CA1222139A - Device for encouraging root growth - Google Patents
Device for encouraging root growthInfo
- Publication number
- CA1222139A CA1222139A CA000450435A CA450435A CA1222139A CA 1222139 A CA1222139 A CA 1222139A CA 000450435 A CA000450435 A CA 000450435A CA 450435 A CA450435 A CA 450435A CA 1222139 A CA1222139 A CA 1222139A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- flowerpot
- wall
- soil
- watering
- wick means
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION
Disclosed is a device for use in enhancing drainage of soil in a flowerpot and enhancing self-watering of a plant therein comprising an inner peripheral wall, an outer peripheral wall, which extends in the same axial direction as the inner wall and is of greater axial extent thereto.
The inner and outer walls are connected at one end by an end wall and defines a generally confined space therebetween, the space being open at the other end of the walls. The inner wall peripherally defines a through axial opening and at least one predetermined sized aperture opening into the confined space adjacent the end wall. Means are provided for supporting wick means spaced from the end wall adjacent the other end of the inner wall and substantially within the device.
Disclosed is a device for use in enhancing drainage of soil in a flowerpot and enhancing self-watering of a plant therein comprising an inner peripheral wall, an outer peripheral wall, which extends in the same axial direction as the inner wall and is of greater axial extent thereto.
The inner and outer walls are connected at one end by an end wall and defines a generally confined space therebetween, the space being open at the other end of the walls. The inner wall peripherally defines a through axial opening and at least one predetermined sized aperture opening into the confined space adjacent the end wall. Means are provided for supporting wick means spaced from the end wall adjacent the other end of the inner wall and substantially within the device.
Description
This invention relates to a device or apparatus which encourages self-watering of plants that is to extend the time between waterings and which also may be used to maintain earth in a flowerpot generally spaced from the bottom thereof in order to provide effective drainage within the pot.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is customary in potting plants to cover at least a portion of the inside bottom surface of the flowerpot with stones before the soil is added. Stones provide an effective means of drainage of th~ soil and therefore reduce or eliminate the chances of root rot from overwatering, the roots otherwise being immersed in water for extended periods of time.
When decorator flowerpots are used in conjunction with a flowerpot containing soil, often the bottoms of the flowerpots are in contact and similar problems may develop with root rot if excessive watering takes place, the water being confined within the bottom of the decorator pot in constant contact with the soil through holes in the base of the inside or soil pot.
These problems are compounded to-day in that many flowerpots are of plastic material rather than ceramic and since plastic pots do not breathe as do ceramic pots, overwatering, i.e. too much water around the root system over extended periods of time, may often occur.
It would be advantageous to have a relatively simple, yet effective, apparatus or device which can be used in one position in a manner similar to the use of rocks and in another position as an effective spacer between the bottoms of soil pots and decorator pots, and yet in both cases, enhance the self-watering of the plants.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the invention seeks to provide an apparatus or device which is adapted to fit within the base ~2ZZ~39 of a flowerpot and provide space between soil therein and the bottom of the pot, thereby enhancing drainage of the soil and yet providing means extending moisture retention within the pot.
The invention further seeks to provide such an apparatus or device which can also be used in a reverse position to separate the bottom of a soil pot from a decorator pot and continue its purpose of extending the time between waterings.
The invention in one broad aspect pertains to a device for use in enhancing drainage of soil in a flowerpot and enhancing self-watering of a plant therein having an inner peripheral wall and an outer peripheral wall, the outer wall extending in the same axial direction as the inner wall and of greater axial extent. The inner and outer walls are connected at one end by an end wall and define a generally confined space therebetween, the space being open at the other end of the walls. The inner wall peripherally defines a through axial opening and at least one predetermined sized aperture opens into the confined space adjacent the end wall.
Means are provided for supporting wick means spaced from the end wall adjacent the other end of the inner wall and substantially within the device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of ; the invention as turned over.
Figure 3 is a sectional view along lines 3 - 3 of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a plan view o the apparatus as shown in Figure 1 without the wick means.
Figure 5 shows a sectional view through a flowerpot wherein the apparatus provides drainage means in the flowerpot.
Figure 6 is a sectional view of a decorator flowerpot in which the apparatus supports a flowerpot therein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, apparatus 10 includes cylindrical wall portion 12 and has an open end 14 and a generally closed end 16. Hollow central column 18 extends upwardly from bottom 16 and is of lesser axial extent than the cylindrical wall portion 12. Peripheral flange or lip 20 surrounds end 14.
As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, partitions 22, eight being shown, extend radially inwardly from the inner peripheral surface of portion 12 to the outer surface of column 18 and have upper convex surfaces 24. Column 18 has an end surface 26 which merges into convex surfaces 24 of partitions 22.
As shown in Figures 2 and 4, generally closed end 16 has a plurality of apertures 30 centrally located between adjacent partitions 22.
Apparatus 10 may be injection molded or vacuum formed of suitable plastic material such as ABS or polystyrene, and may have a more or less number of partitions 22 than what have been shown. Holes 30 are of such a size that water may enter each area between adjacent partitions but are small enough that soil medium will effectively bridge the hole 30 when the device is used in one of its alternative positions.
Wick means 36 is of cylindrical shape and is made of some porous, water retaining material such as felt or sponge or synthetic material. Wick member 36 is adapted to sit on the end surface 26 of column 18 and a portion of surface 24 of partitions 22 adjacent column 18. As will be appreciated from Figure 3, wick means 36 is effectively contained within the plane of surface 26 and the upper surface of flange or lip 20. Wick means 36 is preferably not glued or otherwise fixedly secured since it is within the contemplated aspects of the invention that wick means 36 could be replaced with new wick means from time to time.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate how apparatus 10 is used in two different situations. Figure 5 shows apparatus 10 being used within flowerpot 40 as a means for spacing soil from the bottom 42 of pot 40 thereby providing for suitable drainage of the soil 44 in the pot. In this position, apparatus 10 has a purpose similar to rocks within a flowerpot, i.e. to provide an area for drainage of the soil and yet an area which retains moisture within the flowerpot soil adjacent wick means 36. Soil material bridges openings or holes 30 leaving dead air space within apparatus 10 adjacent partitions 22. Flowerpot 40 is shown on a saucer type dish 46. The plant is watered as one would normally until the root system has developed sufficiently to pick up water from the root primer, at least a portion of the root system extending downwardly through column 18 to attach itself to the wick 36. Apparatus 10 prevents a substantial portion of the root system from contacting water which may have drained to the bottom of pot 40 and thereby reduces or eliminates possible root rot. However, wick means 36 retains sufficient moisture to prolong periods between waterings. This occurs even when Pot 40 has an opening 48.
Figure 6 illustrates the apparatus 10 being utilized in conjunction with a decorator flowerpot 50, apparatus lQ
supporting inner pot 52 above bottom 54. In this embodiment, apparatus 10 is in a reverse position from that shown in Figure 5 with wick means 36 contained as shown adjacent at least one, generally the central hole 56, of a plurality of holes in the bottom 44 of pot 40. Decorator pot 50 is filled with water to a level just to the flange or lip 20 of apparatus 10. The water will force its way into the partitioned area through holes 30 and to a level where wick mean~ 36 is i222139 partially within the water. The contact of soil in pot 40 and wick 36 will provide moisture to the soil by capillary action as well as providing means to which at least a portion of the root system will contact through holes 56 and adhere.
In either position apparatus 10 provides a means for prolonging the time between waterings of the plants.
It will be appreciated that the apparatus can be fabricated in varying sizes to accommodate various sizes of flowerpots and combinations of flowerpots with decorator pots.
Further, apparatus 10 need not be cylindrical in shape but may have a squarish or rectangular peripheral configuration and still meet the essence of the invention. However, a cylindrical configuration is obviously preferred with cylindrical or conical flowerpots. Moreover, the number and location of holes 30 may vary provided the holes are large enough to permit the passage of water, yet small enough to permit soil material to bridge the opening or hole 30 without difficulty. Some openings could even be placed in side 12 adjacent bottom 16. The space between partitions 22 provides an area of increased humidity adjacent wick member 36 yet the moisture is not such as to promote root rot or be otherwise detrimental in removing nutrients from the soil.
