AU2020100792A4 - A Plant Growth Apparatus and Method of Assembly Thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention concerns an apparatus, a kit and method of formation thereof for prolonging and optimising water distribution for supporting plant growth. In one form, the apparatus includes a container having a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim, said rim defining an opening to the container; a wick member placed atop the base and configured to protrude at least partially towards the opening from a central portion of the base; a drainage medium placed atop the base and around the wick member; and a soil free potting medium placed atop the wick member and the drainage medium and used to at least partially fill a remainder of the container. Figure 1

Description

A PLANT GROWTH APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY THEREOF

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of horticulture. More specifically, the present invention concerns an apparatus and method of assembly thereof for prolonging and optimising water distribution for supporting plant growth.

BACKGROUND

[0002] There are several drawbacks associated with potted plants grown in pots containing soil. Fungal spores, bacteria, plant-eating insects, weed seeds, pesticides and other chemical residues and unwanted residues can be introduced by way of the soil and may reduce plant growth and/or contaminate plants. Further, soil, such as, garden soil, tends to have poor hydrolytic properties and therefore suffers from poor water holding capacity and drainage. Indeed, after several waterings, soil is prone to compaction leading to water channelling and dry spots, which can be particularly hard on the tender roots of a young seedling just getting established.

[0003] Recently, soil-free media blends have been used as an alternative for soil for potted plants. Soil-free media blends typically include blends of substrates such as, e.g., peat, coir and/or bark, and advantageously are free of disease and contaminants, and provide improved water retention and drainage when compared to conventional soil.

[0004] However, the present inventor has found that the water distribution properties provided by such soil-free media blends can be improved. For example, a problem in general with indoor plants potted in such blends is that the plants are prone to drying out if left unattended over a six- to eight-week period. This problem is particularly inconvenient when a plant owner is going on holidays or will be absent for an extended period of time and needs to arrange for a third party to intermittently water his or her plants while away.

[0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a plant growth apparatus and method of formation thereof, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial

2020100792 20 May 2020 choice.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plant growth apparatus configured to prolong and optimise water distribution for supporting plant growth therein, said apparatus including:

a container having a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim, said rim defining an opening to the container;

at least one wick member located atop the base and configured to protrude upwardly at least partially towards the opening from a central portion of the base;

a drainage medium applied atop the base and at least partially around the at least one wick member; and a soil-free potting medium applied atop the at least one wick member and the drainage medium for at least partially filling a remainder of the container.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plant growth apparatus kit configured to prolong and optimise water distribution for supporting plant growth within a container having a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim, said rim defining an opening to the container, said kit including:

at least one wick member for location atop the base of the container and configured to protrude upwardly at least partially towards the opening from a central portion of the base;

a drainage medium for application atop the base and at least partially around the at least one wick member; and a soil-free potting medium applied atop the at least one wick member and the drainage medium for at least partially filling a reminder of the container.

[0009] Advantageously, the present invention provides a plant growth apparatus that is substantially free of the diseases and contaminants associated with soil and that provides enhanced water holding capacity and drainage. Indeed, embodiments of the present invention have been able to support plant growth for extended periods of time, such as, e.g., from about four to eight weeks or more, thereby obviating the need for a plant owner to engage a third party to water his or her plants while on holidays or absent for an extended period of time.

[0010] The container may be of any suitable size, shape and form for holding a remainder of the plant growth apparatus and providing an opening for a plant to grow therefrom. Likewise, the container may be formed from any suitable material and/or materials, such as plastic, metal, ceramic, wood, terracotta, glass or stone, for example.

[0011] As indicated, the container has a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim. The rim may extend from an upper portion of the at least one sidewall

2020100792 20 May 2020 and may extend along an edge of the at least one sidewall.

[0012] The base may be of any suitable shape. For example, in some embodiments, the base may be in the shape of a circle or oval. In other embodiments, the base may be in the shape of a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon or octagon, for example.

