Biodegradable Patents (Class 47/74)
  • Patent number: 11723317
    Abstract: A plant pot, blank for making a plant pot and a process for making a plant pot is provided. The blank and plant pot includes a support disposed a distance from the base wall of the plant pot to support a nesting container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Opal Packaging Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Frank Farchione, Fabrizio Macali, Mark Moore
  • Patent number: 11666011
    Abstract: A plant growing vessel includes an impervious outer vessel, a cover, a first permeable membrane, a nutrient chamber, and a pocket. The impervious outer vessel includes an inert substrate in a root zone. The cover is positioned over the impervious outer vessel. The first permeable membrane is in contact with the inert substrate. The nutrient chamber includes solid nutrients. The nutrient chamber is between the cover and the first permeable membrane or between the first permeable membrane and a bottom of the impervious outer vessel, and the solid nutrients are in contact with the first permeable membrane. The pocket is configured to allow seeds, seedlings, or shoots of plants access to the inert substrate through an aperture in the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: MAUI GREENS, INC.
    Inventor: Kevin Robell
  • Patent number: 11516972
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes foldable forms that are foldable between a first planar state and a second non-planar state. The form can include at least two sectors, each comprising first and second sub-sectors that each comprise a set of cuts. The set of cuts can include first through fourth cuts, where a portion of the form between the first cut, second cut, third cut, a theoretical line connecting the second and third cuts, and the edge forms a flap. The form can be folded, with the flaps received through the fourth cuts to make a container. The container can be usable as a planter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventor: Huimiao Lin
  • Patent number: 11350579
    Abstract: A plant growing vessel includes an impervious outer vessel, a cover, a first permeable membrane, a nutrient chamber, and a pocket. The impervious outer vessel includes an inert substrate in a root zone. The cover is positioned over the impervious outer vessel. The first permeable membrane is in contact with the inert substrate. The nutrient chamber includes solid nutrients. The nutrient chamber is between the cover and the first permeable membrane or between the first permeable membrane and a bottom of the impervious outer vessel, and the solid nutrients are in contact with the first permeable membrane. The pocket is configured to allow seeds, seedlings, or shoots of plants access to the inert substrate through an aperture in the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: MAUI GREENS, INC.
    Inventor: Kevin Robell
  • Patent number: 11304381
    Abstract: A plant container may include a vertical wall surrounding a plant receiving recess and having vertically aligned slot sets. The plant container may have a bottom including a panel, and panel tabs extending from a periphery of the panel. The panel tabs are to be received by a lowermost vertically aligned slot set. The plant container may include a ring having ring tabs on an inner radial edge, and the ring tabs may be received by a respective vertically aligned slot set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: BE SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Gary Bailey
  • Patent number: 10617065
    Abstract: A seedling nursery member for grafting according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes at least one seedling nursery unit. At least one seedling nursery unit includes a seed storage section configured to store a seed of a plant and have a space for the plant to germinate, a stem storage section configured to store a stem of the plant that has germinated and elongated, and a stem holder configured to hold the elongated stem of the plant. At least a portion of the seed storage section of at least one seedling nursery unit is configured to be openable to the outside of at least one seedling nursery unit. At least a portion of the stem storage section of at least one seedling nursery unit is configured to be openable to the outside of at least one seedling nursery unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION NAGOYA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Michitaka Notaguchi, Naoki Yanagisawa, Hideyuki Arata, Shuka Ikematsu
  • Patent number: 10595478
    Abstract: A planting pot comprising a biodegradable container comprising an open top portion and an open bottom portion, a planting medium for a plant located within the container, the planting medium comprising a top surface, an upper layer of material, a lower layer of material, and a middle layer of material disposed between the upper and lower layers of material, a hollow irrigation line comprising an upper portion above the top surface of the planting medium and a lower portion within the planting medium, at least a portion of the lower portion of the irrigation line comprising multiple openings to permit irrigation water to flow there through into the planting medium, a moisture sensor disposed within the planting medium, and a plant planted in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventor: Hazim Abdulzahra
  • Patent number: 9609813
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of growing plants in a mineral wool growth substrate, the method comprising: providing at least one mineral wool growth substrate comprising man-made vitreous fibers bonded with a cured binder composition, and positioning one or more seeds or plants for growth in the growth substrate, and allowing growth of the one or more plants, wherein the binder composition prior to curing comprises: a) a sugar component, and b) a reaction product of a polycarboxylic acid component and an alkanolamine component, wherein the binder composition prior to curing contains at least 42% by weight of the sugar component based on the total weight (dry matter) of the binder components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: ROCKWOOL INTERNATIONAL A/S
    Inventors: Lars Naerum, Povl Nissen, Erling Lennart Hansen, Jean Marie Wilhelmus Cuypers, Eelke Gjalt Hempenius, Frank Hendrikus Janssen
  • Patent number: 9398746
    Abstract: A protection device segregates burrowing animals from plants. The protection device comprises a thread knitted into a boundary layer that is sealed with a staple. A user can insert a plant in a root ball earth into the protection device and insert the protection device into a hole in earth. The thread is flexible and does not release iron into the earth. The boundary layer prevents a burrowing animal from entering into the root ball earth and consuming roots of the plant. In some embodiments, the thread is a tubular non-woven stainless steel thread which is knitted in order to prevent existence of a seam. The thread allows the roots of the plant to grow out of the protection device allowing the plant to continue to grow, notwithstanding the boundary layer created by the thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel Scott Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 9066474
    Abstract: A method for cultivating a plurality of young plants of different species or variety to form a group of young plants which can be handled as a unit. The method includes providing a plurality of propagation pots, each containing a substrate, which allow roots that form in a propagation pot to grow out at the sides, loading at least one growing container with the plurality of propagation pots such that the propagation pots arranged in each growing container contact one another along a portion of their lateral peripheral surface, introducing at least one cutting or seed into each propagation pot, and allowing roots to form in the propagation pots of each growing container until roots emerging from the sides of the propagation pots have formed a network of roots binding the propagation pots together as a cluster of propagation pots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: SELECTA KLEMM GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Nils Klemm, Ulrich Sander, Antonius De Bresser, Dirk Schimmelpfeng, Andreas Rinnergschwentner
  • Patent number: 8978299
    Abstract: A flexible biodegradable package for flower bulbs for holding, storing, transporting and direct planting into the ground a plurality of flower bulbs, wherein said plurality of flower bulbs is placed between a flexible top layer of material comprising biodegradable fibers and a flexible bottom layer of material of material comprising biodegradable fibers, wherein said flower bulbs are separated by inter-bulb areas effected by a pre-selected inter-bulb distance, the bulbs being in a fixed position and a preferred planting orientation, said top layer being glued to the bottom layer at the inter-bulb areas and at the periphery of said layers. The invention also relates to methods of use and manufacturing of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Gardenvision International B.V.
    Inventor: Michael Cornelis Pieter van Drunick
  • Patent number: 8887983
    Abstract: A foldable packaging which may include a liquid-resistant paperboard form that is foldable to provide an attractive stackable container that resists water leakage, can be assembled without fastening hardware and has concealed gussets. The packaging can be folded into overlapping flaps and wings which are folded and interlocked to define a generally trapezoidal packaging which can receive a variety of different pot sizes and types. The die cut pattern forming the packaging can be of a universal shape but formed in a variety of different sizes to accommodate different sized potted plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Multi Packaging Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Kaltman, Richard C. Thibault, John R. Widener, Carol J. Moore
  • Patent number: 8887438
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container with cells for plant material, and/or systems and methods involving the transfer of cells containing plant material to larger cells (e.g., without removing the plant material from the cells being transferred to larger cells). The container can be used to transport plant material. The container has cells formed from biodegradable material. The cell itself can hereby be gripped by a transfer unit during a transfer method and this cell can be placed in a larger cell. In addition, the cells of the container can be separated from the rest of the container before the cell is transferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Visser 'S-Gravendeel Holding B.V
    Inventor: Anthony Visser
  • Publication number: 20140250783
    Abstract: A biodegradable container including a base, at least one sidewall extending from the base and comprising an inner surface and an opposite outer surface, at least a portion of the base and the at least one side wall is formed from seaweed, and a biodegradable polymer coating applied to at least a portion of the base and the at least one sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Chris Keller
  • Patent number: 8759254
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a product for use with new plants comprising a package which is optionally degradable, wherein said package forms an enclosed space is provided. At least one plant enhancer at least one pesticide, and/or at least one pesticide is located in the enclosed space formed by the package. The invention further is directed to method for treating a plant and to method for reducing shock to a plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer Cropscience LP
    Inventors: Rui Luiz Correa Picanco, Guillaume Huchet, Charles William Boyd, Stephanie Darnell, Kenneth James Essig, Raymond L. Cheek
  • Patent number: 8677687
    Abstract: A root ball including soil disposed in and around root system and a layer of agricultural polymer around the soil and root system. The agricultural polymer creates a root ball having a semi-permeable, solid outer layer, which provides protection for the root system and eliminates the need for a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: George Pierce Nottingham
  • Patent number: 8671616
    Abstract: Compositions and methods that relate to a biopolymer medium for growing plants. In certain embodiments, the biopolymer growth medium comprises or consists essentially of polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) or a mixture of them. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of producing a biopolymer growth medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Grow-Tech LLC
    Inventor: T. Scott Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8595974
    Abstract: A root ball including soil disposed in and around root system and a layer of agricultural polymer around the soil and root system. The agricultural polymer creates a root ball having a semi-permeable, solid outer layer, which provides protection for the root system and eliminates the need for a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: George Pierce Nottingham
  • Patent number: 8555546
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Hortech, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. MacKenzie
  • Patent number: 8474181
    Abstract: A biodegradable plant pot is formed from a paperboard-based blank wrapped about an axis and having a first longitudinal edge portion overlapping and adhered to an opposite second longitudinal edge portion of the blank so as to form an overlap seam. The blank is oriented with the machine direction of the paperboard running substantially parallel to the axis and the cross-machine direction running substantially circumferentially about the side wall, such that the machine direction of the paperboard runs lengthwise along the overlap seam. Cuts are formed in the side wall adjacent to and at circumferentially opposite sides of one end of the overlap seam, the cuts being confined to a localized region adjacent the one end of the overlap seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Whitehead
  • Publication number: 20120266536
    Abstract: A container for growing plants includes a side wall defining an open top, an open bottom, and a cavity for receiving a plant and a plant growth medium. The side wall may be composed of a biodegradable material and may be flexible, yet rigid enough to be self-supporting. The side wall may also be smooth on its outer surface for receiving selected printed indicia, such as product information and growth instructions. In certain embodiments, the side wall may be laminated, contain openings, or have a handle disposed thereon. The container is used by placing a plant and a plant growth medium in the container, then exposing the resulting potted plant to selected conditions of temperature, moisture, and light. The potted plant may also be placed in soil or in a larger container without the need to remove the biodegradable container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY
    Inventor: Grzegorz Trabka
  • Patent number: 8141293
    Abstract: A biodegradable cultivation tube, particularly designed to minimize root-twisting using specifically constructed tube edge profiles and tube holes. The cultivation tube has evaporation reducing and moisture trapping properties including a fluid absorbing material and an evaporation protection skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Rönneke
  • Publication number: 20120005955
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container with cells for plant material, and/or systems and methods involving the transfer of cells containing plant material to larger cells (e.g., without removing the plant material from the cells being transferred to larger cells). The container can be used to transport plant material. The container has cells formed from biodegradable material. The cell itself can hereby be gripped by a transfer unit during a transfer method and this cell can be placed in a larger cell. In addition, the cells of the container can be separated from the rest of the container before the cell is transferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: ANTHONY VISSER
  • Publication number: 20110277381
    Abstract: A biodegradable container for planting bulbs may include a plurality of layers with pre-positioned bulbs for each layer. Each layer may be a different species or type of bulb so that the depth of the specific bulb is appropriate for each type of bulb when the container is “planted” in the ground. The container may include a partition to separate each layer, and the partition may hold the layer of bulbs in relative position at a suitable depth throughout shipping of the container and eventual planting of the container. The container may include soil that holds the different bulbs in relative position, with or without the partition. The container permits easy planting of a variety of flowers by a consumer without inordinate labor or much concern about depth levels, since the container automatically establishes a suitable depth for each respective type of bulb therein, once the container is properly positioned in the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Bloomaker USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joep Paternostre, Martinus Verlouw
  • Patent number: 7992345
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for afforestation of recalcitrant land comprising the steps of preparing multiplicity of vegetation containers made of natural wood and having a thickness of 3-8 mm; growing plant seeds in a soil composition composed of sprouting promoter, rooting promoter, fertilizer and peat moss to obtain plant seedlings; placing the plant seedlings into the multiplicity of vegetation containers and airdropping the multiplicity of vegetation containers containing the plant seedlings onto the recalcitrant land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: KNU Industry Cooperation Foundation
    Inventor: Su-Kyoung Chun
  • Patent number: 7959061
    Abstract: A foldable pot cover provides a foldable die cut pattern which can be imprinted on its exterior surfaces with any of a number of designs. The pot cover is formed from a die cut pattern which can be folded into overlapping flaps and tabs which are folded and interlocked to define a generally trapezoidal pot cover which can receive a variety of different pot sizes and types and resists moisture. The die cut pattern forming the pot cover can be of a universal shape but formed in a variety of different sizes to accommodate different sized potted plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Multi Packaging Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Kaltman, Richard C. Thibault, John R. Widener, Carol J. Moore
  • Publication number: 20100115835
    Abstract: A biodegradable cultivation tube, particularly designed to minimize root-twisting using specifically constructed tube edge profiles and tube holes. The cultivation tube has evaporation reducing and moisture trapping properties including a fluid absorbing material and an evaporation protection skirt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Ronneke
  • Patent number: 7685770
    Abstract: A biodegradable planter made from straw and coir is described. The composition is made from a blend of about 1 to about 99% straw and 99% to about 1% coir. The planter is sprayed on at least one surface with a latex. Preferably it is sprayed with a natural latex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignees: Ivy Acres, Inc., Excelhigh, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Van de Wetering, Shantha Athalage
  • Patent number: 7681359
    Abstract: A biodegradable planter made from straw and coir is described. The composition is made from a blend of about 1 to about 99% straw and 99% to about 1% coir. The planter is sprayed on at least one surface with a latex. Preferably it is sprayed with a natural latex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignees: Ivy Acres, Inc., Excelhigh, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Van de Wetering, Shantha Athalage
  • Publication number: 20100025347
    Abstract: A system for transporting a biodegradable planter is described. There is a tray for carrying a biodegradable planter. This tray includes one or more biodegradable members which form an orifice for receiving a biodegradable planter. The biodegradable planter has a least one side wall and a base. The sidewall forms a receptacle for receiving a plant growing medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Jack Van de Wetering
  • Publication number: 20090272033
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a “BIODEGRADABLE GERMINATING PODS FOR SEEDLINGS”, having a main body formed by a tray or individual tubular pods having conical or other geometrical shape, and a sleeve with a passing hole in its lower end; the tubular pods have longitudinal guiding crevices or tracks; their upper end has a circular rim and its underside functions as a base for resting the tubular pod on the tray. The top section of the tray has several cavities placed equidistantly from each other, forming several tubular pods in its lower section, which are provided with passing holes. The body of the tubular pods itself consists of 20 to 70% cellulose, 5 to 20% calcium carbonate, 30 to 70% calcium sulfate, and the following micronutrients which are added according to the deficiency of such nutrients in the area where the seedlings will be planted: 0.001 to 15% Copper (Cu), 0.001 to 15% Zinc (Zn), 0.001 to 15% Magnesium (MG), 0.001 to 15% Iron (Fe), 0.001 to 15% Sulfur (S), 0.001 to 10% Boro (B), 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald Irineu PALEARI
  • Publication number: 20090249688
    Abstract: A biodegradable plant pot comprising at least one container wall for containing a growing medium and a container base attached to said at least one container wall, whereby said at least one container wall and said container base are made of ply-starch material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Gail CAMERON, Paul STYLES
  • Publication number: 20090241416
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the early afforestation of the useless ground by using an airplane, more specifically to a method for the early afforestation of the useless ground by aerial dropping the vegetation structure in which plant has been vegetated with an airplane such as helicopter onto the dune ground, the barren ground, the steep slope ground, the bedrock ground of rocky mountain, the inclined ground as well as the extinguished ground due to a fire. The method of the present invention has a superior effect on epochally reducing a labor power and maintaining a stability of afforestation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Su-Kyoung Chun
  • Publication number: 20090173002
    Abstract: A plant is grown to maturity in a transplant container and transplanted into a recipient's container. The transplant container has side walls that can be easily detached from the bottom after the transplant container has been placed into the recipient's container above growing media. After the side walls have been removed, growing media is added to a level above the roots. The bottom of the transplant container is easily penetrated by the roots of the plant and is left in the recipient's container with the plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Clark P. Plihal
  • Publication number: 20090025290
    Abstract: A container for growing plants includes a side wall defining an open top, an open bottom, and a cavity for receiving a plant and a plant growth medium. The side wall may be composed of a biodegradable material and may be flexible, yet rigid enough to be self-supporting. The side wall may also be smooth on its outer surface for receiving selected printed indicia, such as product information and growth instructions. In certain embodiments, the side wall may be laminated, contain openings, or have a handle disposed thereon. The container is used by placing a plant and a plant growth medium in the container, then exposing the resulting potted plant to selected conditions of temperature, moisture, and light. The potted plant may also be placed in soil or in a larger container without the need to remove the biodegradable container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY
    Inventor: Grzegorz Trabka
  • Publication number: 20080155898
    Abstract: A biodegradable planter made from straw and coir is described. The composition is made from a blend of about 1 to about 99% straw and 99% to about 1% coir. The planter is sprayed on at least one surface with a latex. Preferably it is sprayed with a natural latex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Jack Van de Wetering, Shantha Athalage
  • Publication number: 20080155897
    Abstract: A biodegradable planter made from straw and coir is described. The composition is made from a blend of about 1 to about 99% straw and 99% to about 1% coir. The planter is sprayed on at least one surface with a latex. Preferably it is sprayed with a natural latex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Jack Van de Wetering, Shantha Athalage
  • Patent number: 7326660
    Abstract: The present invention provides a degradable extruded netting. The netting comprises a plurality of interconnected strands with at least some of the strands comprising a degradable composition comprising a polyolefin, a metal carboxylate, and an aliphatic poly hydroxy-carboxyl acid. In at least one embodiment, at least 10% of the strands are made of the degradable composition. The present invention also relates to a method for making degradable extruded netting. The method comprises extruding strands of polymeric material to form a netting wherein at least some of the strands are formed of the degradable composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Conwed Plastics LLC
    Inventors: Aster Walraevens, Gaston De Greef, Ludo Dewaelheyns, Keith E. Misukanis
  • Patent number: 7326659
    Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable extruded netting. The netting comprises a plurality of interconnected strands with at least some of the strands comprising a biodegradable composition comprising polylactic acid polymer and biodegradable plasticizer. In at least one embodiment, at least 10% of the strands are made of the biodegradable composition. The present invention also relates to a method for making biodegradable extruded netting. The method comprises extruding strands of polymeric material to form a netting wherein at least some of the strands are formed of the biodegradable composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Conwed Plastics LLC
    Inventors: Hans O. Cederblad, Keith E. Misukanis, Christopher P. Hakanson, Andrew J. Thoen
  • Patent number: 7276192
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus and a method for making and compressing growth medium pots, where the growth medium pots are made as a growth medium pipe, where a tubular wall is formed by the fibre-containing material, where the growth medium pipe contains slightly compressed growth medium. It is the purpose of the invention to achieved an apparatus and a method for cheap and efficient production of firmly compressed growth medium pots, where the growth medium pots are rapidly and efficiently compressed contained in the fibre-containing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Ellegaard A/S
    Inventors: Lars Hansen, Oejvind Ellegaard
  • Patent number: 6793438
    Abstract: Aquatic plant shoots are transplanted by positioning shoots, plants or seeds in a sediment tube or sediment bag which is in turn placed in a propeller scar or blowout. The sediment tubes and sediment bags may be preformed or they may be formed just prior to their placement in the estuary. With the process and apparatus of this invention, sea grass shoots, plants and seeds can be replanted on the bottom of an estuary and new plant growth encouraged in propeller scars and blowouts. The material from which the sediment tube or bag is formed from degrades. The degradation of the sediment tube or bag can be correlated to the growing cycle of seagrass plants, shoots or seeds as may be contained in the sediment tube or bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: James F. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6782656
    Abstract: A planting module for planting a seed or a bulb in the earth includes the seed or bulb disposed in a dissoluble capsule so that after the module has been placed in the earth and water is supplied, the capsule disintegrates and the seed or bulb sprouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Phyllis R. Washburn
  • Publication number: 20040111967
    Abstract: A container (10) having a bottom wall (30) and a freestanding sidewall (34) defining a cavity (38) for receiving soil (14) and plant bulbs (18) planted in the soil. The container is made of biodegradable materials and is designed to be buried in soil (26) located in, e.g., a flower bed or a container. The container may optionally include any one or more of a rodent deterrent (46) attached to its exterior surface, a growth enhancer (66) attached to its interior surface and a closure (50) for sealing the cavity containing the bulbs. The container allows bulbs to be planted densely in a small space, while protecting them from rodents and enhancing their long-term health and viability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: William R. Raap, Lynette N. Raap
  • Publication number: 20040025435
    Abstract: The invention is for a plant container consisting of decayable and ecologically safe materials. The plant container is collapsible and assembled from its parts consisting of a pre-cut casing (1) and a bottom (2) using known materials. The casing (1) and the bottom (2) are made of dimensionally stable wire mesh or biologically degradable plastic. The casing (1) and the bottom (2) are assembled with a decayable organic material which is attached to the dimensionally stable wire mesh or biologically degradable plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Hermann Stoever
  • Patent number: 6523306
    Abstract: The cylindrical container is made of paper and has a rim, a seam along the vertical dimension thereof and an overlap in that seam. The bottom end of the container has a twisted and flattened tuft of paper. A fold is provided around the rim. This fold encloses the overlap crosswise for retaining the shape of the container. The paper container is usable as a seedling pot. There is also provided a hand tool for manually forming these paper containers. This hand tool comprises a cylindrical body having a diameter, a closed end and an open end, and a handle mounted to the closed end. The hand tool also has a cavity extending inside the cylindrical body from the open end, where the tuft of paper is pushed in during the forming of the bottom end of the container. There is also provided a method for forming paper containers using the hand tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Rhonda Gordon-Clements
  • Patent number: 6516565
    Abstract: A biodegradable seed pouch having in a preferred embodiment the ability to partially penetrate the ground when delivered by a slow moving airborne system. The pouch is a small package which contains the tree seed or seeds, along with their soil and nutrients. These are contained in a biodegradable skin which is dropped from the slow flying airborne system from altitudes just high enough to avoid contact with the local terrain. The inside of the pouch skin may be coated with a mixture of ground cover seeds and nutrients immersed within a biodegradable adhesive. The pouch, spherical or conical in shape, includes a flared open end formed by constricting the skin. Additionally, contained within the pouch, in a first embodiment, is an elongated member vertically oriented therein, where the lower end is pointed to facilitate penetration of the ground. The upper end is flared essentially laterally to facilitate maintaining the member within said soil and to assist in releasing the skin at impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Raoul G. Fima
  • Publication number: 20030005865
    Abstract: A planting module for planting a seed or a bulb in the earth includes the seed or bulb disposed in a dissoluble capsule so that after the module has been placed in the earth and water is supplied, the capsule disintegrates and the seed or bulb sprouts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Phyllis R. Washburn
  • Patent number: 6493990
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for planting aquatic plants underwater on the bottom of estuaries in propeller scars and for encouraging plant growth in propeller scars. Aquatic plant shoots are transplanted by positioning shoots in a sediment tube which is in turn placed in the propeller scar. When the sediment tube is placed in the propeller scar the sea grass shoots are held in position for an extended period of time to allow the sea grass shoots to take root on the estuary bottom. The sediment tubes may be preformed or they may be formed just prior to their placement in the estuary. A watercraft may be used to position the sediment tubes with and without sea grass shoots over an area of the propeller scar. With the process and apparatus of this invention, sea grass plants can be replanted on the bottom of an estuary and new plant growth encouraged in propeller scars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: James F Anderson
  • Patent number: 6378247
    Abstract: A method for afforestation of sands and the like and a structure used for said method. The method and structure permit trees and vegetables to take root and grow easily and certainly in tropical arid land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Tokyo University of Agriculture
    Inventor: Satoru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6219968
    Abstract: A solid body for growing plants, especially plant seedlings, which can be used for plants of any desired size, has a compact structure, and is highly advantageous with respect to storage and handling the solid body is made of coco peat having an insertion area for plants on its top side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Pro Flora GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Belger, Jörg Wassenberg