Abstract: A square RSC carton for potted plants and flowers to be used for shipping the potted item in the carton to the retail store, and for display of the potted item at the retail store. The top flaps are perforated for removal of arcuate portions of the top flaps and form a circular rim defining an aperture through which the flower pot is placed for support of its flange on the top flaps at the circular rim. "Pop-in" segments are formed across the corners of the adjacent side panels by parallel lateral slits and parallel vertical hinges enabling reversing the structure to support the weight of the flower pot by the top flaps. The top flaps are also infolded at second fold lines to suspend the flower pot below the top end of the carton thereby hiding the pot inside the display and showing only the flowers or plant.

Abstract: A moisture sensitive self-watering planter utilizes a control valve to effect watering of the soil in a liner of the planter upon automatic detection of a predetermined level of dryness of the soil. The planter uses a weight-based system of detecting the amount of moisture in the soil to control the automatic release of a predetermined amount of water into the soil for rehydration thereof. As the weight of the soil increases with the volume of water, the valve is automatically closed to terminate the irrigation process.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for irradiation of plants using optoelectronic devices. In accordance with this invention, optoelectronic devices that emit radiant energy at the appropriate wavelength are operated in a continuous mode or pulsed asymmetrically at a frequency and level of electrical power that results in sufficient irradiance to support plant growth and development. The apparatus consists of: (1) an array of optoelectronic devices, primarily light emitting diodes, for producing irradiance in each of three different wavelength regions necessary for specific plant photobiological reactions, (2) a pulse generator and associated electric power driving components, and (3) an electric direct current (D.C.) power supply.

Abstract: A holder for a stuffed toy animal may be used with a floral arrangement. The floral arrangement includes a vase with an outer surface and a peripheral lip and flowers which are disposed in the vase. The holder includes a back frame, a base platform and two grasping arms. The back frame has a top member, a bottom member and two side members. The base platform is pivotally coupled to the bottom member of the back frame so that it can be folded against the back frame. The stuffed toy animal is placed on the base platform in an upright position relative thereto. One end of each grasping arm is pivotally coupled to one of the two side members of the back frame so that the two grasping arms may either be folded so that they are adjacent to the back frame or be swung out in order to operate together holding the stuffed toy animal in its upright position. The back frame has a pair of ribbon slits which are disposed on the side members thereof and a vase hook which is mechanically coupled to the top member thereof.

Abstract: A plant watering container comprised of lower and upper mating container sections. The top wall of the upper section is formed with a central opening for supporting a pot, with a wick extending into the growing media in the bottom of the pot and downwardly into the water reservoir provided by the lower container section. The upper container section is formed with beveled side edges similar in angularity to the normal droop angle of plant leaves, whereby the beveled surfaces form supporting surfaces for the leaves. The container is very inexpensive to manufacture and provides a simple bottom watering device utilizing capillary action for the watering of plants in very small pots.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for hanging plants, pots or the like. The apparatus is comprised of a hollow center post having modularly pieced components upon which is mounted radially extending arms and legs. A center hub is provided for mounting the radially extending arms and legs to said center post. The center post is adapted for being supported in its upright position by various type means for mounting on the floor, a tree dolly or for mounting directly into the earth.

Abstract: An apparatus for even exposure of potted plants to sunlight includes a base, a potted plant receiving platter rotatably mounted to said base with the platter having an upstanding peripheral flange bounding an interior portion of the platter. A shroud is mounted to the base and defines a cowl which overlies the platter's peripherlal flange to confine dirt and water to the interior portion of the platter. The platter has peripheral gear teeth and an electric motor and drive assembly is coupled to the platter for rotation thereof at predetermined timed intervals. An optional wheeled carriage can be mounted to the base with the carriage wheels rotatably coupled for movement of a plant across a support surface. A set of slave units including rotatable platters can be interconnected together and to a powered master unit for simultaneous rotation of many plants.

Abstract: A hydroponic system is disclosed that consists of a novel nutrient supply system. An air pump is connected into an air line that extends into a nutrient solution container. A nutrient solution supply line extends from the nutrient solution container, and a nutrient solution return line extends back into the nutrient solution container. The return line will be connected to the lowermost vertical extent of the plant containers and will return any excess nutrient fluid back into the nutrient supply system. A flap valve is disposed on the return line within the fluid container and will increase the efficiency of the pumping of the nutrient fluid. The nutrient solution return line, the nutrient solution supply line and the high-pressure air line are all connected into a T-connector. A small opening is formed in the T-connector adjacent the connection of the return line and the T-connector.

Abstract: An adjustable arbor-like umbrella construction is provided by which the umbrella may be adapted to a variety of locations and supports real and/or artificial plants or tree branches in order to provide shade in an aesthetically pleasing manner. In an exemplary embodiment, the umbrella of the present invention includes a center pole, a central hub support atop the pole, and a plurality of lattice assemblies radiating from the support hub and being rotatably attached thereto. Each of the lattice assemblies is formed of a plurality of slats pivotally connected to one another. Since each lattice assembly may be rotated with respect to the support hub and each slat of each lattice assembly may be pivoted with respect to an adjacent slat, the umbrella can be arranged in not only a variety of circular shapes of varying diameter, but also in a multiple of non-circular shapes to accommodate its use, for example, up against a wall, around a corner, in a corner, or to suit a particular taste.

Abstract: A structure and method for supporting multiple potted plants from a tripod-like support structure is provided. The structure and method of support provide for the concealment of a portion of the support structure by a potted plant so as to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the support structure.

Abstract: A presentation podium is described which is versatile in use and in which the observer's attention is directed entirely to the goods to be displayed. For this purpose it is provided according to the invention that the presentation podium consists of a closed self-supporting, polygonal or circular frame to which inward-pointing horizontal support bolts are fastened in the region beneath its upper edge. Insert elements, such as platforms, plant tubs and the like, are insertable into the frame maintaining a uniform all-round air gap from the frame.

Abstract: A one piece rubber coated metal rod bent into a series of angles to provide one end that slips onto and engages a square wooden post (4".times.4", 6".times.6", or 8".times.8") with the other end angularly extending outwardly therefrom and provided with an end hook portion to support a suspended hanging plant, or the like, is disclosed. This hanging basket support 27 may be used with a half-barrel type container 11 having a layer of water absorbent material 17 in the bottom thereof. A square wooden post 19 has one end thereof received by container 11 and is supported by bracket(s) 18. A perforated washer-like bushing 21, having a periphery conforming to the interior of container 11, is positioned around post 19 and is supported thereon by brackets 25. A layer of decorative gravel or stone 24 and/or a layer of artificial grass or porous indoor-outdoor carpeting 22 is provided on disk 21 for aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a trunk holding ring 1. A trunk holding ring 1 of such a kind serves for the support of young trees, which extend through the region 3. The trunk holding ring 1 is made fast by means of adjustable stake holders 21 to tree stakes, not shown.For the support of the tree, support spokes 2 are provided, the ends of which are adjustable relative to the axis 3a of the ring. Owing to this capacity for adjustment, an adaptation of the support of the young tree to the tree's growth can take place in very simple manner.

Abstract: A potted plant support has a circular nominally laminar portion having a top potted plant supporting generally flat surface, a bottom and plural of areally spaced apart projections extending from the bottom of the laminar portion. The projections have staggered rounded conical co-terminus ends. The nominally laminar portions is vacuum formed of unitary construction. In another example, the laminar material is formed of continuous sheets which may be cut to desired configuration. The ends evenly impact on areally spaced apart and areally limited portions of flooring distributing the weight of the potted plant among the plural projections to provide air ventilation to reduce likelihood of mold, mildew, rust and discoloration.

Abstract: A plant care apparatus having a container for holding a liquid of water or water with fertilizer to be delivered to plants. The container has an outlet opening in the bottom thereof, a fill opening in the top and a way to seal the top of the container from entry of atmospheric air. A consistent pressure chamber is disposed below the container outlet opening for holding a predetermined amount of liquid which drains from the container. An air control passageway leading from the outlet opening of the container down to a predetermined level in the consistent pressure chamber causes the liquid from the consistent pressure chamber to fill until it reaches the predetermined level and closes the passageway. Once this passageway is closed, it prevents air from entering the container and thereby prevents the liquid from flowing. At least one accumulation chamber is provided below the consistent pressure chamber.

Abstract: A hook (44, 60) at an upper forward portion of a mount (14, 66, 66') extends into a horizontal slot (24, 102) formed in an upper sidewall portion (18, 104) of a container (10, 58). A stem (54) may extend downwardly from the hook (48), for insertion into a vertical opening (26) in the container sidewall (18). The holder (14, 66, 66') includes a front leg (32, 38, 68') which extends downwardly from the hook (44, 60) and presents a front surface (55, 76, 76') against which a lower sidewall portion of a container (10) may lie. A protrusion (56, 90, 98) may extend rearwardly from a lower portion of the front leg (32, 68, 68'). A mounting hook (34, 66) extends rearwardly from the upper end of the leg (32, 68, 68') and clips onto an upper edge portion of a support structure (12, 64).

Abstract: An ornamental flower bed base assembly or matrix material comprising a flower bed base plate having a plurality of insertion through-holes disposed at appropriate intervals and a plurality of flower plant holders each having a side wall provided with irrigation orifices and an open top end, each of the flower plant holders being removably engageable with the respective insertion through-holes of the base plate. This matrix is lightweight and can be easily transported to the contemplated site of erection. Using this ornamental flower bed matrix material, a variety of ornamental flower beds can be constructed easily at site. The resulting flower beds are attractive and easy in maintenance.

Abstract: A frame unit for protecting and maintaining a plurality of uniform plant containers therein as each container is affixed to the frame unit around the container upper extremity in sealed manner so that the plant container bottoms may rest on the earth's surface in normal disposition. The frame unit assures dead air space therebeneath while allowing container bottoms to rest directly on the ground. Each of the frame units includes a gripping means to enable manual movement in unison of plural plant containers, and each of the frame units includes sealing edge joinder means so that a plurality of frame units can be assembled into a frame array of preselected size wherein a much larger number of plant containers may be supported in operative position.

Abstract: Glare-free illumination of three-dimensional objects in a rock garden setting is disclosed. Artificial light is generated in a void space in a man-made rock, below and in close proximity to the object to be illuminated, shielding the eyes of observers from a direct view of the light source. Light shines upwardly in the shape of an inverted light cone enveloping the object and is only indirectly visible by its reflections from the illuminated objects, such as plants, trees and sculptures. The minimal light path reduces scattering of light, power consumption and lamp size. Suspension and support systems are disclosed, ensuring the horizontal position of the supports for the objects placed thereon and ensuring the vertical position of the illuminated objects, irrespective of surface configuration of the simulated rock garden or the angle of the ground upon which such rock garden may be placed.

Abstract: A decorative device for camouflaging a well casing which projects above the ground comprises a base place adapted to be secured on the upper end of the casing, a clamping assembly on top of the base plate, and a plurality of rod members secured in and projecting from the clamping assembly, the outer end of each of these rod members being configured to support a flower pot.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a tray which includes: a flat frame having a plurality of compartments, each having an opened bottom but in which may be seated a plant-growing cartridge; and retractable supports movable between a stored position, wherein they lie in the longitudinal plane of the frame, and an upstanding position, wherein they lie in a plane describing an angle of more than 90.degree. with that of the stored position, thereby leaving a space beneath the frame to allow air circulation beneath the cartridges and to plants therein.

Abstract: A stand for supporting a plurality of objects at a plurality of spaced vertical intervals comprising a plurality of object supports, a vertical support member on which the object supports are removably mounted and a support base member for supporting the vertical support member in an upright manner. A number of different types of object supports are provided to enable a number of different collector's stands to be formed in accordance with the needs of a particular collector.

Abstract: A subirrigation mat has a substrate covering an area across which several potted plants are to be irrigated. Connected along the substrate are a plurality of channel members upon which the plant containers sit. A main conduit connected at respective open ends of the channel members provides irrigating fluid concurrently to each channel member. This fluid flows through outlet holes in the channel members and into the containers placed above the holes. A valve can be associated with each outlet hole to close it when a container is not placed above the hole. A cup can be associated with each outlet hole or valve to facilitate communication between the hole in the channel member and the hole in the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A saddle adapted to be attached to a top portion of a grave marker and having a clamp attached to the bottom thereof for selectively securing the saddle to such grave marker or tombstone. A structure for holding decorative objects such as a planter box for holding flowers or the like is attached to the saddle whereby decorative objects can be displayed on a tombstone or other grave marker and are held up out of the way from lawnmowers or other cemetery trimming machines.

Abstract: A device for transporting plants in their pots having a wheeled frame on which a support bracket member is mounted providing support for a base member that is spaced apart a sufficient vertical distance upwardly to form a compartment where a removable water reservoir is housed. The base has several upwardly extending members rigidly mounted on its periphery exerting an inwardly tension force on the pots being transported or resting thereon so that the pots are kept in place during their transportation. A telescopically extending handle is concealed within the device.

Abstract: A plant container adapted to be either suspended from an overhead support structure or supported above a base means and comprising a container preferably constructed from a transparent plastic material, a centrally disposed elongated support rod also preferably constructed of a transparent plastic material and extending axially outwardly from the container, either downwardly therefrom or upwardly therefrom as desired, and bearing members interposed between the container and the support rod whereby the container is freely rotatably about the longitudinal axis of the support rod, a drain port provided in the bottom of the container and having one element of a quick-connect coupling sealingly secured therein, a hose member having a mating element of the quick-connect coupling secured to one end thereof, for selective engagement with the first mentioned element to receive water draining from the container during watering of the plant, and a capturing vessel in communication with the opposite end of the hose for r

Abstract: A detachable, adjustable plant container support for supporting a plant container alone or with a planting medium and plants on a vertical surface such as a wall, a post or tree. The plant container support comprises a wall bracket which can be permanently secured to a vertical surface and a plant container holder which is detachably supported on the wall bracket. The plant container is adjustable to support plant containers of various widths and heights. The plant container holder has a upper bracket for supporting the upper lip or edge of the container and a base member for supporting the base or bottom of a plant container.

Abstract: A potted plant display stand for displaying a small potted plant at angles, varying from 20 to 70 degrees, to the horizontal, for fuller viewing by a bedridden patient. The base of the stand is a hollow, dome-like shell, circular in shape, for placing the stand securely on a horizontal surface. The base is constructed (preferably molded) of thin material, such as plastic, for lightness and to facilitate the nesting of two or more stands in a reduced space. The potted plant is held in a cup-like circular recess in the side of the stand which recess is slightly larger in circumference than the outer circumference of the pot being held. The circular recess has a narrow overhanging lip across the top to frictionally hold the pot in place. A hollow area beneath the circular recess permits the nesting of stands of like dimensions, one on top of another. A modification of circular recess dimensions permits the nesting of smaller stands within slightly larger stands.

Abstract: A horticultural apparatus for hanging from an overhead support or resting on a table or the like for rotating plants housed in at least one of a flower pot planter or a hanging basket planter to promote symmetrical growth by allowing more equal exposure of the plant to light, the apparatus comprising a support base, a housing rotatively supported on the support base and having a peripheral support wall with an outwardly extending lip secured about the lower portion of the support wall, rotating apparatus within the support base which communicates with the housing for rotating the housing about the support base, and apparatus detachable from the housing for supporting the flower pot planters or hanging basket planters, wherein the supporting apparatus is positioned about the peripheral support wall and rests on the lip of the housing.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand includes a unitary H-frame consisting of four stub feet forming a cross-shape base and extending radially horizontally outwardly from each other, a pair of parallel upright stanchions extending integrally upwardly from intermediate portions of two adjacent feet, and an H-bar or horizontal reinforcing brace integrally connecting intermediate portions of the upright stanchions to each other. Four hollow foot extension shoes are telescopically mounted on the stub feet to make the stand and a tree mounted in it stable against tipping. Flexible tree trunk retaining straps fasten around upper and lower portions of the stanchions and around the tree trunk to hold the tree in an upright position.

Abstract: A stand for holding a tree or pole provided with a plurality of loop springs adapted automatically to accommodate tree trunks or poles of various diameters. The stand includes a plurality of stepped ribs below the springs, to secure a tree trunk or pole of a plurality of diameters, the springs and ribs together acting to hold a tree or pole in a secure, vertical position. Secondary, optional securement means are also provided by way of pivoting cams, in the event that the tree being supported is unusually heavy or large. The stand is effectively self-adjusting, to accommodate tree trunks and poles of a wide diameter range. The stand further incorporates a unitary water reservoir of commodious capacity.

Abstract: There is provided a modular planter system for forming an endless variety of horizontal, vertical and spatial arrangements. The modular planter system includes three or more pot housings each capable of receiving a plant pot. One or more connecting members are attached to each of the pot housings at a plurality of radially spaced-apart locations. The connecting members mate together vertically in order to permit the interconnection of the pot housings in various angular orientations. The pot housings have hollow interiors to permit them to be filled with water and provide water to plants received within the housings by means of a wick. At least one of the pot housings may alternatively be adapted to receive a light fixture to provide the planter system a source of artificial light. The system is supported by a variety of external support means including a floor support base, an adjustable length pole and a ceiling-mounted chain.

Abstract: A flower merchandising display comprising three containers arranged in a vertically stacked arrangement, pump and cooling means disposed in the lower container, water contained in the middle container, flowers disposed in the upper container, and means extending upwardly from the middle container and being adapted to cool the air contained therein and allow it to fall downwardly therefrom and then upwardly around the flowers.

Abstract: Cases for propagating plants are positionable on supports adjacent a rotating vertical column. Light sources on the vertical column rotate over the plants in the propagating cases so as to provide even illumination. The vertical column is hollow and includes a blower for withdrawing heated air from adjacent the propagating cases. The support structures on which the propagating cases are positioned have rows of holes through which rollers can extend. The rollers are mounted on tracks which can be tilted so that the cases will roll by gravity either toward or away from the column for installing or removing the propagating cases. The light sources are removable from the column and can be selectively removed for varying the distance between the propagating cases and the plants as the plants grow.

Abstract: A flower pot support for securing to a narrow window sill, which support extends outwardly of the sill in a cantilever manner, and employs a weight transfer leg which engages at its free end the wall of the building below the sill.

Abstract: A method and means of securing a plant pot to its shelf. This method and means includes a bracket which is placed inside the pot and has a portion extending through the drainage hole of the pot. A threaded screw hook extending through the shelf is hooked to the bracket and held in place with a washer and nut.

Abstract: A device for supporting a hanging plant and for slowly rotating it to expose different sides to sunlight. The device comprises a cord for attachment at one end to a hook or other fixed object and for attachment at the opposite end to the plant. The cord extends in length and winds in one direction in response to an increase in the weight of the plant by feeding of water and contracts and winds slowly in an opposite direction as the water evaporates from the plant.

Abstract: A support rail for use in supporting a planting tray during its initial growing period in a greenhouse. The support rail is especially suited for use with trays having a high-density matrix of small-sized soil plugs, and comprises a horizontally extending, vertically disposed web member and a pair of support members projecting from opposite sides of the web member at its lower extremity. The support members are angled downward from the horizontal so that a tray resting on support member will be supported along the tray's lower edges and not along the bottom surface. The rails are arranged in a uniformly spaced, parallel configuration, which provides stable support for a plurality of trays without providing a preferential growing environment for those soil plugs closest to the edges of the trays.

Abstract: A device for watering plants which utilizes a capillary mat having an upper material layer of reduced wettability and a lower material layer of increased wettability. The mat may be supported by resilient fingers.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a flower pot holder consisting of a base element secured to a vertical support surface, and a clamping member which is vertically adjustable relative thereto and held in a desired, fixed position by the mounting screw. The base element comprises a first abutment extending laterally from the base, and which cooperates with the clamping member to define a retaining enclosure for the stepped collar of a clay flower pot. A second abutment is vertically spaced below the first abutment and also extends laterally outward from the base element. The first and second abutments are disposed to offer lateral support to the frustoconical wall of the flower pot, while the first abutment underlies the stepped flower pot collar. An accessory is interlockably and releasably mounted to the base element to support a shallow tray having an upturned peripheral side wall that may also be retained by the clamping member. A flower pot may supportably rest in the shallow tray.

Abstract: A modular planting apparatus which includes a plurality of tubular modules having access slots in the tops of the side walls and connectors for joining adjacent modules.

Abstract: A reusable soilless plant growing device in which plants can be grown from seeds and in which, irrespective of any increase or decrease in the quantity of nutrient solution, the plants remain in contact with the solution. The peripheral portion of a porous plate is fixedly secured to a buoyant frame. The buoyancy of the porous plate and frame together are such that the porous plate is positioned at least in contact with the surface of the nutrient solution when the device is floated thereon. A hollow chamber in the frame may be filled with a highly buoyant material. The position of the porous plate relative to the surface of the nutrient solution is adjustable in several of the described embodiments.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for supporting potted plants in closed environment such as a nursery, wherein the plants are supported by flexible wires under tension. A pair of truss members are parallely disposed and ridigly set on the ground. Each truss member is provided with a plurality of support bars. A plurality of intermediate vertical structures are provided, and each one is provided with a plurality of spacer bars. A metal tube is used to connect the top of the truss members with a concrete foundation on the ground for support. A plurality of substantially parallel and flexible wires are connected to the truss members and are tensioned to provide rigidity. The wires are supported vertically by a plurality of support bars connected to each intermediate member.

Abstract: A compound block kit of edge-toothed concrete blocks, in which the compound blocks are coordinated relative to their cross-sectional shape and size and have cobblestone blocks to palisade blocks of various heights. The cobblestone compound blocks and palisade compound blocks are provided with edge-teeth extending around the entire block circumference and are engageable with one another. The similar edge-teeth prevent a relative shifting of the blocks. The identical cross-sectional shapes and sizes permits any desired insertion and exchange of compound blocks at any desired position.

Abstract: A watering device for potted plants comprising a support disc and a plurality of legs extending downwardly froom the disc so as to elevate said disc from the bottom of a tray. A pad is positioned on said disc, with the pad having a hinged movable tab which can be bend downwardly through an opening formed in the disc for submergence in the water in the tray. Thus, water is transmitted by capillary action from said tab to and uniformly throughout said pad for providing water to a pot positioned on said pad.

Abstract: An article of furniture including a recessed portion for accomodating a removable planter as well as a storage area or areas for receiving a plurality of diverse items.

Abstract: A plant watering system including a tray having a platform thereon in which a water absorbent mat is located. The mat extends into the tray in which water is located and water is absorbed from the tray into the mat by capillary action. The plants are located on the mat and are provided with water directly to the plant bottom and water is available to provide humidity to the leaves. A stackable arrangement is provided so that one tray can be stacked on top of another one.

Abstract: A plurality of perforated individual seed germinating and sprout growing bags are suspended from sets of portable racks which are placed on circular tray structures. The tray structures are supported in spaced vertical relationship by an upright mast located within an enclosed housing and adapted to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The rack sets of each tray structure are arranged about the longitudinal axis of the mast to form circular tiers. Periodically, filtered and anti-bacterially treated irrigation water is supplied to each bag at a fast enough rate to thoroughly mix the seeds located therein. Water draining from the bags is collected in a storage tank and subsequently recycled after first being filtered and purified. Once the seeds have sprouted, artificial light is provided so that substantially all the sprouts in each bag receive a uniform amount of growing light.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method in cultivating plants, especially forestry plants, and planting them. In this connection the plants are cultivated in slabs of a cultivating medium such as compressed peat, e.g. Sphagnum peat, with an air space underneath. The slabs provided with seeds for germination are mounted firmly, but removably on support frames provided with supporting rails, said frames together with corresponding stackable transport or carrier frames, being placed on a substructure with an air space between the substructure and the slab. After germination, the support frames with the plants are stacked in their associated transport frames one above the other. After possible intermediate storage, the stack of transport and support frames are transported to the planting site with the plants substantially undisturbed in the cultivating medium on the support frames. The invention is also concerned with a means for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for supporting plants for decorative or gardening purposes. A plurality of rotatable or fixed trays or shelves are mounted on a central support, and shelves can optionally be added on the sides of the device, such as adjustable shelves for potted plants.