GB2602329A - Modular surround - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular surround 2 for a plurality of vertically stackable planters (1, figure 1), the modular surround comprising: a base receptacle 3 for holding irrigation fluid: at least one pair our upstanding side panels 4 each positioned on opposite sides of the base receptacle; and fastening means 5 for fastening each side panel to the base receptacle and/or to another side panel in a vertical plane; whereby in use the base receptacle is located beneath the planters and is configured to hold any excess irrigation fluid flowing from the planters, and the side panels are configured to substantially surround and hold together an end of at least two vertically stacked planters. The base receptacle may be a drip tray 7 or tank (8, figure 4) and the side panels may incorporate sliding means for sliding the drip tray in and out of the surround. The modular surround may incorporate fireproofing means (28, figure 15). Further disclosed is a modular surround having a pair of struts for mounting beneath the lowermost planter in the stack, whereby, in use, the pair of struts is configured to support the stack of planters in a raised position within the tank such that a space is created for tank access and equipment storage. Also disclosed is a pair of side panels for a stack of vertically stackable planters, wherein the side panels are configured for mounting to the ends of the planters to secure the stack together in a vertical arrangement, such that, in use, lateral movement of one planter from another planter is prevented.

Description

Modular Surround This invention pertains generally to the field of modular surrounds for stackablc modular planters, and in particular modular surrounds for supporting a stack of vertical modular planters.

Stackable, modular planters are one option to provide a space with a green wall or vertical garden. These green walls are proving popular in urban or built-up environments, where space is a premium, vet the desire to provide the benefits of nature in such an environment are strong. Alongside the visual benefits of these eye-catching structures comes the psychological benefits too. Greenery in such urban environments is thought to lift the mood of any occupants, making people more alert and energetic. A concept known as biophilia. Plants and greenery can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It has even been proven that certain plants can improve air quality within the space, purifying and removing pollutants from their surroundings. In addition to these benefits, living walls have also shown to improve building insulation and acoustics.

The majority of living wall systems currently available have been designed for outdoor use. However, in urban environments, and in particular within office buildings, outdoor space is rare. Therefore, some living walls have been designed for indoor use, and can therefore be installed within the office itself, in common areas, receptions, corridors or leisure areas The requirements within an indoor environment differ to those within an outdoor environment. There are higher expectations of cleanliness and hygiene within an indoor space and convenience is key when it comes to installing, moving and maintaining.

A key component of any living wall system is a supply of water to feed the plants. Typically, most living walls incorporate integrated irrigation systems, that are either recirculating, where water is pumped and distributed from a built-in tank, or direct supply, where water is plumbed in from the building's water supply. Basic nutrients for the plants can also be supplied through the integrated irrigation system. Where the living wall is to be manually watered, a user may have to be able to reach the uppermost planter or make use of a ladder to do so. This poses safety issues.

However, the logistics of installing and maintaining a living wall inside a building can prove challenging. Most living wall systems make use of soil or similar growing medium, which can prove dirty or messy. The pumps, ppework and other irrigation equipment can prove unsightly if not housed to suit such a space. The irrigation systems can overflow or leak, often with dirty water if excess from a planter.

Installation can take some time if the full construction is to be assembled on site, and once installed, it can prove very tricky to move an established living wall system. The layout of office space is typically designed to be adaptable and reconfigurable. Temporary wall partitions are often used to divide the space, and these partitions are frequently reconfigured as and when required.

Moving, handling, and maintaining a stack of vertical planters can also prove troublesome. If an attempt is made to lift a stack from any level except from the very bottom planter in the stack, the higher levels would lift away, and the stack become broken. If a horizontal load is applied to the stack of vertical planters, such as when installing or irrigating, the stack is likely to tip, and become disengaged from the planter below. Where a stack is of a considerable height, any movement of the stack can prove tricky.

