein from entering the tray, with wicking member or members instead distributing nutrient/liquid upwardly to tray-supported plant roots. No tools or power/water connections are needed for assembly function.

Abstract: A process for producing an injection molded article with a hollow rim portion in an injection molding machine including the steps of injecting a short shot of injection molding material into a mold via an injection nozzle, permitting a mold cavity to fill in an unbalanced manner as a result of a gas channel formed in a wall of the mold, closing the injection nozzle; and injecting a pressurized gas into the short shot of injection molding material, wherein the pressurized gas travels through the gas channel into a rim portion of the mold thereby expanding the injection molding material throughout the mold and simultaneously creating a hollow cavity within the rim portion of the mold.

Abstract: A decorative object including a groove, such as a grooved border or other indicia, with a rounded apex and well-defined sidewalls, formed in the back surface of the object. The back side of the object is painted a first color and the grooved border is painted a second different or contrasting color to give the illusion of a frame made of metal, stone or some other material that is embedded in the object. The illusion of an embedded frame gives the object a three-dimensional visual quality.

Abstract: There is disclosed a planter pouch comprising a bag shaped, flexible, plastic bladder having an open top and containing a polymeric growth medium. The open top is secured between a rigid collar and a cylindrical cap, the cap being provided with a plurality of slits through which the stalks of living plants can be inserted until their roots are embedded in the polymeric growth medium. The planter pouch permits living plants contained therein to grow without adding water for prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: An auger planter is provided for forming small holes in the earth for the planting of flower bulbs and the like. The auger includes a central shaft and a single flighting having its leading and trailing ends truncated. When used, the single flighted auger exhibits minimal eccentric orbital rotation and minimizes inadvertent injury to the user.

Abstract: An auger planter is provided for forming small holes in the earth for the planting of flower bulbs and the like. The auger includes a central shaft and a single flighting having its leading and trailing ends truncated. When used, the single flighted auger exhibits minimal eccentric orbital rotation and minimizes inadvertent injury to the user.

Abstract: A plant receptacle for use with an umbrella-type table having a generally horizontal table top and an umbrella mounted to an umbrella supporting member extending generally vertically through an aperture located in said table top is disclosed. The receptacle comprises a first, outer container, a second, inner container and a central sleeve. The first container is generally saucer shaped and has a side wall and a bottom wall. The bottom wall of the first container has a central aperture dimensioned to permit the umbrella supporting member to extend through such aperture. The sleeve extends upwardly from the bottom wall of the first container and is open at both ends and is internally dimensioned to permit the umbrella supporting member to extend through such sleeve. The second container is adapted to be positioned upon and within the first container and is generally bowl shaped and has a side wall and a bottom wall.