AU2004203307A1 - Apparatus with multi-level surfaces for growing plants named the vertical flowerbed and method of plants cultivation - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patent Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Apparatus with multi-level surfaces for growing plants named THE VERTICAL FLOWERBED and method of plants cultivation THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THIS INVENTION INCLUDING THE METHOD OF USING IT KNOWN TO ME: 2.

Brief description of the drawings In order that the invention be more fully comprehended, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is general picture of the "straight" module or block of vertical flowerbed Fig.2 is general picture the "corner's" module or block of vertical flowerbed Fig.3 shows back of straight module without cover Fig.4 represent, by sectidning ,the straight module and all parts inside essential for its function by example, shows elongates vertical flowerbed built from simple modules and method for fitting it.

Fig.6 various shapes of flowerbed can achieves using corner's block Fig.7 any blocks can be build in four sizes of height: less 840mm, between 841 mm andl080mm, between 1081mm and 1440 mm, and taller than 1440 mm Detailed description of a drawing Using only corner's module gets column shaped vertical flowerbed like following description helps to express the author's idea by continuing description drawing above.

Referring to Fig. 1 shows straight shaped module. Straight shaped block looks like a box with front side shaped like stairs. All surfaces of stairs have an array of holes 1 from which one plant grows. Inside of block is plastic tube 4 accessible from outside for regulation water supply. Water amount can be controlled by button 2 on top of the dripper. Instead of dripper, water can flow from tube 4 through the holes made on tube.

Front side of block generally inclines from horizontal 75 degree. The stair's surfaces with holes for growing plants, inclines 20 degree from horizontal line. Those angles give plants maximum sunny light. Block has holes 3 for connection of module to running water. Depend of water source position, water tube of block, can connect on the top (left or right) or on the side (left or right).

Grooves 5 on each corner of block uses for connection with another block. The sides of grooves are thicker than another parts of body. Grooves give rigidity to block.

Fig.2 is general picture of the corner's block.

There are same fundamental parts like in straight type (Fig. The holes for plants 1, dripper 2, holes for water supply 3 and plastic tube 4.

The cause of the differences is in geometry of shape between straight and corner's blocks.

According mentioned above, surfaces for growing plants on the front surface of corner's type are different in size and shape. The surfaces with holes receiving plants, inclines from horizontal line around 270 (straight type 200) because width of it is approximately 52 mm (straight type 70 mm). Tube 4 removes from lower side of plant surface to upper side because width of surface is less (corner type) than at straight type.

Fig.3 shows back of straight type of block. As we see, cover 1 is removed from the body 2 of the block. The inside parts of block is visible (without growing medium and gravel). Tube 3 fixed inside of body and fixed to the front wall by special hooks, molded from plastic as part of body 2.

There are few possibilities for connecting running water to the block, depending upon position of water source. Fig.3 shows that water enters (or tube enters) into the block from the hole on top and left at the block. Cover 1 is made from plastic by molding. It has ribs 6 for rigidity.

Inside's space of a corner's block has different shape than straight type. The front of it is wider than at straight type because cover of that block and condition for shaping plastic by molding are different.

A water supply system build inside of any type of flowerbed blocks (module) is the same but the connection to water source could be different. The water can be supplied into the flowerbed from the central water distribution system under high pressure or from separate local source (water tank) under low pressure.

At the first case water comes in to the block (module) through holes located on the top or side panel. If the flowerbed consists of several modules the water system of each block can be united to one water system by using of specially designed connection.

At the second case modules has own water tank as a part of its body or can located separately. In this variant water is putting into system under low atmospheric pressure and get to the plants by earth gravitation.

Fig 3a shows the straight module with water tank fixed on the top panel (position and located separately (position Fig.4 shows the inside's main parts of the block by sectioning in orthographic projection: growing medium 1,net 2, tube 3 the gravel filling 4 and water collection plate. Growing medium 1 fulfils about a half space of the block. Growing medium can to be all kind soil appropriate for growing plant. Growing medium is wrapped in a density net 2 which covers all holes on the front surface. The net retains the soil to prevent waste and can uses all kind of it.

Tube 3 is water supply system described with Fig.3.

The remainder of space inside of block is full up by light gravel or other material with small weight.

