Sectional Construction Patents (Class 47/66.1)
  • Patent number: 11864509
    Abstract: The present technology is generally directed to modular grow boxes for growing microgreens and other plants. The modular grow boxes generally include a first modular element having a plate and one or more walls extending therefrom to form a chamber, a second modular element having a platform for supporting a growth medium, and a third modular element that can act as a cover and/or base. The first, second, and third modular elements can be assembled in a first configuration that provides a generally enclosed area for growing plants during a germination phase. The first, second, and third modular elements can also be assembled in a second configuration that provides a partially exposed area for growing plants during a post-germination phase. In some embodiments, the modular grow boxes provide a self-contained, self-watering apparatus that is expected to simplify the process of growing microgreens and other plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Adam Ramirez
  • Patent number: 11172621
    Abstract: A modular assembly is disclosed to support, feed, and water live vegetative growth on an inclined or vertical surface, using a series of horizontally mounted troughs affixed to an impervious backing panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventor: George Addison Irwin
  • Patent number: 10462981
    Abstract: Embodiments include a planter pot drain tray having an elevated central pedestal member and an oblique liquid drain away member surrounding the elevated central pedestal member. The oblique liquid drain away member includes a high point at a first end of the planter pot drain tray and a low point at a second end of the planter pot drain tray. The planter pot drain tray includes a flanged outer rim coupled to an outer edge of the oblique liquid drain away member, and a drain spout member coupled to the flanged outer rim at the low point of the oblique liquid drain away member. The elevated central pedestal member, the oblique liquid drain away member, and the drain well permit the water runoff to be completely drained through the drain spout member. Multiple planter pot drain tray can be daisy-chained together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: DRAIN AWAY LLC
    Inventors: Zeno Reed, Brittany N Cowan
  • Patent number: 9655307
    Abstract: Pallet box assembly configured as planter box or workman's utility box is disclosed. The pallet box assembly includes a pallet base, two side panels, a front panel, and a rear panel, which are collapsible and reusable. Pallet base has tenon joint parts with locking mechanisms that extend out. Pallet base has an opening extending therethrough for ease of handling by pallet jack or hand truck. The side panels include grooves. Front and rear panels include tenon joint part with locking mechanism. The side panels are identical and interchangeable, the front panel is identical and interchangeable with the rear panel. Each locking mechanism includes a winged bolt threadedly inserted and engaged into the tenon joint part, and a wing which is rotated by about 45 to 135 degrees to engageably and securely attach the corresponding tenon joint part in the corresponding groove, so that the pallet box assembly is securely installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Frank Joseph Burmann
  • Patent number: 9258948
    Abstract: A system for plant cultivation in containers located in a vertical or sloping arrangement on different levels includes a module. The module includes an internal volume for receiving at least one nutritive substrate and at least one plant. The internal volume is delimited by a front wall having at least one opening for the plants to pass through for exposure to light, and a rear wall joined to the front wall. The rear wall has a fixing area for fixing the module to a mounting, and the rear wall includes a partitioning rib projecting into the internal volume to slow flow of water flowing between the levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: MODULOGREEN VERTICAL SOLUTIONS
    Inventor: Jose Dos Santos
  • Patent number: 9060469
    Abstract: A mobile plant training apparatus is disclosed. The mobile plant training apparatus includes a screen frame, a screen coupled to the screen frame, and a mobile assembly configured to removeably secure a container and secure the screen frame above the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Inventor: David Kamon, II
  • Patent number: 9038312
    Abstract: A planter for holding a plant includes a container having an open upper end. The container has side walls extending downward from the upper end and tapering inward to a lower end. A base at the lower end of the container has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the upper end. A circumferential ring surrounds the lower end of the container. The circumferential ring has an upper edge that extends outward from the container by a distance such that removal of the container and ring from a mold as a single unit would be inhibited. Accordingly, the container and the circumferential ring are molded from a thermoplastic material as separate components. The circumferential ring fits around the lower end of the container and is held in place by a mechanical interlock between the container and the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ATT SOUTHERN INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Harbaugh
  • Patent number: 9010021
    Abstract: An adjustable water retention device for a plant pot has a plant container nesting in a second outer pot, with a facilitated flow of water communicating between the second outer pot and the plant container, wherein the second outer pot rests on a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Robert E. Rettger, II
  • Patent number: 8966817
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Green Architecture
    Inventors: Erik E. Cronk, Jeremiah D. Johnson, Bruce A. Sienkowski, William T. Oltman
  • Patent number: 8955250
    Abstract: Various embodiments related to a tree guard are disclosed. One embodiment provides an L shaped breakaway bracket for use with a modular tree guard assembly. The L shaped breakaway bracket includes a horizontal member extending substantially perpendicularly from a vertical member, wherein the vertical member is thinner and longer than the horizontal member. At least one fastener hole is provided in the horizontal member for receiving a fastener for securing the horizontal member to a rail. At least one fastener hole is provided in the vertical member for receiving a fastener for securing the vertical member to a post. The breakaway bracket is adapted to break along the intersection of the horizontal member and the vertical member and separate the rail from the post when a force that would otherwise be sufficient to deform the rail is applied to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Curb Allure LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Johnson, Bruce Bagley
  • Publication number: 20140290136
    Abstract: A raised garden bed is provided including wood plank sides that are secured at their joints with corner brackets forming corners. The brackets have two panels joined along one edge with a U-shaped channel at the base of each panel to receive a wood plank. Louvers extend into the channels to hold the planks with a press fit and allow the bed to be assembled and used without screws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: William VAUGHN, David W. SWIFT
  • Patent number: 8839553
    Abstract: A kit for a planter is disclosed that has a polygon shape and has a selected number of sides and a same selected number of corners. The kit includes a selected number of bottom corner brackets, a selected number of corner beads, a selected number of top corner brackets, a selected number of top frame corner brackets, and a selected number of pairs of spacer runners that each correspond to the selected number of corners. The kit also includes a planter tub sized to fit within a planter body. The brackets and spacer runners are configured to be connected together to form a skeleton to which boards can be attached to form the planter body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: AZEK Building Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Toro
  • Patent number: 8782950
    Abstract: A garden pot assembly comprising a pot having an open upper end and a separator tray snap-fitted into the open upper end of the pot. The separator tray has a plurality of spaced-apart plant pot receiving openings formed therein each of which are adapted to receive and support a plant pot therein. The bottom of the pot has a unique structure including a central hub and a plurality of radially extending stand-offs extending outwardly therefrom to the periphery of the bottom wall. The pot or container may be circular, oval, rectangular or square in shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Clearwater Nursery, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy D. Miel, Jason R. Bagby, John E. Djafroodi
  • Publication number: 20140190077
    Abstract: Pallet box assembly configured as planter box or workman's utility box is disclosed. The pallet box assembly includes a pallet base, two side panels, a front panel, and a rear panel, which are collapsible and reusable. Pallet base has tenon joint parts with locking mechanisms that extend out. Pallet base has an opening extending therethrough for ease of handling by pallet jack or hand truck. The side panels include grooves. Front and rear panels include tenon joint part with locking mechanism. The side panels are identical and interchangeable, the front panel is identical and interchangeable with the rear panel. Each locking mechanism includes a winged bolt threadedly inserted and engaged into the tenon joint part, and a wing which is rotated by about 45 to 135 degrees to engageably and securely attach the corresponding tenon joint part in the corresponding groove, so that the pallet box assembly is securely installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Frank Joseph Burmann
  • Patent number: 8763303
    Abstract: Various embodiments related to a tree guard. One embodiment provides a modular tree guard assembly. Various other embodiments disclosed include one or more of the following: a multi-purpose top rail unit facilitating flexible installation of various side panel units and top rail accessories; modular side panel units including decorative units and urine guard units; corner and other post units; and various adjustable foot units. In one embodiment, a sign holder unit of the tree guard assembly is provided with different tamper proof bolts than are other elements of the assembly such that control over signage on the tree guard may be effectively given to a different entity than an entity with control over assembly of the rest of the tree guard unit. Various other embodiments related to tree guards are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Curb Allure LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Johnson, Bruce Bagley
  • Patent number: 8763306
    Abstract: A cage protects the roots of a pond plant planted in a pot from fish and other animals. If the roots are eaten, the plant will die. The pot has a rim and the pot resides on the bottom of a pond. The pond plant has a plurality of stems and each stem has a leaf. The cage covers the top of the pot so that the fish cannot gain access to the roots. In one embodiment the cage includes two sections that are connected together and to the rim of the pot. In another embodiment the cage is a single piece. In both embodiments the leaves of the pond plant are rolled up and passed upwardly through a grid of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Robert C. Perlsweig
  • Publication number: 20140173982
    Abstract: A combinational plant pot has a base panel and multiple side panels. The side panels are perpendicularly mounted around the base panel. Each side panel has multiple buckling seats separately disposed along a first side edge of the side panel, and multiple resilient buckling plates separately disposed along a second side edge of the side panel and respectively mounted through and engaging the buckling seats of an adjacent side panel. The combinational plant pot can be disassembled when for sale or when not in use. The base panel and the side panels that are disassembled can be stacked to reduce space that the combinational plant pot occupies for the convenience of transportation and storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Yueh-Chun KAKU LU
  • Publication number: 20140165465
    Abstract: A raised box device includes a first side having a quadrangular panel and a pair of legs extending from the panel. Each of the pair of legs has a notch opening on a similar side of the leg. A second side also has a quadrangular panel and a pair of legs extending from the panel. Each of the pair of legs of the second side has a notch opening on a similar side of the leg. The notch openings on the legs of the second side are oriented opposite the notch openings on the legs of the first side. The notches of the legs of the first side are insertable into the notches of the legs of the second side to interlock the first and second sides and form a utility space between the quadrangular panels of the first and second sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Benjamin Ken Watson
  • Publication number: 20140144077
    Abstract: A plant cultivating pot is disclosed. The pot has top and bottom wall spaced apart by a sidewall or panel. The cross-section of the top is larger than the bottom wall so that the sidewall is inwardly sloped from the bottom wall to the. Openings in the sidewall provide points for planting a plant in media for supporting plant growth from within the interior volume of the body of the pot. The increasing cross-section of the pot from the top to the bottom maximizes exposure of each plant to sunlight. A frusto-pyramidal shaped, non-woven geotextile material provides an optimal shape and material for the body of the pot for growing strawberries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: GARDENS ALIVE! INC.
    Inventor: Craig Harmer
  • Publication number: 20140130411
    Abstract: A raised border system is disclosed. The system includes one or more brackets that secures at least one beam in position using at least one anchor stake to create a variety of edging systems. The brackets include nubs that can be inserted into the brackets without the use of tools and are sized and shaped to securely engage a beam in a manner such that the force required to assemble the beams is relatively small and is well exceeded by the force required to disengage the beam from the bracket. While the nubs obviate the need for traditional fasteners or tools, the border system is still compatible with traditional fasteners affording the user a wide variety of options during construction. The system is also universally compatible with a variety of beam materials and sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: VegHerb, LLC
    Inventor: Anthony Topping
  • Patent number: 8667735
    Abstract: A planter includes a concave container and a separate rim, both formed from a thermoplastic material. The container has a brim extending radially outward from an upper portion of the container. A vertical wall extends upward from the brim and has exterior flanges and grooves formed on its outer surface. The rim has a top wall with outer and inner side walls extending downward from its edges. Interior flanges and grooves formed on the inner surface of the outer rim wall are configured to engage the exterior flanges and grooves on the outer surface of the container vertical wall such that the rim can be secured onto the upper end of the container. The upper surface of the brim of the container comprises a stop inward of the vertical wall such that when the rim is advanced onto the upper end of the container, a lower portion of the inner rim wall confronts the stop to inhibit further advancement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: ATT Southern, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Harbaugh
  • Patent number: 8635808
    Abstract: A partitioned planter for expandable compartmentalized plant growth includes an outer container and removable progressively smaller inner compartments. The planter provides water drainage and molded features to retain and position the inner compartments. The removable compartments each have a plurality of flat wall sections which are assembled to form a structure which contains the plant roots during growth. The wall segments also include stiffening brackets which engage top perimeter edges of forwardly adjacent wall members for additional structural stabilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Shawn M. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140013663
    Abstract: A modular planter box comprises a base panel coupled to at least four side panels to form an internal cavity for containing contents therein. The base panel includes attachment members coupled to the at least four side panels. The at least four side panels comprise a pair of opposing interlocking panels having female members and a pair of opposing support panels having male members. The female members are slidably coupled to the male members of the support panels and the attachment members of the base panel to form a collapsible, modular planter box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Dimitri Shein
  • Patent number: 8567123
    Abstract: A pot including a sump and water wick assembly for providing water to a plant supported within the pot is disclosed. The sump includes an inner diameter that corresponds to the inner diameter of the pot. The sump is disposed about an outer perimeter of the pot and includes the water wick that extends into the pot and soil supporting a plant. The pot assembly includes an edge with a curved surface to provide desired appearance that nests within corresponding features of a second identical pot to aid in stacking many example pots for shipment and display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Tug Weld Manufacturing
    Inventor: John Friesen
  • Patent number: 8556099
    Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible vessel and also a method of reducing waste. The collapsible vessel has a mechanism that maintains its rigidity in its expanded form, yet allows it to be collapsed when desired. The vessel also has a removable lid, and the vessel, lid, or both may carry logos or other images or indicia, particularly those of restaurant or beverage chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Diane Perlman
  • Publication number: 20130255151
    Abstract: A multiple plant watering device comprising a watering container, where the watering container is surrounded by a set a sidewalls, and where the watering container is a solid piece of material; and a plurality of planters held within the watering container, where the plurality of planters each house a plant. The planters are removable from the watering container to enable removal and replacement of the plants as desired by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Kim THIBODEAUX, Allen Thibodeaux
  • Patent number: 8528250
    Abstract: A plant container or planter fabricated from a breathable, flexible, geo-textile, material such as recycled polyester needle-punched felt, which is self-supporting without an internal support structure. The geo-textile material is porous to both air and water, which allows air-born nutrients to pass to the roots and inhibit the ability of mold species to grow and harm the plant. The geo-textile material is configurable to various container designs that permit the non-conventional plant placement including the mounting of the plant containers on vertical surfaces, flat surfaces, and by suspension from ceilings and walls. The inclusion of a flexible, durable, impermeable, water-retaining, recycled rubber, vinyl, or plastic bottom and/or backing liner in the construction of the plant containers/hangers allow the planters to be placed on indoor and outdoor surfaces such as wood, stucco, wallboard, carpet, and various other surfaces which might otherwise be damaged by moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Woolly Pocket Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel Eric Nelson, Sherry Lorraine Walsh, Rodney Lee Nelson
  • Patent number: 8484888
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary landscape soil and moisture retaining device. The retaining device may include a wall having a first region and a second region adjacent the first region, the second region inclined relative to the first region, and a flange extending outward from the first region of the wall. The retaining device may further include a raised lip extending from the flange and defining an upper edge of the retaining device. The second region of the wall defining a bottom edge of the retaining device, such that the flange is arranged between the upper and bottom edges of the retaining device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: AMBA Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew M. Butler
  • Patent number: 8474182
    Abstract: A planter capable of being hung from an elevated support includes an open-topped container for containing dirt or potting soil placed therein and a plurality of suspension elements, or cords, which are disposed about and are attached to or act upon the container for suspending the container from an elevated support. The suspension elements extend upwardly from the peripheral edge of the container top and are joined together at a common point disposed above the container for suspension of the planter from the elevated support. In addition, a spacer member is arranged and spaced above the top of the container and cooperates with the suspension elements for preventing the suspension cords from converging toward one another for a distance above the container which corresponds with the spaced distance between the container top and the spacer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Felknor Ventures LLC
    Inventors: Wilson A. Felknor, Benjamin James Ferron
  • Publication number: 20130133255
    Abstract: An environment-friendly water-saving plant pot includes a first pot body and a second pot body. The first pot body has a receiving space having an upward opening, and a water outlet hole formed in the receiving space. A protruding unit that has several reinforced ribs extends upwards from the periphery of the water outlet hole. The second pot body is disposed in the receiving space of the first pot body, and has a second receiving space having an upward opening. A plurality of through holes are circularly formed inside the second receiving space, and the second pot body extends from the bottom to form a cover that has a cover opening, and the opening of the cover opening and the protruding unit of the first pot body are spaced to form a gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Chung-Fen Wu
  • Patent number: 8444003
    Abstract: An assembled container has a body and an upper collar. The body has an open top, an annular lip, an annular wall and multiple combining blocks. The annular wall is formed on and protrudes from the annular lip and has at least one engaging recess. The combining blocks are formed on and protrude from the annular lip and each have a combining hole and at least one engaging hole. The upper collar is connected to the open top of the body and has an annular recess, at least one engaging block and multiple combining inserts. The at least one engaging block is formed in the annular recess and respectively engages the at least one engaging recess. The combining inserts are formed in the annular recess and are respectively inserted into and combined with the combining holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Chen
  • Patent number: 8434262
    Abstract: A plant arrangement for plants, in particular for pot plants with tendrillar shoots, comprises a base body surrounding an interior with at least one plant pot receptacle, a plant pot arranged in the at least one plant pot receptacle with a plant pot interior surrounded by the plant pot to receive a plant and a plant pot opening to insert the plant in the plant pot interior, at least one substantially vertically extending holding element, which is fastened to the base body, and at least one substantially horizontally extending climbing aid for the plant, wherein the at least one climbing aid has a spring unit, which can be transferred by actuation from a fastening position into a displacement position, wherein the at least one climbing aid is clamped on the holding element in the non-actuated fastening position of the spring unit, and wherein the at least one climbing aid can be displaced along the holding element in the actuated displacement position of the spring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Geobra Brandstatter GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Jaensch
  • Patent number: 8413374
    Abstract: The combination of a container and a growing medium for a plant. The container is made to simulate the appearance of an egg shell bounding a receptacle. The growing medium is provided in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley Emalfarb
  • Publication number: 20130081326
    Abstract: A Modular Concrete Interlocking Box System and method for constructing the same, comprising at least two rectangular caps having two short sides, two long sides, and a consistent thickness from a first cap overhang to a second cap overhang, including at least two notches located adjacent to each overhang along one long side of the cap, and at least two rectangular panels having two short sides, two long sides, and a consistent thickness from a first panel overhang to a second panel overhang, including at least two notches adjacent to each overhang along both long sides of the panel, such that the notches and the overhangs are constructed and arranged to fittingly interlock the caps with the panels such that a four sided box is formed having the overhangs provide an external leverage grip to easily align the courses and square the internal corners of the four sided box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Gary Peterson
  • 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: 20120260573
    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: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: METRO GREEN VISIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Steven DUBNER
  • Publication number: 20120240463
    Abstract: A modular planting and cultivating container and a revegetation method using such containers. The planting and cultivating container is essentially made up of a rectangular tray having a flat or ribbed bottom and side walls, as well as a body forming a rectangular sleeve removably mounted on and/or in the tray and extending, when mounted, past the upper edges of the side walls of the tray, the container (1) being characterized in that the tray (2) and the sleeve (5) are made from a hollow planar material made up of at least two sheets connected via a bridging structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: SOPREMA
    Inventors: Pierre-Etienne Bindschedler, François Lassalle, Lionel Sindt, Yannik Beix
  • Publication number: 20120204484
    Abstract: An enclosure for plants that protects plants against pests and other living organisms that may be harmful to plants. In one embodiment, a pot includes a first open-top container and a second open-top container. The first open-top container forms a first open space for housing a plant and includes an open top and an enclosed wall portion that forms a lateral perimeter of the first open-top container. The second open-top container forms a second open space for housing a pest-controlling substance that deters or attracts and traps pests. The second open-top container is coupled to the first open-top container along the lateral perimeter of the first open-top container. Additionally, the first open space is isolated from the second open space to prevent contents in the first open space from mixing with contents from the second open space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: GREGORY GRINBERG
  • Patent number: 8230643
    Abstract: A slope planting structure includes containing bags laid on the surface of a slope, stuffing filled in the containing bags, and fasteners. The containing bags are provided with plant seeds. The stuffing composed of plant growing material and absorbent material is filled into the containing bags. The containing bags are laid on the surface of the slope, and then the fasteners are inserted through the containing bags to secure the containing bags on the slope. The containing bags are integrated with the slope to secure the slope, providing protection and green effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Yushun Chang
  • Publication number: 20120124905
    Abstract: A plant growing assembly is configured to grow a plurality of plants in multiple directions above a ground surface. The assembly includes a growing container and a support structure for elevating the container above the ground surface. The container presents a generally hollow body to retain a plant-growing medium and the plurality of plants. The body extends along an axis to present opposite axial end margins and a radial peripheral wall. The wall defines a plurality of discrete plant-receiving ports extending therethrough, and disposed generally radially about the wall. A method of growing plants above ground in substantially opposite directions from one another is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Scott Harder
  • Publication number: 20120060415
    Abstract: A planter includes a concave container and a separate rim, both formed from a thermoplastic material. The container has a brim extending radially outward from an upper portion of the container. A vertical wall extends upward from the brim and has exterior flanges and grooves formed on its outer surface. The rim has a top wall with outer and inner side walls extending downward from its edges. Interior flanges and grooves formed on the inner surface of the outer rim wall are configured to engage the exterior flanges and grooves on the outer surface of the container vertical wall such that the rim can be secured onto the upper end of the container. The upper surface of the brim of the container comprises a stop inward of the vertical wall such that when the rim is advanced onto the upper end of the container, a lower portion of the inner rim wall confronts the stop to inhibit further advancement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Harbaugh
  • Patent number: 8122682
    Abstract: A ballast system for roof membranes includes connected modules filled with loose-fill ballast and adapted to hold a predetermined volume of water for at least a predetermined period of time on the roof to control runoff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: American Builders & Contractors Supply Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Mischo
  • Patent number: 8122640
    Abstract: A vase in one embodiment includes an outer shell comprising open top and bottom ends and at least one opening on the surface; a base comprising a projecting member on the top with the bottom end of the outer shell being securely put thereon, an annular flange on the top of the projecting member, and an annular bearing releasably fastened in the flange; and an inner container disposed in the outer shell and comprising an upper member projecting out of the top end of the outer shell, a central shaft projecting downward from the underside to be rotatably disposed in the bearing, and at least one pattern on the outer surface. The inner container is adapted to rotate about the outer shell by rotating the upper member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Yung-Ming Chou
  • Patent number: 8112937
    Abstract: A natural growth terrarium utilizes a frustrum shaped lower root growing container having a top opening and a bottom opening and an outwardly tapered sidewall. The terrarium also includes a separate frustrum shaped upper plant stem growing container having a top opening and a bottom opening, and an inwardly tapering sidewall. The bottom opening of the upper container is configured to be removeably attached to the top opening of the lower container, such that when the containers are connected, a plant can be grown in the terrarium and its roots allowed to spread through the lower container and its upper stem allowed to grow within the upper container. When mature, plants grown in the terrarium can be safely and efficiently relocated from the terrarium to the ground where the plants are easily replanted and the terrarium removed for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Lester Byerley, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120000127
    Abstract: A flower pot having a removable base, comprising: a basin-shaped main body, with its bottom portion or side wall provided with at least an opening, and at least a female connection piece disposed on said basin-shaped main body and around perimeter of said opening; and at least a removable base, having a male connection piece disposed thereon corresponding to said female connection piece, such that the removable base penetrates through said opening and is connected to said basin-shaped main body through connecting said male connection piece to said female connection piece. When a plant in said flower pot has grown up to a certain extent and requires more space, said removable base can be removed, such that the roots of a plant in said flower pot may grow and expand through said opening to a new flower pot, hereby saving the effort and trouble of transplanting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: CHIN-MIN LIU
  • Publication number: 20110296751
    Abstract: An improved ornamental container for gardening and the like is provided. The container, which is made of an artificial material of a desired shape and size, includes soil or some other growing medium, perennial bulbs or plants, a positioning device and individual containers or planting pots made from peat moss or some other growing medium for containing the bulbs. The container of the invention includes a large opening along the top surface thereof through which the planted bulbs or flowers will grow; this opening is covered with a seal comprised of removable plastic or other material. Also provided is a plurality of holes formed along the bottom of the container for ensuring proper drainage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Stearn, Jennifer Bright
  • Patent number: 8065834
    Abstract: A two part plant container includes an outer tub part having a series of step indentations around its perimeter forming horizontal rest surfaces within the outer part which are located above a lower region forming a water reservoir space. The inner part has a bottom wall areas resting on the surfaces with the inner part nested within an upper region of the outer part. A drain hole is formed through a depressed area in one of the rest surface to set the maximum water level in the reservoir which is just below lower areas of the inner part bottom wall set at the same level as the drain hole. This insures that the soil in the inner part is never wet by the water in the reservoir to prevent wicking and waterlogging of the soil while leaving only a very short gap for the roots of a plant to grow across to reach the water. Handhold features are formed into the perimeter wall of the inner part allowing easy lift out. Ribs are formed into the inner part bottom wall to stiffen the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Karl Eckert
  • Publication number: 20110283614
    Abstract: A plant arrangement for plants, in particular for pot plants with tendrillar shoots, comprises a base body surrounding an interior with at least one plant pot receptacle, a plant pot arranged in the at least one plant pot receptacle with a plant pot interior surrounded by the plant pot to receive a plant and a plant pot opening to insert the plant in the plant pot interior, at least one substantially vertically extending holding element, which is fastened to the base body, and at least one substantially horizontally extending climbing aid for the plant, wherein the at least one climbing aid has a spring unit, which can be transferred by actuation from a fastening position into a displacement position, wherein the at least one climbing aid is clamped on the holding element in the non-actuated fastening position of the spring unit, and wherein the at least one climbing aid can be displaced along the holding element in the actuated displacement position of the spring unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Geobra Brandstatter GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Peter Jaensch
  • Patent number: 8051603
    Abstract: A plant pot has a main central portion having an opening providing access to a main planting area, and a pair of wings extending from the main central portion, namely a left wing and a right wing; and a pair of dividers, namely a left divider and a right divider. The pair of dividers is inserted between the pair of wings and the main central portion. The pair of dividers is formed as sheets, and the pair of dividers is removable from a divider attachment area. A plurality of water openings are disposed on the pair of dividers, and the plurality of water openings allow water to pass between the main central portion and the pair of wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Man-Young Jung
  • Patent number: RE44055
    Abstract: A garden bed assembly and extensions therefor is disclosed. The garden bed assembly includes at least one raised garden starter module containing suitable planting soil or other growing media for plants and may be extended using one or more extender modules, such as straight extender modules and/or corner extender modules. The assembly as disclosed herein includes one or more modules defining the planter. The front section of the starter module and the straight extender module may include a rotatable upper portion to provide convenient access to the plants. Each module section may have a substantially imperforate lower portion and a perforate upper portion prohibiting unwanted creatures such as gophers, rabbits and other animals from gaining access to the growing plants in the garden bed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Modular Merchants, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa R. Singer, Steven A. Singer