U.S. patent application number 13/868606 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-23 for plant containment system having two-position valve.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lawrence J. Contillo, Felipe Grablel, Michael Rimland, Anthony Visser. Invention is credited to Lawrence J. Contillo, Felipe Grablel, Michael Rimland, Anthony Visser.
Application Number | 20140311027 13/868606 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51727918 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140311027 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Contillo; Lawrence J. ; et
al. |
October 23, 2014 |
Plant Containment System Having Two-Position Valve
Abstract
A plant growing, transportation, display, and maintenance system
including a plant pot and corresponding container having a
selectable valve that controls the flow of liquid into and out of
the container. In the "open" position, the valve allows water to
pass into and out of the container in order to provide water to the
contents of the plant pot resting in the container. In the "closed"
position, the valve prevents any water flow into or out of the
container.
Inventors: |
Contillo; Lawrence J.;
(Weaverville, NC) ; Grablel; Felipe; (Miami,
FL) ; Rimland; Michael; (Miami, FL) ; Visser;
Anthony; (S-Gravendeel, NL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Contillo; Lawrence J.
Grablel; Felipe
Rimland; Michael
Visser; Anthony |
Weaverville
Miami
Miami
S-Gravendeel |
NC
FL
FL |
US
US
US
NL |
|
|
Family ID: |
51727918 |
Appl. No.: |
13/868606 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
47/66.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 9/143 20130101;
Y02A 40/252 20180101; Y02A 40/25 20180101; A01G 9/006 20130101;
A01G 9/02 20130101; A01G 27/008 20130101; A01G 9/045 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
47/66.7 |
International
Class: |
A01G 27/00 20060101
A01G027/00 |
Claims
1. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container, comprising: a. providing a
plant pot, having a bottom and at least one side wall extending
from said bottom up to a top rim, said bottom and said at least one
side wall defining an interior of said plant pot; b. said plant pot
including at least one hole located in or proximate to said bottom;
c. providing at least one wick extending from below said bottom of
said plant pot, through said hole, and into said interior of said
plant pot; d. providing a container, including a bottom, and a side
wall extending upward from said bottom; e. said plant pot resting
in said container, with said bottom of said plant pot being above
said bottom of said container; f. providing an overflow opening in
said container; g. providing a valve located in said overflow
opening, said valve being movable between an open position in which
said valve allows said liquid to flow through said overflow opening
and a closed position in which said valve prevents any flow of said
liquid through said overflow opening; h. selectively opening and
closing said valve in order to allow or prohibit passage of said
liquid through said overflow opening; and i. said container
including a defined overflow level, said defined overflow level
being a level of water resulting in said container when said
container is flooded to a level above said valve, said valve is
opened, and water is allowed to flow out of said container through
said valve until a stable level is reached wherein no more water
flows out of said container through said valve; and j. said defined
overflow level being proximate said bottom of said plant pot.
2. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 1,
wherein: a. said container includes a central tower extending
upward from said bottom; and b. said overflow opening is located in
said central tower.
3. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 2,
wherein: a. said central tower contains an upper portion; and b.
said upper portion bears against said bottom of said plant pot.
4. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 2,
wherein: a. said central tower includes an upper portion; b. said
upper portion of said central tower includes a horizontal surface;
and c. said horizontal surface includes said overflow opening.
5. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 4,
wherein: a. said central tower includes a support ring extending
upward from said upper portion; and b. said support ring bears
against said bottom of said plant pot.
6. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 4,
wherein said overflow opening includes a tapered side wall.
7. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 6,
wherein: a. said valve includes a movable sealing plug, including,
i. a sealing plate, with a sealing surface facing toward said
horizontal surface, ii. a tapered plug extending from said sealing
plate toward said overflow opening, iii. a cylinder extending from
said tapered plug, iv. a rib separating said tapered plug from said
cylinder, v. a retaining expansion extending from said cylinder,
vi. a transverse slot extending through said rib, said cylinder,
and said retaining expansion, b. said sealing plug being configured
so that, i. in a first position said sealing plate is lifted off
said horizontal surface and said transverse slot allows said liquid
to flow through said overflow opening, and ii. in a second position
said sealing plate is pressed against said horizontal surface and
said tapered plug seals against said tapered side wall, thereby
blocking said overflow opening.
8. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 1,
further comprising: a. placing said assembly of said plant pot and
said container in a tray that is part of an ebb and flood
irrigation system; b. while said valve is in said open position,
flooding said tray to a level that is higher than said defined
overflow level of said container, whereupon water in said tray
flows through said valve and into said container; c. while said
valve remains in said open position, removing said water from said
tray so that a level of water within said container stabilizes at
said defined overflow level.
9. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 8,
further comprising after said water within said container has
stabilized at said defined overflow level, closing said valve.
10. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 1,
wherein said defined overflow level is below said bottom of said
plant pot.
11. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container, comprising: a. providing a
plant pot, having a bottom and at least one side wall extending
from said bottom up to a top rim, said bottom and said at least one
side wall defining an interior of said plant pot; b. providing a
container, including a bottom, and a side wall extending upward
from said bottom; c. said plant pot resting in said container, with
said bottom of said plant pot being above said bottom of said
container; d. providing an overflow opening in said container
controlled by a valve; e. said valve being movable between an open
position in which said valve allows said liquid to flow through
said overflow opening and a closed position in which said valve
prevents any flow of said liquid through said overflow opening; f.
selectively opening and closing said valve in order to allow or
prohibit passage of said liquid through said overflow opening; g.
said container including a defined overflow level, said defined
overflow level being a level of water resulting in said container
when said container is flooded to a level above said valve, said
valve is opened, and water is allowed to flow out of said container
through said valve until a stable level is reached wherein no more
water flows out of said container through said valve; and h. said
defined overflow level being proximate said bottom of said plant
pot.
12. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 11,
wherein: a. said container includes a central tower extending
upward from said bottom; and b. said overflow opening is located in
said central tower.
13. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 12,
wherein: a. said central tower contains an upper portion; and b.
said upper portion bears against said bottom of said plant pot.
14. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 12,
wherein: a. said central tower includes an upper portion; b. said
upper portion of said central tower includes a horizontal surface;
and c. said horizontal surface includes said overflow opening.
15. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 14,
wherein: a. said central tower includes a support ring extending
upward from said upper portion; and b. said support ring bears
against said bottom of said plant pot.
16. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 14,
wherein said overflow opening includes a tapered side wall.
17. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 16,
wherein: a. said valve includes a movable sealing plug, including,
i. a sealing plate, with a sealing surface facing toward said
horizontal surface, ii. a tapered plug extending from said sealing
plate toward said overflow opening, iii. a cylinder extending from
said tapered plug, iv. a rib separating said tapered plug from said
cylinder, v. a retaining expansion extending from said cylinder,
vi. a transverse slot extending through said rib, said cylinder,
and said retaining expansion, b. said sealing plug being configured
so that, i. in a first position said sealing plate is lifted off
said horizontal surface and said transverse slot allows said liquid
to flow through said overflow opening, and ii. in a second position
said sealing plate is pressed against said horizontal surface and
said tapered plug seals against said tapered side wall, thereby
blocking said overflow opening.
18. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 11,
further comprising: a. placing said assembly of said plant pot and
said container in a tray that is part of an ebb and flood
irrigation system; b. while said valve is in said open position,
flooding said tray to a level that is higher than said defined
overflow level of said container, whereupon water in said tray
flows through said valve and into said container; c. while said
valve remains in said open position, removing said water from said
tray so that a level of water within said container stabilizes at
said defined overflow level.
19. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 18,
further comprising after said water within said container has
stabilized at said defined overflow level, closing said valve.
20. A method for controlling a flow of liquid into and out of an
assembly of a plant pot and a container as recited in claim 19,
wherein said defined overflow level is below said bottom of said
plant pot.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to the field of agriculture.
More specifically, the invention comprises a method for irrigating,
storing, transporting, and displaying a plant growing in a pot. The
invention includes a variable valve used to control the flow of
liquid into and out of an integrated container and plant pot.
[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0007] The invention is useful in the commercial nursery business
where many potted plants are grown in bulk. However, the invention
could also be used in a wide variety of agricultural applications
and it is by no means limited to any particular portion of the
field of agriculture.
[0008] Growing plants require water. The water may be furnished via
rainfall, overspraying, drip irrigation, and other known
techniques. Some plant species may be watered continuously without
fear of damage. Other species are much more sensitive to the amount
of water applied and the application must be regulated
precisely.
[0009] It is known in the prior art to employ an "ebb and flood"
approach to watering (alternatively referred to as an "ebb and
flow" approach). In an ebb and flood system, a large amount of
water is periodically applied to a group of potted plants (the
"flood stage"). It is typical to drain the water so that it does
not remain in contact with the potted plants for very long (the
"ebb stage"). Drains may be provided in the pots in order to allow
excess water to escape.
[0010] One objective of an ebb and flood system is to ensure an
adequate water supply to each plant without over-saturating any
particular plant. The flow control is efficient in such a system.
It is common to provide many plants in a watertight (or mostly
watertight) basin. This basin is flooded to a desired level and the
water is allowed to stand for an interval in order to soak into the
plants residing in the basin. A drain valve is then opened to
remove the water.
[0011] In this manner, a large amount of water may be efficiently
moved into and out of contact with the plants. The water removed
may be pumped to another similar basin to create the "flood" cycle
there while the "ebb" cycle is occurring in the original basin.
[0012] While the ebb and flood approach is effective, it does not
work well for some plant species. In particular, some plant species
that are sensitive to overwatering may not perform well where an
ebb and flood system is used. It is known in the prior art to use a
wick-based system to provide water to many different types of plant
species. In this approach a wick is inserted into the interior of
the pot. One end of the wick extends out of the pot's interior and
is connected to a water source.
[0013] The wick slowly carries water and possibly dissolved
nutrients into the interior of the potted plant. This approach is
effective in ensuring an appropriate amount of water without fear
of overwatering. However, the use of a wick often requires a
complex series of connections between a water source and each
individual potted plant. The water distribution is much more
complex than is possible with an ebb and flood system. Accordingly,
it would be desirable to provide a system that combines the
advantages of a wick-based system with the advantages of an ebb and
flood distribution system. This is an objective of some of the
embodiments of the present invention.
[0014] However, as will be seen in the descriptive sections that
follow, the present inventive method and system may be used in
combination with many known irrigation methods. It is by no means
limited to an ebb and flood system.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0015] The present invention comprises a plant growing,
transportation, display, and maintenance system including a plant
pot and corresponding container having a selectable valve that
controls the flow of liquid into and out of the container. In the
"open" position, the valve allows water to pass into and out of the
container in order to provide water to the contents of the plant
pot resting in the container. In the "closed" position, the valve
prevents any water flow into or out of the container.
[0016] The valve allows the assembly of plant pot and container to
be "open" during irrigation cycles and "closed" when a fixed supply
of water is to be maintained--such as for shipping and use
purposes. The supply of water resides near and preferably below the
bottom of the plant pot. In the preferred embodiments, one or more
wicks extend from the interior of the plant pot down into the water
supply. Each wick draws water from the water supply up into the
interior of the plant pot.
[0017] In the preferred embodiments, the selectable valve is
retained in an overflow opening in the container. In the preferred
embodiments, the valve may be easily moved between the "open" and
"closed" position using a linear motion such as pushing or
pulling.
[0018] The assembly of the plant pot and container may preferably
be combined with other systems. During the growing phase, the
assembly may be combined with an ebb and flood irrigation system.
During the display phase, the assembly may be combined with an
external water supply such as contained in a trough--with the
trough supplying water to the water supply within the
container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a plant pot and a wick
to be inserted in the plant pot;
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the plant pot
of FIG. 1 after insertion of the wick;
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a schematic partially cut away view of the
plant pot of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with additionally a label;
[0022] FIG. 4 shows a schematic partially cut away view of an
alternative plant pot with an added label;
[0023] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a plant pot and more detailed manner of arranging the
wick;
[0024] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of an alternative embodiment
relative to FIG. 5 with respect to aligning and arranging a wick in
the plant pot;
[0025] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a plant pot and container
assembly in use in an ebb and flood based tray;
[0026] FIG. 8 shows a schematic top view of the plant pot and
container assembly of FIG. 7;
[0027] FIG. 9 shows a schematic, partially broken away side view of
the plant pot and container assembly of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 with
additionally a water level indicator;
[0028] FIG. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a plant pot
much like the one in FIGS. 5, 8 and 9 in an accommodating tray
suitable for growing, transporting and displaying for sale of
plants;
[0029] FIG. 11 shows a schematic side view along arrow XI in FIG.
10;
[0030] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show schematic top views of plant pots
in an alternative accommodating tray suitable for growing,
transporting and displaying for sale of plants;
[0031] FIG. 14 shows a perspective schematic view of a stack of
trays with a collapsible structure between subsequent trays in the
stack, wherein the trays are suitable for at least growing plants
in pots and the stack is suitable for growing, transporting and
displaying for sale of plants;
[0032] FIG. 15 shows a schematic side view of a collapsible
structure in a collapsed state;
[0033] FIGS. 16-21 show a succession of steps and parts of a system
for inserting a wick into a plant pot as depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and
3;
[0034] FIG. 22 shows a schematic perspective view of a system
adapted to accommodate plant pots with a wick, for instance for
display plants for sale;
[0035] FIG. 23 shows a cross sectional schematic side view along
arrow XXIII in FIG. 22;
[0036] FIG. 24 shows a schematic perspective view of an alternative
configuration relative to FIG. 23;
[0037] FIG. 25 shows a further alternative embodiment exhibiting
similar features relative to trays in FIGS. 12 and 13;
[0038] FIG. 27 shows an alternative relative to FIG. 8; and
[0039] FIG. 28 shows an arrangement for display for sale of plants
in plant pots that can be formed from the assembly of FIGS. 14 and
15.
[0040] FIG. 29 is a perspective view, showing still another
embodiment of a plant pot and corresponding container.
[0041] FIG. 30 is a perspective view with a cutaway, showing
internal details of the plant pot and container shown in FIG.
29.
[0042] FIG. 31 is a sectional elevation view, showing an assembly
of the plant pot and the container.
[0043] FIG. 32 is a sectional elevation view, showing the assembly
of FIG. 31 with the addition of soil and a pair of wicks.
[0044] FIG. 33 is a perspective view, showing a sealing plug made
according to the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 34 is a sectional detail view, showing the area of the
overflow in the container.
[0046] FIG. 35 is a sectional detail view, showing the area of the
overflow with a sealing plug in the "open" position.
[0047] FIG. 36 is a sectional detail view, showing the area of the
overflow with a sealing plug in the "closed" position.
