U.S. patent application number 10/881963 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-12 for suspended plant growing system.
Invention is credited to Frederic P. Atchley.
Application Number | 20060005466 10/881963 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35539832 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060005466 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Atchley; Frederic P. |
January 12, 2006 |
Suspended plant growing system
Abstract
A plant growing apparatus, the apparatus comprising a plurality
of legs extending upward from a surface, connectors holding the
plurality of legs stationary, a holding mechanism connected to at
least one of the plurality of legs and the connectors, a mesh-like
bag that is secured by the connectors, and wherein the mesh-like
bag is held between the plurality of legs and elevated over the
surface.
Inventors: |
Atchley; Frederic P.;
(Apopka, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BEUSSE BROWNLEE WOLTER MORA & MAIRE, P. A.
390 NORTH ORANGE AVENUE
SUITE 2500
ORLANDO
FL
32801
US
|
Family ID: |
35539832 |
Appl. No.: |
10/881963 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
47/39 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 9/024 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
047/039 |
International
Class: |
A47G 7/00 20060101
A47G007/00 |
Claims
1. A plant growing apparatus, the apparatus comprising: (a) a
plurality of legs extending upward from a surface; (b) connectors
holding said plurality of legs stationary; (c) a holding mechanism
connected to at least one of said plurality of legs and said
connectors; (d) a mesh-like bag that is secured by said connectors;
and (e) wherein said mesh-like bag is held between said plurality
of legs and elevated over said surface.
2. The plant growing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said each of said
plurality of legs further comprises extensions that are adjustable
to select a desired height for each of said plurality of legs.
3. The plant growing apparatus of claim 1 wherein a level device is
connected to said connectors.
4. The plant growing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said connectors
comprise a plurality of rings.
5. The plant growing apparatus of claim 4 wherein each descending
ring is a wider diameter than a ring immediately above it.
6. The plant growing apparatus of claim 5 wherein each said
descending ring has a top edge and a bottom edge and wherein a
diameter of top edge is smaller than a diameter of said bottom
edge.
7. The plant growing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said mesh-like
bag is biodegradable.
8. The plant growing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said mesh-like
bag further comprises a reinforced band.
9. The plant growing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said connectors
comprise a plurality of hook formed by where a plurality of legs
meets.
10. The plant growing apparatus of claim 9 wherein said mesh-like
bag comprises a plurality of handles wherein each of said plurality
of handles fit around a respective each of said plurality of
handles.
11. The plant growing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said connectors
comprises a removable support ring.
12. The plant growing apparatus of claim 11 wherein said mesh-like
bag further comprises a seam through which said removable support
ring is placed.
13. The plant growing apparatus of claim 12 wherein said removable
support ring is connected to said plurality of connectors.
14. The plant growing apparatus of claim 11 wherein said mesh-like
bag further comprises excess material at a top end that is placed
around said removable support ring.
15. The plant growing apparatus of claim 14 wherein said connectors
comprises a stationary top ring and wherein said removable support
ring is connected to said stationary top ring.
16. The plant growing apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said
plurality of legs further comprises a base.
17. The plant growing apparatus of claim 16 wherein said base is
perforated to allow an anchoring device to pass therethrough.
18. The plant growing apparatus of claim 16 wherein said base
provides an expanded surface area to contact said surface.
19. The plant growing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said mesh-like
bag comprises more surface area with no material than material
comprising said bag.
20. The plant growing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said mesh-like
bag further comprises an interior lining.
21. The plant growing apparatus of claim 20 wherein said interior
lining comprises a natural fibered material that a root may
penetrate.
22. The plant growing apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said
plurality of legs is inserted into a ground surface.
23. The plant growing apparatus of claim 1 wherein a distance
between said surface and said container is maintained to insure
airflow around all outer surfaces of said container.
24. A method of air-root pruning and insuring a vertical growing
plant, said method comprising: (a) providing a container that has
more surface area with no material than material comprising said
container; (b) providing support legs that connect to said
container near a top of said container; (c) suspending said
container above a surface that said support legs rest upon; (d)
allowing said container to move from a vertical starting position
and to sway when wind is applied against said container; (e)
returning said container to said starting position when said wind
has ceased (f) controlling root growth in every direction a root
may grow with air-root pruning.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein providing said container further
comprises providing said container that permits air-root pruning of
a root system to occur.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein providing said container further
comprises providing an interior linear that is penetratable by a
root system wherein once said interior linear is penetrated, said
root system encounters air-root pruning.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a plant container, and more
particularly, to a plant container that provides the most optimum
exposure to air for air-pruning of a plant's roots.
[0002] A common problem experienced by commercial ornamental
horticultural nurseries is circling and kinking of a plant's root
system due to the plant developing its root system in a container
not designed to reduce the chances for the roots to circle and/or
kink. One form of kinking is when a taproot reaches the base of a
container and then curves upward, thus forming a "J" root. This "J"
root could kill a plant.
[0003] Another issue faced by nurseries is insuring that plants
grow as vertical as possible. This becomes a more significant issue
when nurseries are established on ground that is not level or when
a nursery is in an area that experiences significant wind gusts.
Either of these environmental conditions can result in a plant not
growing vertical. The direction a plant's roots grow is
particularly important. Tree roots are established early and do not
change direction once they are established. Tree roots generally
grow out from the center of the tree and down to the depth of the
environment provided for the roots to grow. The more roots
developed, the healthier the circulatory system and ability to
uptake nutrients and moisture. The goal in growing the plant is to
develop as many fibrous, hair-like roots as possible before the
tree reaches a 1 to 2 inch caliper size. Additionally, the fibrous
roots should be well branched and as straight as possible for a
successful transplant into the next container size or a landscape
project.
[0004] Air-root pruning is one approached used to reduce J-root
formation. By using air-root pruning, ends of a root are exposed to
air. Typically, a plastic container is used where a plurality of
openings are formed through the container's sidewall and/or base.
Because a container is still needed to properly hold the root ball
of a plant, the surface area of the container is comprised more of
the plastic, or some other material, than openings to allow
air-root pruning.
[0005] Plant growers would benefit from a growing container that is
able to provide for pruning plant roots while also being able to
optimally function in various environmental conditions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method
for improving root development of a plant where air-root pruning is
possible around all outer surfaces of a container. In a preferred
embodiment a plant growing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus
has a plurality of legs extending upward from a surface, such as
the ground. Connectors are provided for holding the plurality of
legs stationary. A holding mechanism is also provided and is
connected to at least one of the plurality of legs and the
connectors. A mesh-like bag is used and is secured in place by the
connectors. The mesh-like bag is held between the plurality of legs
and elevated over the surface. A given distance between the surface
and the container is maintained to insure adequate airflow across
the entirety of the container to insure complete air pruning of all
emerging root tips.
[0007] A method for air-root pruning and insuring a vertical
growing plant is also disclosed. The method comprises providing a
container that has more surface area with no material than actual
material comprising the container.
[0008] Providing support legs that connect to the container near a
top of said container is also disclosed. The method further
discloses suspending the container above a surface that the support
legs are rest upon. The container and plant are allowed to move
from a vertical starting position and to sway when wind is applied
against the container and plant. The container and plant then
return to their starting position when the wind has ceased.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The features of the invention are set forth with
particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, both as
to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by
reference to the following description, in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like numbers represent like parts
throughout the drawings, and in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention connected to a ground surface and
encountering wind;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of a net bag;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of another net bag;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of another exemplary embodiment
of the present invention with an insert bag support ring;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an elevational view of another exemplary
embodiment of the present invention with a removable locking
ring;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention having a net bag fastened with eight
fasteners;
[0018] FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a rectangular frame
assembly; and
[0019] FIG. 10 is an exemplary block diagram of a method of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] With reference to the figures, exemplary embodiments of the
invention will now be described. The scope of the invention
disclosed is applicable to a plurality of containers used for
growing and transporting plants, such as trees. Thus, even though
embodiments are described specific to using a cylindrical mesh-like
bag, one skilled in the art will recognize how the invention is
also applicable to other containment devices.
[0021] FIGS. 1 & 2 illustrate elevational views of exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, a mesh-like
bag 10 is suspended from a frame 12. The frame 12 has a minimum of
three base legs 13. As illustrated, rings 15 are connected to the
base legs 13, which give the frame 12 a circular configuration. In
one exemplary embodiment, two rings 15 are provided where both
rings 15 are of equal diameter and thickness. In another exemplary
embodiment, the rings 15 are wider in diameter the further the
rings are placed down the base legs 13 as the base legs 13 reach
the ground 20, as further illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0022] The ring 15 positioned a furthest distance from the ground
20, or the end of the leg 13 that is placed upon or in a ground
surface, may be located at a plurality of locations. For example,
as illustrated in FIG. 3, a first ring 16 is near the top of the
invention 5. Whereas in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base legs 13 extend a
considerable distance above the highest ring 17. Though two rings
are illustrated, more or fewer rings may be used, where even half
rings connecting certain legs together may be used (not
illustrated). The number of rings may be determined based on the
structural strength of the material being used for the present
invention 5 as well as the estimated weight of the soil, root-ball,
and plant, when all are dry as well as when all are wet. In another
exemplary embodiment, the rings 15 possess a thickness where the
thickness of the rings 15 is tapered at an angle resulting in the
diameter of the ring 15 increasing at a lower position when
compared to a high position on the ring 15.
[0023] The legs 13 and rings 15 can be made of a plurality of
materials, such as but not limited to, PVC pipe to metal wire, rods
or tubing. The thickness or material determination will be based
upon the estimate weight of the plant to be held suspended above
the ground. In preferred embodiments, heavier channel frames can be
used to suspend much larger root balls that weigh between 250 to
600 pounds. When metal wire, rods or tubing is used, the pieces can
be welded together and assembled at the point of manufacture or can
be configured for assembly at a place of usage.
[0024] As further illustrated in FIG. 1, to insure that a plant
grows vertically when the invention is placed on uneven ground, the
legs 13 are configured to extend or retract to an acceptable
distance. A release device 25 is provided on each individual leg 13
to extend and/or retract the respective leg 13. To further insure
that the plant is growing vertically, levels 27, such as spirit
levels, are built into or connected to the invention, such as to a
ring. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a single level or a plurality of
levels may be placed on or constructed into the present invention,
at a plurality of locations upon the frame. Thus, when placing the
present invention upon a surface, a user can view the level and
adjust respective legs accordingly to insure the plant is hanging
vertically. In another exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2,
the legs 13 of the assembly may be inserted directly into a ground
surface 20.
[0025] FIGS. 4 and 5 are exemplary embodiments of cylindrically
shaped containers 10, such as mesh-like bags. These bags may be
biodegradable or reusable synthetic materials. As illustrated,
cylindrically shaped containers, constructed of a biodegradable or
reusable synthetic mesh or net, is provided. In a preferred use,
natural materials are used for lager plants and can be transplanted
directly into the landscape without any detrimental effect to a
plant that may result from having to remove it from a bag.
[0026] The top half of the mesh-like bag has a reinforced band 30
with handles 32 that extend from the band 30. As further
illustrated by FIG. 5, the base 34 of the mesh-like bag may
comprise a plurality of shapes with or without a reinforced bottom.
As further illustrated in FIG. 2, an interior lining 40 may also be
provided. The interior lining 40 may consist of natural fibered
materials that re designed to allow roots to penetrate it. Once
roots penetrate the interior lining 40, the roots are exposed to
air, wherein air-root pruning may occur.
[0027] As one skilled in the art will readily recognize, a
plurality of methods are available for holding the mesh-like bag 10
in place upon the assembly 7. The examples provided below are for
illustrational purposes only and are not to be considered the only
ways to hold the mesh-like bag 10 to the assembly 7. As further
illustrated in FIG. 1, the handles or locking mechanisms on the net
or mesh-like bag are placed around the top ends of the legs. As
further illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the handles 32, or locking
mechanisms, may also be double looped 33, 35 wherein the outer loop
33 is provided as a lifting strap. In another exemplary embodiment,
further illustrated in FIG. 6, the net or mesh-like bag 10 does not
have handles, but has a top seam 50 and an opening 42 to allow a
support ring 55 to be slipped through the seam 50. The support ring
55 inside the seam 50 is fashioned and fitted onto connectors 57
extending from the top end of the legs 13, allowing it to rest on
the legs 13 or, in another exemplary embodiment, upon a top
stationary ring 17. In another exemplary embodiment, illustrated in
FIG. 7, the net or mesh bag 10 is draped over a side of a top
removable ring 60. With the draped material being placed around the
removable bag support ring 60, it is then inserted inside a top
fixed ring 65, which wedges the material 62 between the fixed 65
and removable top ring 60.
[0028] The bag 10 is constructed to a specific length so that a
specific distance is available between the ground 20 and the bottom
of the net bag. Depending on the construction of the bag 10 and the
type of plant being grown, the specific distance can vary from less
than an inch to over twelve inches. The reason for the specific
distance is to insure airflow along the bottom of the bag 10
without structure directing airflow to the bottom of the bag
10.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention having a net bag 10 fastened with eight fasteners
69 and FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a cubical frame assembly 7.
As illustrated, the present invention 5 can be configured for other
shapes other than cylindrical. As further illustrated, more than
three connectors for securing the mesh-like bag 10 are also
available.
[0030] As further illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 9, base feet 70 are
provided. In a preferred embodiment, the base feet 70 are
perforated, or posses holes 71 to allow a staking rod or anchoring
device 72 to secure the frame 7 to a ground surface 20. For example
when a channel frame is used, which cannot be inserted into the
ground 30, anchoring devices 72 are used. In another preferred
embodiment, the base feet 70 provide a wider base (not illustrated)
which provides a greater surface area that contacts the ground
20.
[0031] In an exemplary operation, illustrated in FIG. 10, when a
plant is initially planted, the mesh bag 10 is secured to the
assembly 7 using the fasteners 69 connected to the assembly Steps
82 and 84. The fasteners 69 can be a top end of base legs 12. A
soil mix is poured into the mesh-like bag 10, to a suitable depth
to support bottom root ball growth. The plant and root ball are
then placed into the bag 10 and held upright in place until
additional soil mix can be added around the sides Step 80. The
plant and soil mix is then sufficiently wetted to remove any
internal air spaces that may have developed during the planting
process. Once in place, because of its elevated position, proper
air-root pruning is made possible around sides of the root ball
with no reduction of air flow due to the ground or limited air flow
because of a greater amount of container surface area Step 90. When
windy weather conditions are encountered, the mesh-like bag is able
to sway in the wind and is then able to return to a vertical
condition once the wind ceases Steps 86 and 88.
[0032] When a plurality of the present invention is used in a
nursery, each frame 12 can be placed at a given distance from the
next frame. After plants are sold, the bag 10 and plant are removed
from the frame 12, leaving the frame stationary. Furthermore, being
suspended allows a tree 100 to move in unison with a wind gust
while not disturbing the plant's root ball, as illustrated in FIG.
2. A healthy root ball benefits from the least amount of
movement.
[0033] While the invention has been described in what is presently
considered to be a preferred embodiment, many variations and
modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to
the specific illustrative embodiment, but be interpreted within the
full spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *