Modular Patents (Class 47/86)
  • Patent number: 7677513
    Abstract: Coil/helix shaped stands and methods of using and installing the stands that can be wrapped about elongated supports. The stands can have looped holders for supporting objects such as planters and pots, off ground level. The looped holders can be adjustable so as to remain level with different size diameter elongated supports. The stands can be aesthetically pleasing and attractive and be easy to assembly and mount. The stands are easily removable. Additionally, the coil stands can support other objects such as tables, flagpoles and umbrellas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin C. Londo
  • Publication number: 20100058658
    Abstract: An assembly includes a package for plant bulbs, including a holder with a base and side walls, wherein at least two plant bulbs are accommodated in a row, wherein the height of the holder corresponds to at least the height of the plants bulbs, the holder being filled with a substrate surrounding the plant bulbs and the base of the holder, the holder being provided with a number of openings, wherein the number and the size of the openings is such that the development of roots is facilitated, wherein the holder has a removable cover, wherein the side walls extend substantially above the height of the plant bulbs and that the substrate is introduced thoroughly over the height of the plant bulbs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: BOOMKWEKERIJ VAN DER STARRE B.V.
    Inventor: Huibert Van Der Starre
  • Publication number: 20100058660
    Abstract: The invention relates to a utility pedestal cover which may be used to encapsulate and conceal a utility pedestal. The material of the sleeve member may be of a weatherproof material, and may include a fastening system to allow the sleeve to be selectively opened and closed along at least a portion of its length or height, or to attach sections of the cover. The invention also relates to a planter arrangement for concealment of a utility pedestal, wherein the planter includes at least one housing section with at least one planting well. The housing may have a height such that upon introducing plants in the planting medium, the plantings and the housing effectively conceal the utility pedestal. The planting well may have at least one drain hole therein. The housing may be formed in at least two sections, which may be selectively attached around the pedestal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: DOUGLAS FAYE ENTERPRISES
    Inventor: Carl D. WILLIAMS
  • Publication number: 20100043285
    Abstract: A planting surface that is disposed on a lid, a cover, a roof, a yard, a wall, a pond, lake, container or other surface. The present invention comprises an apparatus and method comprising a modular tray or reservoir in which is disposed a planting matrix and a planting medium. The invention is particularly useful for green roof applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Charles F. Kelty
  • Patent number: 7640695
    Abstract: A planter box for transplanting or removing trees, shrubs, or plant material. The planter box includes four corner members and a first and second channel arranged on each corner member. The box has a plurality of wall members arranged within the channels. A plurality of fastening members are arranged between the corner members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Arbor Pro Tree Service, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Bonahoom
  • 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: 7634872
    Abstract: The growth container is formed of two pots that interfit within each other to define an enclosed space. A heater disposed in the space supplies heat via a reservoir of water for heating the inner pot and the soil in the inner pot to keep the roots of an aquatic plant embedded within the soil warm. A thermostat(s) is provided for maintaining the temperature of the soil at a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Mark R. Prescott
  • Publication number: 20090293350
    Abstract: A raised bed planter comprising a porous and permeable load-bearing exoskeleton comprised of nonwoven polymer matting and a spray-on polymer coating; a core section comprised of hydrophilic bedding fill material; and a bottom layer that serves as a weed barrier. The planter optionally incorporates multiple bedding levels and/or a wicking system or wicking components. In an alternate embodiment, the exoskeleton is comprised of a layer of outdoor carpet, a layer of fencing material, and a layer of nonwoven polymer matting. The planter optionally comprises one or more wings and a removable greenhouse cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Fountainhead, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce G. Kania, Frank M. Stewart
  • Publication number: 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: 20090260285
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a self-orientating plant pot and tray system. The plant pot includes a top and/or a pot body and is provided with a first drain opening. The top has a first substantially elliptical cross-section and/or the body has a first tapering substantially elliptical cross-section. The tray defines at least one receiving area each for securingly receiving a plant pot in a desired orientation relative therewith. The receiving area includes an upper chamber and/or a body chamber, which are each respectively defined by a depression and/or a receptacle. The depression has a second substantially elliptical cross-section for mating with the top and/or the receptacle has a second tapering substantially elliptical cross-section for mating with the pot body. The receptacle can be provided with a second drain opening for fluid communication with the first drain opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas J. Smith, Henry L. Huntington
  • Patent number: 7596906
    Abstract: In a green roof structure, containers formed of carpet, desirably of recycled carpet, are used in growing plants that are installed in the green roof system. The trays can be preplanted and installed with the plants already growing in the trays. Alternatively, the trays can be positioned as components of the green roof system, filled with plant growing medium, and planted following their installation. Desirably the trays are substantially rectangular with adjacent corners of adjacent trays interconnected when on the roof structure. Pieces of carpet cut in various shapes can be used to form the respective trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: David Gold
  • Publication number: 20090173004
    Abstract: A modular planter assembly formed of a base planter housing having a cavity volume for dirt or growing material defined by a surrounding vertically disposed sidewall. Smaller elevated planters are supportable above the base planter on support members extending between a pair of vertically disposed elongated members which engage passages formed in the sidewall of the base planter. The elongated members may be one piece, or formed of a plurality of component members to allow the user to lengthen them and add multiple elevated planters to the formed device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Suzanne Weast
  • Publication number: 20090077881
    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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Lisa R. Singer, Steven A. Singer
  • Publication number: 20090038220
    Abstract: A planter insert extends the usefulness of a planter by creating a plurality of containers that fit within a planter. The containers may be supported by a planter platform suitably adapted to fit within the inside of the planter. The planter platform may suitably include an expansion member adapted to stabilize the planter platform. A suitably planter platform may also be modular enabling the planter platform to be disassembled and suitably stacked during storage or shipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Lawson Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20080276530
    Abstract: A container for plants. The container may include a wall defining a perimeter of the container and a floor at a lower portion of the container. Receptacles may be formed in the container extending beneath the floor for receiving pots, plants, or potting soil. Openings may be formed in the container to allow the container to drain, and for allowing roots to grow through the container. The container may be used as a tray for carrying pots or plants. Also, plants may be placed in the container with or without pots and the container may be placed in a larger patio-type pot or directly in the ground. A mixture of plants may be arranged in the container by moving the smaller pots without damaging the plant roots. Also, the container itself may be planted in the ground without the need to disturb the plant roots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Grzegorz Trabka
  • Publication number: 20080276531
    Abstract: Planting pots and a multi-compartment tray are provided, the pots and tray having a self-orienting configuration for urging the pots into proper alignment when same are placed within compartments of the tray. The pots include angled recesses disposed radially about the bottom portion of the pots. The compartments of the tray include angled protrusions disposed radially about the bottom portion of the compartment. The angled recesses of the pot engage with the angled protrusions of the compartment when the pot is placed in the compartment to urge the pot into proper alignment. A plurality of slots are included along an upper portion of each pot for allowing optional identification tags to be inserted thereinto. The identification tags, in addition to logos, artwork, or other indicia, if included, are positioned by the self-orienting configuration of the pots and tray to face in a desired direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas J. Smith, Henry L. Huntington
  • Publication number: 20080141587
    Abstract: A planter insert extends the usefulness of a planter by creating a plurality of adjoined containers that fit within and conform to the inside shape of a planter, substantially filling its opening. The containers may be of uniform design and therefore portable and swappable, which facilitates modifying the arrangement of plants including those with different soil requirements and growing seasons. The containers may be adjoined using a locking system, a coupling system or any other means. A set of containers may be designed to fit around another object, such as an independent or center container of a different shape and size. Planter inserts provide maximum portability while minimizing wasted space often caused by gaps or support systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Lawson Guthrie
  • Patent number: 7082718
    Abstract: A culture tray, in particular for the rooting of young plants, includes channels that run in parallel and at predefinable distances and serve to accommodate young plants. To enable removal of individual young plants preferably without harming them and to enable relatively economical consumption of water for the young plants the space for each young plant is limited by the sidewalls of the channel and across the longitudinal direction of the channel by partition webs. This arrangement will, in particular, ensure that the water is directly supplied to each plant space and, moreover, that the plants can be pushed sideways out of the culture tray by pushing out of the culture tray the web and ledge skeletons, and the plants are easy to take out, because there are then no sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Marga Dümmen
  • Patent number: 6986222
    Abstract: A planting assembly (10) including a flexible trough member (12) which may selectively form a plurality of members which may be then selectively interconnected in any desired manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Bradley Cochran
  • Patent number: 6915607
    Abstract: A transplanting system including both methods and specific types of transplant apparatus such as propagule transplant trays(3, 4, 5, 6) addresses the need for the use of a propagule punch machine (8) on a variety of adolescent tray configurations (9, 11, 12, e.g.) and the increased operational efficiency that such enhanced operational capability affords. The system may involve at least one areally continuous propagule tray (3, 4, 5, 6) that is operationally compatible with a numerically significant number of adolescent plant trays. Other embodiments of the invention disclose punch pins (59) for use in a plant punch machine transplanter that are user-detachable and differentially designed so that plant punch elements of a certain design may be installed as part of the machine to customize the transplant process for a given species and transplant modality. The invention also provides for a consultable collection (such as printed documents or an electronic database, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Tagawa Greenhouses, Inc.
    Inventors: George H. Tagawa, Kenneth K. Tagawa, Randall E. Tagawa, William A. Kluth, Fred Naylor Blackmore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6901700
    Abstract: A combination pot includes an outer pot, one (1) or more inner pots and a support frame to support the inner pots in the outer pot. The support frame has a main frame structure and one (1) or more basket supports. The basket supports are connected to the main frame structure and extend downward into the interior of the outer pot. The size and shape of the basket supports are similar to the size and shape of the inner pots. To create the combination pot, filler soil is partially filled into the interior of the outer pot. The support frame is then positioned in the outer pot. The remainder of the filler soil is filled in around the support frame. Next, filler plants are planted in the filler soil. Finally, the inner pots having plant soil and decorative plants are inserted into the basket supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Grzegorz Trabka
  • Patent number: 6851221
    Abstract: A plant border system includes a flat and a plant tray. The flat defines a flat cavity and a flat top opening communicating with the flat cavity. An upstanding rim surrounds at least a portion of the flat top opening. The plant tray defines a tray cavity and a tray top opening communicating with the tray cavity. The tray cavity has a tray width and a tray length that is greater than the tray width. The plant tray includes a collar surrounding at least a portion of the tray top opening, the collar defining a downwardly opening channel. The flat is adapted to receive the plant tray in the flat cavity such that the rim is received in the channel and the flat is thereby structurally reinforced by the plant tray to resist flexure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: VersaScapes, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Todd Anthony Layt, Tobey A. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6843021
    Abstract: A floatable plant cultivation device includes a plurality of hollow floatable parts and each floatable part has a pot engaged with a first passage in a center of the floatable part. The pot receives a plant therein. The multiple floatable parts are connected with each other by a plurality of connection members. Each connection member includes several engaging ends which are engaged with second passages defined in different floatable parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Shih-Ming Huang
  • Publication number: 20040098912
    Abstract: A portable planter for high-density growth of plants is described. The planter contains a bottom and at least one wall disposed on the bottom for forming a cavity. The at least one wall contains a plurality of holes configured for allowing plant stems to extend therethrough in a generally horizontal orientation. At least one drain hole is formed in the bottom or the at least one wall for draining water from the cavity. Plant growth medium is placed in the cavity, and plants are planted in the plant growth medium such that the stems extend through the holes in the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Rance W. Searle, Marty G. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20040040210
    Abstract: An indexable vacuum formed nursery tray and a method of making same, the tray being formed from a sheet of polymer material and including a plurality of rows of vacuum formed cells positioned between at least two spaced rows of indexing apertures formed in the sheet and wherein the plastic sheet has a thickness at least at the zones containing the indexing apertures greater than the minimum thickness of the sheet of polymer material prior to forming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Geoffrey Alan Williames
  • Publication number: 20040040209
    Abstract: A plant border system includes a flat and a plant tray. The flat defines a flat cavity and a flat top opening communicating with the flat cavity. An upstanding rim surrounds at least a portion of the flat top opening. The plant tray defines a tray cavity and a tray top opening communicating with the tray cavity. The tray cavity has a tray width and a tray length that is greater than the tray width. The plant tray includes a collar surrounding at least a portion of the tray top opening, the collar defining a downwardly opening channel. The flat is adapted to receive the plant tray in the flat cavity such that the rim is received in the channel and the flat is thereby structurally reinforced by the plant tray to resist flexure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Todd Anthony Layt, Tobey A. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6695544
    Abstract: A retaining wall planter block that is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment in which it is placed, but also accommodates the growth of desired vegetation. The planter block contains a fill material that is conducive to vegetation growth, and has apertures for the emerging vegetation. The deterioration resistant planter block is generally a hollowed frame or shell of a deterioration resistant material that is light-weight and is configured to accept and retain any type of organic filling material and seeds. The filling material provides weight and stability to the retaining wall planter block and also provides weight, stability and security to a retaining wall constructed of such planter blocks, as well as suitable growth medium for the vegetation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: New Technology Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Alan Knudson, John Fitzgerald Dolan
  • Patent number: 6681522
    Abstract: A flower box having posts and wall elements connected by first reversible anchoring devices, the wall elements being in turn reversibly associated with at least one corresponding bottom so as to provide, as a whole, full vertical and horizontal flexibility in assembling the flower box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Marchioro S.p.A. Stampaggio Materie Plastiche
    Inventor: Domenico Marchioro
  • Publication number: 20040006913
    Abstract: A system for supporting potted plants and other items around a support column. The system providing a secure method for displaying items such as potted plants in non-traditional places. A support belt that has nodes on its interior side is wrapped around a support column, such as a tree or pole, so that the nodes make contact with the support column. Items such as plants are supported around the column by special pots with hooks. The hooks slide into the gap created between the support column and the belt, by the nodes. A connecting device is used to secure opposite ends of the belt together and create sufficient inward pressure on and friction against the support column as to support multiple pots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Gerald F. Jordan
  • Patent number: 6651384
    Abstract: An indexable vacuum formed nursery tray and a method of making same, the tray being formed from a sheet of plastic material and including a plurality of rows of vacuum formed cells positioned between at least two spaced rows of indexing apertures formed in the sheet and wherein the thickness of the plastic sheet at least the zones containing the indexing apertures being no less then the minimum thickness of the street of plastic material prior to forming and preferably of a thickness greater than said minimum thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Williames Hi-Tech International Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Geoffrey Alan Williames
  • Patent number: 6625929
    Abstract: A plant container apparatus (610) includes an arrangement (616, 618) for at least partially covering at least one plant container (612) and in which the arrangement (616, 618) is modular in form. In particular, the modular covering arrangement comprises a plurality of appropriately shaped panels (616) which are arranged to be secured together and secured to the plant containers (612) by securing straps (618). In one particular embodiment, the securing straps (618) are arranged to engage with side regions of the panels (616) and to be secured by securing devices such as screw fixtures (120) to upper and lower portions of the plant containers (612). A particularly versatile and readily adjustable and reconfigurable plant container cover arrangement can thereby be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Rentokil Initial UK Limited
    Inventors: Trevor Lawson, Kenneth Freeman, Mike Lothian, Mike Best
  • Patent number: 6615543
    Abstract: A planter system includes a pair of C-shaped wire baskets held together with connecting rods. The rods are L-shaped, and rotate between a storage position tight against their respective basket, and a use position where they telescopingly engage tube sections on the mating basket. A base engages the bottom of each wire basket, and can be inverted between low and high basket supporting positions, with connectors on the basket snap-attaching or magnetically attaching to the base in both positions. One corner of the basket has a hook shaped to engage another corner of the basket, such that several baskets can be interconnected to form a ring or long chain. An arching handle is provided that pivots down for storage and pivots up to a use position where it overlappingly frictionally engages (or magnetically couples to) the handle of an adjacent identical basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Palsrok
  • Patent number: 6564506
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a gravestone planter and kit used to construct a generally rectangular flower box having a continuous open trough capable of retaining potting soil and having a central open cavity in the middle of the flower box. The width and length dimensions of the constructed flower box are adjustable by slidably moving four separate interconnected corner pieces. By adjusting the width and length of the constructed flower box, the central cavity can be expanded to substantially match the particular dimensions of the top of a given post, such as the top of a gravestone. The dimensionally adjusted flower box may then be mounted around the top of any post that the central cavity of the flower box fits around. Mounting the flower box around the top of a given post is achieved by using at least one strap attached to two opposing sides of the flower box so that the middle of the strap and contacting the top portion of the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Janet Leger
  • Patent number: 6536361
    Abstract: A combinable planting plate includes a base, a support plate and a planting layer. The base has a plurality of cup-shaped chambers or cone-shaped projections for storing water. The base has a plurality of square rings and combining studs on its circumferential edge to combine more than two bases together to increase a planting area as needed. The support plate is combined on the base, possible to be a flat net plate or a plate with a plurality of cone-shaped projections for storing water-absorbing material. The support plate has a circumferential short wall for receiving the plating layer therein for planting lawn, flowers, evergreens, etc. according to a person's taste and liking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Tung-Yuan Wu
  • Patent number: 6526693
    Abstract: An in-ground rechargeable planter assembly comprising a receptacle body having two or more recesses formed therein and further having a broad peripheral flange which lies at ground level when properly installed. Insert bodies which are precharged with soil and living plants are dropped into cavities in the receptacle body. The adjoining side walls of the cavities are fused together in a thermoforming operation to prevent flexing and hinging of the structure when under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Insta-Bed Floral Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley Cochran
  • Patent number: 6516563
    Abstract: A plant container (22) formed of two readily releasable half-container parts (32), each part having a plant container portion (38). The two parts combine to define therebetween an opening (28) adapted to permit access of any plant growth (16) extending from beneath the plant container (22). The plant container (22) is adapted to be located adjacent the upper portion of a conventional plant hire container arrangement of an outer decorative container (4) housing an inner plant container (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Philip Lindsay Matthews
  • Publication number: 20030014916
    Abstract: A propagation tray configured to receive a plurality of seedlings or root cuttings comprising a tray member having a plurality of elongated propagation cells each to receive a growing media and a plurality of seedlings or root cuttings therein and a removable interior cell wall disposed between adjacent elongated propagation cells such that the selective removal of a removable interior cell wall from the tray member facilitates removal of the plurality of seedlings or root cuttings and growing media from the corresponding elongated propagation cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas A. Holmberg
  • Publication number: 20020134017
    Abstract: A post planter which is constructed of two identical parts with the parts being constructed to be located around a square shaped or rectangular post. The post planter includes an interior chamber the lower portion of which is to contain water and the upper portion of which is to contain a plant growing medium. The two parts are to be connected together by fasteners forming a single unit. There is a post receiving opening formed within the planter and this post receiving opening is size adjustable. The planter includes an annular flange located at its bottom which is to facilitate trimming of vegetation that may have grown around the planter. The top of the planter includes an elevated arcuate lip located peripherally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Gerald E. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 6453613
    Abstract: A tray is provided for holding a plurality of flower pots during transport and display. The tray includes a supporting structure having an outer periphery and a plurality of pot receiving cavities formed therein. The pot receiving cavities are provided for receiving corresponding flower pots. An edge member extends about and is interconnected to the outer periphery of the support structure for discouraging the flexing of the support structure during transport of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Fibreform Containers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Gratz
  • Patent number: 6447813
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the in situ manufacture of plant extracts from living plants. Since the plant remains intact, a flower or other component of the plant can be extracted one or more times. Following the extraction process, the plant is typically able to continue with its lifecycle. Such extracts have a variety of uses including use for, but not limited to: herbal and homeopathic medicines, hair and skin treatments, and cosmetics. The present invention also relates to apparatus useful for manufacturing plant extracts from living plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Brent W. Davis
  • Patent number: 6415549
    Abstract: A container for growing plants comprising a main body with an open top and perimeter rim, and a funnel-like water collection means having an inner mating perimeter adapted to adjoin the perimeter rim, an outer mating perimeter of greater size than the inner mating perimeter and a sloping surface connecting the outer mating perimeter to the inner mating perimeter, such that overhead water is captured and directed into the open top. The water collection means may be detachable. The water collection means has mating edges adapted to continuously and contiguously abut mating edges of like containers to form a solid water capture surface in all directions when multiple containers are properly positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Beeson, Jr., Dorota Z. Haman, Gary W. Knox, Allen G. Smajstrla, Thomas H. Yeager
  • Patent number: 6401387
    Abstract: A cellular container assembly comprises collapsible linked two-layer, open-ended structure containers formed of opposed container walls. The containers are formed by weldment at opposed contacting wall portions to form multiple cells for retention of a soil mix and an associated plant. The assembly also comprises a soil drain board upon which the containers are supported. The drain board defines a fluid permeable mat having pylons and a foraminous screen resting upon the mat. The drain board is mounted in a watertight box to confine the containers and drainage board. A drain in the box recycles fluid or permits runoff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Atlantic Construction Fabrics, Inc.
    Inventors: Rinaldo J. Diloreto, Michael D. Shipley, Jerry C. Murphy, Ronald A. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6381902
    Abstract: A pot holder for use with posts including a pot portion having a generally cylindrical configuration. The pot portion has an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a surrounding side wall therebetween. The pot portion has an elongated cylinder positioned centrally therein. The elongated cylinder has an open upper end positioned within the open upper end of the pot portion. The elongated cylinder has an open lower end extending through the closed lower end of the pot portion. The elongated cylinder is dimensioned for receiving the post therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Abeer Batshon
  • Patent number: 6357179
    Abstract: A self-watering planter (20) having a container (22) and a floor structure (60). The latter includes one or more troughs (80) that extend downwardly from floor (70). When manufacture of the planter is complete, a chamber portion (28a) for receiving planting medium (100) is provided above the floor. This chamber portion includes interior regions (82) of the troughs. A lower chamber portion (28b) is provided beneath the floor structure for receiving water. Openings (96, 97) in bottom ends (84) of troughs (80) permit water in the lower chamber portion to be wicked up into the planting medium in the troughs, which in turn is wicked up into planting medium in upper portions of the upper chamber portion. The planter is designed to be manufactured with a single mold in a single molding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: America's Gadening Resource, Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin H. Buss
  • Publication number: 20020007593
    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 with an edge finishing/edge termination system (46) and support structure to enable provision of non-panel areas of the green roof, support of the panels, and above-panel structures. The panels 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Donald J. Mischo
  • Publication number: 20010034974
    Abstract: The extant invention is a portable and modular plant growing system comprising at least one plant growing container, each container having a longitudinally elongated vertical enclosure with at least one perforated platform to support a plant growing medium, and at least one opening proximate to the bottom of the container. The enclosures also have holes to permit water drainage and air circulation. A system is provided for conveniently and economically interconnecting the plant growing containers. This interconnecting system comprises modular, snap together commercially available spacers that cooperatively receive and connect together adjacent plant growing containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Brenda C. Cameron, Brian A. Cameron
  • Patent number: 6266921
    Abstract: Cultivation cell for seedlings and a tray formed from such cells, comprising apertures breaking the cell upper rims. Thereby growth disturbancies in roots growing close to the substrate surface are prevented. The tray comprises air channels, and growth of surface roots across the upper apertures from one cell to another is prevented by structural elements giving the tray rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Lannen Tehtaat Oyj
    Inventor: Altti Keskilohko
  • Patent number: 6253487
    Abstract: The present invention aims at providing the water-storing tray for the plant cultivation mat, with the concomittant objects of ameliorating the water irrigation function in the plant cultivation mat as well as of facilitating control of the water content in the soil. An additional object is to much more stabilize the plant cultivating arrangement as a whole on the mat laying surface. Disclosed is a water-storing tray for plant cultivation mat, which is characterized in that a linkage part having a substantially hook-shape in its cross-section and a large breadth on its upper surface is provided externally on the upper end part of at least one side wall of the water-storing tray, and a linkage part having a substantially hook-shape in its cross-section and a small breadth on its upper surface is provided externally on the upper end part of the other side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Kyodo Ky-Tec CORP
    Inventors: Minoru Yoshida, Kazuo Kumura, Takaharu Yoshioka, Shinji Uchida
  • Patent number: 6205709
    Abstract: A cellular container assembly comprises collapsible linked two-layer, open-ended structure containers formed of opposed container walls. The containers are formed by weldment at opposed contacting wall portions to form multiple cells, for retention of a soil mix and an associated plant. The assembly also comprises a soil drain board upon which the containers are supported. The drain board defines a fluid permeable mat having pylons and a foraminous screen resting upon the mat. An impermeable liner rests within a box with the liner being interposed between the box and drainage board to confine the containers and drainage board. A drain in the liner recycles fluid or permits runoff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Atlanta Construction Fabrics, Inc.
    Inventors: Rinaldo J. Diloreto, Michael D. Shipley, Jerry C. Murphy, Ronald A. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6161333
    Abstract: A flower pot system for use on a patio table having an umbrella pole projecting upwardly form the center thereof. The flower pot system provides two flower pot members that together form a tubular passageway through which an umbrella pole is positionable. The two flower pot members are easily installable and removable from around an umbrella pole without lifting the umbrella pole from the patio table. A pair of drip trays are provided to hold the two flower pot members together and to provide a fluid pathway between the two flower pot members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Rebecca Ann Poston