TABLE-US-00001 [0048] REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS 1 plant
pot 2 soil 3 plant 4 wick 5 lance 6 hole 7 root 8 head 9 loop 10
label 11 string 12 knot 13 hole 14 drive 20 plant pot 21 bottom 22
side wall 23 indentation 24 container 25 water supply 26 channel 27
float 28 label 29 indicators 30 wick 31 needle 32 engaging head 33
lance 34 hole 35 recess 36 wheel 40 lance 41 plant pot 42 bottom 43
hole 44 running wheel 45 running wheel 46 running wheel 47 side
wall 48 camera 49 engaging head 60 plant pot 61 plant 62 label 63
wick 64 container 65 water supply 66 overflow 67 rim 70 tray 71
bottom 72 side wall 73 outflow 74 shift plate 75 water tap 80 tray
81 articulated bottom 82 recess 83 shoulder 84 depression 85
channel 90 tray 91 bottom 92 wall part 93 protrusion 94 separator
beam 95 upright profile part 96 crossbar profile part 97 plant pot
98 plant pot 99 pot 100 pallet 101 wheeled. base 102 hole 105
collapsible frame 106 tray 107 upright 108 strip 109 hinge 110
banner 111 plant pot 200 insertion system 201 plant pot 202 supply
203 wick material 204 grippers 205 right gripper 206 left gripper
207 right holder 208 left holder 209 knife 210 hole 211 lance 212
hook shaped guide 213 drive 220 transport device 221 frame 222
support 223 plant pot 224 support 225 water 226 flap 227 wick 228
carrier element 230 cover 231 hole 232 grating 235 shoulder 236
protrusion 237 T-shaped profile 240 plant pot 241 soil 242 wick 243
stretching element 250 conventional pot 251 soil 252 plant 253
overpot 254 water 255 wick 256 container 258 plant pot 260 bottom
262 top flange 264 side wall 268 hole 270 central portion 272 rib
274 side wall 276 bottom 278 central tower 280 support ring 282 gap
284 overflow 286 overflow level 288 plug 290 sealing plate 292
sealing surface 294 tapered plug 296 rib 298 cylinder 300 retaining
expansion 302 transverse slot 304 floor 310 horizontal surface 312
tapered side wall
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] FIG. 1 shows a plant pot 1, containing soil 2 or any
suitable substrate, like coco, peat, stone wool or glass wool or
the like. Also in plant pot 1 a plant 3 is shown to clarify the
purpose of the plant pot. However, at the stage depicted in FIG. 1
more usually a plant 3 will not already be growing in the soil
2.
[0050] Plant pot 1 comprises a number of bottom holes 6 in the
bottom thereof. These are customary and pre-arranged or may be
drilled in the plant pot 1 at a time just before the step of
inserting the wick is to be executed. For instance customary holes
6 may allow a surplus of water to be discharged from the plant pot
1, and/or roots 7 of a plant 3. The plant may also be provided with
air through the bottom holes or may be allowed to grow through the
holes 6 in the bottom of the plant pot. A newly drilled hole may be
provided in a plant pot 1 solely for the purpose of arranging a
wick 4. Notwithstanding the method of creating the hole 6 (during
production of the plant pot 1 or later, just before inserting the
wick), measures need to be taken to allow aligned inserting of the
wick 4 through the hole 6.
[0051] In FIG. 1 an inserting lance 5 is shown, forming a part of a
system for processing plant pots 1, of which in FIG. 1 only the
inserting lance 5 is shown in conjunction with a drive 14. The
inserting lance 5 has an engaging head 8, which is hook-shaped in
order to engage the wick 4. The wick 4 has a predetermined length,
and the engaging head 8 is arranged to engage the wick 4
approximately midway. At this time the wick may be tensioned as
shown in and described below referring to FIGS. 16-21. Where in the
present specification an inserting lance is referred to, this
expression is intended to encompass all possible equivalents, such
as a needle, a simple stick or rod, or any other elongate element
capable of being aligned to a bottom hole and driven there through,
and enabling that the wick is engaged and inserted though the pot's
bottom hole.
[0052] The engaging head 8 is to have sufficiently small dimensions
to pass the inserting lance 5 with the engaging head 8 through one
of the bottom holes 6 of the plant pot 1, when the drive 14 is
selectively operated or activated. In order to be driven through a
selected one of the bottom holes 6 in the bottom of the plant pot
1, the inserting lance 5 with the engaging head 8 is connected to
the drive 14. The drive 14 enables the inserting lance 5 with the
engaging head 8 to be inserted into and withdrawn back out of the
plant pot 1 through the bottom hole 6 thereof in the direction of
double arrow C. Thereby, the inserting lance 5 is driven upwards,
taking the wick 4 along to be extended into the soil 2 in the plant
pot 1. Thereafter, the inserting lance 5 is retracted by the drive
14 in a downward direction in the schematic representation of FIG.
1, leaving the wick 4 behind. The inserting speed of the inserting
lance 5 may vary and depend for instance on the consistency of the
soil or other substrate in the plant pot. Speeds of more than 0.2
inches per second up to 6.0 inches per second (0.5 cm/s up to 15
cm/s) may be effective for inserting the wick 4 using the lance and
the drive 14 thereof. For automated applications as envisaged here
with the present invention, the inserting speed may vary also and
depend on (or at least correspond with) the supply and throughput
speed of the plant pots. Preferred inserting speeds may be
approximately 0.8-4.0 inches per second (2-10 cm/s).
[0053] The wick 4 can be made from any suitable material that can
exhibit a capillary action, such as a fibrous material, a woven or
non-woven material, cotton, woven cotton rope, wool, acrylic
string, hemp rope, synthetic shoe laces, chamois e.g. 100% rayon,
braided polypropylene rope, nylon rope, etc. The wick material may
be synthetic and/or natural, and/or designed not to be susceptible
to rotting or quite the opposite--be allowed to rot in the course
of time.
[0054] It is noted here that one or more than one additional wicks
may be inserted into a singular plant pot 1, which is schematically
represented with arrow C' and second wick 4, which is shown in a
dashed line. This may especially be called for in case of larger
diameter pots for relatively large plants and/or if bottom holes 6
are small in relation to a desired wick thickness, where a desired
water pull up capacity may be achieved using a plurality of wicks,
optionally inserted in or through one bottom hole 6 or through a
plurality of separate bottom holes 6.
[0055] Bottom holes may be dimensioned to have a diameter or
effective opening (for instance in case of square holes) of 0.015
square inches to 0.775 square inches (0.1 cm.sup.2-5 cm.sup.2),
more preferably a size between 0.031 square inches to 0.630 square
inches (2-4 cm.sup.2) and even more preferably a size of
approximately 0.047 square inches to 0.465 square inches (0.3-3
cm.sup.2). The engaging head 8 must be dimensioned to pass through
the bottom holes 6, without damage to the plant pots in the
vicinity of the bottom holes 6. Either the holes (when designing
the plant pot to correspond with the inserting head) of the head of
the inserting lance (when designing the inserting lance, for
instance to be used with pots of standard sizes) or both must be
made to correspond. Also, the choice of wick material must take the
size of the bottom hole into account in particular since--as
described below--the wick is doubled up in itself. Thus the wick
may have dimensions, that are at most equal to half the free or
effective opening of the bottom holes, into or through which it is
to be inserted.
[0056] The pot may have any suitable and possibly commercially
already available size, in non-limiting examples: a height of 4.33
inches (11 cm) and a top rim diameter of 4.72 inches (12 cm); a
height of 6.30 inches (16 cm) and a top rim diameter of 6.69 inches
(17 cm); or a height of 6.38 inches (16.2 cm) and a top rim
diameter of 7.36 inches (18.7 cm), etc. The size of the plant pots
in fact does not really matter for the scope of the invention.
[0057] In FIG. 16, a more detailed representation is shown of a
system 200 for inserting a wick into a plant pot 201. The system
comprises a storage and supply 202 containing an uncut length of
wire, cable, fabric or other wick material 203, which is fed to a
pair of grippers 204. Alternatively, a pre-cut length of wick can
be provided for inserting into the pot 201. The right most gripper
205 engages the uncut wick material 203, whereas the left gripper
206 does not engage the uncut wick material, in the representation
of FIG. 16. The right gripper 205 then is moved to the right in
FIG. 17, in the direction of arrow H, pulling the uncut wick
material 203 through the open left gripper 206.