Moistening water which travels from tube through drippers drops on soil and excess of water collects at plate 5 on the bottom of the block. Collection plate made from plastic in one size for all size of the block.

by example shows composed flowerbed from straight type module. On Fig.5a is basic module like complete vertical flower bed. In case on Fig.5b two basic modules are another vertical flowerbed with two side with plants. Fig.5c is vertical flowerbed made from combination Fig5a and b. All parts of vertical flower bed (Fig.5b,c) hold together by plastic bar Fig5.d.Plastic bar has pins 2 used for keep right position blocks. Diameter of pins is suitable for the holes 1 in the groove of module. Plastic bar tightens by screws 3 after settings together one by one.

Fig6. is fully pattern of vertical flower bed by using together both, straight and corner's type of module.Fig.6a shows using corner's module in the wall corner. By on Fig.6b by combination both types basic modules, cans build vertical flowerbed like hollow column (Fig.6c). And more completed vertical flowerbed every size and shape is on Fig.6d.

Fig.7 shows three size straight type of vertical flower bed. According height the number of steps for plants could be 6,9 and 12.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to gardening and, more particularly, to a novel vertical planting and growing system suitable for all forms of horticulture and small as well as large scale production of plant produce. The system of modules assists positive environmental applications and is water efficient. Each module is capable of delivering moisture and nutrient to regulated planting beds arranged within a vertical design of modular construction which is capable ofjoining with other modules to provide a complete growing system.

2. The Prior Art The practice of gardening is the most popular leisure time activity in all of the industrialized nations of the world. Gardening is enjoyed by all ages from the very young to the very old.

Gardening is not only excellent exercise and a valuable source of fresh produce, but studies have shown that gardening significantly reduces stress, relieves boredom, and, in general, improves the overall physical and emotional well being of the person involved in gardening.

Leisure-time gardens range in type from specialty indoor gardens for exotic flowers to large outside plots used for growing flowers as well as edible produce such as herbs, fruits, vegetables, and grains. Any garden intended for growing plants, regardless of type or location, requires a planting medium, sufficient light, and water, as well as the addition of plant nutrients from time to time depending upon the type of garden and the nature and type of plants.

Historically, gardens were planted in orderly rows, the rows being spaced sufficiently far apart to prevent crowding, accommodate mechanical weeding, and, where necessary, the administration of water through irrigation. Until the past few decades it has been possible to allocate a relatively large area of a yard to the exclusive use of a garden so that the economical use of space was not a problem. However, with the population growth throughout the world, the movement to high rise and medium density living, the available space for a gardens is becoming scarce. Further, persons living in apartments have been essentially excluded from the beneficial enjoyment of the hobby of gardening.

Traditionally, garden design and construction was usually of a raised bed built usually as a permanent structure from bricks and mortar, timber, mounds of dirt, etc. This presented patent and others, describes a new and novel construction of a mobile, module constructed and self-contained flowerbeds. The new designs are mobile and of light weight construction, made of plastic, suitable in shape for different spaces and uses. Each module is capable of delivering moisture and nutrient to regulated planting beds arranged within a vertical design of modular construction which is capable of joining with other modules to provide a complete growing system.

Previous planter systems include for example: Carlyon, Jr. (USA Patent No. 3.841.023) discloses a display apparatus for potted plants. The display apparatus includes a vertical stack of trays spaced one above the other, each tray including a water inlet and an overflow drain.

Moffett, Jr. (USA Patent No. 4.065.876) discloses a portable garden fabricated from a vertical cylinder of wire mesh, the wire mesh supporting a bag of soil into which the root ball of each individual plant is inserted.

Leroux (USA Patent No. 4.218.847) discloses a hydroponics apparatus having a free standing base housing, a water-based nutrient feed supply, and a plurality of mutually supporting plant trays oriented in a vertical array. A timer is used to control the pump for the nutrient feed supply.

Karpisek (USA Patent No. 4.380.136) discloses an assembly kit for a plurality of holders for a growth medium. At least two vertical bracket supports are used to adjustably support the holders against a vertical wall.

Harvey (USA Patent No. 4.986.027) discloses a hydroponics growth system wherein a flexible tubular element is suspended from an overhead support. The tubular element contains a root permeable material with slits formed in the sidewall. A reservoir at the base of the tubular element holds a fluid nutrient, and a pump is used to circulate the fluid nutrient to the permeable material for uptake by the roots.

Moffett, Jr. (USA Pat Patent No. 5.031.359) discloses a vertically oriented garden structure having an elongated enclosure for holding a growing medium. The enclosure has a central, hollow body member of a uniform cross-sectional area and peripheral shape. A plurality of openings provide access to the planting medium supported by the enclosure.

Howgill (UK Patent No 1.486.553) discloses a vertical garden having a hollow body tube with indentations at certain areas. Cup-shaped hoods are inverted into the planting material in the hollow body to keep the planting material from entering the outlet apertures.

Howgill et al (UK Patent Application 2.070.403) discloses a hanging plant cultivation container having a series of pockets in the sidewall of the container, the pockets receiving plants planted therein.

Casadio (European Patent Application 0301.362) discloses a vertical plant holder having a vertical, tubular body and plurality of cups mounted thereto. A water system directs water to each cup. Each cup is adapted to contain a plant.

Lund (USA Patent 5.555.676) disclosed vertical planter for supporting a plurality of plants vertically on water reservoir. The hollow column is fabricated from one or more column modules which are filled with a planting medium. The plurality of planting ports is formed in the wall of the hollow column to provide access for plants.

Williams (USA Patent No.4.961.284). A plant growing container including a frame of rigid self supporting materials having an open top and closed bottom. Framing openings in the front face of the frame receive plants which growing from growing medium inside. A vertically oriented tube in growing media, sealed at the bottom, for delivering water to the growing medium.

This patent application represents an advancement in the art to provide an improved vertical garden system and method for growing plants in the vertical orientation, constructed from modular elements. It is an advancement in the art by the provision of a self contained, gravity fed, watering system coupled with regulated watering outlets and a modular construction method. Such unique and novel features are contained within this application.

BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION This invention is a novel, vertical garden apparatus and method wherein a planting medium is contained within a vertically oriented column, the vertical column being constructed from modular elements. Apertures in the plant surface of the column provide access for inserting seeds or the roots of plants into the planting medium. Alternatively, planting cups are provided and may be selectively and removable attached at the apertures. These optional, cup-shaped inserts are available for supporting the plants externally to the column of growth medium. A moisture sensor system can be incorporated to provide for the automated watering of the plants. The water can be delivered either by pump from a basal reservoir or by gravity from an overhead reservoir.

D It is, therefore, a primary object of this invention to provide improvements in vertical gardening apparatuses.

N Another object of this invention is to provide improvements in the method of providing a vertical, planting medium support for plants.

0 Another object of this invention is to provide a vertical gardening system having a vertical column selectively assembled from modular elements.

N Another object of this invention is to provide an automated watering system for plants in a vertical planter, the automated system including a moisture sensor to activate an automated watering system.

Another object of this invention is to provide a demountable cup-like projection for supporting plants on the vertical planter.

Another object of this invention is to provide a low water alarm to indicate when the water in the reservoir is low.

N These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following description along with the accompanying drawing and the appended claims.

AN APPLICANT Eugene Sirota 21 July 2004

Claims (4)

1. A vertical flower bed comprising: a system incorporating basic modules with similar shapes and different sizes. It gives an opportunity to mount walls of different shapes and sizes. Every basic module is a self-contained building block which contains all necessary features for growing plants such as moisture system, growing medium and connection parts which put them together. Moisturising system is inside each module and accessible from outside for water adjustment. Every basic module contains three elements: body, cover and plate. Construction is of plastic moulded components also included: a container for water distribution to every plant growing medium and fertilizers wrapped and restrained by a porous barrier which prevent any loss of contents during the plants growth special joint parts for every basic module additional light gravel or light filler filling which can keep the humidity in the growing medium.

2. Each plant has its own place and dripping device which is enabling water supply of a determined appropriate amount.

3. Falling from the top to the bottom water is to be collected in a container located on the bottom plate.

4. Each module can receive water up or down, from left side to right and vice versa. Vertical flower bed's walls can be different shapes or sizes by combination of different modules.