It should also be appreciated that two devices or apparatuses of the invention could be used at the same time, thereby combining the applications as shown separately in Figures 5 and 6, that is, in addition to a device used as shown in Figure 6, a second device or apparatus could be used in the flowerpot.
Although the invention has been described with particular reference to a preferred embodiment, variations are contemplated within the scope of the appended claims.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is customary in potting plants to cover at least a portion of the inside bottom surface of the flowerpot with stones before the soil is added. Stones provide an effective means of drainage of th~ soil and therefore reduce or eliminate the chances of root rot from overwatering, the roots otherwise being immersed in water for extended periods of time.
When decorator flowerpots are used in conjunction with a flowerpot containing soil, often the bottoms of the flowerpots are in contact and similar problems may develop with root rot if excessive watering takes place, the water being confined within the bottom of the decorator pot in constant contact with the soil through holes in the base of the inside or soil pot.
These problems are compounded to-day in that many flowerpots are of plastic material rather than ceramic and since plastic pots do not breathe as do ceramic pots, overwatering, i.e. too much water around the root system over extended periods of time, may often occur.
It would be advantageous to have a relatively simple, yet effective, apparatus or device which can be used in one position in a manner similar to the use of rocks and in another position as an effective spacer between the bottoms of soil pots and decorator pots, and yet in both cases, enhance the self-watering of the plants.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the invention seeks to provide an apparatus or device which is adapted to fit within the base ~2ZZ~39 of a flowerpot and provide space between soil therein and the bottom of the pot, thereby enhancing drainage of the soil and yet providing means extending moisture retention within the pot.
The invention further seeks to provide such an apparatus or device which can also be used in a reverse position to separate the bottom of a soil pot from a decorator pot and continue its purpose of extending the time between waterings.
The invention in one broad aspect pertains to a device for use in enhancing drainage of soil in a flowerpot and enhancing self-watering of a plant therein having an inner peripheral wall and an outer peripheral wall, the outer wall extending in the same axial direction as the inner wall and of greater axial extent. The inner and outer walls are connected at one end by an end wall and define a generally confined space therebetween, the space being open at the other end of the walls. The inner wall peripherally defines a through axial opening and at least one predetermined sized aperture opens into the confined space adjacent the end wall.
Means are provided for supporting wick means spaced from the end wall adjacent the other end of the inner wall and substantially within the device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of ; the invention as turned over.
Figure 3 is a sectional view along lines 3 - 3 of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a plan view o the apparatus as shown in Figure 1 without the wick means.
Figure 5 shows a sectional view through a flowerpot wherein the apparatus provides drainage means in the flowerpot.
Figure 6 is a sectional view of a decorator flowerpot in which the apparatus supports a flowerpot therein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, apparatus 10 includes cylindrical wall portion 12 and has an open end 14 and a generally closed end 16. Hollow central column 18 extends upwardly from bottom 16 and is of lesser axial extent than the cylindrical wall portion 12. Peripheral flange or lip 20 surrounds end 14.
As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, partitions 22, eight being shown, extend radially inwardly from the inner peripheral surface of portion 12 to the outer surface of column 18 and have upper convex surfaces 24. Column 18 has an end surface 26 which merges into convex surfaces 24 of partitions 22.
As shown in Figures 2 and 4, generally closed end 16 has a plurality of apertures 30 centrally located between adjacent partitions 22.
Apparatus 10 may be injection molded or vacuum formed of suitable plastic material such as ABS or polystyrene, and may have a more or less number of partitions 22 than what have been shown. Holes 30 are of such a size that water may enter each area between adjacent partitions but are small enough that soil medium will effectively bridge the hole 30 when the device is used in one of its alternative positions.
Wick means 36 is of cylindrical shape and is made of some porous, water retaining material such as felt or sponge or synthetic material. Wick member 36 is adapted to sit on the end surface 26 of column 18 and a portion of surface 24 of partitions 22 adjacent column 18. As will be appreciated from Figure 3, wick means 36 is effectively contained within the plane of surface 26 and the upper surface of flange or lip 20. Wick means 36 is preferably not glued or otherwise fixedly secured since it is within the contemplated aspects of the invention that wick means 36 could be replaced with new wick means from time to time.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate how apparatus 10 is used in two different situations. Figure 5 shows apparatus 10 being used within flowerpot 40 as a means for spacing soil from the bottom 42 of pot 40 thereby providing for suitable drainage of the soil 44 in the pot. In this position, apparatus 10 has a purpose similar to rocks within a flowerpot, i.e. to provide an area for drainage of the soil and yet an area which retains moisture within the flowerpot soil adjacent wick means 36. Soil material bridges openings or holes 30 leaving dead air space within apparatus 10 adjacent partitions 22. Flowerpot 40 is shown on a saucer type dish 46. The plant is watered as one would normally until the root system has developed sufficiently to pick up water from the root primer, at least a portion of the root system extending downwardly through column 18 to attach itself to the wick 36. Apparatus 10 prevents a substantial portion of the root system from contacting water which may have drained to the bottom of pot 40 and thereby reduces or eliminates possible root rot. However, wick means 36 retains sufficient moisture to prolong periods between waterings. This occurs even when Pot 40 has an opening 48.
Figure 6 illustrates the apparatus 10 being utilized in conjunction with a decorator flowerpot 50, apparatus lQ
supporting inner pot 52 above bottom 54. In this embodiment, apparatus 10 is in a reverse position from that shown in Figure 5 with wick means 36 contained as shown adjacent at least one, generally the central hole 56, of a plurality of holes in the bottom 44 of pot 40. Decorator pot 50 is filled with water to a level just to the flange or lip 20 of apparatus 10. The water will force its way into the partitioned area through holes 30 and to a level where wick mean~ 36 is i222139 partially within the water. The contact of soil in pot 40 and wick 36 will provide moisture to the soil by capillary action as well as providing means to which at least a portion of the root system will contact through holes 56 and adhere.
In either position apparatus 10 provides a means for prolonging the time between waterings of the plants.
It will be appreciated that the apparatus can be fabricated in varying sizes to accommodate various sizes of flowerpots and combinations of flowerpots with decorator pots.
Further, apparatus 10 need not be cylindrical in shape but may have a squarish or rectangular peripheral configuration and still meet the essence of the invention. However, a cylindrical configuration is obviously preferred with cylindrical or conical flowerpots. Moreover, the number and location of holes 30 may vary provided the holes are large enough to permit the passage of water, yet small enough to permit soil material to bridge the opening or hole 30 without difficulty. Some openings could even be placed in side 12 adjacent bottom 16. The space between partitions 22 provides an area of increased humidity adjacent wick member 36 yet the moisture is not such as to promote root rot or be otherwise detrimental in removing nutrients from the soil.
It should also be appreciated that two devices or apparatuses of the invention could be used at the same time, thereby combining the applications as shown separately in Figures 5 and 6, that is, in addition to a device used as shown in Figure 6, a second device or apparatus could be used in the flowerpot.
Although the invention has been described with particular reference to a preferred embodiment, variations are contemplated within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (10)
1. A device for use in enhancing drainage of soil in a flowerpot and enhancing self-watering of a plant therein comprising:
an inner peripheral wall;
an outer peripheral wall, said outer wall extending in the same axial direction as said inner wall and of greater axial extent thereto, said inner and outer walls being connected at one end by an end wall and defining a generally confined space therebetween, said space being open at the other end of said walls, the inner wall peripherally defining a through axial opening and at least one predetermined sized aperture opening into said confined space adjacent said end wall, means for supporting wick means spaced from said end wall adjacent the other end of said inner wall and substantially within the device.
an inner peripheral wall;
an outer peripheral wall, said outer wall extending in the same axial direction as said inner wall and of greater axial extent thereto, said inner and outer walls being connected at one end by an end wall and defining a generally confined space therebetween, said space being open at the other end of said walls, the inner wall peripherally defining a through axial opening and at least one predetermined sized aperture opening into said confined space adjacent said end wall, means for supporting wick means spaced from said end wall adjacent the other end of said inner wall and substantially within the device.
2. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein said means includes an upper surface of said inner wall and at least part of a plurality of rib means extending between the inner wall and outer wall.
3. The device as defined in claim 2 wherein said rib means are also connected to said end wall and there is at least one predetermined sized aperture opening into each area between adjacent ribs.
4. The device as defined in claim 3 wherein said outer wall includes an outwardly directed peripheral flange and each of said rib means has an upper surface configuration to accommodate a portion of a wick means.
5. Apparatus for use in enhancing drainage of soil in a flowerpot and a self-watering of plants comprising a device as defined in claim 1 in combination with wick means, said wick means of diametric extent between those respectively of said inner and outer walls.
6. Apparatus for use in enhancing drainage of soil in a flowerpot and a self-watering of plants comprising a device as defined in claim 2 in combination with wick means, said wick means of diametric extent between those respectively of said inner and outer walls.
7. Apparatus for use in enhancing drainage of soil in a flowerpot and a self-watering of plants comprising a device as defined in claim 3 in combination with wick means, said wick means of diametric extent between those respectively of said inner and outer walls.
8. Apparatus for use in enhancing drainage of soil in a flowerpot and a self-watering of plants comprising a device as defined in claim 4 in combination with wick means, said wick means of diametric extent between those respectively of said inner and outer walls.
9. A method of enhancing drainage of soil in a flowerpot and enhancing self-watering of a plant therein comprising the steps of:
providing an empty flowerpot;
placing apparatus as defined in Claim 1 in the bottom of the flowerpot with the wick means contacting the bottom of the pot and confined within the outer periphery of the device;
adding soil and/or soil mixtures to pot and plant;
selectively watering until roots of plant have developed sufficiently to contact apparatus.
providing an empty flowerpot;
placing apparatus as defined in Claim 1 in the bottom of the flowerpot with the wick means contacting the bottom of the pot and confined within the outer periphery of the device;
adding soil and/or soil mixtures to pot and plant;
selectively watering until roots of plant have developed sufficiently to contact apparatus.
10. A method of enhancing drainage of soil in a flowerpot (claim 10 cont'd) and enhancing self-watering of plants therein when in combination with a decorator pot, comprising the steps of:
providing a flowerpot having at least one bottom aperture and containing soil and plant therein;
providing a decorator pot within which said flowerpot is to be placed;
placing said apparatus as defined in claim 1 within and at the bottom of said decorator pot with the wick means facing upwardly;
placing said soil containing flowerpot on top of said apparatus with said wick means contacting the flowerpot adjacent said at least one bottom aperture;
selectively adding water to said decorator pot to a level adjacent the top surface of said outer peripheral wall.
providing a flowerpot having at least one bottom aperture and containing soil and plant therein;
providing a decorator pot within which said flowerpot is to be placed;
placing said apparatus as defined in claim 1 within and at the bottom of said decorator pot with the wick means facing upwardly;
placing said soil containing flowerpot on top of said apparatus with said wick means contacting the flowerpot adjacent said at least one bottom aperture;
selectively adding water to said decorator pot to a level adjacent the top surface of said outer peripheral wall.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000450435A CA1222139A (en) | 1984-03-23 | 1984-03-23 | Device for encouraging root growth |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000450435A CA1222139A (en) | 1984-03-23 | 1984-03-23 | Device for encouraging root growth |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1222139A true CA1222139A (en) | 1987-05-26 |
Family
ID=4127498
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000450435A Expired CA1222139A (en) | 1984-03-23 | 1984-03-23 | Device for encouraging root growth |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1222139A (en) |
-
1984
- 1984-03-23 CA CA000450435A patent/CA1222139A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |