Vertical Array Patents (Class 47/83)
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130019524
    Abstract: Planting structures including a container including a base and defining a container opening opposite the base, a first bulb support structure supported within the container, the first bulb support structure defines a first bulb compartment located proximate the container opening, and a first bulb support structure height selected to position the first bulb compartment a first selected distance from the container opening, and a second bulb support structure supported within the container, the second bulb support structure defines a second bulb compartment located proximate the container opening, and a second bulb support structure height selected to position the second bulb compartment a second selected distance from the container opening. In some examples, the planting structure includes a varmint resistant enclosure extending from the base around an entire periphery of the base, the lateral enclosure terminating opposite the base defining a lateral enclosure opening opposite the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Roger Collin
  • Publication number: 20120324788
    Abstract: There is provided a plant cultivating apparatus for saving space in an early stage of growth of plants, increases an amount of plants cultivated per unit space to achieve higher space efficiency, and which provides an optimum environment corresponding to the growth of the plants. The plant cultivating apparatus comprises a plurality of cultivation tray storage shelves arrayed in a plurality of tiers and a plurality of rows, each of the plurality of cultivation tray storage shelves being able to store a cultivation tray capable of cultivating a plurality of plant stocks, a cultivation tray transferring mechanism for moving the cultivation tray, and a handling mechanism capable of gripping and moving the plurality of plant stocks individually from the cultivation tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Syunji Sakura, Tatsuya Hirai, Kouji Kouno, Hitoshi Ohara, Go Itou
  • Patent number: 8296997
    Abstract: An upright planting apparatus includes a row of juxtaposed mesh pipe units disposed uprightly and a fixing unit. Each of the mesh pipe units includes an outer mesh pipe, and a liquid supply pipe. The outer mesh pipe has an upright tubular wall formed with a plurality of mesh holes extending through inner and outer surfaces of the upright tubular wall, and a groove that extends around said outer surface of the upright tubular wall to receive a plant culture medium. The liquid supply pipe is disposed axially inside the outer mesh pipe and has a plurality of liquid-seeping holes. The fixing unit fixes together the outer mesh pipes of the mesh pipe units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Yi-Chen Tsai
  • 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: 8250804
    Abstract: A plant pot holding device includes one or more panels each having a number of compartments formed with a wider front portion and a narrower rear portion for detachably engaging with plant pots, the plant pots each include a lower notch for engaging with the lower inclined surface of the panel and an upper engaging surface and a latch for engaging with the panel and for detachably attaching and latching the plant pots to the panel, the panels each include one or more couplers and one or more socket openings for selectively engaging with each other and for detachably coupling the panels together to form various spatial or three-dimensional shapes and for detachably supporting a number of plant pots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Cheng Chung Chang
  • Patent number: 8245443
    Abstract: Systems for the construction of a variety of planting configurations are disclosed. Some of the disclosed embodiments may be equally applicable for products such as shelving systems. The systems may include various shaped troughs and support surfaces and various methods of assembling the same. The various components and resulting configurational possibilities disclosed provides the user with functionality and aesthetic possibilities never before available, and is well suited for both commercial and residential applications. The device may also be made to be foldable or collapsible in nature. As such, the unit may be folded and stored when not in use so that the device does not take up space when it is to be stored. And is equally easy to unfold and put into use when it is to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Steven Jerome Caruso
  • 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: 20120180388
    Abstract: A vertical planter and gardening wall comprised of base planter blocks that are identical to each other and end blocks that are identical to each other. The blocks are stackable and interlock. The invention can be used by gardeners to cultivate and display their gardens indoors or outdoors in a restricted area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Jared Friedman
  • Patent number: 8191310
    Abstract: A plant pot which is adapted to be stacked with one or more similar plant pots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: John Rodney Keats
  • Publication number: 20120117871
    Abstract: An adaptable terraced planter and system having a plurality of planters, each planter comprising a plastic body configured to retain soil with hinge brackets at each end that when interlocked with a pin or rod form a hinge there between to rotatably connect the planters together, and thereby enable the attachment of said at least one of the plurality of planters to another planter in more than one selective orientation and to allow for the stacking of rows of planters in vertical or tiered rows or variants thereof that conform to a wide variety of topographies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Kelly William Luckett
  • Patent number: 8141294
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a planter system for supporting living plants on a vertical surface that includes a fabric folded into one or more vertically-arranged knife pleats; the pleats are secured and horizontally segmented into vertically arranged, upward facing pockets by a securing mechanism. The upward facing pockets are adapted hold a plant growth medium. Other aspects of the invention include a simple system for removing failing plants, and replacing them with healthy plants, already embedded in growth medium within a root liner pouch. The invention further includes an irrigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher James Bribach, Daniel Rossomano
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8132367
    Abstract: A container for receiving and growing plants is disclosed. The container includes a latticework having a bottom wall and a sidewall extending from the bottom wall defining a cavity with an open end, a covering for the bottom wall and the sidewall for receiving plant growth medium for supporting roots of plants, and a plurality of spaced apart flexible cords securing the covering to the latticework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Waldo & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Cottier
  • Patent number: 8074398
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a growing system for enhanced yield. In an exemplary embodiment of the growing system, a plant stand is provided, and a plurality of plant pots can be further provided. The plant stand can include a first frame, a second frame, and a plurality of brackets securing the plant pots to the first frame and the second frame. The plant stand is configured such that the plant pots have a tiered formation. In some embodiments, the brackets each have a segment upon which a corresponding plant pot is seated and segments for securing opposing sides of the plant stand. In some embodiments, the plant stand has a substantially x-shaped elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Haim Hazan
  • Publication number: 20110258929
    Abstract: THE PRESENT INVENTION REFERS TO A VERTICAL GARDEN ASSEMBLY, CONCERNED WITH THE FIELD OF GARDENING, MORE PRECISELY FOR USE IN THE DECORATION OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENTS BY MEANS OF ADEQUATELY SUSPENDED VASES, TO WHICH AN ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTIVE ARRANGEMENT IS GIVEN, AIMING TO REACH A DIFFERENT FUNCTIONAL OPTION FROM THE MODELS PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED BY THE INVENTOR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Gislene Medeiros Mesiara
  • 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: 20110192084
    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: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: David S. MacKenzie
  • Publication number: 20110131876
    Abstract: Methods and associated apparatus for automatically growing agricultural crops vertically and/or in a continuous fashion throughout each year (Vertical Farm) in combination with contiguous and co-located production of biofuel, food, biomass for the purpose of carbon sequestering (carbon credits), and biomass electric power generation. A process that incorporates vast arrays of continuous-loop conveyors, towering upon vertical framework, which allow potted plants to be transported throughout all stages of maturity in a manner which substantially multiplies yield per acre, allows production to proceed in both natural and artificial light, allows production and harvesting to be automated, and allows production to proceed in conditions which are highly favorable to plants but unfavorable to humans. The entire apparatus can be constructed of lightweight, cost-effective materials which afford mass-production and mass-array into vast automatic growing operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Glen James Pettibone
  • Publication number: 20110130871
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a vegetable tower, which comprises a main body. A main spiral slide guide is disposed inside the main body and vegetable growing bins can be hung on the main spiral slide guide via a plurality of chains and then slipped downstream along the main spiral slide guide by means of gravity. The vegetable growing bins further comprises several supply tubes and supply inlets. A main control module is built inside the main body, and it can automatically ascend and descend inside the main body to perform identifying, feeding, catching images and measuring functionalities. The main control module can feed the vegetable growing bins with water, fertilizer, CO2. The central management module and the main control module are integrated to be an automatic planting-care system to make the growths of the vegetables under well control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVERSAL CARBON CONTROL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: PEI-CHIEH LIN
  • Patent number: 7921601
    Abstract: A water amusement system may include a composite tree and an elevated structure. A composite tree may include a base having an artificial trunk portion. The base may be coupled to a surface. Living plants may be coupled to the base. Portions of the living plants may form branches of the composite tree. In some embodiments, the living plants are living trees. The water amusement system may include a water amusement ride coupled to the base. The water amusement ride may include an access point configured to allow participants to access the water amusement ride from the structure. The access point may be positioned adjacent to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Water Ride Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery Wayne Henry, John Timothy Schooley
  • Patent number: 7921599
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: George Irwin
  • Patent number: 7918051
    Abstract: A plant growing kit, primarily for growing climbing plants such as tomatoes, is contained in a flat box approximately the shape of a pizza box. In preferred embodiments three legs are included, broken down into sections in the box and directable into a sturdy tripod, over which a flexible vine-attachment element, such as a wire or thin tubular member or plastic coil, is assembled preferably in a tapered helical configuration. Also in the box is a basket, in flattened condition but erectable into a deep configuration and with provision for attachment to the legs, near their bottom ends, the basket being configured to contain a bag of soil, which may remain in the bag. The consumer provides drainage holes in the bag and an opening at top for the plants to grow and to climb up on the tripod and vine-attachment element. With a water-catching saucer under the bag and basket, the directed plant growing assembly can be placed in any desired location, including inside a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: The Bear Flag 1991 Trust
    Inventor: Jonathan Early
  • Patent number: 7913452
    Abstract: A plant stand positioning plant pots in a cascading arrangement. The plant stand includes a pole, a first brace, and a second brace. The pole has a lumen and a plurality of perforations there through. The first brace and the second brace each have an aperture to allow the braces to be slid over the pole and the braces are then received inside of the base plant pot. Multiple plant pots can then be stacked over the pole in an alternating arrangement. Water is delivered to the plants in the pots by flowing through the lumen and out the perforations in the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Edward J. Imm
  • Publication number: 20110061294
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for growing plants in a rotatable, horizontal, drum-like configuration, wherein plants grow inwards towards a centrally located light source, includes plant receiving hollow members each having a recessed slot facing the light source with a plurality of apertures at the base thereof for receiving plant holders and defining, with the outer walls of the hollow member, reservoirs on each side thereof for holding water when the plants are generally inverted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: TERRASPHERE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Gordon Brusatore
  • Patent number: 7856756
    Abstract: Systems for the construction of a variety of planting configurations are disclosed. Some of the disclosed embodiments may be equally applicable for products such as shelving systems. The systems may include various shaped troughs and support surfaces and various methods of assembling the same. The various components and resulting configurational possibilities disclosed provides the user with functionality and aesthetic possibilities never before available, and is well suited for both commercial and residential applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Steven J. Caruso
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7850402
    Abstract: A retaining wall or steeply faced slope is disclosed having a naturally green façade. The wall or slope is made of blocks of compacted earth, each having a face reinforced with wire mesh and covered with vegetation such as native grasses. The blocks may be formed onsite, saving transportation costs and other waste, using native soils. The mesh may extend beyond other faces of each block to provide handles and geogrid anchoring. A press is disclosed to form the blocks by compacting soil mixed with cement, the press including hydraulic rams or screw jacks that create immense pressures and having wedge shaped sides that relieve lateral confining pressure when the block is extracted. The wall may be expected to last indefinitely, despite the vegetation growing on it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Henry Justiniano
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7818919
    Abstract: A concrete construction block is formed with a large cavity toward the exterior side of the wall of which it becomes part. The cavity, or protrusion, is shaped to extend outward at the top but angled or recessed back at the bottom to coincide with the foremost edge of the block's rectangular bottom. The cavity may be shaped in any of several ways but the top portion extends forward more or less in the manner of a flowerpot so it may be filed with soil to support plants planted therein. Drainage is provided so that water descending from one block flows into the plant bed of a block below. A large number of these planter-blocks economically provide a cooling effect upon the building's interior for scientifically established reasons related to botanical function of the plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventors: Claudio Betances Maxwell-Merrill, Gloribed Rivera-Torres, Joseph Alan Werla
  • Publication number: 20100236147
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for growing plants in a rotatable, horizontal, drum-like configuration, wherein plants grow inwards towards a centrally located light source, includes plant receiving hollow members each having a recessed slot facing the light source with a plurality of apertures at the base thereof for receiving plant holders and defining, with the outer walls of the hollow member, reservoirs on each side thereof for holding water when the plants are generally inverted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: TERRASPHERE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Gordon BRUSATORE
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 7730667
    Abstract: A plant pot (1) which, in use, is adapted to be stacked with one or more similar plant pots, the plant pot comprising: (a) cavity (5) including a water reservoir region (7) and a soil holding region (6) located above the reservoir region (7); (b) separation means (10) adapted to separate the reservoir region (7) from the soil holding region (6); (c) an overflow outlet (8) in the reservoir region (7) adapted to enable excess water to flow out the reservoir region (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: John Rodney Keats
  • Patent number: 7730664
    Abstract: A plant container assembly (1) comprising two detachably connectable enclosure sections (3, 4), the assembly comprising attachment means (39) which is adapted to secure the sections in the direction of the height of the container, wherein, in an assembled condition, the attachment means is located internally of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Alan John Larwood
  • Patent number: 7712255
    Abstract: A nesting planter arrangement having a plurality of open planting units each of a successive smaller size from the bottom planter unit to the top planter unit and in which each planter unit other than the base planter unit rests on a portion of the planter unit below it so that it projects above the planter unit upon which it rests in the planting position and the arrangement may be inverted to be in the storage position so that the plurality of planting units are nested together in a smaller height than in the planting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Donald Klessig
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100037517
    Abstract: A plant cultivation apparatus includes a housing with at least one receptacle arranged to receive and support a corresponding number of plants and at least one conduit attached to the housing connecting each of the receptacles with a reservoir such that at least a portion of each conduit is open to the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: CLEV-A-GARDEN PTY LTD
    Inventors: David Alexander James Copping, Christopher Neill Martin, Richard Hardman
  • Patent number: 7627983
    Abstract: A living wall comprises a plurality of planter tiles and base tiles configured to be joined in edge abutting fashion to tessellate a vertical surface. Planter tiles include a curved coffer wall extending from a front surface of the base panel to define an upwardly opening container for soil and plants. Base tiles and planter tiles may be fabricated from a porous material that allows a soaker supply at the top of the tile layout to water the entire vertical matrix by seepage through the tiles. In another embodiment, bio-blocks in stacked array having cavities for soil and water treatment media, and cladding panels are secured to one surface of the stacked array with openings for plants growing in the soil media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Elizabeth Devon Deutsch-Aboulmahassine
  • Patent number: 7617632
    Abstract: A plant stand positioning plant pots in a cascading arrangement. The plant stand includes a pole, a first brace, and a second brace. The pole has a lumen and a plurality of perforations there through. The first brace and the second brace each have an aperture to allow the braces to be slid over the pole and the braces are then received inside of the base plant pot. Multiple plant pots can then be stacked over the pole in an alternating arrangement. Water is delivered to the plants in the pots by flowing through the lumen and out the perforations in the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Edward J. Imm
  • Publication number: 20090277086
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a growing system for enhanced yield. In an exemplary embodiment of the growing system, a plant stand is provided, and a plurality of plant pots can be further provided. The plant stand can include a first frame, a second frame, and a plurality of brackets securing the plant pots to the first frame and the second frame. The plant stand is configured such that the plant pots have a tiered formation. In some embodiments, the brackets each have a segment upon which a corresponding plant pot is seated and segments for securing opposing sides of the plant stand. In some embodiments, the plant stand has a substantially x-shaped elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Haim Hazan
  • Patent number: 7610717
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flower pot (1) made of deep drawn plastic material and provided for a hanging flower pot wherein a suspension part (2) comprises a plurality of strands (5) that are linked via hook clips (3) with the pot rim (4) that has an outer continuous contour. The aim of the invention is to provide a flower pot that, in accordance with the special technical conditions during the deep drawing, is provided with a fixation of the seat (7) of the hook clips (3), while maintaining a good distribution of suspension loads between the pot and the hook clips and safeguarding an appealing yet easy to handle shape. To achieve this aim, the pot rim (4) has tapered sections extending inwards towards a wall contiguous with the bottom. These tapered sections form a seat (7) for the hook clips (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Gebr. Poeppelmann Kunststoffwek-Werkzeugbau
    Inventors: Reinhard Lüken, Alfons Sieverding
  • Publication number: 20090211154
    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: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Angela DiMaggio
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090173004
    Abstract: A modular planter assembly formed of a base planter housing having a cavity volume for dirt or growing material defined by a surrounding vertically disposed sidewall. Smaller elevated planters are supportable above the base planter on support members extending between a pair of vertically disposed elongated members which engage passages formed in the sidewall of the base planter. The elongated members may be one piece, or formed of a plurality of component members to allow the user to lengthen them and add multiple elevated planters to the formed device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Suzanne Weast
  • Patent number: 7536829
    Abstract: A multipurpose planting base includes a holding cover having an open window divided by a holding crosspiece, and a tray for supporting the opening side of the holding cover and for receiving a culture soil with which the holding cover is filled. When used for pot planting, it includes a planting pot tray having a planting pot exposed toward the open window when housed in the holding cover. When used for pot planting on a wall surface, in addition to the planting pot tray having the planting pot exposed toward the open window when housed in the holding cover, it also includes a pocket-type soil receiving tray attached to the outside of the planting pot of the planting pot tray for receiving culture soil in the planting pot, and a mesh board for holding the soil-receiving tray at a predetermined position and for holding down the holding cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Nippon Chiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sanji Genma, Satoru Furube
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090119988
    Abstract: An aerial plant planter comprising a wall and a flat bottom surface that formed the cavity for holding root structure of a plant and its growing medium with attached individual porous water chambers on the wall of the planter for storing quantity of water. Open spaces are created around the wall and bottom of the planter to provide sufficient airflow. Tops of the water chambers are open to supply humidity to the plants and for easy refilling. The flat bottom defines a plurality of risers for maximum air circulation and to prevent the plant from sitting on any excess water that may be present underneath the planter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Emerlinda Helen Berrie
  • Publication number: 20090119987
    Abstract: A simple and inexpensive nursery device is provided, comprising: at least two identical trays containing plant cells, identical bushings coupled to the trays so that each of the trays furnished with an equal number of the bushings identically disposed at corresponding predetermined points of the trays, and identical rods of a predetermined height. Bushings internally include upper and lower cavities, and partitions fixed therebetween. The rods are made insertable into the cavities, being supported by the partitions. The trays can be assembled in stack by making one tray a lower tray, inserting the rods into the lower tray's upper cavities, inserting the rods into the lower cavities of the corresponding bushings of another tray, thereby making it an upper tray. Embodiments include different bushings dispositions on the trays, combined rods assembled of component rods. Some rods include threaded top holes and threaded bottom heads, some bushings cavities include fixation threadings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: John Ingrassia