GB2561803A

GB2561803A - Vertical grow systems

Info

Publication number: GB2561803A
Application number: GB1612789.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kirushnamoorthe Mahalingham; Kirushnamoorthe Sayandini
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-07-23
Filing date: 2016-07-23
Publication date: 2018-10-31
Also published as: GB201612789D0

Abstract

Planting apparatus comprising enclosed upright sides and open horizontal sides. The upright sides are angled relative to vertical causing one of the horizontal open sides to be larger than the other. Multiple apparatus may be stacked in various arrangements providing multiple apertures in which plants can be planted. A base plate can be used to provide a solid base or dividing tier. The apparatus can be attached to walls or hung. Light emitting products can be housed in apertures in the upright walls of the device. The base plate may be sealed to provide a water feature.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Mahalingham Kirushnamoorthe 5 Alma Court, Barkham Road, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG41 2RG, United Kingdom (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2212375 A DE 003516499A1 US 5309671 A US 20100000896 A1

CN 201938135 U US 7043877 B US 20100229464 A1 (58) Field of Search:

Sayandini Kirushnamoorthe

Alma Court, Barkham Road, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG41 2RG, United Kingdom

INT CLA01G

Other: EPODOC, WPI, Internet (72) Inventor(s):

Mahalingham Kirushnamoorthe Sayandini Kirushnamoorthe (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Mahalingham Kirushnamoorthe 5 Alma Court, Barkham Road, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG41 2RG, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Vertical grow systems Abstract Title: Stackable planting system (57) Planting apparatus comprising enclosed upright sides and open horizontal sides. The upright sides are angled relative to vertical causing one of the horizontal open sides to be larger than the other. Multiple apparatus may be stacked in various arrangements providing multiple apertures in which plants can be planted. A base plate can be used to provide a solid base or dividing tier. The apparatus can be attached to walls or hung. Light emitting products can be housed in apertures in the upright walls of the device. The base plate may be sealed to provide a water feature.

Figure 11 - Orthogonal view of Apparatus (10)

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Figure 1 of 10 - Orthogonal view of Apparatus (10)

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Figure 2 of 10 - top View (Left) and Bottom view (Right), orthogonal view from below of Apparatus (10)

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Figure 3 of 10 - Horizontal or side view of Apparatus (10)

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Figure 4 of 10 - A number of Apparatus (10), with and without apertures (08)

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Figure 5 of 10 - Example of Tower arrangements (20, 21)

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Figure 6 of 10 - as of figure 5, the top and bottom view of tower arrangements (20, 21)

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Figure 7 of 10 - As of figure 5, side views of tower arrangements

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Figure 8 of 10 - Capsule arrangement (22)

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Figure 10 of 10 - Base Plate (25)

Vertical Grow Systems

Background

By long history of innovation in planting arrangements, capable of holding a multiplicity of plants have long existed, as some are in some manner stackable to produce a vertical arrangements. It has not, however, always been possible to have a modular unit which is stackable where the stacking method means itself defines plant-receiving receptacles, formed through complementary cooperation between the units. An idea has been developed into a product out of necessity to fulfil the needs of domestic gardens to industrial applications, means to grow plants in unique way that is compact yet fulfils the requirements for plant growth, and being flexible as the building blocks of many configurable planting, landscaping and ornamental arrangements possible and providing a productive solution commercially and economically as well as elegance and ornamentation to home gardens.

The common problem identified was; Space utilisation in both horizontal and vertical planes deemed a very concerning factor in small compact areas used for leisure gardens as well as commercial horticultural industry. Size of planters and pots required depend on size and type of plants to be planted. This creates inflexibility in planting options and space utilisation. Resource utilisation is also a requirement, including water management, soil and fertiliser efficiency. There is also other questions on how elegant the planters are in the garden and how flexible are they in terms of rearrangement and organising and showcasing. The disclosed invention resolves these concerns and provides an opportunity to be productive and efficient use of resources and adds elegance to all type of gardens and adds value to the horticultural industry.

Statement of invention

This invention resolves many practical issues but not limited to, be able to plant varying plant sizes and types of plants in multiple planting configurations possible, providing modular and flexible planting arrangements, space utilisation for compact, city and roof-top gardens, utilisation of vertical space for enthusiastic and serious gardener, support large scale horticulturist for water, soil and space management as well as overall productivity improvement. Forms and supports elegant arrangement of plant displays, have the flexibility to configure and reconfigure plant arrangements, self-standing arrangements adds increased level of flexibility, a great ornamentation, building blocks for landscaping are examples of many applications offered by this invention.

The said invention comprising minimum of a single apparatus, each apparatus comprising an enclosed vertical sides to provide vertical support and to contain soil, growing medium or decorative matter. Each apparatus may comprise of single homogenous or multiple sections of vertical sides, designed in such a way to support vertically and to contain soil, growing medium and or a decorative matter. The vertical sides of the apparatus have the options comprise of apertures, patterns and features to plant, water, feed and support plants and planting arrangements.

The vertical sides of the apparatus suitably angled outwardly, therefore providing a larger periphery on one end and a smaller periphery on the opposite end. The end peripheries of the apparatus are left open. The vertical sides of the apparatus angled construction means outwardly tapered side vertical walls defining a hollow interior and two open ends.

The two open ends of the apparatus comprising the horizontal area, and associated lengths and widths, are proportioned between the larger and the smaller ends, so that each apparatus can be positioned in a number of ways, relative to each other, to provide increasing vertical heights to the structure, creating continuous vertical column of plant-receiving receptacles between the adjacent apparatus, whilst maintaining connection of the soil, growing medium and or a decorative matter between the apparatus.

