Vertical Array Patents (Class 47/82)
  • Publication number: 20130104456
    Abstract: Described are a vertical garden system and method. A mounting panel includes a plurality of first mounting attachment mechanisms. A planting cell module is positioned on a surface of the mounting panel. The planting cell module has a second mounting attachment mechanism constructed and arranged for removably coupling with a first mounting attachment mechanism. The planting cell module has an interior volume in which a plant component is positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Trevor L. Smith
  • Patent number: 8418403
    Abstract: Hanging stacked plant holders and watering systems for receiving and supporting a plurality of pots in pot holding rings fastened to the end of a plurality of unit arms. The unit arms are stacked on a structure that includes an upper manifold and a lower manifold. The pots supported by the upper unit arms receive water from the upper manifold, and the pots supported by the lower unit arms receive water seeping through the upper pots, with water seeping through the lower pots being collected for recirculation. various features and construction details are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas L. Nuttman
  • Patent number: 8365466
    Abstract: A hydroponic produce display apparatus for in-store and market display of plants is provided. The hydroponic produce display apparatus comprises a basin having an open top with the basin holding a volume of liquid. A cover is positioned on the open top of the basin with the cover being permeable to liquid. A display backing is provided having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. The first end of the display backing is mounted over the open top of the basin with the display backing extending vertically from the basin. Mounting mechanisms cooperate with the display backing for mounting the plants to the display backing. A liquid introduction mechanism introduces liquid to the plants mounted to the display backing. A liquid transfer mechanism moves liquid from the basin to the liquid introduction means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Nathaniel Storey
  • Patent number: 8341884
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular container system for use in agriculture, gardening and construction, characterized in that it comprises a parallelepiped container 1 with two partition walls 2 forming three chambers 3, its top ends each having a sleeve 4 which forms a vertical channel 5, the lower end 6 of the said sleeve extending beyond the bottom of the container but with slightly smaller dimensions and having a groove 10 around its whole periphery; connectors 9 which join adjacent containers in a horizontal plane; a base 11 which allows the containers to rest on the ground; and a lateral support 13 exactly identical to the top end of the container 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Quizcamp-Fabrico e Comércio de Produtos Alimentares, S.A.
    Inventor: Manuel Maria Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 8281517
    Abstract: A modular wall planting system includes at least a pair of planting units each comprising a mounting structure mountable to a vertical wall surface, and a trough extending outwardly from the mounting structure and including an upwardly opening aperture, the trough defining an interior compartment divided into a first section and a second section at least partially divided from the first section, wherein the first section is adapted to receive plant matter therein, the second section is adapted to receive fluid drained from the first section, and wherein the trough includes at least one weep aperture adapted to allow water to drain from the interior compartment and the second section to an exterior of the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Hortech, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. MacKenzie
  • Patent number: 8266840
    Abstract: A multi-story water storage apparatus includes a plurality of stackable units arranged one above another along a vertical axis. Each of the stackable units includes a coupling portion arranged in alignment with the vertical axis, the coupling portion having a first space with a drainage hole. At least one of the stackable units is a storage unit having a storage portion arranged radially outwardly of the coupling portion with respect to the vertical axis. The storage portion is provided with a water storage compartment. The storage unit has an outlet passage through which water stored in the storage compartment flows into the first space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: POSI Inc.
    Inventor: Gi Sun Jung
  • Patent number: 8261486
    Abstract: This invention provides a system and methods for providing liquid to a plant or a seed that can germinate into a plant. The system includes: a liquid delivery device; an actuator; a vessel; and a vessel support; wherein the actuator is operable to cause the liquid delivery device to deliver the liquid to the plant or seed only when the vessel is brought into proximity with the vessel support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: AeroGrow International, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Michael Bissonnette, Robert E. Wainwright, Carson Payne, John Thompson, Robert Bromley, Curt Morgan
  • Patent number: 8261913
    Abstract: A stackable plant pot including a cavity provided with water flow directing gutters, a recesses centrally located water catchment region with drainage slits and suited to receive a moisture retaining device, and a soil holding region located above the water catchment region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: John Rodney Keats
  • Patent number: 8234815
    Abstract: A planter including a center post and a series of upwardly-opening disc-shaped growing compartments which are arranged in a sequential relationship along the length of the center post and are suspended from the top of the center post. Each of the growing compartments has a center opening through which the center post extends so that the growing compartments are maintained in a centered relationship about the center post. Furthermore, a lowermost growing compartment has a substantially solid bottom for containing dirt or potting soil placed therein, and the remainder of the growing compartments have bottoms within which including relatively large openings are defined to accommodate the passage of relatively large clumps of dirt or potting soil through the bottoms thereof so that each of the growing compartments can be filled with dirt or potting soil placed into the uppermost growing compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Felknor Ventures LLC
    Inventors: Wilson A. Felknor, James Robert Ferron, Benjamin James Ferron, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20120167460
    Abstract: The present invention is comprised of a stackable cultivation tower system for creating a facility and process that is used to cultivate vegetation in a reduced indoor physical area, conserve resources and promote faster plant. The present invention is further comprised of vertically stacked components for planting vegetation to be cultivated to reduce the space, an irrigation system that is regulated to optimally control application of water and a light source to provide various types of lighting to promote faster growth. The components are commercially readily available and at costs that allow the stackable cultivation tower system to produce faster growth, higher yields economically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Julian Omidi
  • Patent number: 8151518
    Abstract: A vertically-integrated greenhouse for growing plants in suspended trays. The design is particularly well-suited for installation in a double-skin façade of a building, or in an interior atrium, lobby, or similar structure. In addition to producing food, plants can reduce building maintenance costs by providing shade, air treatment, and evaporative cooling to building occupants. The vertically-integrated greenhouse involves the use of a dynamic movable array of plant trays as a mechanical shading device. The spacings and arrangements of the trays in the tray suspension system can be adjusted on both a diurnal basis and a seasonal basis to maximize plant light capture and building shading, thereby maximizing crop yield and building energy savings, or for esthetic considerations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: New York Sun Works
    Inventors: Zakery Ward Adams, Theodore Caplow, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120066972
    Abstract: A vertical planting apparatus includes a water storage tank, an n-shaped vertical frame extended upwardly from a side of the water storage tank, a water pump motor installed at the water storage tank for pumping irrigation water stored in the water storage tank out from the top of the n-shaped vertical frame through a water delivery pipe, a water permeating layer hanged within a range surrounded by the n-shaped vertical frame, and a plurality of bags formed on the water permeating layer and provided for growing plants, and the irrigation water outputted from the water delivery pipe enters into the permeating layer through the top of the n-shaped vertical frame and permeates sequentially from top to bottom into each of the bags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Lin
  • Patent number: 8136296
    Abstract: Planter systems include planters releasably integrated with a support structure primarily by releasable and penetrable engagement that is sufficient to support the planter without requiring conventional attachment devices. Engaging portions of the planters are releasably and penetrably received and concealed by the support structure to provide an integrated appearance. The planter systems optionally include adjustable irrigation systems configured to controllably supply water to the planter and/or surrounding terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: James Hogan
  • Publication number: 20120017506