[0058] Thereafter, the left gripper 206 is driven to engage the
uncut wick material 203, and the combination of the right gripper
205 and the left gripper 206, both engaging the uncut wick material
203, are moved in the direction of arrows I toward a pair of
holders 207, 208, which can, just like the grippers 205, 206, be
selectively activated to engage the uncut wick material 203. Moving
from FIG. 18 to FIG. 19, the holders 207, 208 have been activated
to engage the uncut wick material 203, whereafter the grippers 205,
206 can be moved back in the direction of arrows K, after the right
gripper 205 has disengaged the uncut wick material 203. The left
gripper 206 keeps engaging the wick material 203. Thereafter,
moving from FIG. 19 to FIG. 20, the right gripper 205 is brought
back to the vicinity of the left gripper 206 in the direction of
arrow L and made to engage the uncut wick material 203. Thereafter,
a knife 209 is brought down on the uncut wick material 203, which
is tensioned between engaging left holder 208 and the right gripper
205 as a result a desired length of wick material 203 is made
available for inserting thereof through hole 210 in plant pot 201,
which predetermined length of wick material 203 is at that point of
progress as shown in FIG. 20 still engaged by the right holder 207
and the left holder 208. The wick material may also be severed or
cut using alternative means for the knife, such as a laser or heat
source, a saw, scissors or a cutting clamp, and the like.
[0059] Hook shaped guides 212 are arranged on opposite sides
relative to one another and the intermediate inserting lance 211,
to guide the wick material 203 during an upward movement of the
lance 211 when the drive 213 is activated or operated to move the
lance 211 in the direction of arrow C (and back).
[0060] Once the determined and pre-cut length of wick material 203
is engaged by the tip of the inserting lance 211, the left holder
208 and the right holder 207 may disengage the cut length of wick
material 203. Alternatively, the holders 207, 208 may keep their
engagement on the cut length of wick material 203 during the
inserting movement in the direction of arrow C of the inserting
wick 211, as a consequence of which the holders 207, 208 must be
arranged in a movable fashion to move towards and away from the
inserting lance 211 in a horizontal direction in the representation
of FIG. 21. After the wick has been introduced sufficiently, the
holders should disengage the cut length of the wick so as not to
pull the wick out of the plant pot.
[0061] In the meantime, in FIG. 21, the left gripper 206 will have
disengaged the uncut wick material 203, so that after withdrawal of
the inserting lance 211 from the plant pot 201, the starting
configuration of FIG. 16 is reestablished. Thereafter, a new plant
pot 201 can be subjected to the operations of a system which
schematically functions in accordance with the representation of
FIGS. 16-21.
[0062] In FIG. 2 an intermediate configuration is shown, which
results from the actions in FIG. 1 and described herein above.
[0063] As a consequence of the feature that the engaging head 8 of
the inserting lance 5 engages the wick 4 about midway, after
inserting the inserting lance 5 through the bottom hole 6 all the
way up to above the top level of the soil 2 and retracting the
inserting wick 5 again, a loop 9 in the wick 4 results. This loop 9
is shown in FIG. 2, and entails that the wick 4 is folded
double--back on itself.
[0064] Moreover, in the insert detail in FIG. 2, the practical use
of a wick 4 in a plant pot 1 is depicted. The wick 4 is designed
for and intended to suck up fluid, such as water, into the soil in
the plant pot 1. To this end, a supply of water can be provided
underneath the plant pot, in a growing situation following
arranging of the wick 4. It has been detected that growth of roots
7, as shown in the insert detail in FIG. 2, is drawn towards the
wick 4 and the supply of water, provided thereby. Consequently,
providing additional wicks (as schematically shown in FIG. 1) may
be beneficial to obtain a more homogeneous distribution of roots 7
through the soil 2 in the plant pot 1. However, as a contrary
consideration, provision of water to the insides of the plant pot 1
should not be excessive for any specific species of plant. Some
species of plants can be provided with practically unlimited
amounts of water, whereas other plants can exhibit deterioration of
the roots 7, for instance a rotting process, if an excess of water
is furnished.
[0065] In FIG. 3 a further feature according to the present
invention is shown. The feature relates to a label 10 forming an
anchor in the sense of specific embodiments of the present
invention, which is arranged on or to the loop 9 in the wick 4. In
FIG. 3 the label 10 is connected to the loop 9, using a string 11,
which may be tied into a knot 12. The string 11 may be arranged
through the loop 9 and a hole 13 in the label 10. Alternatively, an
incision can be arranged in the label from an outside edge thereof
to extend through the hole 13. In such an alternate embodiment, the
loop 9 of the wick 4 can be forced through the incision to arrange
the loop 9 in the hole 13 to connect the label 10 to the wick
4.
[0066] In FIG. 4 yet another alternate embodiment is shown, wherein
a single strand of the wick 4 is inserted, for instance, though not
exclusively, through the bottom hole 6 of the plant pot 1 to extend
to a height above the top level of the soil 2 in the plant pot 1.
The free end of the wick 4 may then be inserted through the hole 13
in the label 10 and doubled back upon itself in order to tie a knot
or otherwise close a loop.
[0067] With a label, attached to a wick 4 in at least one of the
above described manners or any alternative configuration, a double
function can be achieved. Information about the plant 3 in the
plant pot 1 can be furnished to an end user or consumer on the
label 10. Simultaneously, since the label at least also extends in
a direction across the slender wick, it may be prevented that the
wick 4 in a doubled or singular configuration can sink through the
soil 2. In this sense the label--or any alternative element--is
referred to as an anchor. As a consequence the beneficial effects
of such a wick 4, as depicted in the inserted detail in FIG. 2,
could be lost. Providing the label 10 to thus form an anchor and
arranging the anchor forming label to or on the wick 4 can ensure
continued beneficial effect of the wick and simultaneously present
an end user or consumer with information about the plant.
[0068] FIG. 26 shows a plant pot 240 with soil 241 or any other
suitable substrate and a wick 242 inserted therein, for instance in
the above described manner. The wick 242 forms a loop above the top
level of the soil 241. To avoid the wick from sinking back down
through the soil 241, an anchor forming stretching element 243 is
provided. The stretching element exerts a spreading force in the
direction of arrows H on the loop in the wick 242 (across the
direction of the wick and the loop therein), to stretch the loop
open and thus prevent the wick 242 from sinking down into the soil
241. Any similar and even non-stretching element may be employed in
this manner, and may even for instance provide an attachment for a
label. For instance the element 243 may be a locking medallion
adapted to prevent the wick from sinking down into the soil 241 and
provide a universal base for attaching differing labels thereto.
Any element or component that is suitable or intended for keeping
the wick 242 from sinking down into the soil 241 or other substrate
in the plant pot, can and will be referred to as an anchor in the
sense of the present invention.
[0069] In FIG. 5 a specific plant pot 20 is shown in an embodiment
according to the present invention. The plant pot 20 has a bottom
21 and side walls 22. In a top view, such as for instance shown in
FIG. 8, the side walls 22 are essentially circular, but exhibit
inward oriented indentations 23. Plant pot 20 is designed and
intended to be arranged in a container, such as shown in for
instance FIGS. 8 and 9. The container 24 can have the appearance,
shape and form of essentially a plant pot itself. However, the
container would in use normally serve the purpose of providing a
water supply, as more specifically depicted in FIG. 9. In the
bottom of the container 24 a supply 25 of water is arranged. The
water supply 25 in the container 24 can be supplemented via the
channels 26 that are defined between the inner wall of the
container 24 and the indentations 23 in the side walls 22 of the
plant pot 20. Administering additional water for the water supply
25 can be achieved in the direction of arrows G in FIG. 8.
[0070] Any one or more than one of the channels 26 can also
accommodate a float or straw 27, of which at least a portion
extends into the water supply 25, and which exhibits a desired
degree of buoyancy. A straw may be closed at bottom end thereof to
impart said desired degree of buoyancy to the straw. A label 28 can
be attached to the fee end of the float or straw 27, on which label
28 information about the plant can be printed for the end user or
consumer. Moreover, the height of the float or straw 27 at any
given time is an indication of the water level of the water supply
25 in the container 24. Consequently, during growth, production,
transport, offer for sale, or at the home of the end user or
consumer, a clear indication can be obtained from the height of the
float or straw 27 about the need for supplementing water into the
water supply 25 in the container 24.
[0071] It is to be noted that specific indicators 29 can be printed
or otherwise arranged on the float or straw 27 to furnish a more
specific indication of an amount of water needed to bring the water
supply 25 up to a desired level. The indicators 29 can be dependent
on the type of plant in the plant pot 20. It is to be noted that
also in the configuration according to FIG. 9 a wick 30 is arranged
in the plant pot 20, more in particular the wick 30 is arranged in
the plant pot 20 before the plant pot 20 is accommodated in the
container 24.
[0072] In FIG. 5 additional or alternative features for arranging a
wick 30 into plant pot 20 are shown, in relation to the description
of FIG. 1. Herein, the inserting lance 33 comprises a needle 31
having a U-shaped engaging head 32, which is U-shaped in side view.
The wick 30 is to be accommodated in the U-shaped engaging head 32
prior to the needle 31 being driven through any one of the holes 34
in the bottom 21 of the plant pot 20. Again, the inserting lance 33
is driven up through a selected one of the holes 34 in the bottom
21 of the plant pot 20 and retracted after having extended up to at
least the top level of the soil 2 in the plant pot 20. Thereafter,
the inserting lance 33 is retracted, again following the movements
indicated in FIG. 5 with double arrow C.
[0073] According to the present invention aligning the inserting
lance 33 with a selected one of the holes 34 is achieved in the
following manner.
[0074] In the embodiment of FIG. 5 the bottom 21 of the plant pot
20 comprises an essentially star-shaped recess 35, which is
surrounded by the holes 34, through which the inserting lance 33
may be inserted. The shape of the star-shaped recess 35 corresponds
with that of a toothed wheel 36. The toothed wheel 36 is arranged
at a stationary height that is simultaneously arranged for rotation
in the direction of arrow B (or an opposite direction). Plant pot
20 can be arranged in the direction of arrow A on top of toothed
wheel 36, whereby the recess 35 may accommodated the toothed wheel
36. Consequently, the toothed wheel 36 can be driven in the
direction of arrow B (or an opposite direction) such that a
selected one of the holes 34 will be aligned with the movement in
the direction of double arrow C of the inserting lance 33. Due to
the correspondence of the shape of the recess 35 and that of the
toothed wheel 36, rotation of the toothed wheel 36 will also result
in rotation of the plant pot 20 to bring any one of the holes 34
into alignment with the inserting direction of arrow C of the
inserting lance 33. Consequently, any one of the holes 34 may be a
selected hole, if it can be aligned with the inserting lance 33 in
the above described manner first.
[0075] The holes 34 in the bottom 21 of the plant pot 20 are
arranged in a predetermined configuration relative to the shape and
position of the recess 35. Consequently, in this embodiment, a
plurality of rotational movements in the direction of arrow B (or
in the opposite direction) can be executed to align any one of the
holes 34 with the inserting lance 33. Thus the amount of rotation
may be minimized to align an arbitrary one of the holes and the
inserting lance, where the position of each hole is known
beforehand through a predefined relation between the toothed wheel
36 and the recess 35 on the one hand and the positions of the holes
34 on the other hand. In the case of a regular shape of the toothed
wheel 36 and recess, for instance, the holes may each be arranged
between points of the star shape in FIG. 5 and at a predefined
distance from the centre of the bottom of the plant pot (or this
may be the case for at least some of the holes). If this
relationship is known, the position of each hole and alignment of
any hole with the lance will be known to have been achieved at a
reached rotational position of the wheel 36 and therewith the plant
pot 20.
[0076] The shape of the recess 35 and that of the toothed wheel 36
can be arbitrarily chosen by the skilled person. Of importance in
such a choice of shape is the ability to drive the plant pot 20 in
a rotational movement in accordance with arrow B in FIG. 5, and
simultaneously define positions of the holes 34 in the bottom 21 of
the plant pot 20 in order to achieve alignment of any one of these
holes 34 with the inserting lance. For instance, the shape of the
recess 35 and that of the wheel 36 could be oval, triangular, a
pentagram, etc.
[0077] It is to be noted that the present embodiment according to
FIG. 5 requires some adaptation to the bottom 21 of the plant pot
20. Some plant pots may have central recesses in the bottom
thereof, and a specialized wheel can be configured to engage these
central recesses. Upright walls of such recesses may also have
slits, which can be engaged by a specific embodiment of a wheel
that can be comparable with the toothed wheel 36 to engage the
plant pot in the slits of the central recess rather than to provide
a special star-shaped or other particular recess like the one 35 in
FIG. 5.
[0078] As yet another alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6,
an inserting lance 40 can be aligned to holes 43 in a bottom 42 of
a plant pot 41, even without a central recess. In the embodiment
that is shown in FIG. 6, running wheels 44, 45 and 46 are
distributed around the circumference of the side wall 47 of the
plant pot 41. After a plant pot 41 is provided, the running wheels
44, 45 and 46 can be made to abut against the outer service of the
side walls 47 of the plant pot 41 by displacement of the running
wheels 44, 45 and 46 in the direction of arrows D. By subsequently
driving the running wheels 44, 45 and 46, which are evenly
distributed around the circumference of the plant pot 41 in a
rotational movement of each singular running wheel 44, 45 and 46, a
rotation of the plant pot 41 in the direction of arrow B (or the
opposite direction) can be achieved. At such a rotational movement
in the direction of arrow B of the plant pot 41, a camera 48 or any
suitable imaging or vision means can be oriented at the bottom 42
of the plant pot 41, the two determine at which rotational position
of the plant pot 41 the inserting lance 40 is aligned with any one
and more in particular a selected one of the holes 43 in the bottom
42 of the plant pot 41. When such alignment is detected, the
running wheels 44, 45 and 46 are arrested or halted to allow the
inserting lance 40 to be inserted into and through the aligned one
of the holes 43. With a wick (not shown in FIG. 6) accommodated in
the U-shaped engaging head 49, the (not shown) wick can be arranged
through the aligned one of the holes 43 and into the soil in the
plant pot 41 to achieve a result, much the same as the one shown in
FIG. 3. However, in this embodiment, no adaptation of the bottom 42
of the plant pot 41 is required.
[0079] It is to be noted here, that also other rotational drives
can be employed that do not necessarily engage the outer surface of
the side walls 47 of the plant pot 41, but may for instance engage
the top rim 49 of the plant pot 41, or yet another alternative,
wherein any one of the holes 43 may be engaged to drive the plant
pot 41 in a rotational movement to align another one of the holes
43 in the bottom 42 of the plant pot 41.
[0080] In FIG. 7 an embodiment of use of a plant pot 60 is depicted
in a configuration, also according to the present application for
growing the plants 61 in a controlled manner. Plant pot 60 is
provided with a wick 63, to which a label 62 is arranged above the
top surface of the soil in the plant pot 60. The plant 61 grows in
that soil. The plant pot 60 can be accommodated in a container 64,
containing a water supply 65. The wick 63 may serve to draw up
water from the supply 65 into the soil in the plant pot 60, after
the plant pot 60 is accommodated in the container 64 in the
direction of double arrow E, after which a rim 67 of the plant pot
60 rests on the top circumferential edge of the container 64 to
keep the bottom of the plant pot 60 above the normal level
(depicted in FIG. 7) of the water supply 65. The plant pot 60 may
also be extracted from the container 64, for which reason the arrow
E is double.
[0081] The container 64 comprises an overflow 66, defining a free
passage for entry and/or outflow of water into and out of the
container 64. The overflow 66 is arranged at a height in the side
wall of the container 64 below the bottom of a plant pot 60
accommodated in the container 64. Thus the bottom of the plant pot
60 is above the level of the water supply 65 inside the container
64. Thus the remaining height of the container 64 above the
overflow 66 corresponds with the height of the plant pot 60, in
that the remaining height of the container 64 exceeds the height of
the plant pot 60. Further the overflow is at such a height, that
the water supply 65 in the container 64 suffices for an intended
purpose, such as to sustain growth of a plant in the plant pot 60
via the wick 63 for a predetermined period of time during
development of the plant or for instance to prevent the plant from
withering during transport or display for sale. The overflow 66 may
be closed using a plug or the like, for instance during transport,
to ensure the availability of the water supply 65 for the plant.
The assembly of the container 64 and the plant pot 60 would then be
transported together in an assembled state thereof.
[0082] The container 64 is, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, arranged
in a tray 70 comprising a bottom 71 and side walls 72. In one of
these side walls 72 an outflow 73 is provided, which in a simple
embodiment can entail no more than a simple hole. The outflow 73
can be closed, using a shift plate 74 or any suitable means. The
shift plate 74 is movable in the direction of double arrow F to
either close the outflow 73 or allow free passage of water from the
tray 70. Further, the tray 70 is combined with a water tap 75 to
add water into the tray 70. Using the water tap 75, the water level
in the tray 70 can be increased to above the overflow 66, and
consequently also within the container 64 via the overflow 66. The
soil in the plant pot 60 can thereby be fully saturated.
Thereafter, the water tap 75 can be closed and the shift plate 74,
forming a type of valve, can be opened to free the outflow 73 and
lower the level of water in the tray 70. At such a time, also the
water level within the container 64 will lower, after which water
supply to the soil in the plant pot 60 will be achieved mainly
using the wick 63. This increasing and lowering of a water level
within the tray 70 is schematically represented, that is generally
referred to as an ebb and flood system, which has proven useful and
reliable for regulating humidity of the soil in plant pots,
although this has not previously been achieved using a combination
thereof with a wick 63 and/or with a container like the container
64 in FIG. 7.
[0083] FIG. 27 shows an alternative with a conventional pot 250
without the indentations 23 of the pot in FIG. 8 but with a wick
255 and an overpot 253 without an overflow instead of the container
24 of FIG. 8. In this alternative of FIG. 27, the pot 250 contains
soil 251 for a plant 252, to which water may be supplied in the
direction of arrow I. Since there are no indentations 23, no
channels are available to supply water to lower parts of the
overpot 253. Water then trickles down through the pot 250 and is
caught in overpot 253 to form a reservoir at the bottom thereof. At
the bottom of the pot 250, a wick 255 extends into water 254 in the
bottom of overpot 253, to suck or draw up water for the plant 252.
The plant 252 may be transported in the plant pot 250 and in the
overpot 253, but intended and envisaged use is for the plant in the
pot 250 to be taken out of the overpot 253 for transport, as a
consequence of which the overpot stays at the grower.
[0084] In FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 a tray 80 is shown in combination
with a plant pot 20, which for the sake of the exemplarily
embodiment here is the same plant pot as the one depicted in FIGS.
5, 8 and 9. Tray 80 has an articulated bottom, having recesses 82,
which has a shape and form to accommodate the bottom 21 of a plant
pot 20 in a preferably close fitting manner. In the context of this
disclosure, the term "articulated" means having sections that are
joined together into a unified whole. It does not imply that the
joints involved are flexible and does not imply that the joints
allow significant movement between the sections.
[0085] Each recess 82, as shown in FIG. 11, comprises a shoulder
83, which acts as a support for the plant pot 20, when the bottom
21 of the plant pot 20 is inserted into an intended one of the
recesses 82.
[0086] The shoulder 83 surrounds a further depression 84, which
acts as a reservoir for water when the plant pot 20 is accommodated
in the recess 82, where the wick 30 will extend into this further
depression 84 to draw up water from the reservoir formed by the
further depression 84.
[0087] Between neighbouring recesses 82 and further depressions 84
in the articulated bottom 81 of the tray 80 channels 85 are
defined. The channels 85 allow for distribution of water over the
recesses 82 and further depressions 84, to which end the channels
have a depth corresponding with the lowermost portions of the
further depressions 84, so that water is distributed over the
further depressions 84, even when plant pots 20 are accommodated in
the recesses 82. It is to be noted that the indentations 23 in the
side walls 22 of the plant pot 20 in a proper orientation of the
plant pot 20 in the recess 82 of the tray 80 allow water to be
supplemented into the reservoir formed by the further depression
84.
[0088] Consequently, water can be administered to the plants
directly, using specifically watering means or by simply spraying
or sprinkling water into the tray 8. For such wide spread watering,
a watering boom (not shown) can be employed, whereby a considerable
simplification for watering plants can be achieved in this
embodiment.
[0089] The tray 80 of FIG. 10 or FIG. 11 can be used for growing
plants or maybe even for transporting plants in the plant pots 20.
Such trays 80 may even be used for display purposes.
[0090] Likewise, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show a further example of a
tray 90 having a bottom 91 and upright wall parts 92, surrounding
the bottom 91. The bottom 91 of the tray 90 is provided with
protrusions 93 in two rows along the longer sides of the tray 90.
The protrusions define an intermediate space, into which a
separator beam 94 can be inserted. The separator beam 94 is an
T-profile, as shown in the insert detail of FIG. 12. The upright
profile part 95 of the T-shaped separator beam 94 can be inserted
into the space defined between two neighbouring protrusions 93,
while simultaneously the crossbar profile part 96 of the separator
beam 94 defines an intermediate space between neighbouring plant
pots on opposite sides of the separator beam 94. As shown in FIG.
13, a relatively large plant pot 98 can stably be arranged between
a side wall 92 of the tray and a separator beam 94, inserted
therein, whilst smaller pots 99 can be safely and stably arranged
between neighbouring separator beams 94. Even relatively small
plant pots 97 can be transported in a stable manner and even
displayed at a point of sale, accommodated between a side wall 92
of the tray 90 and an inserted separator beam 94.
[0091] In order to emphasize the usability of separable types of
trays in combination with plant pots for growing plants,
transporting the plant pots and offering the plants for sale in the
form of a display, FIGS. 14 and 15 show that a wheeled base 101 can
be arranged on top of a pallet 100, more in particular with the
wheels of the wheeled based 101 sunk into holes 102 in the top of
the pallet 100. The holes 102 can be arranged cross the top surface
of the pallet 100, but slight depressions may also serve the
purpose of immobilizing the wheeled base 101 on top of the pallet
100.
[0092] The wheeled base 101 forms a support for a tray, for
instance the tray of FIGS. 12 and 13. Such a tray 90 may be
embodied from sturdy plastic, which is sufficiently strong to carry
a collapsible frame 105 on the corners thereof. The collapsible
frame 105 is shown in FIG. 15 in a collapsed state. The collapsible
frame 105 comprises four uprights 107, which correspond in position
and orientation with the corners of the tray 90, to be arranged
thereon. The uprights 107 are mutually connected by bands or strips
108. To achieve the collapsed situation of FIG. 15 in an embodiment
where strips 108 are employed to connect uprights 107, hinges 109
should be arranged between the uprights 107 and the strips 108. As
an alternative for the hinges 109, connecting elements of flexible
material can also be employed or any other suitable
alternative.
[0093] With the collapsible frame in an expanded configuration as
shown in FIG. 14, the collapsible frame 105 forms a support for a
further or additional tray 106 which can essentially be a tray as
the one on the wheeled base 101 or at least of the same type.
[0094] The length of the uprights of the collapsible frame 105 may
be selected in accordance with the expected height of plants to be
transported in plant pots to be arranged on the bottom of the trays
90, 106. A further collapsible frame 105 can be added on top of the
further tray 106, to continue stacking trays and increasing the
height of the thus created assembly.
[0095] It is to be noted that plants can be grown in pots, arranged
in trays 106, to be stacked using collapsible frames 105 (or
similar devices) for transport. After reaching a destination or
point of sale, an assembly comprising a wheeled base 101 and the
stack of trays 90, 106 and intermediate collapsible frames 105 can
be taken off the pallet 100 to be driven to a display position.
Consequently, end users or consumers can take plants in plant pots
out of the trays 90, 106 to the checkout counter for payment
thereof. Such a display using grow trays 90, 106 can then be
returned to a grower to be re-used. For this purpose, the frames
105 are preferably collapsible or can at least, to some degree, be
disassembled to save transport space during a return journey.
[0096] In FIG. 28, the assembly of FIG. 14 is used to display
plants on offer for sale. Plant pots 111 are arranged in trays 90,
106, and held upright in a sturdy manner, for instance using the
separator beams in FIG. 14. The collapsible frame 105 with the
higher tray 106 thereon has been taken off the lower tray 109, and
been set down on the ground besides the wheeled base 101 carrying
the lower tray 90. A banner 110 is then optionally wrapped around
and arranged on the collapsible frame 105 (for instance using
VELCRO connections or the like) to enhance the attractive appeal of
the thus formed configuration. The banner 110 may be printed with
plant information, grower information, a picture of the plants on
offer for sale, a solid color or the like. Although no plants are
shown in FIG. 28, the plant pots 111 will contain plants in
practice.
[0097] In FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 a display and transport device 220 is
shown, comprising a preferably collapsible frame 221 and a
plurality of trough-like supports 222, 224 for accommodating plant
pots 223. On the frame 221, trough-like supports of different
dimensions can be arranged. For instance, the higher trough-like
support 222 can be relatively small, especially in relation to the
lower arranged trough-like support 224, where the higher support
222 is intended for smaller plant pots 223 and consequently also
smaller plants, than the bigger, wider and deeper trough-like
support 224, which is lower down on the frame 221.
[0098] At a point of sale, water 225 can be added to the support
222 or 224, to accommodate a plant pot 223 with the bottom thereof
submerged, or at least a wick extending from the bottom of the
plant pot 223 into the water 225.
[0099] The supports 222, 224 are provided with resilient flaps
along the edges thereof, which resiliently press against a plant
pot 223, when inserted into or on the supports 222, 224. The
resilient forces exerted by these flaps 226 serve to keep the plant
pot 223 in FIG. 23 upright. In FIG. 23, at the free ends of the
resilient flaps 226 angled carrier elements 228 are provided to
support plant pots 223 above the level of water 225.
[0100] The resilient flaps 226 may be replaced by configurations
that could resemble cup holders or the like, to insert the bottom
of plant pots 223 therein to submerge only the wick 227 extending
from the bottom of the plant pots 223 in the water 225, or to at
least allow the wick 227 to be in contact with the water 225. In
FIG. 24 a cover 230 is arranged over the trough like support 224,
where holes 231 are arranged in the cover 230. Additionally or
alternatively, the trough like support 224 as shown in FIG. 24 may
comprise a grating 232 or the like to support above the top level
of the water 225 the bottoms of plant pots 223 arranged therein. In
FIG. 25, and embodiment is shown exhibiting similar features as a
tray in FIGS. 12 and 13, where the trough like support 224
comprises shoulders 235 carrying protrusions 236, between which
T-shaped profiles 237 can be inserted to define there between a
predetermined distance corresponding with plant pot sizes, to
support plant pots of differing or varying sizes adjustably, in
particular under a rim thereof.
[0101] FIGS. 29-36 illustrate still another embodiment of a plant
containment system that is well-suited for use with an ebb and
flood system or other watering arrangement. FIG. 29 shows plant pot
258 and corresponding container 256. FIG. 30 shows a cutaway view
in which the plant pot and container of FIG. 29 have been cut in
half to reveal internal details. The embodiments of the plant pot
and container shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 share many features in
common with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-9.
[0102] For example, plant pot 258 includes bottom 260, side wall
264, side step 266, and circumferential top flange 262. It may or
may not include channels 26, and in fact the particular version
shown in FIG. 30 does not include these channels. Bottom 260 opens
into a series of holes 268. Stiffening ribs 272 are preferably
added between raised central portion 270 and side wall 264 in order
to stiffen the bottom.
[0103] Container 256 includes bottom 276 joined to side wall 274.
It also includes an overflow that allows water into and out of the
container. The flow of water through the overflow is controlled in
the invention by a valve (described in more detail subsequently).
The presence of this valve is in fact a significant component in
the present invention.
[0104] The overflow and valve may be located in any suitable
position in the container. In the embodiment of FIG. 30, the
overflow 284 is located in central tower 278. Central tower 278
extends upward from bottom 276, and overflow 284 is located in the
upper portion of this central tower.
[0105] Support ring 280 surrounds overflow 284. It opens into one
or more gaps 282, through which water can flow. In reviewing the
geometry shown in FIG. 30, those skilled in the art will realize
that the position of overflow 284 and gap 282 define a reservoir of
retained water within container 256. Once the water in the
container reaches this level, any additional water will flow out
through overflow 284. Overflow 284 may also be used to admit water
to the container, such as when the container is placed in an ebb
and flow irrigation system.
[0106] FIG. 31 shows a sectional elevation view through an assembly
of plant pot 258 and container 256. The reader will observe how
raised central portion 270 rests on support ring 280. The reader
will also note how top flange 262 fits inside the tapered side wall
274 of container 256.
[0107] The result is a stable assembly of the plant pot within the
container. The height of central tower 278 determines the height of
overflow 284 and ultimately the amount of water that will be
retained within container 256.
[0108] FIG. 32 shows the same assembly of plant pot and container
in a configuration that is actually used for growing a plant. Soil
2 has been added to plant pot 258. One or more wicks 30 are
preferably added as well. As for the prior examples, a portion of
each wick lies within the plant pot and a portion extends through a
particular hole 268 and down into water supply 65 contained in
container 256.
[0109] Container 256 sits on floor 304, which is typically rough
concrete. The operation of the assembly in an ebb and flood system
may be understood with respect to FIG. 32. The assembly shown will
often be one of many such assemblies placed in a tray 70 such as
shown in FIG. 7. The tray surrounding the assembly is flooded to a
level above overflow 284 and the lowest portion of gap 282 (The
bottom of gap 282 is actually coplanar with the upper portion of
horizontal wall 308 in the example shown). Water seeps under the
bottom of container 256 and floods central cavity 306 (This is true
even when the container is placed on a smooth metal surface, as
even in that case the water will seep through into central cavity
306). The water then flows in through overflow 284 and gap 282. The
water then floods the annular recess in the container surrounding
central tower 278.
