Abstract: A lamp structure includes a base, with the base including an apertured periphery in communication with a support conduit chimney, with the support conduit chimney directed into a plant container, with the plant container further including a plurality of pneumatic feed conduits in pneumatic communication with the conduit chimney, and each feed conduit includes a matrix of apertures directed coextensively therethrough to direct air through a quantity of plant soil containing the pneumatic feed conduits for purification of the air as the air is by convection directed through the soil by an overlying lamp positioned within a reflective housing, with the reflective housing including a chimney coaxially aligned relative to the underlying plant container.

Abstract: Described is an air-tight flexible transparent container containing at least one living flower immersed in an aqueous suspension. The article is useful (i) for display purposes; and/or (ii) for analysis of the head space in the container above the living flower when the container is fitted with a tube effecting communication of the internal 3-space (internal volume) of the container with outside analytical means and/or (iii) for aromatizing the environment surrounding the container when the container is fitted with a wick effecting communication of the internal 3-space (internal volume) of the container with the environment surrounding the container.

Abstract: A seed germination unit is provided comprising at least one lower soil retention unit in which the seed can be placed. The unit includes a transparent or translucent upper covering unit adapted to be located above the lower soil retention unit. The upper covering has a depression located in its top surface with a small hole at the lowest point of the depression so as to allow liquid placed within the depression to drip through the small hole and fall into the soil retention unit.

Abstract: An apparatus including an inverted dome overlying a base member, with the dome in operative communication with fluid and air supply, with the dome including a plant support stand positioned therewithin. A modification of the invention includes a dome with spaced openings to permit aquarium-type fish to be able to access the dome.

Abstract: Vibration-causing-motion in combination with semihydroponics is used to accelerate plant growth at a faster rate than other current systems. The system of the invention utilizes a frequency of 45 to 500 cycles per second, and includes the use of weights to produce the necessary amplitude for the desired vibration. The system of the invention also may utilize a timing device which cycles on and off throughout the day, every day, to apply the desired amount of motion to the plants over a given period of time. The semihydroponics employed utilizes layers of soil, air and water combined at times with moving water and isolation of the plant roots in soil to minimize root rot.

Abstract: A package (1) for the production and/or storage of plants, comprising a sealed container (2) for the plants in which at least a portion of the container is a membrane assembly of at least two selectively permeable membrane layers, an innermost membrane (5) having relatively high permeability to both gases and water vapor and an outermost membrane (6) having relatively high permeability to gases but being substantially impermeable to water vapor, said outer membrane layer (6) being strippable from the package leaving the innermost membrane (5) intact.

Abstract: An aquarium-planter comprises a bottom partition and at least one primary partition joined in a water retentive relationship. At least one divider is joined in water retentive relationship to the bottom partition and to the primary tank wall. The bottom partition, the primary tank wall and the divider define an aquarium tank which has a tank opening. A secondary partition is joined to the primary partition in spaced relation to the divider. The secondary partition and the divider define a planter. The partition has a drainage opening communicating the planter chamber. The aquarium-planter has a cover, which has about the same horizontal dimensions as the tank chamber opening. The cover is disposed in spaced vertical relation to the tank chamber opening.

Abstract: A root separator structure adapted for disposition in a container having peripheral walls to facilitate insertion of the root system of a plant into and removal from the container, to hold the plant stably in the container, and to enhance root growth in the container. The structure has a shell-like body with coplanar radial arms defining compartments in the container. The radial arms terminate in steps elevated above the plane of the arms, to contact and hold the root system of the plant in upright position. The steps have inclined faces which help guide the root system into and out of the container. The steps can be integrally joined to the peripheral walls, or the body can be separate to the removed from the container with the plant to facilitate spreading the divided root clumps.

Abstract: A plant display container with seeds and growth medium whereby growth of a plant may be monitored and measured. The elongated, transparent container encloses a growth medium, seeds and a measuring device. The measuring device is slidably inserted into the container above the seeds and the growth medium. As the plants grow from the seeds, they push the measuring device upward, physically measuring and visually demonstrating the amount of plant growth having occurred.

Abstract: A culture vessel having a main body and a cover for closing the open top of the main body in which the main body and the cover are made of a thin plastic material having light transmission and heat resistance, the main body has a bottom and a low side wall for accommodating a medium, the side wall has a cover engaging portion formed on the upper end thereof, the cover has a top plate and a vertical side wall, the side wall has a main body engaging portion meshable with the main body formed on the lower end thereof, and lenses for observing, at the side wall, the interior of the vessel in a magnified image are provided on the side wall of the cover.

Abstract: As an improvement to aquaria and terraria, a relatively small, lightweight integrated picture vessel (10): intended for a simple display capability on a vertical or horizontal surface. It is easily assembled out of two components, a open top picture vessel (12) and a picture vessel mounting unit (14). Integrated picture vessel (10) contains a arrangement of combination air/feeding holes (28L,28R), a background scene slot (70), a access opening (42) for removal of a background scene, a vertical mount suspension lip (38), a set of vertical mount spacers (40L,40R), and a horizontal display support member (50). The invention is a mass producible via injection molding, and can be manufactured in a variety of sizes. Typical sizes include postcard and standard photograph dimensions.

Abstract: The invention includes a variety of adaptors for forming enclosures and other apparatus from sectioned integral containers. Each adaptor described includes suitable means such as a channel structure for attaching the adaptor to the sectioned open end of an integral container. The adaptor itself may form an enclosure with the container, or, in other embodiments, join the attached, sectioned container portion with another container sectio or other form of closure. The described adaptors are particularly designed for use with cylindrical plastic beverage container assemblies including an integral, dome bottom, cylindrically shaped container and container base piece adapted to receive and support the dome end of the container. A number of plant irrigation devices are described formed by sectioned portions of conventional integral containers and special adaptors of the invention.

Abstract: This specification describes a novel apparatus and method of manufacture wherein a corrugated fiberglass trough is sealed between matching end walls, consisting of stand and plug members which have sealing surfaces which match the contour of the fiberglass trough. In this manner, the bonding strength between the above members is maximized, the cost of manufacture is minimized, and assembly is made with ease.

Abstract: A device and method of constructing articles of fresh cut parts of plants and artificial decorative embodiments. The packaging is characterized by enveloping such articles with an inflated balloon. The article being placed in an open container, a balloon is then inflated and receives the article and container and is then securely attached to the container, thereby enclosing the article. A device for constructing the packaged article employs a rigid conduit which is received in the balloon to facilitate reception of the article and container. The gas used to inflate the balloons can be air or nitrogen. If cut flowers are used, the container is provided with some water and plant food.

Abstract: A portable wheel-about greenhouse is provided formed with a transparent top portion of double wall insulated construction configured to engage in interfitting relationship with a bed portion also formed of double wall construction providing further insulation to said bed thereby. Said transparent cover portion may be positioned in spaced relationship to said bed portion periodically by means of spacer elements positionable at respective corners of the bed and cover members. At least one pair of over-sized wheels are utilized for ease of portability and convenience in transport of said greenhouse from one site to another.

Abstract: Apparatus for humidifying indoor air is provided, and includes an open-topped container, having means for circulating air therethrough. Substrate material is provided in the container, the substrate material being suitable for the growth of plants. Means for circulating water through said substrate material is provided, thereby to maintain a substantially constant water content therein. Air circulated past the vicinity of said substrate will tend to retain moisture.

Abstract: A closed enclosure used as greenhouse, cultivation frame or fish pond and improving exploitation conditions, in which a structure covers totally living organisms to be protected or breeded either directly in the ground or in a culture medium placed in a box. At least one removable cover has edges defining at least one central recessed portion through which extends a multitude of holes or slits having dimensions calculated so as to provide a convenient watering in quantity and quality of liquid contained in the recessed portion towards the culture medium.

Abstract: A terrarium/aquarium having a light-transparent shell forming a moisture-retaining enclosure about a region containing plant growth medium. Transparent jackets mounted on the shell form with exterior wall portions of the shell, water-bearing chambers for raising fish. Water in each chamber is separately circulated and filtered, with the circulated water flowing through a conduit extending through the medium to exchange heat therewith.

Abstract: A collapsible terrarium to be used for maintaining a controlled environment around potted plants and similar objects includes a flexible fluid-impermeable enclosure which has a bottom portion and a top portion, and a support structure which supports the top portion on and upwardly of the bottom portion to bound a compartment therewith. The support structure is collapsible and with it also the enclosure. The enclosure has an access opening through which potted plants can be introduced into and withdrawn from the compartment bounded by the enclosure. The opening is fluid-tightly closeable and, when closed, no fluid interchange takes place between the compartment and the exterior of the enclosure. An aperture, preferably with a one-way valve in it, is provided in the top portion of the enclosure and flowable media, such as herbicides, insecticides or similar agents can be introduced therethrough into the compartment to act on the plants accommodated therein.

Abstract: The aquarium is formed such that the upper extremity of the structure is positioned above its access opening. The access opening is configured such that air may not enter the upper extremity of the aquarium directly and, consequently, atmospheric pressure acting upon the liquid through the access opening maintains the liquid in the aquarium top.

Abstract: A portable greenhouse which includes a base, a cover, and trays. The bottom of the base is corrugated, the bottom of the trays are corrugated. The base, cover and trays all have a peripheral flange. The flanges engage with each other to form a seal around the periphery of the greenhouse. The trays have apertures in the bottom. The cover is transparent with longitudinal and lateral ribs and an air flow vent.

Abstract: A planter adapted for small as well as large scale seed planting since the principal parts may be extruded or otherwise formed in any appropriate lengths, the planter being characterized particularly by having means for condensation and direction of the condensed soil water onto a limited area where the seeds are planted in a fertilized mulch, the planter producing hothouse conditions therewithin, base portions of the planter being self-destructing by reason of solution by soil water to prevent interference with root growth, and weed control being provided for by chemical weed retardant originally contained in aprons on each side of the planter, the lower layers of these aprons being soluble in soil water to release the chemical weed retardant.

Abstract: A self-watering planter having a base divided into two compartments, one for soil and one for water, separated by a divider wall. A wick extends from the water compartment over the divider wall into the soil compartment. A common upper rim encircles both compartments and a cover which defines a single compartment is seated on the rim, so that the cover forms with the base an enclosed space communicating with both lower compartments. Thus evaporation from either lower compartment is recycled. The lower surface of the cover top wall can be dimpled to distribute condensate more evenly over the plants.

Abstract: A reusable temporary cover for indoor house plants to retain moisture for the plant. The cover is formed of flexible transparent plastic sheet material with tie means to completely enclose a house plant and includes a water retention portion to catch and store excess water. By enclosing the plants after watering, a terrarium effect is produced and moisture is retained within the cover for a long period of time.

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: A container unit for the growth and transportation of plants includes a container having an open upper end having formed in the interior thereof a recess defining an annular step including a horizontal surface and a vertical surface. A soil receptacle contains soil having therein a plant, and the receptacle has an open upper end having extending upwardly therefrom an integral flange. The receptacle is positioned within the container with the flange of the receptacle being supported by and soldered to the horizontal surface of the container, to thereby form a sealed water receiving chamber between the exterior of the receptacle and the interior of the container. A disc retains the soil within the receptacle and has a central hole dimensioned to have extend therethrough the stem of the plant. The disc has a slit to allow the stem of the plant to be inserted into the central hole. The disc is positioned over and supported by the annular flange of the receptacle.

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: A seedling tray assembly and greenhouse which includes a base, a sheet of embossed material in said base and spaced from the bottom thereof, a seedling grid resting on said embossed material and a deeply dished cover overlying said base and seedling grid.

Abstract: An enclosed hydroponic apparatus comprising a free standing reinforced base housing a nutrient feed supply including a temperature control device to partially control the temperature within the hydroponic apparatus, a plant enclosure including a frame to support a plurality of partitions attached to the upper portion of the free standing reinforced base and a plurality of frosted, convex light absorbing elements mounted on the upper portion of the frame to intercept and direct light to the plants disposed within the plant enclosure.

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 flower pot is substantially filled with granular material or soil and is adapted to retain water therein. A clear plastic bubble shaped cover rests on the top ledge of the pot. A plurality of dried flowers are mounted in the granular material and extend upwardly from the pot. The flowers are adapted to close when the cover is on the pot as a result of increased ambient humidity and are adapted to open when the cover is removed as a result of decreased ambient humidity.

Abstract: A collapsible terrarium assembly which is inflatable to assume a desired configuration for protectively housing a plant or other organic material in a controlled environment adapted to promote plant growth or to stimulate organic activity. The structure is constituted by a disc-like base and a replaceable dome attachable thereto by means of a coupling ring. The dome is formed by a flexible plastic envelope whose rim is provided with an annular skirt that is interposed between the coupling ring and the base to define a hermetically-sealed enclosure. The envelope is provided with a two-way valve, which in one position makes it possible to exhaust the air from the enclosure, and in another position to inflate the dome with an inert gas to create a controlled environment.

Abstract: A transparent seedling container has disposed therein a dry mass of material which is capable of absorbing water and a sproutable seed. Water is added to the mass and the germination of the seed is visible through the container walls. Means are provided for the suspension of the container which may be worn as an article of jewelry.

Abstract: A plant package is disclosed which protects and maintains the plant during shipment, storage and display and which permits the marketing of plants through self-service outlets. The package has an outer light-transmissive plastic container which is generally prismatic-shaped with a polygonal cross section. The container has generally flat rectangular side panels connected by upright supporting seams. The container is hermetically sealed, and preferably inflated. Within the container, there is a flexible closed bag which contains the plant roots and soil. The soil bag has holes therein for the transmission of moisture from the bottom of the container to the plant roots.

Abstract: A unique cover is provided for connecting an aquarium to provide effective regulation of the environment therein whereby the structure may serve as a terrarium. The cover includes a cover member which is adapted to overlie a typical aquarium tank or vessel, and a continuous frame support member extending around the periphery of the cover member and adapted to abut with the tank when the cover is in place. The cover member is provided with at least one opening, into which ventilation control pieces are positioned. The ventilating pieces may be selectively adjusted to control the ventilation of the aquarium or terrarium. The support member, being continuous, provides a substantially moisture impermeable seal with the tank when the cover is in position.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained greenhouse includes a base pan having longitudinally extending troughs adjacent the sides thereof and a curved bottom panel. A transparent enclosure including a plurality of slidable, transparent wall and roof panels is supported on the base pan. An automatic heating arrangement is disposed partially within the base pan for uniformly heating the soil mixture contained therein. Artificial lights and a control system are included for selectively, artificially stimulating the plants as a function of ambient lighting conditions. A moisture indicator is also provided.

Abstract: Vertically and horizontally disposed planters including light-transmitting, convex, upwardly or outwardly extending enclosures are disclosed. The planter enclosures extend in a convex manner to enclose with a light transmitting section the earthen matter from which the plants grow as well as enclosing at least in part a growing plant itself. The vertically disposed planters comprise outwardly extending enclosures which are supported in vertical, preferably planar members such as doors and panels. The horizontally disposed planters comprise enclosures which comprise a downwardly extending lower convex portion enclosing the earthen matter and an upwardly extending light-transmitting portion enclosing, at least in part, a growing plant. The horizontally disposed planters are supported in horizontal preferably planar members such as skylights and roofs. For essentially completely enclosed planters, fixed and closable openings are also disclosed. These permit the passage of air, moisture, nourishment, etc.

Abstract: A lamp having a base, a light assembly and wiring therefor includes a terrarium lower bowl of transparent material forming a part of and projecting from the base and terminating in an annular rim to define an open end. The lower bowl is adapted to hold soil material and growing plants. An upper bowl of transparent material is open at its lower end and formed with an inset annular flange bearing against and extending into the lower bowl annular rim with the upper bowl supported upon and forming a continuation of the lower bowl. An annular bead upon the interior of the lower bowl rim is adapted to receive the corresponding externally grooved portion in said flange for securing the upper and lower bowls together. Another method of fastening the bowls together includes a pair of spaced internal latches which extend through apertures adjacent the lower end of the upper bowl with internal portions of said latches adapted to retainingly engage an annular lock flange upon the interior of the lower bowl rim.

Abstract: Aquarium having contained, shielded, integrated service unit directly or indirectly lighted achieving lighting effects, including pump and air outlet from pump producing light reflecting bubbles, including a heater and filter, and superposed to a terrarium for feeding, by gravity flow, water and food and fish wastes to the terrarium. Bulbous shaped terrarium, aquarium and/or light enclosure is in superposed arrangement, hung from a chain or the like.

Abstract: A collapsible terrarium assembly which is inflatable to assume a desired configuration for housing a potted plant or other article to be protectively enclosed. The structure is constituted by a disc-like base and a replaceable dome attachable thereto by means of a coupling ring which is adapted to snap onto a circular ridge formed on the base. The dome is formed by a flexible plastic envelope whose rim is provided with an annular skirt which is interposed between the coupling ring and the base to define a hermetically-sealed enclosure, the envelope including a valve for inflating the dome.

Abstract: A sand painting unit comprising an outer member formed of a material having a transparent or viewing surface, an inner member spaced from the outer member and defining a reduced width area therebetween, with the reduced width area forming a container adapted to receive grains or particles of sand, some of the grains or particles of sand having natural color and some in various colors so that the grains or particles of sand may be blended, interspersed and/or mixed to form pictures and/or designs which may be viewed through the transparent surface and which provides a three-dimensional effect to the pictures or designs.

Abstract: A collapsible terrarium assembly which is inflatable to assume a desired configuration for transparently housing a potted plant or other article to be protectively enclosed. The structure is constituted by a disc-like base and a dome attachable thereto. The dome is formed by an open, flexible plastic envelope whose rim is secured to a coupling ring which is joinable to the base to form a hermetically-sealed enclosure, the envelope including a valve for inflating the dome.