There is a need to improve the manageability of a stack of vertical planters, and to prevent tip, or the breaking of the stack when subject to any horizontal force. There is a need to improve efficiency and cleanliness of irrigation and water supply to such modular planter systems, whilst also containing and disposing of any excess irrigation, particularly within an indoor environment. 'There is a need to support and house modular planter systems within indoor environments, disguising any unsightly irrigation systems whilst maximising accessibility to such systems. There is a need to make modular planter systems movable and reconfigurable, both during and after installation, to suit environments that arc often reconfigured. There is a need to improve upon the modularity of modular planter systems to safely allow for greater heights of planter stacks, whilst ensuring aesthetics of any visible sides. There is a need to be able to expand on existing modular planter systems, with add-on modules, should the available space grow or change shape.

The prior art shows a number of devices which attempt to address these needs in various ways.

US 2017 354 096 (Yaping) discloses a reservoir for a stack of planters, comprising a reservoir base, a lateral wall, a lid receiving lip and a planter supporting lid. The reservoir base is for containing irrigation water. A pump drives water from die reservoir base to die plurality of stacking planters. This stack of planters with inbuilt irrigation solves the problem of space, and provides an aesthetic option, convenient for indoor use. However, moving the stack from one place to another, or during installation, would prove challenging.

Any lateral or sideways movement of a planter higher up the stack may cause the stack to tip or be pulled over.

US 2009 173 004 (Weast) discloses a method and apparatus for elevated stacking of planters, comprising a modular planting assembly. The planting assembly comprises a base planter, and thriller planters supported above the base planter by a pair of vertically disposed elongated members, that may be one piece, or comprise a plurality of component members to allow the user to lengthen them and add further elevated planters. Whilst providing an option to have a vertical array of planters, that is modular and therefore to an extent reconfigurable, the fact that they are only secured together at the back makes moving a stack once installed quite cumbersome to do. The rear support would need to be lifted, without tipping the planters forwards. The array of planters is also unlikely to be suitable for an indoor environment, as there is little protection from spillages due to over watering or excess irrigation.

Whilst the prior art appears to address the issue of providing a vertical stack of planters and goes some way towards making the vertical stack movable once assembled, it does not address the issue of providing a vertical stack of planters suitable for indoor use. The prior art does not provide a way of managing excess irrigation or possible spillages, nor does it address the issue of the stack toppling over or tipping when subject to any horizontal load. The prior art does not propose a modular system that can be conveniently assembled off site, at least to an extent, prior to being installed on site.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a surround for a stack of vertical planters, comprising at least two planters, where the stack can be easily moved from one location to another, and the planters being held together in such a way as to prevent tip and the planters coming apart from one another, when subjected to a horizontal load. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also aim to provide a surround for a stack of vertical planters that is suitable for indoor use, where the irrigation system used to water any plants planted within the planters is concealed, and spillages contained.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular surround for a plurality of vertically stackable planters, the modular surround comprising: a base receptacle for holding irrigation fluid; at least one pair of upstanding side panels each positioned on opposite sides of the base receptacle, and fastening means for fastening each side panel to the base receptacle and/or to another side panel in a vertical plane; whereby, in use, the base receptacle is located beneath the planters and is configured to hold any excess irrigation fluid flowing from the planters, and the side panels are configured to substantially surround and hold together an end of at least two vertically stacked planters.

The base receptacle may comprise a tank.

The tank may comprise one or more tank covers.

The tank may be configured to contain ga on equipment.

Alternatively, the base receptacle may comprise a drip tray. The drip tray may be provided with a grate.

The side panels may incorporate sliding means for sliding the drip tray into and out of the modular surround.

The sliding means may comprise a glide pad.

The fastening means may comprise one or more of the following: clinch pins, locator pins, hooks, rivets, tongue and groove joints ancUor bolt fasteners.

The modular surround may comprise a top for connecting a top end of one side panel with the top end of the opposite side panel.

Preferably, the top may be releasably secured to the side panel with locating pins.

The base receptacle and/or side panels may be provided with ground engaging portions.

The ground engaging portions may comprise one or more of the following: caster, kickplate, foot.

The modular surround may incorporate lighting means.