    Abstract: The invention includes a box with a water inlet on top, drainage outlets in the bottom, and multiple nursing cells horizontally and vertically arranged inside. The nursing cells are permanently linked inside the box. Each nursing cell has reservoir grooves in the bottom, and light and air circulation cells around all sides. A slit is placed on adjacent walls of nursing cells in each row, and also in each column, thereby connecting two adjacent nursing cells. The planting module is integrated, ready for use without any assembly required. Light and air circulation cells around nursing cells provide sufficient sunlight for growth of the plants inside. Reservoir grooves in the cell bottom can better keep moisture and nutrients inside. Horizontal and vertical slits in the cell walls provide even and rapid distribution for water that enters the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Feiyun Zhao, Lin Zhao
  • Publication number: 20110225883
    Abstract: A vegetation wall for supporting vegetation and including at least one panel made from a porous filter media formed of a plurality of strands arranged to form an open, three-dimensional structure with interstitial spaces that provide both air and water permeability. The filter media can filter water, such as by removing nitrogen gas from the water, promoting the colonization of beneficial bacteria that aide in nitrification of the water, and balancing the pH of the water. The vegetation wall can be a free-standing wall, or attached to the side or roof of a building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: CLIFFORDS PERENNIAL AND VINE INC
    Inventor: Kenneth John Clifford
  • Publication number: 20110215937
    Abstract: A device for growing plants on a substantially vertical surface includes a carrier and a flexible curtain wall substrate suspended from a track of the carrier. The curtain defines an array of pockets for receiving the plants to be grown and a growing medium, each of the pockets having an opening proximate a top end thereof. A water irrigation system is integrated into the flexible curtain and includes a water emitter for each of the pockets, the water irrigation system being one of connected to and connectable to a water supply. A control system includes moisture sensors connected in each respective pocket. The control system is adapted to activate the water emitters of the pockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Mary Ellen CARROLL, Kevin Topek, Carlisle Vandervoort
  • Publication number: 20110197506
    Abstract: The invention includes a box, vertical and horizontal dividers, a plant-growth mat, and a mounting bar. The dividers are permanently linked to form an insert, which slides into insert grooves inside the box. Insert grooves have upper and lower rails. At the insert groove openings rail ends feature upward bends. The plant-growth mat is secured against the box inner-back by the insert which is prevented from sliding out by the upward bends of the lower rails. A support mount and a fastener on the back of the box and compatible groove surfaces on the mounting bar prevent box movement when mounted. The invention increases the rigidity of the dividers and reduces their deformability. It facilitates inserting the integrated dividers into the box with convenient insert grooves. The plant-growth mat can store water, prevent soil erosion, and provide aeration to plant roots. The mounting bar stabilizes the module for easy installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Feiyun Zhao, Lin Zhao
  • Patent number: 7926224
    Abstract: A green wall planting module has a rear wall, two side walls and a top and bottom wall, the top wall having a concave shape for receiving within its cross section a bottom wall of a green wall planting module mounted approximately one to four millimeters above it on a grid wall structure to suppress splashing and retain rain water. The grid wall structure comprises horizontal rods associated with a vertical wall structure of, for example, a building. The top wall of a lower mounted green wall module comprises an integral slot adapted to receive a horizontal irrigation pipe or hose which may lie horizontally in and longitudinally along the slot when the green wall modular apparatus is mounted to the grid wall. Tapered louvers are provided within the green wall planting module slanting upward from the rear wall at a predetermined angle within the module so as to collect and retain water as does the bottom concave wall of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Victory Greenwall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Sotiri Koumoudis
  • Publication number: 20110036008
    Abstract: The present invention provides a planting container capable of sufficiently and stably supply planting water to a rhizosphere where roots of a plant grow, securing as large a space as possible for the rhizosphere, and further accelerating the growth of the stem or leaves of the plant. The planting container comprises a planting container body 1 including a planting space 2 having an opening at a front portion thereof to allow a plant to grow, a reservoir 8 for planting water that is provided in a lower part of the planting space 2, and a water-absorbing planting bed placed within the planting space 2 with a bottom portion thereof being positioned in the reservoir 8 for absorbing planting water retained in the reservoir 8 to cultivate the plant, wherein the container further comprises a receiving surface 10 for receiving the planting bed within the planting space 2 formed as an inclined surface that is raised progressively toward the opening and is lowered progressively away from the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Masaki Hashimoto, Hironobu Ota, Norio Kanayama
  • Patent number: 7886482
    Abstract: A kit for a mobile gardening cart that includes the following: a base structure, form, storage areas, and a plurality of wheels to allow it to pivot in any directions, coupled to a base and an upright frame structure with reasonable braced support, linage/connection to a main vertical frame, and multiple stackable container forms to be placed parallel to each other in an ascending upward fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Angela DiMaggio
  • Patent number: 7854091
    Abstract: A flowerpot comprises a box body and a spacer. The buckling sheets of the spacer are buckled to the buckling recesses of the box body; and the spacer is placed upon the projection sheets and the wall assembly; a lower space and rear side of the box body below the spacer is formed with a water collecting tank and the space of the upper front side of the box body above the spacer is formed with a planting tank. In use, the hook of the spacer and the hook portion of the box body is attached to one supporting rod of a frame assembly and the two protrusions are placed upon another supporting rod. The water draining opening guides water from an upper flowerpot to a lower flowerpot. The water absorption sheets installed in the spacer can guide water from the water collecting tank to the planting tank automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: Hsiao-An Chang
  • Publication number: 20100287834
    Abstract: A planter includes a center post and a series of upwardly-opening disc-shaped growing compartments which are arranged in a sequential relationship along the length of the center post and are suspended from the top of the center post. Each of the growing compartments has a center opening through which the center post extends so that the growing compartments are maintained in a centered relationship about the center post. Furthermore, a lowermost growing compartment has a substantially solid bottom for containing dirt or potting soil placed therein, and the remainder of the growing compartments have bottoms within which including relatively large openings are defined to accommodate the passage of relatively large clumps of dirt or potting soil through the bottoms thereof so that each of the growing compartments can be filled with dirt or potting soil placed into the uppermost growing compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Wilson A. Felknor, James Robert Ferron, Benjamin James Ferron
  • Publication number: 20100287833
    Abstract: A plant pot which is adapted to be stacked with one or more similar plant pots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: John Rodney KEATS
  • Publication number: 20100229464
    Abstract: A moisture absorbing and water transferring self watering structured planters, including a plurality of a tapering plant pots, capable of mounting one upon another in a staggered fashion, to provide a series of stacked planters, a bottom planter shaped to provide for its accommodations upon a deck rail, or the bottom planter may locate within a tray, even one that contains casters, to provide freedom for movement upon a patio, deck, or other floor. Contained within each of the stackable containers, and also within the bottom planter, is an elevated base, containing perforations, and a series of downwardly depending slotted wells, the latter into which potting soil may locate, for submerging into any water contained within water reservoirs provided within the bottom of each container, or bottom planter, to achieve migration of water upwardly into the potting soil, for irrigation and moisturization of the root system of any planted vegetation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Nancy Jane Wilkes
  • Patent number: 7788848
    Abstract: A green wall planting module has a rear wall, two side walls and a top and bottom wall, the top wall having a concave shape for receiving within its cross section a bottom wall of a green wall planting module mounted approximately one to four millimeters above it on a grid wall structure to suppress splashing and retain rain water. The grid wall structure comprises horizontal rods associated with a vertical wall structure of, for example, a building. The top wall of a lower mounted green wall module comprises an integral slot adapted to receive a horizontal irrigation pipe or hose which may lie horizontally in and longitudinally along the slot when the green wall modular apparatus is mounted to the grid wall. Tapered louvers are provided within the green wall planting module slanting upward from the rear wall at a predetermined angle within the module so as to collect and retain water as does the bottom concave wall of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Victory Greenwall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Sotiri Koumoudis
  • Patent number: 7757436
    Abstract: A greening device for façades or walls, consisting mainly of a support structure fixed on the façade to be covered and by at least two modules with flat structure and square or rectangular profile, containing a cultivating substrate and including on one of its large surface apparent vegetation elements, the modules being removably mounted on the support structure substantially concealing the latter. The support structure includes at least two spaced apart vertical rails whereon the modules are mounted in vertical rows being located away from the façade or wall and being individually detachable, each module being in the form of a box with globally flat parallelepiped structure of slight thickness compared to its lateral dimensions, the open side of the box opposite the base being closed with an open-work wall. The vertical opposite side walls have catching elements designed to co-operate with reception sites on the mounting rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Soprema
    Inventors: Pierre Etienne Bindschedler, François Lassalle
  • Publication number: 20100146854
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a multi-level elevated stack of planting containers is mounted to vertical support pole. Each container has a plurality of planting compartments for containing a growing medium. The compartments are at least partially divided from one another by a vertically extending partition for at least partially limiting fluid transfer among the planting compartments within the same container. Each said planting compartments has a fluid drain through which any unabsorbed fluid drains into only a single respective one of the compartments of a container located at a lower of the stack. The drains in the compartments are radially offset from a through hole in each container which receives the support pole and fluid is discharged into radially offset locations of compartments at lower levels to deter fluid bypass between the pole and the through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Roy D. Cannon, Sterling L. Cannon, Julian E. Cannon
  • Publication number: 20100146855
    Abstract: A modular plant growing device includes a main frame mounted on an upright supporting surface. The main frame is configured with an accommodating space defined by an upright rear plate, an inclined top plate extending gradually and upwardly from an upper end of the rear plate, an inclined bottom plate extending gradually and upwardly from a lower end of the rear plate, and opposite lateral plates for receiving a plant unit. The top plate is formed with an inlet unit permitting flow of liquid for plant growth into the accommodating space therethrough. The bottom plate is formed with an outlet unit disposed adjacent to the lower end of the rear plate and permitting leakage of the liquid from the accommodating space therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Ke-Ten Ma
  • Publication number: 20100132255
    Abstract: An eco-friendly vertical planter apparatus, system, and method that allow a user to grow vegetative plant matter with minimal water and soil. The vertical planter apparatus includes a base and at least one central planting unit having its own base and at a least one sidewall to form a container for holding plant matter and soil. The vertical planter also includes a moisture-retentive wick, such as a cotton-woven braid, having at least two ends. One end of the moisture-retentive wick is placed within the container. In use, soil is placed within the container atop at least one end of the wick and plant matter is planted within the soil substantially adjacent the moisture-retentive wick. Optional features include modular central planting units, multiple external planting tubes, a thermal mass to retain heat to plant matter roots, a water reservoir, a cloche/cover to simulate green-house effect, and dark or light colored central planting units or tubes depending on the type of plant matter being grown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Deloss WEBBER
  • Publication number: 20100095588
    Abstract: A planting container body (1) has a bottom wall (3) and side walls (4) forming a planting space (2) and also has a water-holding section for holding planting water supplied to the planting space (2). The water-holding section has a water discharge opening (12) for overflow. In a horizontal position (A) in which the planting space (2) opens upward, the bottom wall (3) and the side walls (4) form a horizontal water-holding section for holding planting water. In a vertical position in which the planting space (2) opens sideways, a vertical water-holding section for holding planting water is formed by the bottom wall (3), side walls (4), and a dam section (8) formed facing the bottom wall (3) on the side wall (4) that is the bottom surface. A water discharge start section of the water discharge opening (12) is located at a position a predetermined distance away from the bottom wall (3) and a predetermined distance away from a side wall (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Suntory Limited
    Inventor: Masaki Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20100083571
    Abstract: A panel assembly includes a plurality of open faced cells fluidly interconnected for retaining a growing medium and live vegetation in a vertical orientation of the panel assembly. The fluid interconnection of the cells provides for gravitationally induced water transfer from the growing medium of a first cell to the growing medium of a second cell, as well as root growth between the cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: GREEN LIVING TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: George Irwin
  • Patent number: 7690151
    Abstract: A moisture absorbing and water transferring self watering structured planters, including a plurality of a tapering plant pots, capable of mounting one upon another in a staggered fashion, to provide a series of stacked planters, a bottom planter shaped to provide for its accommodations upon a deck rail, or the bottom planter may locate within a tray, even one that contains casters, to provide freedom for movement upon a patio, deck, or other floor. Contained within each of the stackable containers, and also within the bottom planter, is an elevated base, containing perforations, and a series of downwardly depending slotted wells, the latter into which potting soil may locate, for submerging into any water contained within water reservoirs provided within the bottom of each container, or bottom planter, to achieve migration of water upwardly into the potting soil, for irrigation and moisturization of the root system of any planted vegetation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Nancy J. Wilkes
  • Publication number: 20100024292
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for growing plants in a growing room includes a hanging member having a substantially planar configuration, oriented vertically. At least one carriage is disposed on the hanging member to support growing plants. A nutrient delivery system has a conduit to deliver nutrients to the hanging member and to recycle any unused nutrients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: CONLEY ROSE, P. C.
    Inventor: Malcolm Glen Kertz
  • Publication number: 20090293350
    Abstract: A raised bed planter comprising a porous and permeable load-bearing exoskeleton comprised of nonwoven polymer matting and a spray-on polymer coating; a core section comprised of hydrophilic bedding fill material; and a bottom layer that serves as a weed barrier. The planter optionally incorporates multiple bedding levels and/or a wicking system or wicking components. In an alternate embodiment, the exoskeleton is comprised of a layer of outdoor carpet, a layer of fencing material, and a layer of nonwoven polymer matting. The planter optionally comprises one or more wings and a removable greenhouse cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Fountainhead, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce G. Kania, Frank M. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20090260282
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivating unit that can perform a watering operation in a simple manner and can supply water uniformly to plants in locations where a floor surface is sloped, such as the rooftop of a building, without requiring separate water supply piping work. A plant cultivating unit (1) comprises a water storage tray (2) in which water can be stored and in which receivers (3) for housing the roots of plants can be arranged in an interior thereof, a water storage space (8) in the water storage tray (2) and the receivers (3) being communicated via water feeders (7), and the water stored in the water storage space (8) being able to be supplied to the plants via the water feeders (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: SUNTORY LIMITED
    Inventors: Masaki Hashimoto, Katsuro Miyagawa, Masayuki Saito
  • Publication number: 20090223126
    Abstract: A vertical plant support includes a wall having a panel and an anchor layer, and a matrix of tubes being connected to the wall. The anchor layer is located intermediate the panel and the matrix of tubes. The panel can be liquid impermeable and the anchor layer can be liquid permeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Gregory Garner, Keith Ardron, Neil Sisler
  • Patent number: 7559173
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for growing plants wherein rotating arrays of seeds or seedlings carried by arcuate ribs arranged around a common horizontal axis face a growth promoting light source; plant growth is promoted and weight distribution within each array is maintained when watering the rotating arrays. Several intermeshing arrays can make up a carousel wherein the arrays rotate together during plant growth, cropping and replanting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Terrasphere Systems LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Gordon Brusatore
  • Patent number: 7533493
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for growing plants wherein a spherical array of seeds or seedlings radially face the center of the sphere and a growth promoting light source is generally at the center of the sphere; plant growth is promoted and approximately equal weight distribution among growing plants is maintained by rotating the sphere on its horizontal axis around the light source, simultaneously delivering water optionally containing plant nutrients to all the seeds or seedlings and regulating the light source during periods of plant growth and non-growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Terrasphere Systems LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Gordon Brusatore
  • Patent number: 7516574
    Abstract: A vertical garden includes a reservoir containing a nutrient rich liquid. A stack of modular planters are nested together above the reservoir. A vertically extending tubular pipe passes through central openings in the modular planters. The tubular pipe communicates with a manifold within the reservoir. An air pump located outside of the reservoir has an outlet hose terminating in an air inlet port in the manifold. Compressed air flows from the air pump into the manifold and flows up through the pipe to a diffuser plate at the top. Compressed air rises in the vertically extending pipe entraining some of said liquid upward towards the top diffuser plate. Each modular planter has radiating planter ports for growing plants, wherein the planter ports contain plant media. Nutrient rich liquid trickles down from the diffuser plate, intersecting with and soaking the plant media in the planter ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventors: John Gottlieb, Wendy Gottlieb
  • Publication number: 20090090051
    Abstract: Planter systems include planters releasably integrated with a support structure primarily by releasable and penetrable engagement that is sufficient to support the planter without requiring conventional attachment devices. Engaging portions of the planters are releasably and penetrably received and concealed by the support structure to provide an integrated appearance. The planter systems optionally include adjustable irrigation systems configured to controllably supply water to the planter and/or surrounding terrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: James Hogan
  • Publication number: 20090007486
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for growing plants hydroponically on a vertical wall. The system can be used to grow many different species of plants concurrently. The system comprises a specially designed wall together with an integrated and customizable automatic irrigation system for providing nutrients and water, with metered absorption of the nutrients and water by the plants and regulation of excess nutrients and water. The wall may be equipped with an automatic release system which releases the nutrients into the wail's absorbent covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Laurent CORRADI
  • Publication number: 20090000189
    Abstract: A modular planter system comprises a plurality of vertically spaced apart troughs, at least one longitudinally extending support member adapted to position the troughs one above another, and one or more planter inserts configured for insertion into a trough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Alan Black
  • Publication number: 20080209805
    Abstract: The inventive vegetated wall includes supports arranged on a wall to be covered or at a small distance therefrom, an integrated irrigation system and a plurality of open mesh baskets which are provided with a vegetable culture substrate arranged therein and which are removably associated with the supports in such a way that the baskets are enabled to be displaceable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: GREENWALL SAS
    Inventors: Jean Francois Daures, Claude Maurette
  • Publication number: 20080202027
    Abstract: A planter for living plants, composed substantially of a wall-facing layer (16), one or more drainage layers (14) and a front comprised of one or more plant-root retaining panels (12), held together in close proximity in a laminar, vertically oriented, array. The planter allows plants to be planted in, and grow from, the front vertical surface of the planter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher James Steele
  • Patent number: 7415796
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for growing plants includes an enclosed vessel having a growth medium containing a plant seed or seedling in the upper part thereof and a free space below into which plant roots can enter, a mechanism to feed water and nutrients to the vessel to saturate the growth medium, a mechanism to remove excess water and nutrients after reaching saturation, and a mechanism to regulate the amounts, intervals and rates of water and nutrients being fed for optimum plant growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Terrasphere Systems LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Gordon Brusatore
  • Publication number: 20080110086
    Abstract: A module suitable for the placing of plants on a natural soil substrate S or without artificial soil, whereby the substrate is oriented horizontally, with a slight or steep slope, all the way up to vertical, includes at least one front face (12), at least one rear face (14), a substrate (16) that is inserted between these at least two faces, whereby at least the front face (12) includes at least one recessed cell (18) that is obtained from the at least one front face (12), the at least one cell having a bottom (22) that is made integral with the closest rear face (14) by connecting elements (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Arnold Julia
  • Publication number: 20080086944
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a holder for individual containers used in the production and growth of plants. It is essentially characterised in that the configuration thereof is a cross formed by at least two arms 2 and 3 connected to each other, each of them being provided with transversal notches 4, 5 and 6 to connect and fix the containers by their edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Antonio Ventura Ribeiro De Matos
  • Patent number: 7152370
    Abstract: A capillary carpet irrigation system comprises a capillary carpet (10) having a series of individual capillary mat sections (9a, 9b, 9c . . . ) hydraulically isolated from one another by a water impermeable base membrane (18), thereby preventing water migration from one section to the next. This discontinuity advantageously allows the capillary carpet (10) to operate on sloppy surfaces and promotes effective capillary connection between coarse growing media and the mat. A protective water permeable membrane (15) is provided on top of the series of individual capillary mat sections (9a, 9b, 9c . . . ).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Université Laval
    Inventors: Jean Caron, Jocelyn Boudreau
  • Patent number: 7080482
    Abstract: Modular plant growing apparatus includes a housing formed of inner and outer walls, opposed side walls, a bottom wall, and a top wall interconnected to define an enclosure. A liquid nutrient solution reservoir is formed in the enclosure by lower portions of the bottom, opposed side, and the inner and outer walls. The inner wall defines plant supporting structure including horizontally extending, vertically separated corrugations, each corrugation including a lower surface with a plurality of horizontally spaced apart plant receiving openings into the enclosure. A pump is positioned in the reservoir. A manifold and distribution conduits in liquid communication with the pump, include spray nozzles associated with the plant receiving openings within the enclosure for supplying liquid nutrient solution to roots of plants positioned in the plant receiving openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Treg Bradley
  • Patent number: 7043877
    Abstract: A stackable planter comprising a plurality of planter trays has planter cups at a periphery for holding soil and plants. An inner rib of each planter tray defines a center portion of the planter tray. The center portion of one of the planter trays has a bottom wall that extends across the center portion and defines a recess for holding soil, whereby one or more plants may be planted in the center of the stackable planter. The planter trays are shaped to nest within one another when in a collapsed configuration. The stackable planter may be used indoors or outdoors and is portable in nature. Further configurations of the planter may provide a watering device with features configured to fit within the center portion of a planter trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignees: Daugs, Ammon, Uhl, Michael
    Inventor: Jon F. Jensen