When the apparatus are stacked means, positioning the smaller horizontal end on top of the larger horizontal end, off-set by an angle determined by the number of sides, but centrally to each other, to create a vertically alternating column of apparatus or positioning the smaller end on top of the larger end, orientated at corners or edges of each apparatus to create a continuous vertical column of plant-receiving receptacles between the adjacent apparatus, or positioning the larger end on top of the larger end, the apparatus in combination create a capsule arrangement for planting and or ornamentation or positioning the smaller end on top of the smaller end, the apparatus in combination create an open vertical arrangement for planting or ornamentation.

When 2 or more of apparatus positioned relative to each other, in any combination as described above at varying heights, as required by the user, that forms into a number of shapes and structures at desired heights, for the purpose of planting and or ornamentation. A large number of combination of patterns possible by this apparatus by adopting, a creative approach to stacking the apparatus, thus producing flexible, structurally aesthetic, ornamental planting structures. Some examples of the said invention capable of forming trays, capsules, towers and walls alike.

When one or more of the similar or dissimilar in size apparatus positioned in any number of ways, with the corresponding surface points, the combined effect creates a continuous link in the soil or growing medium, between adjacent apparatus and also forms apertures between the apparatus to accommodate space for planting or any other purpose, in the stacked formation.

The enclosed sides of the apparatus are formed in such a way that will create apertures for planting while preventing soil or growing medium to spill out of the structure. Therefore, creating a continuous stack of the similar or dissimilar apparatus, provides required soil depth and increased number of apertures for planting. Unique way that, this invention is compact yet fulfils the requirements for plant growth, and being flexible in terms of use and elegant to be an essential garden ornament.

The resulting planting arrangement provides sufficient space to accommodate a varying plant size and shapes as well as efficiency for plants in terms of correct levels of watering and sufficient aeration. Aeration can occur at every level and may be emphasized by a chimney effect. The invention allows selection and use of different types of growing medium within the same structural arrangement to be able to support different plant types to be planted.

The apparatus also form as a supporting feature or a stand for stability for the systems, when one or more of the apparatus orientated as such larger horizontal end of the apparatus facing the ground and the desired structure positioned on top of the smaller horizontal end of the apparatus. Therefore, the said apparatus as being plurality of stackable plant-holding trays, capsules, and each one capable of being a plant holder by itself, and or supporting base.

When the apparatus used as supporting base, concreate or other heavy materials can be added to the hollow interior, to increase weight and hence the stability of the overall system.

The growing system can comprise of apparatus of similar size or scaled in a number of different sizes, to increase versatility in planting or for the ornamentation of the planting system. Using a mix of scaled apparatus will provide even greater versatility in planting options and ornamentation of the planting system.

Since quantity of planting apparatus used in the structural arrangement determines growing medium depths, this provides flexibility for planting different or varying types of plants in the same planting unit, optimising available horizontal and vertical space. Therefore this invention overcomes the common problems of the standard and stackable planters or pots currently available, by providing flexibility in growing medium height and area, therefore ensuring rooting space for varying plant sizes and types.

Base plates can be used to the system of apparatus, if the user would want the flexibility to split or divide the planting arrangement or to limit the roots spreading between the apparatus. Base plate can also be used to the bottom of the planting apparatus to prevent roots spreading to grounds and or if required flexibility to move the planting system. If no base plates used, then the system will form a continuous column of growing medium and apertures from the ground up forming a garden feature.

Base plates are profiled to the smaller horizontal ends of the apparatus so that they are just dropped-in and held in place without need for fixings so that increases the flexibility should there is any need to remove or to add base plate at any time. The base plate includes features and openings for drainage, watering the plants, as well as to provide additional support to hold fixing poles and fixings should it be required to provide additional structural stability to the overall system.

Preferably, the upper and lower surface areas of the apparatus are in some manner keyed or formed so that when positioned together, apparatus are aligned, held together or locked together to prevent rotation and or movements when positioned. This can be achieved by shapes and or features formed part of the apparatus, including having a corner alignment cavity positioned and sized to receive between the apparatus' mating surfaces by self-aligning fashion. A third material can also be used for the purpose, such as clips, dowel pins, positioning pegs, etc.

A number of materials can be used to manufacture the apparatus, including wood, Styrofoam, polyurethane foams, plastics, ceramic, glass, concrete, clay, metals, etc. Wall thickness of the sides of the apparatus can be varied to suit the mechanical and or structural strength requirements and also to meet aesthetics requirement. A large number of arts can be applied to the surfaces of the apparatus to improve appearance and ornamentation values of the invention. Top surface of the sides of the apparatus shaped to prevent breaking of stem, runners, trusses, etc. of the plants passing over or resting on the upper apparatus walls.

The disclosed apparatus and its flexibility to produce a variety of planting arrangements can be adopted to be utilised as standard planting pots, hanging trays and baskets, planting capsules, as well as planting towers by repeating the patterns to provide the desired height. Planting wall arrangements can be achieved, comprising towers configured to desired shapes, sizes, heights to create wales at desired heights, widths and curvatures.

Said invention can accommodate, if apparatus used as base, in any planting arrangements, to collect excess water and act as height and support to the planting arrangements.

The flexible arrangements in the disclosed invention overcomes the requirement to have planters and pots in different sizes in gardens to suit size and type of plants planted. This invention creates flexibility in planting options and space utilisation in both horizontal and vertical domain as deemed a very key factor in small compact areas used for leisure gardens. Resource utilisation is also requirement, including water management, soil and fertiliser efficiency. This invention also provides and promotes planting, imagination for creating elegant planters in the garden and flexibility in terms of re-arrangement and organising and showcasing.

This invention overcomes the common problems of the standard planters or pots currently available, by providing flexible rooting space for varying plant sizes and providing flexibility for planting different types of plants in the same planting unit. There is no limit to the height or width of the stacked apparatus and or number of apparatus used to form a required shape.

The apparatus disclosed in this invention are capable of nesting within each other, so as to facilitate packaging, storage, shipment, and even display for sale.

Additional features such as addition of capillary matting to the walls of the apparatus and this is routed to the outward projecting plant receiving receptacle and apertures for ease of water spreading to the desired areas of the planting arrangements.

A number of other applications for this apparatus would be to use as water feature by sealing the base plates of one or more of the apparatus thus providing a fountain, bird-bath, irrigating plants in adjacent apparatus and use a water-pump to make the water flow or fall between the apparatus to create an ornamental impact and or in any combinations to suit the application and or ornamentation imaginable.

The vertical sides of the said apparatus have the options to form, apertures, groves, patterns to form or support add-on optional features such as plant or fruit support, frost prevention, germination, propagation, garden lighting and as decorative features.

Advantages

Space utilisation in both horizontal and vertical planes deemed a very concerning factor in small compact areas used for leisure gardens and city dwellings. Said invention provides space utilisation for compact, city and roof-top gardens, utilisation of vertical space for enthusiastic and serious gardener or horticulturist. The invention disclosed, prevents or minimise the need for multiple size planters and pots in gardens and enables varies size and type of plants to be planted in the same planting structure.

The said invention provides resource utilisation, including water management, soil and fertiliser efficiency improvement, plant husbandry, therefore providing productivity improvements. This invention also provides unique, elegant, creative arrangement of plant display, flexibility to configure and reconfigure plant arrangements, organising and showcasing plants and displays. Said invention may promote creativity in gardening and horticulture within home gardening, hobbyist, and large scale commercial horticulture activities.

Said invention can be adopted in many different ways for planting, ornamentation and other uses around the home and garden. Some of which are explained below;

Planting trays: a single apparatus of the said invention can be used as a tray for planting, germination, hanging plants arrangement. When two apparatus of the said invention used to form a tray and a base arrangement, by means of mating the smaller ends of the apparatus together, thus lifting the plants off the ground as well as providing ornamental appearance.

Planting Capsules: when two apparatus of the said invention used to form a capsule arrangement, by means of mating the larger ends of the apparatus together, thus can be used for planting strawberry, herbals and many other plants. This arrangement can also be hung to provide hanging plant arrangements. When an additional apparatus of the said invention used to form a base, by means of mating the smaller ends of the apparatus together, thus lifting the plant capsules off the ground, providing ease of access and soil hygiene, as well as providing ornamental appearance.

Planting Tower: when a multiple apparatus are stacked means either the planting tray arrangements and or planting capsule arrangements, it can form into planting towers, to utilise the height and for the purpose of planting, landscaping and or ornamentation. A large combination of patterns possible by this apparatus by adopting, a creative approach to stacking the apparatus, thus producing flexible, structurally aesthetic, ornamental planting structures. There is no limit to the height of the stacked apparatus and or number of apparatus used to form a required shape.

Planting Walls: if multiple towers are arranged together, to form a wall, that will provide multiple purpose including planting, landscaping, dividing the garden areas and ornamental or decorating arrangements by varying heights of each planting tower. Relaxing and seating arrangements can also be achieved by combining other materials and the apparatus will form parts of supporting and planting structures.

Space for Growth: said invention provides space to accommodate a varying plant size, shapes and types, as well as efficient use of resources. Some examples are; Plants in the arrangements cannot be over-watered, and there is sufficient aeration to prevent root rot. Aeration can occur at every level and may be emphasized by a chimney effect. The invention allows to select and control of the growing medium used for the plants, apparatus by apparatus and when stacked, provides vertical planting space with multiple planting medium to receive a multiplicity of plants.

Planting arrangement of dissimilar size apparatus: The system can comprise of apparatus of similar size or scaled to a number of different sizes, to increase versatility in planting or for the ornamentation of the planting system. Using a mix of scaled apparatus will provide even greater versatility in planting options and ornamentation of the system.

As a base and or stand: The said apparatus also form as a supporting feature or a stand for stability for the growing systems, when one or more of the apparatus positioned as such larger horizontal sides of the apparatus facing the ground and the growing sections of the apparatus positioned on top of the smaller horizontal sides of the apparatus.

Other Applications: A number of other applications for this apparatus would be to use as water feature by sealing the base plates or use water retaining inserts to one or more of the apparatus thus providing a fountain, bird-bath, irrigating plants and use a water-pump to make the water flow or fall between the apparatus to create an ornamental impact and or in any combinations to suit the application and or ornamentation imaginable.

Said invention can accommodate additional design features, if apparatus used in any planting arrangements, to hold water to irrigate, collect excess water, as well as to form any water feature arrangements. One or more of the apparatus adopted to provide irrigation system to the overall arrangement either by gravity, capillary or pumped systems as required by the user.

One or more of the apparatus can be adopted to providing lighting effects to the system. The lighting system may consist of many options of solar, battery or mains powered supply.

6. Introduction to Drawing

The following details the products, options and features comprised in the invention.

Figure 1 of 10: Orthogonal view of Apparatus (10), Shows a single apparatus (10) in upright position, with inner and outer views of apertures (8), patterns, groves and decorative features.

Figure 2 of 10: top View (Left) and Bottom view (Right), orthogonal view from below of Apparatus (10) Shows plan view of top and bottom of the apparatus, with inner and outer views of apertures, patterns, groves and decorative features.

Figure 3 of 10: Horizontal or side view of Apparatus (10), Shows horizontal or side view of the apparatus, with views of apertures patterns, groves and decorative features.

Figure 4 of 10: Apparatus (10) as tray with 2 apertures (left), with single aperture (middle) and without apertures (right -top), and without apertures (right-bottom) for use as base or stand. Shows the design options to have apertures for, planting, feeding, supporting, fixing, etc.

Figure 5 of 10: Example of a Tower arrangement (20) comprising repeating pattern of Apparatus (10) with apertures (Left) and Tower arrangement of repeating pattern of Apparatus (21) without apertures (Right), both with inverted apparatus (10, 16) as base of the structure. Both structures showing the plant receiving receptacles (13) and the continuous column (14) of soil or growing medium formed by the stacked formation. The repeating pattern of apparatus has no height restrictions to this arrangement.

Figure 6 of 10: as of figure 5, the top view of tower arrangement (20) showing the plant receiving receptacles (13) and the continuous column (14) of soil or growing medium formed by the stacked formation. Picture on the right-hand side shows tower arrangement with base and without apertures. The repeating pattern of apparatus has no height restrictions to this arrangement.

Figure 7 of 10: As of figure 5, the repeating pattern of apparatus has no height restrictions to this arrangement.

Figure 8 of 10: Capsule arrangement (22) comprising of 2 apparatus (10) with apertures, and another apparatus (10) with apertures inverted so that mating at the larger horizontal areas, and with inverted apparatus (10) as the base for the structure. Shows both horizontal and orthogonal views of capsule arrangements. The repeating pattern of capsules has no height restrictions to this arrangement.

Figure 9 of 10: A tower arrangement (23) comprising of repeating pattern of capsules (22), as of figure 8, with apertures, and with inverted apparatus (10) as base. The repeating pattern of capsules has no height restrictions to this arrangement.

Figure 10 of 10: Base Plate (25), with example of apertures and Features for drainage, feeding, supporting shown.

7. Detailed description

The planting and ornamental system comprising minimum of a single apparatus (10). Each apparatus (10) comprise of single homogenous or multiple sections of vertical sides (01), to form a closed vertical support, designed in such a way to contain soil, growing medium and or a decorative matter in the vertical plane.

The vertical sides (01) of the apparatus (10) suitably angled outwardly, therefore providing a larger periphery (11) on one end and a smaller periphery (12) on the opposite end. The end peripheries (11,12) of the apparatus (10) are left open. The vertical sides (01) of the apparatus (10) angled construction means outwardly tapered side vertical walls (06) defining a hollow interior (07) and two open horizontal sides (02, 03). The two open horizontal sides (2, 3) of the apparatus (10) comprising the horizontal areas (11, 12), and associated lengths and widths, are proportioned between the larger and the smaller open horizontal sides (02, 03), so that each apparatus (10) can be positioned in a number of ways, relative to each other, to provide increasing vertical heights to the structure.

The two open horizontal sides (02, 03), comprise of a larger open horizontal side (02) and a smaller open horizontal side (03) of the apparatus (10) comprising the horizontal areas (11,12), and associated larger horizontal side lengths (04) and smaller horizontal side length (05). The larger horizontal side lengths (04) and the smaller horizontal side lengths (05) are proportioned between the larger horizontal side length (04) to be approximately twice as much as the smaller horizontal side length (05), so that when apparatus (10) are stacked on top of each means smaller horizontal side (03) engaged along the larger horizontal lengths (04), forming a continuous vertical column (14) and providing plant receiving receptacles (13) between the larger horizontal side (02) and the smaller horizontal side (03).

The vertical sides (01) of the said apparatus (10) comprise minimum of a single aperture (08), to receive plants and ornaments, water, feed and support plants and planting arrangements. The vertical sides (01) of the said apparatus (10) have the options to form groves, cut-outs, slots, apertures, and patterns (09) to form, fix or provide support for features such as plant or fruit support, frost prevention, germination, propagation, feeding, garden lighting and as decorative features.

When the apparatus (10) are stacked means, positioning the smaller open horizontal side (03) on top of the larger open horizontal side (02), off-set by an angle determined by the number of sides (01), but centrally to each other, each apparatus (10) create a repeating and continuous vertical column (14) and plant-receiving receptacles (13) between the adjacent apparatus (10).

When the apparatus (10) are stacked means, positioning the smaller open horizontal side (03) on top of the larger open horizontal side (02), orientated at corners or edges of each apparatus (10) to create a continuous vertical column (14) and plant-receiving receptacles (13) between the adjacent apparatus (10).

When the apparatus (10) are stacked means, positioning the larger open horizontal side (02) on top of the larger open horizontal side (02), the apparatus (10) in combination create a capsule (22) arrangement for planting or ornamentation.

When the apparatus (10) are stacked means, positioning the smaller open horizontal side (03) on top of the smaller open horizontal side (03), the apparatus (10) in combination create an open vertical arrangement for planting or ornamentation.

When 2 or more of apparatus (10) positioned relative to each other, in any combinations as described above at varying heights, as required by the user, that forms into a number of shapes and desired structures, for the purpose of planting and or ornamentation. A large combination of heights, shapes and patterns possible by this apparatus (10) by adopting, a creative approach to stacking the apparatus (10), thus producing flexible, horticulturally effective, structurally aesthetic, variety of planting arrangements and ornamental structures. Some examples of the said invention capable of forming trays (10), capsules (22) or pots (22), hanging trays (10,15, 16) hanging baskets (10,15,16, 22), towers (20, 21, 23) and walls (not shown in the drawings) comprise of towers in any combination of trays (10, 15, 16) and capsules (22) alike.

When one or more of the apparatus (10) of similar size or scaled in a number of different sizes, positioned in any number of ways, with the corresponding horizontal surface areas (11, 12), the combined effect creates a continuous link in the soil or growing medium, between adjacent apparatus (10) and also forms plant receiving receptacles between the apparatus (10) to accommodate space for planting or any other purpose, in the stacked formation. When the growing system comprise of apparatus (10) of similar size or scaled in a number of different sizes, provides greater versatility in planting options or for the ornamentation of the planting system.

Quantity of apparatus (10) used, in creating a continuous stack of the similar or dissimilar apparatus (10) in the structural arrangement determines growing medium depths. The invention allows use of mix of different types of growing medium within the same structure, provides flexibility for planting different or varying types of plants in the same planting unit, optimising available horizontal and vertical space. The resulting planting arrangement provides sufficient space to accommodate a varying plant size and shapes as well as horticultural efficiencies.

Therefore this invention overcomes the common problems of the standard and stackable planters or pots currently available, by providing flexibility in growing medium height and area, ensuring rooting space for varying plant sizes and types. Unique way that, this invention is compact yet fulfils the requirements for plant growth, and being flexible in terms of use and elegant to be an essential garden ornament.

The apparatus (10) also form as a structurally supporting feature, a stand or base for stability for the systems, when one or more of the apparatus (10) with or without apertures (08), orientated as such wider end of the apparatus (10) facing the ground and the desired structure positioned on top of the smaller horizontal end (03) of the apparatus (10). Therefore, the said apparatus (10) as being plurality of stackable trays (10,15,16), capsules (22), and each one capable of being a plant holder by itself, and or supporting base. When the apparatus (10) used as supporting base, concreate, sand, soil or other heavy materials can be added to the hollow interior, to increase weight and hence the stability of the overall system.

Therefore this invention overcomes the common problems of the standard and stackable planters or pots currently available, by providing flexibility in growing medium height and area, therefore ensuring rooting space for varying plant sizes. Since a number of plant receiving receptacles and apertures created at varying soil depths, this provides flexibility for planting different or varying types of plants in the same planting unit, optimising available horizontal and vertical space.

Base plates (25) can be provided to the system of apparatus (10), if the user would want the flexibility to split or divide the planting apparatus (10) or to limit the roots spreading between the apparatus (10). Base plates (25) can also be used to the bottom of the planting apparatus (10) to prevent roots spreading to grounds and or if required flexibility to move the planting system. If no base plates (25) used, then the system will form a continuous column of growing medium from the ground up forming a garden feature.

Base plates (25) are profiled to the smaller ends of the apparatus (10) so that they are just droppedin and held in place without need for fixings so that increases the flexibility should there is any need to remove or to add base plates (25) at any time. The base plates (25) includes features and openings for drainage, watering the plants, as well as to provide additional support to hold fixing poles and fixings should it be required to provide additional structural stability to the overall system.

The upper and lower surface areas of the apparatus (10) are in some manner keyed or formed so that when positioned together, apparatus (10) are aligned, held together or locked together to prevent rotation and or movements when positioned. This is achieved by shapes and or features formed part of the apparatus (10), including having a corner alignment cavity positioned and sized to receive between the apparatus's (10) mating surfaces by self-aligning fashion. A third material can also be used for the purpose, such as clips, dowel pins, positioning pegs.

A number of materials can be used to manufacture the apparatus (10), including wood, Styrofoam, polyurethane foams, plastics, ceramic, glass, concrete, clay, metals, etc. Wall thickness of the sides of the apparatus (10) can be varied to suit the mechanical and or structural strength requirements and also to meet aesthetics requirement.

A large number of arts can be applied to the surface of the apparatus (10) to improve appearance and ornamentation values of the invention.

The edges of the horizontal surface areas (11, 12) of the apparatus (10) shaped to prevent braking of stem, runners, trusses, etc. of the plants passing over or resting on the upper walls of the apparatus.

Said invention can accommodate material holding capacity, when apparatus (10) used for holding water to feed plants, animals, birds and or decorative purposes, to collect excess water, to act as composting chamber to feed plants, etc. One or more of the apparatus can be adopted to provide irrigation system to the overall arrangement either by gravity, capillary or pumped systems as required by the user.

The flexible arrangements in the disclosed invention overcomes the requirement to have planters and pots in different sizes in gardens to suit size and type of plants planted. This invention creates flexibility in planting options and space utilisation in both horizontal and vertical domain as deemed a very key factor in small compact areas used for leisure gardens and horticulture. The said invention also offers resource utilisation, in terms of plants husbandry, water management, soil and fertiliser efficiency. This invention also provides and promotes creative planting, imagination for creating elegant planters in the garden and flexibility in terms of re-arrangement and organising and showcasing.

The apparatus (10) disclosed in this invention are capable of nesting within each other, so as to facilitate their packaging, storage, shipment, and even display for sale.

Additional features such as addition of capillary matting to the walls of the apparatus (10) for ease of water spreading within the planting arrangements.

Net-cups and other plant propagation means can be adopted that will fit into the apertures of the apparatus (10) for ease of planting and renewing the plant materials if needed.

One or more of the apparatus (10) can be adopted to providing lighting effects to the system. The lights emitting products can be held in the apertures (08) of the vertical sides (01) and or elsewhere in the structure. The lighting system may consist of many options of solar power, battery or mains powered electrical supply.

A number of other applications for this apparatus (10) would be to use as water feature by sealing the base plates () of one or more of the apparatus (10) thus providing a fountain, bird-bath, irrigating plants in adjacent apparatus (10) and use a water-pump to make the water flow or fall between the apparatus (10) to create an ornamental impact and or in any combinations to suit the application and or ornamentation imaginable.

This invention overcomes the common problems ofthe standard planters or pots currently available, by providing flexible rooting space for varying plant sizes and providing flexibility for planting different types of plants in the same planting unit. There is no limit to the height or width of the stacked apparatus (10) and or number or size of apparatus (10) used to form a required shape.

Other variations or modifications to the subject matter of this invention may occur to those skilled in the art upon review of the invention as described herein. Such variations, and modifications, if within the spirit of this development, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of any claims to patent protection defined herein. The summary of the invention, its description in the preferred embodiment, and its depiction in the drawings, are set forth for illustrative purpose only.

Claims

Claims

1. A planting and ornamental systems of apparatus comprising,

a. A vertical side means to form a closed vertical support means to contain soil, growing medium and or decorative matter in the vertical plane.

b. The vertical sides of the apparatus suitably angled outwardly, therefore providing a larger periphery on one end and a smaller periphery on the opposite end.

c. The end peripheries of the apparatus are left open, to provide hollow inner space.

d. The vertical sides of the apparatus angled construction means outwardly tapered side vertical walls defining a hollow interior and two open horizontal sides.

e. The two open horizontal sides, comprise of a larger open horizontal side and a smaller open horizontal side of the apparatus comprising the horizontal areas, and associated larger horizontal side lengths and smaller horizontal side length.

f. The two open horizontal sides of the apparatus comprising the horizontal areas, and associated lengths, are proportioned between the larger and the smaller open horizontal sides, so that each apparatus can be positioned in a number of ways, relative to each other, to provide increasing vertical heights to the structure.
2 As of claim 1, each apparatus comprise of single homogenous or multiple sections of vertical sides, and if multiple sections of vertical sides used, a minimum of three vertical sides required to form a closed vertical support.
3 As of claim 1, the vertical sides of the said apparatus comprise minimum of a single aperture, to receive plants and ornaments, water, feed and support plants and planting arrangements.
4 As of claim 1, the larger horizontal side lengths and the smaller horizontal side lengths are proportioned between the larger horizontal side length to be approximately twice as much as the smaller horizontal side length, so that when apparatus are stacked relative to each other means smaller horizontal side engaged along the larger horizontal lengths, forming a continuous vertical column and providing plant receiving receptacles between the larger horizontal side and the smaller horizontal side.
5 As per claim 1, apparatus stacked means, positioning the smaller open horizontal side relative to the larger open horizontal side, off-set by an angle determined by the number of sides, but centrally to each other, each apparatus creates a repeating and continuous vertical column of plant-receiving receptacles between the adjacent apparatus.
6 As per claim 1, apparatus stacked means, positioning the smaller open horizontal side relative to the larger open horizontal side, orientated at corners or edges of each apparatus to create a continuous vertical column of plant-receiving receptacles between the adjacent apparatus.
7 As per claim 1, apparatus stacked means, positioning the larger open horizontal side relative to the larger open horizontal side, the apparatus in combination creates a capsule arrangement for planting or ornamentation.
8 As per claim 1, apparatus stacked means, positioning the smaller open horizontal side relative to the smaller open horizontal side, the apparatus in combination create an open vertical arrangement for planting and or ornamentation.
9 As per claims 1 to 8, two or more of apparatus positioned relative to each other, in any combinations as described in claims 1 to 8, that forms into a number of shapes of trays, baskets and capsules.
10 As per claim 1, the said apparatus produced in a single size or in multiple scaled sizes.
11 As per claims 1 to 10, when one or more of the apparatus of similar size or scaled in a number of different sizes, positioned in any number of ways, with the corresponding horizontal surface areas, the combined effect creates a continuous link in the soil or growing medium, between adjacent apparatus and also forms plant receiving receptacles between the apparatus to accommodate space for planting or any other purpose, in the stacked formation.
12 As per claims 1 to 11, towering structures can be created comprising trays and capsules in any combination as desired.
13 As per claims 1 to 12, walls structures can be created comprising trays, capsules and towers in any combination as desired.
14 As per claims 1 to 10, one or more of the apparatus attached to walls and fences or other structures to create a supported vertical planting arrangements, either means of trays and or capsules, positioned against the supporting structure.
15 As per claims 1 to 10, one or more of the apparatus means trays and capsules can be hung to create hanging planting arrangements.
16 As per claim 1, the vertical sides of the said apparatus have groves, cut-outs, slots, apertures, and patterns to form, fix or provide support for features such as plant or fruit support, frost prevention, germination, propagation, feeding, garden lighting and as decorative features.
17 As per clams 1 to 13, quantity of apparatus used in creating a continuous stack of the similar or dissimilar apparatus in the structural arrangement determines growing medium depths or height.
18 As per claims 1 to 17, the invention allows use of mix of different types of growing medium within the same structure, provides flexibility for planting different or varying types of plants in the same planting unit, optimising available horizontal and vertical space.
19 As per claim 1 and with or without claim 3, the apparatus also form as a structurally supporting feature, a stand or base for stability for the systems, when the apparatus orientated as such wider horizontal end of the apparatus facing the ground and the desired structure positioned on top of the smaller horizontal end of the apparatus.
20 As per claim 19, when the apparatus used as supporting base, concreate, sand, soil or other materials can be added to the hollow interior, to increase weight and occupancy and hence the stability of the overall system.
21 Base plates provides the system of apparatus to enable to split or divide the system to control and limit the roots and materials spreading or mixing between the apparatus.
22 As of claim 21, base plates are profiled to the smaller horizontal ends of the apparatus so that they are just dropped-in and held in place with or without need for fixings so that increases the flexibility should there is any need to remove or to add base plates at any time.
23 As of claims 21 to 22, base plates includes features, apertures and openings for drainage, watering the plants, as well as to provide additional support to hold fixing poles and fixings should it be required to provide additional structural stability to the overall system.
24 As of claim 21 to 23, base plates used to the bottom of the planting apparatus to prevent roots spreading to grounds and or if required flexibility to move the planting system.
25 As of claim 1, the upper and lower horizontal surface areas of the apparatus keyed, have holes or formed so that when positioned together, apparatus are aligned, held together or locked together to prevent rotation and or movements.
26 As of claims 1 and 25, shapes and features formed part of the apparatus, including having a corner alignment cavity positioned and sized to receive between the apparatus mating surfaces by self-aligning fashion.
27 As of claims 1 and 25 to 26, third material used for the purpose holding the apparatus in situ by clips, dowels, pins, positioning pegs, etc.
28 As of claim 1, a number of materials can be used to manufacture the apparatus, including but not limited to wood, Styrofoam, polyurethane foams, plastics, ceramic, glass, concrete, clay, metals, etc.
29 As of claim 1, wall thickness of the sides of the apparatus varied to suit the mechanical and or structural strength requirements and also to meet aesthetics requirement.
30 As of claim 1, a large number of arts can be applied to the surface of the apparatus to improve appearance and ornamentation values of the invention.
31 As of claim 1, the edges of the horizontal surface areas of the apparatus shaped to prevent sharp edges braking the stem, runners, trusses, etc. of the plants when passing over or resting on the upper walls of the apparatus.
32 As of claim 1, said invention used for material holding capacity, to hold water to feed plants, animals, birds and or decorative purposes, to collect excess water, to act as composting chamber to feed plants in the system, etc.
33 As of claim 1, one or more of the apparatus adopted to provide irrigation system to the overall arrangement either by gravity, capillary or pumped systems as required by the user.
34 As of claim 1, the apparatus disclosed in this invention are capable of nesting within each other, so as to facilitate their packaging, storage, shipment, and even display for sale.
35 As of claim 1, additional features such as capillary matting added to the walls of the apparatus for ease of water spreading within the planting arrangements.
36 Net-cups, pots, cups mesh means adopted to fit into the apertures of the apparatus as of claim 1 for ease of planting and renewing the planted materials if needed or for blocking off the apertures when not required.
37 As of claim 1, one or more of the apertures of the apparatus adopted to providing lighting effects to the system.
38 As of claiml and 37, the lights emitting products held in the apertures of the vertical sides.
39 As of claim 1, 37 to 38, the lighting system may consist of options of solar power, battery or mains powered electrical supply.
40 As of claim 1, the apparatus used as water feature by sealing the base plates as of claims 21 to 23, thus providing a fountain, bird-bath, system for irrigating plants in adjacent apparatus
41 As of claim 40, the system use water-pump to make the water raise, flow or fall between the apparatus to create an ornamental impact and or in any combinations to suit the application and or ornamentation imaginable.
42 As of claims 1 to 13, there is no limit to the height or width of the stacked apparatus and or number or size of apparatus used to form a required structures.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

05 09 18

8. Claims

1. A planting and ornamental systems of apparatus comprising minimum of a single apparatus, each apparatus comprise of

a. Vertical side to form a closed vertical support means to contain soil, growing medium and or decorative matter in the vertical plane,

b. The vertical sides of the said apparatus suitably angled outwardly, therefore providing a larger periphery on one end and a smaller periphery on the opposite end,

c. Both larger and smaller peripheries of the said apparatus are left open, to provide hollow inner space,

d. The vertical sides of the said apparatus angled construction means outwardly tapered side vertical walls defining a hollow inner space and their respective horizontal peripheries,

e. The horizontal peripheries of the said apparatus, comprising horizontal surface areas, and associated larger horizontal sides and smaller horizontal sides,

f. The corresponding lengths and widths of the said horizontal sides are proportional between the larger and the smaller open horizontal sides,

g. Therefore multiples of the said apparatus can be positioned in any number of ways, relative to each other, to provide increasing vertical heights to the structure and offering a continuous column of soil, growing medium and or decorative matter in the vertical plane,

2 As of claim 1, each apparatus comprise of single homogenous or multiple sections of vertical sides, and if multiple sections of vertical sides used, a minimum of three vertical sides required to form a closed vertical support.

3 As of claim 1, the vertical sides of the said apparatus comprising minimum of a single aperture, to receive plants, ornaments, water, feed and support to plants and planting arrangements.

4 As of claim 1, the larger horizontal side lengths and the smaller horizontal side lengths are proportioned between the larger horizontal side length to be approximately twice as much as the smaller horizontal side length, so that when apparatus are stacked relative to each other means smaller horizontal side engaged along the larger horizontal lengths, forming a continuous vertical column and providing plant receiving receptacles between the larger horizontal sides and the smaller horizontal side.

5 As per claim 1, multiple apparatus stacked means, positioning the smaller open horizontal side relative to the larger open horizontal side, off-set by an angle determined by the number of vertical sides, but centrally to each other, each apparatus creates a repeating and continuous vertical column of plant-receiving receptacles between the adjacent apparatus.

6 As per claim 1, multiple apparatus stacked means, positioning the smaller open horizontal side relative to the larger open horizontal side, orientated at corners or edges of each apparatus to create a continuous vertical column of plant-receiving receptacles between the adjacent apparatus.

05 09 18

7 As per claim 1, multiple apparatus stacked means, positioning the larger open horizontal side relative to another larger open horizontal side, the apparatus in combination creates a capsule arrangement for planting or ornamentation.

8 As per claim 1, multiple apparatus stacked means, positioning the smaller open horizontal side relative to another smaller open horizontal side, the apparatus in combination creates an open vertical arrangement for planting and or ornamentation.

9 As per claims 1 to 8, two or more of apparatus positioned relative to each other, in any combinations as described in claims 1 to 8, that forms into a number of shapes of trays, baskets, capsules, pots, towers and walls at desired heights, for the purpose of planting and or ornamentation.

10 As per claim 1, the said apparatus produced in a single size or in multiple scaled sizes.

11 As per claims 1 to 10, when one or more of the apparatus of similar size or scaled in a number of different sizes, positioned in any number of ways, with the corresponding horizontal surface areas, the combined effect creates a continuous link in the soil or growing medium, between adjacent apparatus and also forms plant receiving receptacles between the apparatus to accommodate space for planting or any other purpose, in the stacked formation.

12 As per claims 1 to 11, towering structures can be created comprising trays and capsules in any combination as desired.

13 As per claims 1 to 12, walls structures can be created comprising trays, capsules and towers in any combination as desired.

14 As per claims 1 to 10, one or more of the apparatus attached to walls, fences and other supporting structures to create a vertical planting arrangements, either means of trays and or capsules, positioned against the supporting structure.

15 As per claims 1 to 10, one or more of the apparatus means trays and capsules can be hung to create hanging planting arrangements.

16 As per claim 1, the vertical sides of the said apparatus have groves, cut-outs, slots, apertures, and patterns to form, fix or provide support for features such as plant or fruit support, frost prevention, germination, propagation, feeding, garden lighting and as decorative features.

17 As per clams 1 to 13, quantity of apparatus used in creating a continuous stack of the similar or dissimilar apparatus in the structural arrangement determines growing medium depths or height.

18 As per claims 1 to 17, the invention allows use of mix of different types of growing medium within the same structure, provides flexibility for planting different or varying types of plants in the same planting unit, optimising available horizontal and vertical space.

19 As per claim 1 and with or without claim 3, the apparatus also form as a structurally supporting feature, a stand or base for stability for the systems, when the apparatus orientated as such wider horizontal surface of the apparatus facing the ground and the desired structure positioned on top of the smaller horizontal surface of the apparatus.

20 As per claim 19, when the apparatus used as supporting base, concreate, sand, soil or other materials can be added to the hollow interior, to increase weight and occupancy and hence the stability of the overall system.

05 09 18

21 Base plates provides the system of apparatus to enable to split or divide the system to control and limit the roots and materials spreading or mixing between the apparatus.

22 As of claim 21, base plates are profiled to the smaller horizontal ends of the apparatus so that they are just dropped-in and held in place with or without need for fixings so that increases the flexibility should there is any need to remove or to add base plates at any time.

23 As of claims 21 to 22, base plates comprising features of apertures, openings for drainage, watering the plants, as well as to provide additional support to hold fixing poles and fixings should it be required to provide additional structural stability to the overall system.

24 As of claim 21 to 23, base plates used to the bottom of the planting apparatus to prevent roots spreading to grounds and or if required flexibility to move the planting system.

25 As of claim 1, the upper and lower horizontal surface areas of the apparatus keyed, have holes or formed so that when positioned together, apparatus are aligned, held together or locked together to prevent rotation and or movements.

26 As of claims 1 and 25, shapes and features formed part of the apparatus, including having a corner alignment cavity positioned and sized to receive between the apparatus mating surfaces by self-aligning fashion.

27 As of claims 1 and 25 to 26, third material used for the purpose of holding the apparatus in situ by clips, dowels, pins, positioning pegs, etc.

28 As of claim 1, a number of materials can be used to manufacture the apparatus, including but not limited to wood, Styrofoam, polyurethane foams, plastics, ceramic, glass, concrete, clay, metals, etc.

29 As of claim 1, wall thickness of the sides of the apparatus varied to suit the mechanical and or structural strength requirements and also to meet aesthetics requirement.

30 As of claim 1, a large number of arts can be applied to the surface of the apparatus to improve appearance and ornamentation values of the invention.

31 As of claim 1, the edges of the horizontal surface areas of the apparatus shaped to prevent sharp edges braking or damaging the stem, runners, trusses, etc. of the plants when passing over or resting on the upper walls of the apparatus.

32 As of claim 1, said invention used for material holding capacity, to hold water to feed plants, animals, birds and or decorative purposes, to collect excess water, to act as composting chamber to feed plants in the system, etc.

33 As of claim 1, one or more of the apparatus adopted to provide irrigation system to the overall arrangement either by gravity, capillary or pumped systems as required by the user.

34 As of claim 1, the apparatus disclosed in this invention are capable of nesting within each other, so as to facilitate their packaging, storage, shipment, and even display for sale.

35 As of claim 1, additional features such as capillary matting added to the walls of the apparatus for ease of water spreading within the planting arrangements.

36 Net-cups, pots, cups mesh means adopted to fit into the apertures of the apparatus as of claims 1 & 3 for ease of planting and renewing the planted materials if needed or for blocking off the apertures when not required.

37 As of claim 1, one or more of the apertures of the apparatus adopted to providing lighting effects to the system.

38 As of claiml and 37, the lights emitting products held in the apertures, as of claim 3, of the vertical sides.

39 As of claim 1, 37 to 38, the lighting system may consist of options of solar power, battery or mains powered electrical supply.

40 As of claim 1, the apparatus used as water feature by sealing the base plates as of claims 21 to 24, thus providing a fountain, bird-bath, system for irrigating plants in adjacent apparatus

41 As of claim 40, 32 & 33, the system use water-pump to make the water raise, flow or fall between the apparatus to create an ornamental impact and or in any combinations to suit the application and or ornamentation imaginable.

42 As of claims 1 to 13, there is no limit to the height or width of the stacked apparatus and or number or size of apparatus used to form a required structures.

05 09 18

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1612789.6 Examiner: Mr Ralph Plowman