The side panels may incorporate a flange along their length, configured to create a void through which any pipes or cables can run.

The side panels may incorporate one or more mounting brackets.

The mounting brackets may incorporate means to support any pipes or cables.

The modular surround may incorporate joining means for releasably joining one modular surround to another identical modular surround, either side-by-side arrangement or back-to-back arrangement.

Preferably, the joining means may comprise at least one clip.

The modular surround may incorporate fireproofing means.

The fireproofing means may comprise a panel of fire-retardant material configured for mounting between side panels The fire-retardant material may be rockwool.

The fireproofing means may comprise a plurality of metal brackets.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular surround for a plurality of vertically stackable planters, the modular surround comprising: a drip tray for holding irrigation fluid; and, at least one pair of upstanding side panels for fastening, in use, to end panels of the stack of planters, on opposite sides of the stack of planters, whereby, in use, the drip tray is slidably mounted beneath the planters and is configured to hold any excess irrigation fluid flowing from the planters, and the side panels are configured to substantially surround and hold together the stack of planters.

According to yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular surround for a plurality of vertically stackablc planters, the modular surround comprising: a tank for holding irrigation fluid; at least one pair of upstanding side panels each positioned on opposite sides of the tank; fastening means for fastening each side panel to the base receptacle ancUor to another side panel in a vertical plane; and a pair of struts for mounting beneath the lowermost planter in the stack, whereby, in use, the pair of struts is configured to support the stack of planters in a raised position within the tank, such that a space is created for tank access and equipment storage.

Preferably, the strut may comprise an end panel of a planter.

According to a further aspect of the present invention; there is provided a stack of vertically stackablc planters incorporating the modular surround of any one of the preceding claims, whereby the modular surround is configured to provide a base receptacle that covers the base of the stack and a plurality of pairs of side panels that cover the ends of the stack.

According to yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pair of side panels for a stack of vertically stackable planters, wherein the side panels are configured for mounting to the ends of the planters to secure the stack together in a vertical arrangement, such that, in use, lateral movement of one planter from another planter is prevented.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows one embodiment of typical planter, showing both a single planter, and an arrangement where one planter is stacked upon another in a vertical plane; Figure 2 shows one embodiment of a surround for a vertical stack of planters, showing a base receptacle fastened to a pair of upstanding side panels, where the base receptacle comprises a drip tray arrangement; Figure 3 shows one embodiment of a surround for a vertical stack of planters, showing a base receptable fastened to a pair of upstanding side panels, where the base receptacle comprises a tank arrangement, and the side panels are fastened at the back of tank; Figure 4 shows one embodiment of a surround for a vertical stack of planters, showing a base receptacle fastened to a pair of upstanding side panels, where the base receptacle comprises a tank arrangement, and die side panels are fastened in the centre of the tank arrangement; Figures 5A and 5B show the surround of Figure 2 incorporating a top, and shown with and without a stack of planters, and with and without casters on the base receptacle; Figures 6A and 6B show two further arrangements of the surround of Figure 5B, shown in side-by-side arrangement and back-to-back arrangement; Figures 7A and 7B show one possible embodiment of drip tray within the base receptacle; Figure 8 shows one embodiment of mounting the drip tray to the side panel, such that the drip tray can be slid into and out of the side panel; Figures 9A and 9B show the surround of Figure 3, with different volumes of a tank as the base receptacle, and provided with a cover for any exposed portion of the tank; Figures 10A and 10B show the surround of Figure 9A, with a larger array of stacked planters, shown in a 9 by 3 configuration, and mounted on casters; Figure 1 I shows the same surround as Figure 10A for a 9 by 3 array of planters, shown mounted back-to-back to a further surround of 9 by 3 array of planters; Figure 12A shows one embodiment of tank as the base receptacle of the surround, showing the void created within the tank for housing irrigation equipment; Figure 12B shows one embodiment of a flange within the side panels for creating space to channel any power cables and/or irrigation pipes; Figure 13 show one embodiment oflighting for the surround, and Figure 14 shows one embodiment of securing the lighting to the surround showing a bracket attached to the back of the modular surround, and showing the lighting means in close up view; Figures 15, 16A and 16B show one possible embodiment of fire proofing for an array of planters; Figures I7A and I 7B show one embodiment of wall brackets within the modular surround, where the wall brackets provide means to support an irrigation pipe; Figures 18A and I 8B show one embodiment of securing the side panel to a stack of planters; Figure 19 shows four possible floor mounting options for the modular surround; Figure 20 shows some typical modular surrounds for different arrays of modular planters.

In the figures like references denote like or corresponding parts.

It is to be understood that the various features that are described in the following and/or illustrated in the drawings are preferred but not essential. Combinations of features described and/or illustrated are not considered to be the only possible combinations. Unless stated to the contrary, individual features may be omitted, varied or combined in different combinations, where practical.

Figure I shows a typical vertically stackable planter I on its own and shown stacked on top of an identical vertically stackable planter 1. The vertically stackable planters I may not be identical but will always be of the same length and width, such that when stacked, they cover the same footprint. These vertically stackable planters I typically comprise a receptacle to contain soil, or other growing media such as hydroponic, and in which plants can be grown, along with integral irrigation channels, or means to provide water and nutrients to the plants contained within, in it is simplest for, the vertically stackable planter 1, may comprise a trough with a plurality of holes within it is base, to allow drainage of excess irrigation into the planter I below.

Figure 2 shows a basic arrangement of a modular surround 2 for a stack of vertically stackable planters 1, showing a base receptacle 3, arranged with a pair of upstanding side panels 4, whereby each of the side panels 4 are arranged at the ends of the base receptacle 3, and may or may not be secured in placc through a fastening means 5. The base receptacle and, 3 in this arrangement of modular surround 2 comprises a drip tray 7, or shallow receptacle for containing irrigation fluid 6. The irrigation fluid 6 is likely to be excess irrigation fluid 6 draining from the lowermost planter 1 in a stack. The modular surround 2 shown in Figure 2, is configured to surround the base and the sides of a stack of vertically stackable planters I, such that the base and sides of the vertically stackable planters I are substantially covered by the modular surround 2. The drip tray 7 is configured to capture any excess irrigation fluid 6 from any drainage holes or channels within the lowermost planter in the stack. The drip tray 7 in this arrangement can slide into and out of position beneath the stack of planters 1.

Each side panel 4 is modular in configuration, such that any number of side panels 4 can be connected with the fastening means 5 at their ends. This allows an upstanding side panel 4 to be connected to another upstanding side panel 4, end to end, and another upstanding side panel 4, as high as is required to cover the -HI height of the side of the stack of vertically stackable planters 1. The fastening means 5 is also configured to fasten the side panel 4 to the base receptacle 3, in an arrangement whereby the end of the side panel 4 sits on the ground, holding the base receptacle 3 therebetween, thus providing feet for the base receptacle 3, or the fastening means 5 may be configured to mount the side panel 4 to the uppermost edge of the base receptacle 3, such that the base receptacle 3 sits on the ground, and holds the side panels 4 in a vertical configuration, on either side of the stack of vertically stackable planters 1.

Figure 3 shows an alternative arrangement of modular surround 2, where the base receptacle 3 comprises a tank 8 inside which the vertically stackable planters lean sit. The tank 8 may be of a suitable size to hold a large quantity of irrigation fluid 6. The modular surround 2 shown in Figure 3 comprises the tank 8 secured to a pair of upstanding side panels 4 at either end, where the fastening means 5 is between the uppermost edge of a side of the tank 8 and an end of the side panels 4. The side panels 4 are mounted at the very back of the tank 8, such that both tank 8 and side panels 4 comprise a flat back arrangement, for mounting against a wall, or mounting back to back with another array of vertically stackable planters I installed within a modular surround 2. Therefore, the array of vertically stackable planters 1 would also sit at the back of the tank 8 in this arrangement. Where the width of the configuration of stacks of vertical planters 1 comprises more than one planter 1, a plurality of joining clips are used to the rear of the modular surround 2, for added stability. I0

Figure 4 shows yet a further arrangement of modular surround 2, where the base receptacle 3 comprises the tank 8, and the pair of upstanding side panels 4 are mounted to the uppermost edge of the tank 8 by the fastening means 5 such that the side panels 4 are substantially central in position along the side edge of the tank 8, in this arrangement the array of vertically stackable planters 1 are also placed centrally within the tank 8.

Figure 5A shows the modular surround 2 of figure 2, provided with a top 9, and mounted on a plurality of casters 10, where the casters 10 make the modular surround 2 easy to move about. The top 9 is configured to substantially cover the top of the uppermost planters in the stack of vertically stackable planters 1. In this arrangement, the uppermost planters in the stack would not be used to grow plants. The top 9 provides means to hold the opposing side panels 4 together, so that they stay in a vertical orientation, and remain equally spaced throughout their length. As shown in Figure 5B, the array of vertically stackable planters I sits inside the modular surround 2, such that the sides of the stack of planters are covered, along with the base of the lowermost planters and the top of the uppermost planters in the stack. This arrangement is aesthetically pleasing, whilst also providing means to contain any excess irrigation fluid 6, prevent spillages, and ultimately to help to ensure structural integrity of the stack of vertically stackable planters 1. The modular surround 2 can be constructed prior to installation, and the desired array of vertically stackable planters 1 housed therein. This saves considerable assembly time on site. The modular surround 2 holds the stack together. if a person were to attempt to lift the stack, the modular surround 2 ensures that the stack of planters does not come apart when lifted. Should the stack be subjected to any horizontal load, such as by a person pulling on a planter higher up in the stack, during watering or otherwise, the modular surround 2 holds the stack together preventing the planters from coming apart from one another, and preventing tip. In one embodiment, the sides 4 are secured to the ends of the stack of planters I, thereby holding the stack together.

Figure 6A shows the modular surround 2 of Figure 5B in side-by-side arrangement, where neighbouring side panels 4 are secured together with a clip I I. Figure 6B shows the modular surround 2 of Figure 5B in back to back arrangement with an identical modular surround 2, where the two modular surrounds 2 are secured together with the dip 11, and the modular surround 2 is provided with a plurality of casters 10. These casters 10 allow the back-to-back stack to be easily and conveniently moved from place to place.

II

The base receptacle 3 may incorporate a raised front edge, as shown, where the front edge is of a greater height to the rear edge of the base receptacle 3. This is for aesthetic purposes, whilst also being to help prevent spillage of any excess irrigation fluid 6 from the lowermost planter in the stack of vertically stackable planters I. A typical stack of vertically stackable planters, as shown, is 3 by 1, where three planters are stacked one on top of the other. However, the stack may comprise 2 by 1,4 by 1, 5 by 1, and so on, and the side panels 4 span a suitable length such that they cover the sides of the stack, or such that two or more side panels 4, mounted end to end in vertical configuration, cover the sides of the stack, making a modular arrangement. This modular arrangement allows for changes to be made to the stack of vertically stackable planters 1.

Figures 7A and 7B show a grate 12 within the drip tray 7 that makes up the base receptacle 3. This perforated sheet grate 12 prevents larger items of soil products from falling into the irrigation fluid 6 contained within the drip tray 7. The drip tray 7 comprises a front trim 13, to help to prevent spillage of any irrigation fluid 6, prevent overflow of the drip tray 7, and for enhance the aesthetic of the overall modular surround 2. The grate 12 may incorporate one or more grate locator tabs 14 for ease of installation, and ease of removing and replacing the drip tray 7, and the grate 12, for emptying and maintenance purposes. These locator tabs 14 locate with a part of the side panels 4.

Figure 8 shows one end of a side panel 4 when mounted to a caster 10 through a caster mounting means 15. The end of the side panel 4 is bent over, to form a flat, horizontal surface, on which the drip tray 7 can be slid. This surface may be provided with a glide pad 16, made from nylon or similar material, to help to assist with sliding the drip tray 7 into and out of position at the base of the modular surround 2.

Figures 9A and 9B show the modular surround of figure 3, with rear mounted side panels 4, showing two side panels 4 on either side of the tank 8, mounted end-to-end, and atop 9 spanning the gap between the side panels 4. Two different sizes of tank 8 are shown.

The size of the tank 8 affects the amount of irrigation fluid 6 that can be stored therein, which, when used with any self-watering systems, would allow the plants contained within the array of vertically stackable planters 1 to be provided with water for a suitable length of time. The tank 8 therefore makes maintenance far more convenient for a user if the plants do not need to be provided with a fresh supply of irrigation fluid 6 too frequently.

Where more than one stack of planters 1 is configured side by side, joining clips are used to secure the stacks of planters Ito the neighbouring stack of planters 1. This maintains stability throughout the array of stacks.

The tanks 8 within figures 9A and 9B are provided with tank covers 17, that cover any open portion of the tank 8, after the vertically stackable planters 1 have been placed within the tank 8. These covers 17 are for aesthetic purposes, whilst also preventing any items from being dropped into the tank and helping to conceal and protect any irrigation systems held within.

Figures 10A and 10B show a larger array of vertically stackable planters 1 and therefore a larger arrangement of modular surround 2, showing this array from a front and rear configuration. The top 9 and the tank 8 are of a suitable length to house multiple stacks of planters, when mounted side by side. The rear of the modular surround 2, and therefore the rear edge of the top 9, and/or the rear edge of the tank 8, and/or the rear edges of the side panels 4 may be provided with a plurality of fastening means, for fastening the modular surround 2, and therefore the array of vertically stackable planters Ito a wall, or to another similar modular surround 2 of vertically stackable planters I. Figure 11 shows one example of these modular surrounds 2 mounted back-to-back, and on four casters 10, to allow the entire unit to be moved from place to place.

Figure I 2A shows one arrangement of base receptacle 3, or tank 8, where a void 20 has been created within the tank 8 by the planter side panels 19. The tank 8 in this arrangement incorporates tabs 21 along the rear uppermost edge, for fastening to the stack of planters. In this arrangement the void 20 within the tank 8 creates plenty of space to house irrigation equipment for self-watering systems, such as pumps, and the various pipevvork required to relay irrigation fluid 6 from the kink 8 to the planters in the stack of vertically stackable planters 1. The position of the lowermost planter, in this particular arrangement, comprises just the ends of a lowermost planter, so that the stack of planters mounted above it are held in the same position as they would be had a planter have been installed in this position. These planter ends 19 help to create the void 20, by mounting the next planter in the stack directly above it within the tank 8. In a further embodiment a strut could be used in place of the planter side panel 19 to support the planter I mounted directly above, and to carry the load. Figure 12B shows one arrangement of side panel flange 25, configured to create a gap at the rear of the tank 8 to allow for the passage of irrigation tubes 23, power cables 24 if required to drive a pump or similar irrigation means 22. This flange 25 helps to provide space to channelling any required pipes, tubes, or cables, for aesthetic purposes, but also to help to protect these pipes, tubes, or cables.

Figures 13 and 14 show one possible embodiment of lighting 26 for the modular surround 2 and for illuminating the vertically stackable planters 1, and therefore the plants, contained within the vertically stackable planters 1 held within the modular surround 2. The lighting 26 may be held in position through a plurality of lighting support brackets 27.

Figures 15, 16A and 161) show one possible arrangement of fireproofing means 28 for the modular surround 2, to ensure that the unit complies with any necessary building regulations for fire regulation, particularly within indoor, office environments. The tank 8 may incorporate a channel 29 in a side wall for supporting a panel of fire-resistant material, such as rockwool. This panel may also be supported by a plurality of braces 30, to prevent buckling. The braces 30 in the tank 8 stop tank distortion, and where just the ends of a planter are installed at the very base of a stack of planters, these braces 30 are unencumbered by the planters. In addition to the panel, the fireproofing means 28 may incorporate a ['Luther element of fireproofing material, such as metal brackets, that feed into each planter in an array of vertically stackable planters 1. Also shown in 16A is a conduit 32 for that runs through the bottom of the tank 8 to allow the tank 8 to have a concealed mains water top-up and drainage overflow location, and as a route for a power cable to exit the modular surround 2 without unsightly cables on show.

Figures 17A and 17B show one possible arrangement of brackets 31, for securing a side panel 4 to a neighbouring side panel 4. The brackets 31 also provide means to support and channel any irrigation tubes 23, that convey irrigation fluid 6 between the base receptacle 3 and one of the planters, typically the uppermost planter, or where that is not being used, the next planter down in the stack. The brackets 31 may affix to mouldings within the side panels 4. The side panels 4 may incorporate channels, ducting, or indentations to further support any irrigation tubes 23, or any power cables 24.

Figure 18 shows one way in which the side panels 4 may be mounted to the ends of a stack of vertically stackable planters I. In this example, the side panels 4 incorporate a plurality of hooks 33. These hooks 33 are moulded as part of the side panels 4 but they may be separate and secured in position. The hooks 33 are hooked onto the front face of a stack of planters, then the side panels 4 are wrapped into position against the ends of the planters and secured to the rear. The hooks 33 may aid with locating the side panel 4 and securing into position. In one embodiment the side panels 4 may be riveted with rivets 34 to corresponding holes within the rear of the stack of planters. Or an additional component such as a bracket, 35, may be used, to bolt planters and side panels 4 to one another. The side panels 4 may incorporate a plurality of locating and joining holes for locating and joining onto the planters 1 within the stack.

Figure 19 shows the various options of floor mounting for the modular surround 2, which may comprise casters 10, one or more feet 36, a kickplate 37 or any combination of those.

Figure 20 shows three typical vertical modular planter 1 arrays, that can be assembled off site where necessary, at least to an extent, and the modules slotted and fastened together when in situ. The modular nature of the modular surround 2 allows for different combinations of side panels 4, to different base receptacles 3, to different lengths of top 9, to be configured together to suit a specific space, whilst also allowing this arrangement to be reconfigured as and lAiben required. The modular surround 2 adds a surround to stacks of vertically stackable planters 1 to create a series of living walls of different shapes and sizes with a kit of parts.

The modular arrangement allows for standalone modes, where vertically stackable planters I stand inside the base receptacle 3, or tank 8. The fastening means 5 within the ends of the side panels 4 may comprise clinch pins, to allow them to be mounted end to end, to create different heights of side panels 4. The fastening means 5 may alternatively comprise hooks, rivets, tongue and groove joints and/or bolt fasteners.

Manual watering of vertically stackable planters I is into the top planter and this then progresses down. If the bottom planter overflows then the extra water is captured in the drip tray 7 or tank 8, which in the case of the drip tray 7, can be slid out and emptied.

The modular surround 2 may comprise one or more of the following materials: metal, plastics, wood. The surface treatments to the components that make up the modular surround 2 may comprise powder coating for aluminium, plastisol coatings, timber treatments and paint, depending on material used for the construction.

The modular surround 2 may be assembled at the factory, at least in part, or may comprise a kit of parts for assembly at the installation location. The modular surround 2 may be provided in conjunction, and operatively connected to, at least one vertical stack of planters I. A vertical stack of planters I may be provided with at least one pair of side panels 4, arranged to hold the stack together. The configuration of side panels 4 and the means of securing more than one planter 1 together in a vertical stack allows for the stack to be fully assembled and shipped as one-piece, saving considerable assembly time on site.

In this specification, the verb "comprise" has its normal dictionary meaning, to denote non-exclusive inclusion. That is, use of the word "comprise" (or any of its derivatives) to include one feature or more, does not exclude the possibility of also including further features. The word "preferable" (or any of its derivatives) indicates one feature or more that is preferred but not essential.

All or any of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all or any of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7 8.A modular surround for a plurality of vertically stackable planters, the modular surround comprising: a base receptacle for holding irrigation fluid; at least one pair of upstanding side panels each positioned on opposite sides of the base receptacle; and, fastening means for fastening each side panel to the base receptacle and/or to another side panel in a vertical plane; whereby, in use, the base receptacle is located beneath the planters and is configured to hold any excess irrigation fluid flowing from the planters, and the side panels are configured to substantially surround and hold together an end of at least two vertically stacked planters.

   A modular surround according to Claim 1, wherein the base receptacle comprises a tank.

   A modular surround according to Claim 2, wherein the tank comprises one or more tank covers.

   A modular surround according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the tank is configured to contain irrigation equipment.

   A modular surround according to Claim 1, wherein the base receptacle comprises a drip tray.

   A modular surround according to Claim 5, wherein the drip tray is provided with a grate.

   A modular surround according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein the side panels incorporate sliding means for sliding the drip tray into and out of the modular surround.

   A modular surround according to Claim 7, wherein the sliding means comprises a glide pad.

   9 A modular surround according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means comprises one or more of the following: clinch pins, locator pins, hooks, rivets, tongue and groove joints and/or bolt fasteners 10. A modular surround according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular surround comprises a top for connecting a top end of one side panel with the top end of the opposite side panel.11. A modular surround according to Claim 10, wherein the top is releasably secured to the side panel with locating pins.12. A modular surround according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base receptacle and/or side panels are provided with ground engaging portions.13. A modular surround according to Cairn 12, wherein the ground engaging portions comprise one or more of the following: caster, kickplate, foot.14. A modular surround according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular surround incorporates lighting means.15. A modular surround according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side panels incorporate a flange along their length, configured to create a void through which any pipes or cables can run.16. A modular surround according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side panels incorporate one or more mounting brackets.17. A modular surround according to Claim 16, wherein the mounting brackets incorporate means to support any pipes or cables.18. A modular surround according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular surround incorporates joining means for releasably joining one modular surround to another identical modular surround, either side-by-side arrangement or back-to-back arrangement.19. A modular surround according to Claim 18, wherein the joining means comprises at least one clip.20. A modular surround according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular surround incorporates fireproofing means.21. A modular surround according to Claim 20, wherein the fireproofing means comprises a panel of fire-retardant material configured for mounting between side panels.22. A modular surround according to Claim 21, wherein the fire-retardant material is rockwool.23. A modular surround according to Claim 21 or Claim 22, wherein the fireproofing means comprises a plurality of metal brackets.24 A modular surround for a plurality of vertically stackable planters, the modular surround comprising: - a drip tray for holding irrigation fluid; and, at least one pair of upstanding side panels for fastening, in use, to end panels of the stack of planters, on opposite sides of the stack of planters, whereby, in use, the drip tray is slidably mounted beneath the planters and is configured to hold any excess irrigation fluid flowing from the planters, and the side panels are configured to substantially surround and hold together the stack of planters.A modular surround for a plurality of vertically stackable planters, the modular surround comprising: a tank for holding irrigation fluid; - at least one pair of upstanding side panels each positioned on opposite sides of the tank; fastening means for fastening each side panel to the base receptacle and/or to another side panel in a vertical plane; and, - a pair of struts for mounting beneath the lowermost planter in the stack, whereby, in use, the pair of struts is configured to support the stack of planters in a raised position within the tank, such that a space is created for tank access and equipment storage.26. A modular surround according to claim 25, wherein the strut comprises an end panel of a planter.27. A modular surround substantially as here Mefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.28. A stack of vertically stackable planters incorporating the modular surround of any one of the preceding claims, whereby the modular surround is configured to provide a base receptacle that covers the base of the stack and a plurality of pairs of side panels that cover the ends of the stack.29. A pair of side panels for a stack of vertically stackablc planters, wherein the side panels are configured for mounting to the ends of the planters to secure the stack together in a vertical arrangement, such that, in use, lateral movement of one planter from another planter is prevented.