Abstract: The invention relates to a flower pot holder comprising a spun aluminium holder mounted on a vertical stand and containing water. Within the holder is an insert member suspended from the holder and carrying a flower pot. A wick dips into the water and includes a pad on the insert and on which the flower pot rests. The space between the insert member and the holder is ventilated by openings in the insert member.

Abstract: An indoor plant growing apparatus is disclosed which comprises a frame adapted to support a bed with a plant growing chamber being formed within the frame. A light fixture unit is mounted on the frame and includes means for providing light downwardly to the plants in the plant growing chamber. The apparatus may also include a vapor barrier which extends downwardly from the frame completely around the plant growing chamber to retain moisture therein. The vapor barrier provides a means for retaining moisture in the plant growing chamber to enhance the environment for the plants. The apparatus provides a plant growing area which utilizes the normally wasted space beneath a bed.

Abstract: Apparatus for suspending a mass and using the weight of said mass to slowly rotate it. The apparatus includes a housing and a shaft within the housing coupled to said housing by means of a spiral cam so that longitudinal movement of the shaft causes the shaft to rotate. The shaft is also coupled to the housing by damping means which limits the rotational speed of the shaft to some preselected rate.

Abstract: A first tapered container is arranged to hold a supply of water and supports a second tapered container which contains soil and one or more plants. A wick extends up through an aperture in a lower portion of the second container and is arranged to feed water from the water supply in the first container to a plant in soil in the second container. The assembly may also include a third container which seats in inverted relation on the second conveyor. The containers used are preferably transparent and in one arrangement the first and third containers are of like size but the second container is of a wider taper to provide the selected wedging engagement of the three containers. In another arrangement the second container has an enlarged upper portion forming a downwardly facing shoulder for seated engagement on the first container. Also, the second container may have a top flange for seated engagement on the first container and furthermore may include a recess to receive the bottom edge of the third container.

Abstract: An agricultural device which comprises three strata of soil air and water. The soil is retained on a permeable floor and spaced apart from the water. The floor is supported by hydrophilic columns which are received in the water. Water is transmitted through the hydrophilic columns, generally with air, and introduced into the soil. The columns may or may not extend into the soil.

Abstract: Two upright perforate pipes, one inside the other, the space between the pipes being filled with soil and the inner pipe being filled with solid nutrient material. The inner pipe is provided with a closeable opening to permit removal of exhausted nutrient materials.

Abstract: A container for plants is rotated as water is evaporated and respirated therefrom due to the interaction between a compression spring and linear-to-rotary motion mechanism. The compression spring is disposed between the container and a stop on a support shaft suspended from above wherein the support shaft has a spiral portion thereon and the container has a slot for receiving the spiral portion. As water evaporates, weight on the compression spring is reduced and the container rises upwardly on the shaft in relation to the stop on the shaft. As the container rises, it rotates slowly. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft is rigidly fixed to a base upon which the container rests and the container includes a soil containing pot which may move relative to the base. The compression spring is disposed between a stop on the shaft and the soil containing pot to bias the pot upwardly when there is no water therein so as to raise and rotate the pot with the linear-to-rotary motion mechanism as the water evaporates.

Abstract: A selected number of troughs containing small plants therein are placed in a parallel relation with each other at one end of a soilless growth chamber. Tubular screw sections having helical grooves therein are employed for advancing the troughs from the loading end of the chamber to the unloading end thereof, the helical or screw pitch being considerably greater at the unloading or harvesting end in order to accommodate for the increased size of the plants as they reach maturity. In other words, the pitch of the helix is correlated with the rate at which the plants mature. Tubular screw sections having different pitches can be substituted when the growth rate differs from one species to another.

Abstract: A planter having a supporting tray and potting vessel arrangement wherein the vessel is supported with its bottom portion within a tray compartment and in juxtaposition with the compartment walls. The vessel tray combination further provides for the access of air to the compartment and for its direction up and around vegetation foliage within the vessel.

Abstract: The subirrigation of soil in a container for container-grown plants is accomplished upwardly through an opening in the container bottom by placing the container on the upper surface of a capillary sheet in the form of a sheet wettable plastic having a multiplicity of capillary openings therein and by disposing the capillary sheet so that its undersurface directly overlies in unbonded face-to-face contacting relation an essentially continuous and substantially smooth wettable surface presented by a substantially flat member comprised in a support bed for the container as, for example, by a sheet of plastic overlying a substantially rigid member or by a substantially rigid slab comprised in the support bed and feeding an aqueous liquid into the interface between said surfaces as through feeder tubes by gravity or by capillary travel from a reservoir disposed below the interface, whereby the so fed aqueous liquid becomes distributed by capillary action to any portion of the capillary sheet directly underlying a

Abstract: A tray construction for growing plants in which the construction comprises a one-piece substantially rigid tray frame with a plurality of plant frames mounted in the tray frame to define a plurality of plant growing containers interconnected in a unitary assembly. The tray frame may be conveniently molded from a foamed thermoplastic material and essentially comprises a plurality of substantially rigid tubular members vertically aligned and integrally interconnected in a rectangular array of a plurality of adjacent rows. The open spaces between diagonally opposed tubular members permit air to pass between the upper and lower sides of the tray frame. The plant frames are preferably frictionally held within the tubular members, and each plant frame essentially comprises a base section and a plurality of ribs secured to the base section to upstand therefrom.

Abstract: The disclosure embraces a bowl, container or reservoir for supporting or mounting plant pots and relates more particularly to bowls, containers or reservoirs configurated to be mounted or supported upon annularly-shaped or ring-like members of a support frame, the bowls, containers or reservoirs adapted to contain moisture or water and having interior plant pot engaging portions for normally supporting plant pots above the water or moisture whereby evaporation of the water or moisture whereby evaporation of the water or moisture provides an ambient environment or aura of high humidity for the potted plants.

Abstract: A device for supporting a plurality of potted plants or the like, including a vertical support frame member having a hollow internal chamber, a plurality of radially extending frame members connected to the upper end of said vertical support and a plurality of lower radial frame members for engaging potted plants, an inlet means for receiving a source of water under pressure and a plurality of nozzle openings connected to the upper portion of the vertical support member. The device allows for the care of plants to include watering nozzles and a protective cover disposed over the upper frame members to properly shade the plants as required. The device may be connected to a city water supply with a hose or the like or have a permanent conduit installation which allows water flow into the center vertical member. Plants in pots are hung along the lower radial frame members.

Abstract: A plant growing device includes a two sectional base having an upper and a lower portion, wherein a mechanism is provided for the controlled rotation of the upper portion relative to the stationary lower portion, and a flower pot containing a plant is positioned on top of the upper portion. A mechanism for delivering a controlled supply of water is coupled to the mechanism for rotation.

Abstract: The plant-mobile is a rotating plant hanger which includes a rotatable frame adapted to support a number of hanging plants. Embodiments of the plant-mobile are adapted to be moutned either from a wall or a ceiling, and the plant-mobile includes an associated ceiling or wall mounting means. The rotatable frame includes round balls or hooks from which potted plants may be hung. In addition, the rotatable frame includes radial members which may be used to support the shoots of climbing plants or vines.

Abstract: A gardening method and unit utilizes a unique liquid circulating system in combination with an adjustable, high intensity lighting system including a novel form of reflector panel assembly in which the feeding cycle and the lighting cycle can be closely regulated to control the environment for plant life within an enclosed area. The method and system of the present invention is particularly advantageous in relatively compact portable units so constructed that the seedlings or plants may be grown in upper and lower spaced trays, each having its own lighting system controlled by a common timer and a common liquid circulating system in which the liquid or nutrient solution may be pumped into the upper tray and drained by gravity into the lower tray to carry out combined top flooding and subirrigation. In the alternative the system is operative to carry out top-irrigation by spraying water in the form of a fine mist over natural or organic soils.

Abstract: A modular horticultural structure and container system for storage and arrangement of articles more particularly plants, flowers and the like capable of inter-connection for various horizontal and vertical displays and arrangements. The modular system extend from a base and container having co-operating elements therebetween and interocculuded spaces for co-operation with supporting structures and inter-container facing and mounting devices. Each of the base-containers is adapted to be supported in space, in horizontal and vertical relationship between each other and are adapted to be used with conventional flower pots and display apparatus.

Abstract: A receptacle for growing plants includes a pot and a bowl-shaped inset piece or liner disposed in the pot. The floor of the pot has a plurality of upstanding tubular projections each having a passage open to the underside of the pot ands closed at its upper end. This arrangement allows simple and secure attachment of casters, feet, or other supports to the underside of the pot without destroying the aesthetic appearance of the pot itself. Various other projections and tubular members serving various technical purposes can also be provided in a similar manner without destroying the aesthetic appearance of the receptacle. The inset piece is adapted to conform to and cooperate with the projections and technical devices provided for a particular receptacle.

Abstract: A flower stand employs a vertical post which can be supported at its lower end by a horizontal cruciform shaped base having downwardly curved tips at the free ends thereof. The upper end of the post is threaded. A vertical hollow container open at its top end has a downwardly and inwardly tapered bottom section with a vertical threaded bore engaged by the upper end of the post. A flat perforated disc is disposed in between the top open section of the container and the bottom section and is held in place by a vertical spacer extending upward from the top of the bore to the bottom of the disc at the center thereof. A hollow flexible tube used for filling can be attached to a nipple extending from the interior of the bottom section which serves as a water reservoir. A wick extends from the bottom section through the perforated disc into the top open container section.

Abstract: A molded synthetic resin nursery box B comprises a grid member 2 dividing the box into individual compartments 3 communicating with each other through side wall apertures 23. A wavy bottom plate 12 of the box has drainage holes 13 therein, and the grid member side walls are notched at their top edges. Adjacent boxes are connected by engaging projections 4 on one box with mating slots 5 on another box. The planted boxes may be installed on a horizontal surface whereby the grid members bear the weight of a person walking thereon to prevent trampling and plant damage, or vertically by mounting the boxes in assembled, stacked frames 100 filled with soil. Alternatively, the grid members may be made separate from the bottom plate and side wall 11 bases, and snap-connected to pedestals 14 upstanding from the bottom plates after planting.

Abstract: A freely rotatable, effectively tilt-free stand for carrying plants and the like. The stand includes a plurality of relatively rotatable members cooperatively defining a ball bearing structure wherein the ball bearings are disposed in an annular array at the periphery of the assembly so as to provide an effectively tilt-free rotation thereof. Support of the structure relative to the bearings is effected by metallic bearing plates which may be adhesively secured to other elements of the structure. The base member may have a lateral extent substantially greater than that of the rotatable portions to provide further tilt-free stability.

Abstract: A garden arrangement including a conveyor assembly with a plurality of longitudinally spaced mounting means supporting containers utilizing growth material, the conveyor being arranged along a predetermined path whereby the containers may be successively advanced to an accessible location for tending by a gardener.

Abstract: There is disclosed a bracket arrangement adapted to support a plurality of flowerpots or similar articles. The bracket comprises an integral member fabricated from a flexible material having a horizontal central portion located between two arcuate end portions, each end portion terminating in an opened circular loop with a traverse arm extending from said central portion, said central portion having an extending projection relatively centrally located thereon and at least two apertures located on said central portion on either side of said projection to enable the coupling of an additional bracket of a mirror-image configuration to said bracket to form a composite bracket configuration having a pole accommodating coupling means formed by the coaction of said extending projections.

Abstract: A holding device which is particularly suitable for holding potted plants, flower boxes and the like on saucers and the like on a wall is constructed which comprises an L-shaped unit comprising a vertical mounting member which is secured to the wall having ribs along the surface and the side portions of which terminate in lips which form a slot, means for securing said vertical mounting member to a wall, a horizontal support member integral with said vertical mounting member at a substantially right angle thereto and having an angularly disposed protuberance running from the lower portion of said vertical mounting member to the rear portion of said horizontal support member, said horizontal support member also having ribs along its surface and a holding member comprising a body portion which terminates at its upper portion in a downturned tongue, said body portion having ribs along its surface and at the end opposite the downturned tongue a slot which mates with the protuberance.

Abstract: A versatile and ornamental planter design and construction, and a method of manufacture thereof, the planter design being susceptible of specifically different configurations and sizes for maximal usage possibilities from the standpoint of aesthetics and decor in different environments, and which is preferably constructed of a material such as Plexiglas or a thermoplastic, which can be clear, translucent, or colored to fit in varied decor and/or design motifs of a room or place of use. The planter can serve as an article of furniture, rendering a most attractive appearance by virtue of the design and construction and being extremely versatile, susceptible of usage with various types and sizes of plants which may vary in environmental and growing conditions and requirements, especially as to moisture and sunlight, and the construction being such as to provide enhanced structural strength and optimum utilization of the materials of construction.

Abstract: A device for automatically caring for potted plants includes a rotary support carrying a potted plant and supported by a suitable base on which there is a container for liquid to be fed to the potted plant. The rotary support is driven so as to be rotated at a speed according to which the time required for one revolution of the rotary support does not form a multiple or fraction of 24. The container for the liquid is flexible while the rotary support carries at least one cam to compress the container in order to discharge liquid out of the latter, and a feed tube extends from the container to the potted plant to deliver liquid thereto each time the cam compresses the container.

Abstract: A versatile yet highly simplified and exceptionally utilitarian plant growth apparatus assembly is comprised of a combination, in desired practical plurality, disposition and geometry and arrangement, of several individual and self-contained functional units and structures that are modular in nature and applicability and cooperable for engagement and association with one another so as to constitute the wanted and/or necessary resultant effective and operable assembly; the modular units being severally and characteristically in the nature of either mechanical structure members and/or environmental control systems electrical or otherwise in nature and/or light-providing components; the several said units further being peculiarly adapted for very quick and easy mounting and construction into, change and alteration within, addition to or disassembly from the structured apparatus assembly.

Abstract: A process for growing plants within a solar-heated enclosure through the use of a pool of water upon which containers are floated and moved beneath a light source. The pool of water provides support for the plants, facilitates their movement, and provides thermal mass for storage of solar heat.

Abstract: In a tubular system for hydroponic culture,the improvement consisting in that the channel structure comprises a central core of a comparatively stiff plastics material and the sidewalls are made of a comparatively pliable plastics material, the upper edges of the sidewalls being capable of being at least partially juxtaposed. A further important improvement consists in that the surface of the bottom wall of the central core is lined with a fibrous material which offers a grasp for the seedling roots.

Abstract: The planter is made from a solid rectilinear block of wood having a recess in the upper surface thereof. Each of the four corners are cut off along a downwardly and inwardly inclined plane and each of the four cut off corner pieces are resecured in a downwardly offset position relative to the block by means of a circumferentially extending band to provide four downwardly extending legs for the planter.

Abstract: A plant turntable having a power supply for the rotation of a potted plant and the like. The turntable includes an imperforate disc supported by a ring-mounted ball bearing assembly for the support of the potted plant which is driven by the shaft of a geared motor mounted directly below in a base. A transverse pin through the drive shaft engages a slot in the turntable axle to provide the driving torque for rotating the turntable. The base forms a motor and battery enclosure. The top of the base includes a ridge adjacent to the periphery of the base beyond the rim of the disc to capture water which may gravitate from a potted plant resting on the disc, and further includes a ridge about the motor shaft to protect the motor from water leakage through the shaft hole. The top further includes a plurality of openings for draining water therefrom.

Abstract: A portable plant stand for holding potted plants is formed of easily assembled flat wood components. The stand comprises a tapered vertical support column that supports horizontal shelves having pot holding openings. The shelves include central apertures that fit over the support column and engage the tapered sides of the support column. The support column has an H-shaped cross section and comprises opposed tapered members and a tapered cross member that is removably fastened to the side members by two screws. The support column can be mounted on bearings to permit rotation of the plant stand.

Abstract: A humidifying plant table which is composed of a housing having an internal liquid receiving chamber therein, within the top surface of the housing is located a plurality of spaced apart openings, a mist producing device in the preferred form of a electrically driven motor is attached to the housing and extends within the confines of the internal chamber, the mist producing device extracts liquid from the tank and expels the liquid in the form of a fine droplet mist which, in turn, is expelled into the ambient through the openings provided within the top surface and thereby in contact with any plants which are placed upon the top surface.

Abstract: A self-irrigating display rack is provided for potted plants, which comprises a tier of display dishes supported on a reservoir base. The display dishes are mounted in vertically spaced coaxial positions on an upright central tubular member which, in turn, is supported on the base. A pipeline extends upwardly through the interior of the tubular member from the lower end to the upper end thereof coaxially with the tubular member. A pump is mounted in the reservoir base for circulating irrigating water from the reservoir up through the pipeline to the top of the central tubular member. The water from the pipeline is returned to the reservoir through the tubular member. The tubular member is provided with a first set of openings located over each of the dishes, and with a second set of openings located at a predetermined level in each dish.

Abstract: A rotator for a hanging display such as a mobile, hanging plant or the like having a self-contained power supply. The apparatus comprises a cylinder for containing flashlight batteries adjacent one another and for containing motor means to drive a geared shaft by which a display is suspended and rotated. Off-on operation and series battery interconnection are effected by the positioning of a rotatable, electrically conductive circular top plate confronting the ends of the batteries. An opening in the rotatable plate is provided for replacement of the batteries. A tab on the top plate permits the plate to be rotated and to be suspended.

Abstract: New and improved interior decorating apparatus comprising a three-dimensional picture frame. Means are provided for displaying a plurality of pictures around the periphery of a polyhedral or semipolyhedral body in a plurality of openings defined by a top, a bottom, and spacers extending therebetween and grooved to support, display, and protect the pictures. Arrangements are shown for supporting the apparatus rotatably from below, suspending it from above, or securing it to a wall. The apparatus is specially apertured so that a potted plant may be used in connection with the pictures. Other decorative arrangements using the apparatus are suggested.

Abstract: A multiple-shelved unit is disclosed, the unit being adapted for use in greenhouses, for supporting growing plants on the shelves thereof, the unit including a horizontal hollow shaft mounted for rotation and means for rotating the same, hub members carried by the shaft adjacent the ends thereof with each hub member supporting a plurality of radially-projecting hollow spokes and hollow elements carried by the spokes adjacent the outer ends thereof for pivotally supporting the shelves. The unit additionally includes means for connecting the hollow interior of said shaft to a water supply, means for providing water communication between the interior of said shaft and the interiors of the spokes supported by at least one of said hubs, and means for providing water communication between the lastmentioned spokes and the shelves whereby the plants supported by the shelves may be watered at desired intervals.

Abstract: A method of cultivating epiphytically or semi-epiphytically living plants, comprises the steps of individually attaching the plants to a non-native substrate in their seeding stage when they already have recognizable leaves and roots; throughout their cultivation, maintaining the plants in a dry condition at daytime; and throughout their cultivation, maintaining the plants in a wet condition from nightfall until daybreak by thorough watering.

Abstract: A flower pot holder that is adapted to be affixed to the upper frame portion of a window sash that can be readily removed, the holder comprises a bracket member arranged to be placed over the upper frame portion of the sash with the lower end secured by a suction cup to a glass pane, pivotally mounted rod members are affixed to the vertical portion of the bracket in a key lock relationship to hold the rod member in a preselected position within a horizontal plane, the outward end of the rod member either terminating in a ring like portion adapted to receive the pot or terminating in a hook shaped portion adapted to receive chains from which rings are suspended that are adapted to hold the pots.

Abstract: A plant growth accelerating apparatus for increasing plant yields by effectively removing the growing plants from the constraints of gravity and increasing the plant yield per unit of space when the light intensity incident on the apparatus varies, and including a plant bed mounted for turning about the longitudinal axis thereof and a drive structure for periodically tilting the longitudinal axis of the plant bed while relatively low light intensities are incident thereon to impart thereto a slope from about 0.01 to about 0.25 to decrease the respiration rate of plants growing on the plant bed; there also is disclosed a structure applying the tilting structure to a multiple plant bed machine, as well as gravitational watering structure for multiple plant beds while turning the same, and improved plant bed structures and novel forms and compositions of rooting media and methods of making the same.

Abstract: A modular planter panel system comprising a plurality of substantially identical modules forms decorative room dividers, partitions, or the like, by utilizing climbing plants such as ivy or vines. Each module substantially comprises: a frame; a planter box fixedly attached to the bottom portion of the frame and including the climbing plant; and relatively flexible means connecting associated portions of the frame for supporting the growing portions of the plant. Further means are included for supporting the module from the ceiling, from a horizontal overhead track, from a wall, or on the floor.