[0110] The water level within the assembly will continue to rise
until it reaches the level within the surrounding tray of the ebb
and flood system. An outflow opening for the ebb and flood tray
will be opened at some point and the water surrounding the plant
pot and container will recede. Excess water within the assembly
will flow out through gap 282 and overflow 284 until the water
within water supply 65 is level with the lowest portion of gap 282
(which, in this example, is coplanar with horizontal wall 308 and
overflow 284). The lowest obstruction between the water in water
supply 65 and the overflow is labelled as overflow level 286.
[0111] Overflow level 286 constitutes a "defined overflow level"
for the assembly shown. The term "defined overflow level" means a
level of water resulting in the container when the container is
flooded to a level above that shown in FIG. 32 and the water
surrounding the container recedes. The excess water in the
container will flow out until it reaches overflow level 268, at
which point it will stop flowing out.
[0112] Water within water supply 65 is wicked up into soil 2 by one
or more wicks 30, as described previously. The reader will thereby
appreciate that water added to the assembly will eventually come to
the defined overflow level (overflow level 286). If more water is
added, it will simply run out overflow 284.
[0113] The operation of the assembly has been described with
respect to an ebb and flood system. However, it will function well
with many other types of watering systems. For instance, the
assembly functions well where a user simply pours water into the
open top of the plant pot. If too much water is added, the excess
will run out overflow 284 and overflow level 286 will be
established. The same level would be established by using a
tube-based irrigation system.
[0114] The reader will thereby appreciate the advantages of
locating overflow 284 in a central tower in the container. The
aesthetic appeal of the assembly is not diminished by the overflow
since it is not visible, yet the functionality of the overflow
remains intact.
[0115] In some instances, however, the overflow is undesirable. One
example is during the shipment of the assembly to a point of sale.
The grower fills water supply 65 to a level as shown in FIG. 32.
This level is preferably calculated to provide the plant with a
suitable water supply for the anticipated duration of shipment.
However, during the motion inherent in the shipping, a significant
percentage of the water may "slosh" out through overflow 284. It is
therefore desirable to provide a seal for the overflow.
[0116] FIGS. 33-36 depict an embodiment including a valve placed in
the overflow. The valve selectively opens and closes the overflow.
FIG. 33 shows the body of the valve--plug 288. Plug 288 is shown in
an inverted state (inverted with respect to the orientation in
which it is customarily used). Sealing plate 290 includes sealing
surface 292. A complex protrusion extends from sealing surface 292.
The protrusion contains several significant features. In sequence,
these are: tapered plug 294, rib 296, cylinder 298, and retaining
expansion 300. Transverse slot 302 extends laterally through at
least the rib, the cylinder, and the retaining expansion. However,
in the embodiment illustrated, the transverse slot does not extend
all the way through the tapered plug.
[0117] FIG. 34 shows the container geometry designed to receive
plug 288 (and thereby create a functioning valve) in more detail.
Horizontal surface 310 lies across the top of central tower 278.
Overflow 284 is preferably surrounded by tapered side wall 312. The
angle of tapered side wall 312 preferably matches the angle of
tapered plug 294 shown in FIG. 33.
[0118] FIG. 35 is a sectional elevation view showing sealing plug
288 in position within overflow 284. The plug may be switched
between an "open" position in which water can flow through overflow
284 and a "closed" position in which flow is prevented. FIG. 35
shows the "open" position.
[0119] Rib 296 lies above horizontal surface 310, and the
interference between the two tends to prevent the sealing plug
moving further downward. Cylinder 298 forms a sliding fit with
tapered side wall 312.
[0120] Retaining expansion 300 lies below the lowest extent of
tapered side wall 312. The retaining expansion tends to prevent the
sealing plug being pulled upward and completely out of overflow
284, since it will have to be compressed to pass through the
overflow.
[0121] In the open position as shown in FIG. 35, the presence of
transverse slot 302 allows water to pass through sealing plug 288
(and therefore through overflow 284). Water passing into the
container will flow into the volume inside support ring 280. It
will then flow beyond the support ring through gap 282. In the view
of FIG. 35, transverse slot 302 and gap 282 are aligned, but the
flow will still occur even if gap 282 and transverse slot 302 are
not aligned. Transverse slot 302 allows water to flow into or out
of the volume contained within support ring 280. The water will
"find its way" through a gap or gaps provided in the support ring
and into the interior of the container.
[0122] In order to seal overflow 284, the user pushes down on the
sealing plug to transition it to the "closed" position. The plant
pot may be removed to provide easy access to the sealing plug. The
user then presses down on sealing plate 290. The downward pressure
forces rib 296 through and past tapered side wall 312.
[0123] The result is shown in FIG. 36. Once the rib descends past
the tapered side wall, tapered plug 294 comes to rest against the
tapered side wall. This interaction acts like a stopper in a drain.
Further, sealing surface 292 presses down against horizontal
surface 310 producing another seal. The reader will note that
transverse slot 302 in the sealing plug no longer provides a
passage for water. Its uppermost extreme does not extend beyond
tapered side wall 312.
[0124] Further downward motion of the plug is prevented by sealing
surface 292 coming to rest on horizontal surface 310. However the
user may return the plug to the "open" position by bending upward a
portion of the perimeter of sealing plate 290 and pulling the plug
upward. The plug will then snap back into the position shown in
FIG. 35. However, absent a force prying the plug upward, it is
retained in the position shown in FIG. 36 by rib 296 lying below
the lower extent of tapered side wall 312.
[0125] The sealing plug is preferably made of a flexible material
such as silicon rubber. Such a material provides a suitable
frictional engagement while also providing a water-tight seal. The
presence of transverse slot 302 also permits an appropriate amount
of deflection in order for the plug to pop into the two stable
positions shown in FIGS. 35 and 36.
[0126] The use of flexible material--in combination with the
geometry of the plug--means that the plug may be installed and
removed without the use of any tools. The plug is installed
initially by pressing it into place. It is switched between the
open and closed positions by pushing it down or pulling it up. The
inclusion of retaining expansion 300 means that the plug is not
likely to become separated from the container.
[0127] The ability to selectively open and close the plug provides
an advantage during shipping and any subsequent sales display. The
plug will customarily be pressed closed during shipping. However,
once the assembly of the plant pot and container arrives at a point
of sale, it may be desirable to open the plug again in order to
take advantage of available irrigation systems.
[0128] FIGS. 22 and 23 show exemplary display systems that also
provide irrigation. The plant pot/container assembly of FIG. 32 may
be placed in a support such as shown in FIG. 23. The sealing plug
is pulled upward to the "open" position before the assembly is
placed in the support. Water will then be added up to and beyond
overflow level 286 so that water flows into the container through
overflow 284.
[0129] When the plant is sold, the sealing plug may be pressed back
to the "closed" position. The buyer then waters the assembly
normally by pouring water into the open top of the plant pot (the
assembly being shown in FIG. 32). Water will flow down through the
holes 268 and accumulate as water supply 65. The wicks will then
carry the water--at a suitable rate--back up into soil 2. The
assembly may also be used in a system that does not include wicks,
such as by extending the defined overflow level to a point above
the bottom of the plant pot.
[0130] Many other alternative configurations may also turn out to
be fruitful or effective, which should all be considered within the
realm of possibilities, that would immediately spring to mind to
the skilled person, after having been confronted with the foregoing
description and accompanying drawings. For example, although the
exemplary embodiments have shown the overflow and valve being
located in a central tower, they could also be located in the side
wall of the container itself. The other additional and alternative
embodiments all within the scope of protection of the present
invention according to the accompanying claims, and are in this
sense to be considered embodiments of the present invention.
* * * * *