Sheet Of Plants (e.g., Roof-top Garden) Patents (Class 47/65.9)
  • Publication number: 20120227319
    Abstract: An improved modular green roof system for installation on a roof includes: (a) trays, each having a surface chosen from the group of sidewall, bottom and a combination of such surfaces, and having drainage openings that limit the movement of planting media through the surface while promoting maximum root growth and water and moisture transport through the surface, (b) a water management passage, (c) a structural member that extends across each of the trays and attaches to the opposing bottom sidewall to provide rigidity to each tray, (d) locking members for use with the trays, and wherein each of the trays have a locking opening configured to accommodate one of the locking members, (e) stacking members for use with the trays, and wherein each of the trays have a stacking opening configured to accommodate the insertion of one the stacking members, (f) a slope stabilization device, a portion of which is configured to be accommodated in water management passages, and (g) a water retention medium configured for p
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Lee Jaslow
  • 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: 8235863
    Abstract: A device having a tray defining at least one reservoir designed to contain a liquid, a platform, designed to be placed on the tray and to support a growing substrate, the platform including a flat main portion provided with wells having, at the bottom, an orifice communicating with the liquid contained in the tray, and means for carrying liquid in the reservoir, where a plurality of reinforcing walls protrude perpendicularly upwards from the main portion of the platform, where these walls have sufficient height so that, when the platform is placed on the tray, their top edge forms the highest portion of the device, and where the reinforcing walls are distributed on the surface of the platform so as to allow a distribution of the loads applied to this device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: A.B.M. Plastic
    Inventor: Bernard Mathy
  • Patent number: 8225546
    Abstract: To realize a root-preventing sheet with outstanding shape maintaining properties while being thin and light that even when affixed has no wrinkles, is difficult to tear, has excellent applicability, durability and adhesiveness and demonstrates definite root-preventing effects at low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Tajima Ryokka Incorporated
    Inventors: Kunio Tajima, Toru Kojima, Akihiro Sakamoto, Yoshiaki Gotou
  • Patent number: 8209905
    Abstract: A greening system us disclosed for enabling plants/vegetation to grow only with natural rainfall, without any particular irrigation facilities, enabling a full-blown garden to be constructed on building rooftops, minimizing the applicable loads on the building, and free from the risk of leakage. Planting container 1 comprises box 2 with stickers 3 to carry perforated partition panel 4. The lower half of the container is constituted as water storage 5, and drain holes 6 are opened on sides of the container. Soil layer 7 placed on partition panel 4 is formed of light woody soil-based on charcoal 9 and humus timber chips for absorbing moisture transported from the water 8 stored in water storage 5 by evaporation or difference in humidity, to have a large water capacity letting less water evaporate into the air. Charcoal 9 absorbs water from the air inside the lower half of the container to water the plants. Water storage 5 assures an amount of water necessary for plants to grow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Kawada Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Furumura, Toshiaki Fukuhara, Shinichi Kawada
  • Publication number: 20120137580
    Abstract: A system for treating plant cuttings (12), comprising a carrier (1) and a series of holders attached to said carrier, which holders are each designed for holding a plant cutting, said holders being attached to the carrier in such a manner that plant cuttings inserted into the holders extend substantially parallel to each other, and that the respective centres of each of the holders lie substantially in one and the same central plane, which system further comprises a watering device comprising at least one gutter (22) in which the bottom sides of the plant cuttings can be placed, which gutter extends between a water supply side and a water discharge side, as well as a water inlet designed to supply water or on the water supply side and a water outlet designed to discharge water from the water discharge side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: DEKKER CHRYSANTEN B.V.
    Inventor: Cornelis Wilhelmus Dekker
  • Publication number: 20120110904
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for reducing global warming. In an embodiment, a platform is provided over a surface area and supports growing at least one plant. At least one panel is coupled to the platform that comprises a plurality of solar cells. Further, at least one water storage unit is coupled to the platform and configured to collect rain water. At least a portion of the surface area is shaded as a function of the platform thereby reducing temperature of the surface area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew Modine
  • Publication number: 20120090235
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a backing sheet comprising a pH neutral material. The backing sheet is configured for supporting at least one plant in a hydroponics system. A plurality of protrusions comprises a pH neutral material. The plurality of protrusions is joined to the backing sheet. The plurality of protrusions is configured for extending away from a surface of the backing sheet for supporting the roots of the at least one plant in which the at least one plant is supported in a growing position and damage to the at least one plant is mitigated during removal of the roots from the protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Briar Horn, Jamin Horn
  • Patent number: 8132365
    Abstract: A panel for a modular green roof system includes a bottom and four sides extending upwardly therefrom to provide an enclosure for growing medium, with a first side having a height above the bottom, the panel configured to accommodate an irrigation head. The bottom of the irrigation head is positioned below the height of the first side and connects with a water supply line running horizontally along the first side. A mold defining a first opening can be formed in the first side, the first opening configured to receive the irrigation head, the mold extending toward a side opposing the first side. A notch formed in a first side flange extending from the first side may alternatively help secure the irrigation head. The top of the irrigation head can be elevated above the height of the first side to irrigate the panel and nearby panels with pressurized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Americam Builders & Supply Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Mischo
  • Publication number: 20120036773
    Abstract: A floatable plant growth system is provided. The system comprises an upper tray (10) and a lower tray (20). The upper tray has a plurality of downwardly tapering cells (11) for receiving plant growth material, with each of the plant cells having an opening (13) at its bottom. The lower tray has a plurality of upwardly tapering cells (21) that trap air, enabling the system to float in use. The upper tray is removably mateable with the lower tray such that the plant cells of the upper tray are located in the space (27) between the air cells of the lower tray. The lower tray is provided with a plurality of openings (26). When the upper and lower trays are mated together and placed in a body of liquid, liquid enters the mated tray configuration (10, 20) through the openings (26) of the lower tray, fills the space (27) that is below the plant cells (11) between the air cells (21) of the lower tray, and in use may be taken up through the bottom opening (13) of each upper tray plant cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Khay Chong Khoo
  • Publication number: 20120005954
    Abstract: Provided is a modular growing panel system for attaching vegetation to a surface of a structure. In one aspect, the modular growing panel system includes a growing substrate with a plurality of layers formed into a tile that is rigid and self-supportive of vegetation being grown in the growing substrate. A binder attaches one or more of the tiles to each other and forming the modular growing panel system. In another aspect, the modular growing panel system includes a growing substrate with a plurality of layers formed into a tile that is rigid and self-supportive of vegetation being grown in the growing substrate. A framework for holding and attaching one or more tiles to the structure includes an upper channel having a slot that corresponds to the depth of the tile and a lower channel also having a slot corresponding to the depth of the tile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Gary R. Hartman
  • Publication number: 20110302838
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for nurturing phalaenopsis orchid seedlings with stalk with a high performance of land use, and comprises a nurture room having an air conditioning equipment for a temperature control; a multi-layer planting bed rack installed in the nurture room for placing the phalaenopsis orchid seedlings; and an illumination rack fixed above each planting bed, and having an artificial light source installed thereon for illuminating the phalaenopsis orchid seedlings in the planting beds. With the aforementioned arrangement, the large quantity of phalaenopsis orchid seedlings placed on each planting bed are grown under the conditions controlled at a temperature at 17° C. ˜25° C. and a light intensity of 100˜11000 Lux, so as to achieve the effects of improving the production efficiency, lowering the cost and providing a stable shipping time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Yao-Huang Chen, Shyh-Shyan Wang, Doung-Liang Lin, Jung-Jui Cheng
  • Publication number: 20110289839
    Abstract: A modular green roof and/or green wall system includes a plurality of trays adapted to support vegetation and soil therein. The trays are sized such that a person may easily lift them and install them in a pre-vegetated state upon a roof or a wall. The trays are further designed to enable subterranean irrigation lines to be inserted therethrough, thereby hiding the irrigation lines from view. Biodegradable walls may be added of different heights to the trays to support different types of vegetation, as well as to create terracing for a given installation, if desired. A wicking material may be inserted into the tray and positioned such that is makes contact with wicking material in adjacent trays, thereby spreading moisture between trays through the capillary action of the wicking material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: ADVANCED GREEN ARCHITECTURE,LLC
    Inventors: Erik E. Cronk, Jeremiah D. Johnson, Bruce A. Sienkowski, William T. Oltman
  • Publication number: 20110265377
    Abstract: A roof vegetation cassette for accommodating a substrate for roof vegetation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Soiltec GMBH
    Inventors: Kai Tietjen, Sven Adamietz
  • Patent number: 8033049
    Abstract: A floral arrangement rendering an image and usable in various applications, including advertisement applications, notification applications and decoration applications. The floral arrangement may comprise a plurality of modules. Each module renders a portion of the image and comprises: a plurality of grown plants forming image elements that collectively make up the portion of the image rendered by that module; a sustaining medium for the grown plants; and a holding component holding the sustaining medium and the grown plants. The modules are arranged such that the portions of the image rendered by the modules are visually combined to compose the image. Also disclosed are a process and a system for creating such a floral arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Ecomedia Advertising Inc.
    Inventors: Edward St. Clair, Frank G. McGrath
  • Publication number: 20110232183
    Abstract: A water supply and wetness adjustment flowerpot assembly comprises a lower base having a plurality of supporting legs protruding from a lower side of a bottom of the lower base for supporting the lower base; an upper side of the lower base having a plurality of longitudinal and transversal trenches so as to form with a plurality of flowerpot bodies; each flowerpot body having an approximate rectangular shape; a plurality of flowerpot bodies can be arranged at one base in order for planting glasses or flowers; and a water absorption frame formed by a plurality of intersecting longitudinal and transversal strips which can be made individually or integrally; the water absorption frame being made of water absorption material; in assembly, the water absorption frame being placed in the notches of the flowerpot bodies for absorbing water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Hsiao-An Chang
  • Patent number: 8015750
    Abstract: A structure for fixing a planting base 100 supporting a planted raising member 106 by a bottom plate 101 to a laying face 300, the structure being provided with a cylinder portion 105 which projects from the bottom plate 101 of the planting base 100 to a top side and top and bottom of which are opened in which an inner diameter is gradually contracted from a top end to a bottom side, a bolt 110 constituting a fixing member is inserted to the cylinder portion 105, the bolt 110 is screwed to and fixed by an anchor holder 120 of the laying face 300 until a position at which a bolt head portion 110a is brought into contact with and caught by an inner face of the cylinder portion 105, and a top face of the bolt head portion 110a is arranged at a height the same as that of a top end of the cylinder portion 105, or arranged at inside of the cylinder portion 105.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Kyodo Ky-Tee Corp.
    Inventors: Minoru Yoshida, Kazuo Kumura, Takaharu Yoshioka, Yasuyuki Ueda
  • Publication number: 20110197523
    Abstract: A modular unit, system and method include a base layer having a plurality of reservoirs configured to prevent water flow through a lower portion, the lower portion for contacting a support surface, and having interlocking portions configured to interlock adjacent base layers when installed. A water permeable layer is disposed over the base layer. A detachable wall is mountable on the base layer to contain planting media. The water permeable layer may include a water-holding capillary fabric mat layer with entangled filaments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: STEVEN DUBNER
  • Patent number: 7997027
    Abstract: A roof system includes modular trays placed side-by-side on a roof, and a border along the boundaries of the system. The border includes side members with walls that extend from the roof to the top of the modules, along the length of the outer sides of the modules, to conceal the otherwise exposed sides of the modules. The side members include feet that extend along the roof line, from the base of the sidewalls to below the outer perimeter of the modules such that the weight of the trays holds the feet against the roof. The feet are formed with upward projections that are gravitationally engaged into voids formed in the bottoms of the modules to lock the side members in position at the sides of the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Mischo
  • Publication number: 20110179708
    Abstract: A multiple plant container self-watering system is disclosed which through use of an adjustable wicking system maintains for a plurality of plants a uniform water draw rate despite varying water depths among containers. The invention comprises a primary container and a plurality of secondary containers in fluid relation with one another such that when water is supplied to one container it flows through to all other containers. Gravity ensures water depth remains constant among containers on flat ground, but to offset differences in depth caused by elevational differences among containers, a wick elevator is provided so the wick may be vertically adjusted to the water level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Donald J. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20110167724
    Abstract: A panel for a modular green roof system includes a bottom and four sides extending upwardly therefrom to provide an enclosure for growing medium, with a first side having a height above the bottom, the panel configured to accommodate an irrigation head. The bottom of the irrigation head is positioned below the height of the first side and connects with a water supply line running horizontally along the first side. A mold defining a first opening can be formed in the first side, the first opening configured to receive the irrigation head, the mold extending toward a side opposing the first side. A notch formed in a first side flange extending from the first side may alternatively help secure the irrigation head. The top of the irrigation head can be elevated above the height of the first side to irrigate the panel and nearby panels with pressurized water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Donald J. Mischo
  • Patent number: 7958669
    Abstract: A liftable support structure for a turf system, the support structure comprising a skeletal framework having an open based structure with upstanding sides and at least two parallel spaced cross beams, the framework defining open subsections, each subsection having a base defining a ledge structure, each subsection supporting a latticework panel that sits on the ledge structure, the framework having a plurality of spaced lifting points and the cross beams defining access to forklift tines. Also, a pallet for natural or artificial turf comprising a structure moulded in foamed plastics to have a closed planar top surface supported by a lattice work of mutually perpendicular walls defining a flexible open base, the structure defining a pair of elongate spaced parallel channels extending across each side to facilitate forklift tine entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Strathayr Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gabriel Casimaty, Frank Gregory Casimaty, Joseph John McCullagh, Yoram Aisenberg
  • Publication number: 20110113687
    Abstract: A method for cultivating a plant, wherein a substrate is formed, in which substrate a seed or a root of the plant is placed, which substrate containing the seed or the plant is placed in a holder for the plant to grow, characterised in that at least two substrate parts are formed, with the seed or a root of the plant being placed between said at least two substrate parts before the substrate containing the seed or the plant is placed in the holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Hugo Nicolaas Maria BERK, Cornelis Jan SCHOONE, Dick VERWEIJ
  • Publication number: 20110113702
    Abstract: An interlocking roof tray adapted for placement on a roof surface and including a bottom surface and sidewalls defining an interior region of the tray. A dovetail projection extends outwardly away from the interior region in one sidewall, and a dovetail recess extends inwardly into the interior region in a sidewall opposite the dovetail projection. An interlocking roof tray assembly is formed from a plurality of the roof trays. Adjacent interlocking roof trays are secured together by dovetail joints formed form the dovetail projections and dovetail recesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: S. Riaz HASAN
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7906190
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to packaging materials for packaging articles. The packaging materials may include a substratum with a printed pattern disposed thereon that provides a grass-like appearance, and/or the packaging materials may include a plurality of individual strips, strands, or units of material bondably connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Wanda M. Weder and William F. Straeter, not individually but solely as Trustees of the Family Trust U/T/A dated December 8, 1995
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 7900397
    Abstract: A modular green roof system includes modular panels (10) providing a surrounded space suitable for supporting live plant growth and adapted for installing onto a roof deck in side-by-side positioning while allowing water flow on the roof thereunder. The panels are installed with growing medium and greenery, and are releasably connected in a non-progressive manner that permits removal of a surrounded panel without disturbing the adjacent panels. The panels are further adapted to be pre-seeded prior to delivery to the roof site, and delivered in either a preserved condition or a germinated condition; and are adapted for connection to an edge finishing/edge termination system (46) and support structure to enable provision of non-panel areas of the green roof, and above-panel structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: American Builders and Supply Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Mischo
  • Publication number: 20110045916
    Abstract: A liftable support structure for a turf system, the support structure comprising a skeletal framework having an open based structure with upstanding sides and at least two parallel spaced cross beams, the framework defining open subsections, each subsection having a base defining a ledge structure, each subsection supporting a latticework panel that sits on the ledge structure, the framework having a plurality of spaced lifting points and the cross beams defining access to forklift tines. Also, a pallet for natural or artificial turf comprising a structure moulded in foamed plastics to have a closed planar top surface supported by a lattice work of mutually perpendicular walls defining a flexible open base, the structure defining a pair of elongate spaced parallel channels extending across each side to facilitate forklift tine entry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Gabriel Casimaty, Frank Gregory Casimaty, Joseph John McCullagh, Yoram Aisenberg
  • Publication number: 20110030274
    Abstract: A green roof module for covering a portion of a roofing surface with vegetation, includes a tray for containing a growing medium and vegetation, a permeable membrane, and a drainage board The tray has a biodegradable bottom and a plurality of upwardly extending biodegradable walls about the perimeter of the biodegradable bottom The biodegradable bottom is configured so that water received within the tray can pass therethrough The permeable membrane is provided below the biodegradable bottom, and is sized and shaped so as to span the biodegradable bottom and configured to allow water to pass therethrough while inhibiting the growing medium from passing therethrough The drainage board is provided below the permeable membrane opposite the biodegradable bottom, and has an upper surface for supporting the biodegradable bottom and being surrounded by a plurality of edges The drainage board is configured so that at least some of the water passing through the permeable membrane and received on the drainage board will
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: BIOROOF SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: Richard J. Buist
  • Patent number: 7870691
    Abstract: Green roof systems are provided comprising a plurality of tile sheets. Each tile sheet in turn may comprise a plurality of tiles. The tiles are connected to one another by one or more bridges. The tile sheets may be disposed above a layer of growing medium. The tiles are spaced apart from one another so as to form a channel between each tile. The channels formed between the adjacent tiles are contiguous with neighboring channels and are arranged so as to form a circuitous pathway for water runoff. The channels so formed allow plant growth between each tile. Advantages of certain embodiments include improved strength, reduced weight, reduced costs, increased life spans, reduced maintenance, easier installation, improved building energy conservation, reduced urban island heat effect, improved sound insulation, improved water retention, improved environmental aspects, improved irrigation, and reduced erosion of the growing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventors: David A. Williams, Jonathan W. Kinder
  • Publication number: 20100307056
    Abstract: A modular planting and irrigation device, system, and method for growing gardens on elevated rooftop surfaces and other surfaces and method of the same. The system has at least one body of porous material with spaces that trap air within the body as water moves therethrough. The water is contained within the body of porous material with a barrier positioned adjacent the side and bottom surfaces of the body. The pore spaces are of sufficient size to allow plant roots to grow therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Joe D. Byles
  • Patent number: 7845113
    Abstract: A liftable support structure for a turf system, the support structure comprising a skeletal framework having an open based structure with upstanding sides and at least two parallel spaced cross beams, the framework defining open subsections, each subsection having a base defining a ledge structure, each subsection supporting a latticework panel that sits on the ledge structure, the framework having a plurality of spaced lifting points and the cross beams defining access to forklift tines. A pallet for natural or artificial turf comprising a structure moulded in foamed plastics to have a closed planar top surface supported by a lattice work of mutually perpendicular walls defining a flexible open base, the structure defining a pair of elongate spaced parallel channels extending across each side to facilitate forklift tine entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Strathayr Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gabriel Casimaty, Frank Gregory Casimaty, Joseph John McCullagh, Yoram Aisenberg
  • Patent number: 7814703
    Abstract: A method of supporting vegetation in a multilayer vegetation support system on a roof, the method includes disposing a reservoir substrate on the roof. The reservoir substrate also includes a plurality of concave dimples separated by land areas. The method further includes disposing a composite on the reservoir substrate to overlay the plurality of dimples and forms a corresponding number of chambers defined by the reservoir structure and the composite, the composite having a root barrier layer and a multitude of projecting loops, the loops being interconnected at a multitude of locations spaced from the root barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: George Irwin
  • Patent number: 7805885
    Abstract: A roof planter comprising a body capable of placement upon a roof, a pad in association with the body, growth medium, and vegetation in association with the growth medium. The pad is composed of a material that is compatible with the surface of the roof, and is positioned between the body and the roof, the body retaining the growth medium when the roof planter is placed upon a roof. The roof planters are configured so as to enable the nesting of one roof planter within another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Kelly William Luckett
  • Publication number: 20100236144
    Abstract: A container for seedlings to be grown by the air root pruning method is moulded as a flat plastic blank with walls hinged for folding and base hinged to one of the walls permitting the container to be erected by engaging the walls and the base and attaching one wall to another. The erected containers stand in a tray like carrier and are connected together by a tie which overlies the containers. A handle extends through the tie to engage the carrier allowing a group of containers to be handled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: TRENTCOM APS PTY. LTD.
    Inventor: Peter Lawton
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100192461
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a stacked tray container seedling apparatus formed by at least two identical tray containers, and each tray container has cells and through holes arranged alternately and regularly with each other. The cells of a tray container are stacked onto the through holes of another tray container respectively for a central management or transportation of all stacked tray containers, such that seedlings in the tray container together with the tray container can be moved directly to a cultivated area for cultivations. The cell includes one or more positions higher than the through hole at the bottom of the cell for storing an appropriate quantity of water for a better growth of vegetables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Ran-Lan SHIEH
  • 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: 20100162623
    Abstract: A device having a tray defining at least one reservoir designed to contain a liquid, a platform, designed to be placed on the tray and to support a growing substrate, the platform including a flat main portion provided with wells having, at the bottom, an orifice communicating with the liquid contained in the tray, and means for carrying liquid in the reservoir, where a plurality of reinforcing walls protrude perpendicularly upwards from the main portion of the platform, where these walls have sufficient height so that, when the platform is placed on the tray, their top edge forms the highest portion of the device, and where the reinforcing walls are distributed on the surface of the platform so as to allow a distribution of the loads applied to this device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: A.B.M. PLASTIC
    Inventor: Bernard Mathy
  • Publication number: 20100139184
    Abstract: Green roof systems are provided comprising a plurality of tile sheets. Each tile sheet in turn may comprise a plurality of tiles. The tiles are connected to one another by one or more bridges. The tile sheets may be disposed above a layer of growing medium. The tiles are spaced apart from one another so as to form a channel between each tile. The channels formed between the adjacent tiles are contiguous with neighboring channels and are arranged so as to form a circuitous pathway for water runoff. The channels so formed allow plant growth between each tile. Advantages of certain embodiments include improved strength, reduced weight, reduced costs, increased life spans, reduced maintenance, easier installation, improved building energy conservation, reduced urban island heat effect, improved sound insulation, improved water retention, improved environmental aspects, improved irrigation, and reduced erosion of the growing medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: David A. Williams, Jonathan W. Kinder
  • Patent number: 7726071
    Abstract: A vegetation roofing tray comprising an interconnecting lip is provided. The interconnecting lip on the sidewall of a tray engages with a sidewall of an adjacent tray, securely interconnecting the adjacent trays side-by-side together. A securing device penetrating the sidewalls of adjacent trays may also be used to secure the adjacent trays together. A vegetation roofing system is also provided. The system includes two or more trays and an irrigation hose disposed across the trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Columbia Green Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark M. Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20100126066
    Abstract: A modular green roof system includes: a bottom layer including a porous structure such that water may pass through the bottom layer; a silt management layer adjacent to the bottom layer; an insulation layer adjacent to the silt management layer; a water retention layer adjacent to the insulation layer, a growth media layer adjacent to the water retention layer; a biodegradable layer including plant seed adjacent to the growth media layer; a top layer including a porous structure such that water and sunlight may pass through the top layer, wherein the top layer and the bottom layer form a perimeter within which the silt management layer, the water retention layer, the growth media layer and the biodegradable layer are contained; and a plurality of thickness controllers spaced intermittently such that the distance between the bottom layer and the top layer is limited by the thickness controllers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: David DeVos
  • Patent number: 7716873
    Abstract: A multilayer vegetation support system is provided, wherein the system includes a reservoir substrate and an overlying composite, wherein a growing medium and vegetation are disposed on an exposed surface of the composite. The reservoir substrate is a generally planar member having a plurality of recesses or dimples, and can include a plurality of drain apertures in land areas intermediate the dimples. The composite includes a water retention layer, a root barrier layer and a multitude of projecting loops, wherein a growing medium and vegetation overlie and intertwine with the projecting loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Green Living Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: George Irwin
  • Publication number: 20100095586
    Abstract: A plant propagation and display panel includes a plant growth substrate housing, a back plate coupled to the plant growth substrate housing, the back plate and the plant growth substrate housing providing an opening for receiving a plant growth substrate and a plant tray coupled to the plant growth substrate housing, the plant tray including a container for receiving a plant plug, the container being at least partly received in the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: ECO INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: Chad Sichello
  • Publication number: 20100064580
    Abstract: A multilayer vegetation support system is provided, wherein the system includes a reservoir substrate and an overlying composite, wherein a growing medium and vegetation are disposed on an exposed surface of the composite. The reservoir substrate is a generally planar member having a plurality of recesses or dimples, and can include a plurality of drain apertures in land areas intermediate the dimples. The composite includes a water retention layer, a root barrier layer and a multitude of projecting loops, wherein a growing medium and vegetation overlie and intertwine with the projecting loops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: GREEN LIVING TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: George Irwin
  • Publication number: 20100050509
    Abstract: A roof planter comprising growth media capable of sustaining a desired vegetation, a sack retaining a quantity of the growth media, the sack being formed of moisture permeable material that is capable of retaining the growth media, the sack having an opening capable of accepting the growth media, and a pad in association with the sack and capable of separating the sack from the top of a roof. When the desired vegetation is planted in the growth media being retained by the sack, and the pad is positioned between the sack and the roof, the vegetation may grow in the sack on the roof without causing damage to the roof. Further, a fabric roof planter is disclosed having a sack that is fashioned with vertical sidewalls to facilitate a predictable footprint; handles to facilitate horizontal transport; and sealable windows to facilitate the rapid planting of vegetation in the growth media retained by the sack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Kelly W. Luckett, John V. Jost
  • Publication number: 20090320364
    Abstract: A modular planting system for roof applications includes a plurality of green roof planter modules each comprising a planter including a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, and a biodegradable insert including a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, wherein the insert is adapted to retain a plant matter in the interior space of the insert, the plurality of sidewalls of the insert extend above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter, and wherein the plurality of sidewalls of the insert are adapted to retain a plant matter that extends above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: David S. MacKenzie
  • Patent number: 7637056
    Abstract: The present invention provides a planting device for plants to be formed mainly on a rooftop, a roof of a building, or the like. The planting device for plants comprises a body portion provided with a first fixing means and a second fixing means. The first fixing means is firmly fixed to a mounting surface of the body portion. The second fixing means is linked to the first fixing means. The body portion is provided at a bottom with a water draining means, a water retaining means and the first fixing means. A water receiving means is provided at a side wall of the body portion. Soil is filled into a surrounding space enclosed with the side walls and desired plants (or a desired plant) are planted on the soil. A planting structure in which multiple adjacently arranged planting devices may be used is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Tajima Ryokka Incorporated
    Inventors: Kunio Tajima, Yoshiaki Gotou
  • Patent number: 7614183
    Abstract: A complex system where a plant group having a heat island phenomenon suppression effect and a solar cell having a carbon dioxide generation suppression effect are installed together. The purposes are to eliminate an adverse influence of both shadows of the plant group and the solar cell and to prevent the solar cell system from flying away by the wind pressure against the base side. The average height of the solar cell module is greater than that of the plant group. The plant group and the solar cell module are installed with a gap larger than the distance corresponding to the height difference between them. At least between the paired plant group and solar cell which face each other, an area for a person to walk through is provided. More than half of the ventilation area of the base side is covered with the plant group, a heat insulating material, and a moisture-retaining material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Kaneka Corporation
    Inventors: Takuji Nomura, Yoshiteru Nitta, Tsuneo Tajima, Takayoshi Imai, Tooru Kojima, Akihiro Sakamoto, Takuji Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20090265983
    Abstract: There is provided a planting base, a planting body, a planting system, and a planting method capable of effectively supplying water to the entire region of a greening target area. For that purpose, a planting body is composed of a planting base in which intersected groove lines are formed on one surface and a water-impermeable layer is formed on the bottom surface of the groove line, and a plant layer which is fixed to a surface on which a groove line of the planting base is formed and has a pre-grown ground cover plant. A water supply pipe is buried in the groove line to form a planting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kunio Matsui