[0013] The container may include rounded corners extending between adjacent sidewalls. Similarly, the container may include rounded edges between the base and the adjacent sidewalls.

[0014] In some embodiments, the at least one sidewall may extend linearly between the base and the rim. In other embodiments, the at least one sidewall may include one or more curves. For example, in such embodiments, the at least one sidewall may include one or more concave or convex curves.

[0015] In preferred embodiments, the container may include a circular base, a circular rim defining a circular opening opposite the base and a single outwardly curved sidewall extending from the base to the rim.

[0016] The container may have at least a translucent, clear or transparent at least one sidewall, preferably the entire container may be clear or transparent. In preferred embodiments, the container may be entirely formed from glass.

[0017] The at least one wick member may be of any suitable size and shape for providing a vertical drainage path for water to flow upwards from the base of the container, typically via capillary action. Likewise, the at least one wick member may be formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0018] Generally, the at least one wick member may be made of a soft and porous material or materials.

[0019] In some embodiments, the at least one wick member may be formed from synthetic material or materials, such as, e.g., polyester, polyurethane and/or vegetal cellulose.

[0020] In other embodiments, the at least one wick member may be formed from natural material or materials, such as, e.g., a sea sponge, a plant fibre sponge, sphagnum moss or sphagnum peat.

[0021] The at least one wick member is located atop a central portion of the base and is configured to protrude upwardly at least partially towards the opening to facilitate the distribution

2020100792 20 May 2020 of water pooled or collected at the base of the container to a remainder of the container via capillary action.

[0022] The at least one wick member may preferably only protrude from a central portion of the base so as not to overly draw water away from the base of the container and possibly accelerate drying out of the apparatus.

[0023] The wick member may protrude to any suitable height within the container, as defined by the distance between the base and the opening of the container. For example, the wick member may protrude to a height of about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90% or even about 95% of the height of the container.

[0024] The wick member may be formed in any suitable shape.

[0025] For example, in some embodiments, the wick member may be substantially planar in shape and may protrude upwards along its longitudinal axis.

[0026] In other embodiments, the wick member may be substantially prism-shaped and protrude upwards along its longitudinal axis. In such embodiments, the wick member may be substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0027] In other embodiments, the wick member may be substantially conical or pyramidal in shape.

[0028] In yet other embodiments, the wick member may be substantially amorphous in shape.

[0029] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include more than one wick member. For example, it is envisaged that for larger container sizes two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, 10 or more wicks may be used. Typically, such containers may have an internal volume of about 75L or more.

[0030] In preferred embodiments, the at least one wick may be formed of sphagnum moss, also known as peat moss and may be in the shape of a cylinder protruding upwardly from a central portion of the base of the container at least partially towards the opening at a height of about 20% a height of the container.

[0031] As indicated, the apparatus or kit includes a drainage medium for application atop

2020100792 20 May 2020 the base and about or around the at least one wick member.

[0032] Generally, the drainage medium may have a high hydraulic conductivity value. Typically, the drainage medium may include a plurality of discrete pieces able to move relative one another and pack against one another when a load is applied such that the drainage medium is substantially incompressible.

[0033] The drainage medium may typically include an aggregate containing a coarse- to medium-grained particulate material, such as, e.g., gravel, pebbles, crushed stone, slag, recycled concrete and geosynthetic aggregates. In preferred embodiments, the drainage medium may include pebbles.

[0034] The drainage medium may be applied in any suitable way atop the base and around the at least one wick member. Generally, the drainage medium may be applied to form a layer atop the base and around the wick member.

[0035] The layer may be of any suitable thickness to provide a space for the collection of water at a base of the container. Typically, the drainage medium may be applied to form at least one layer atop the base and around the at least one wicking member having a thickness of at least about 20mm, at least about 30mm, at least about 40mm, at least about 50mm, at least about 60mm, at least about 70mm, at least about 80mm, at least about 90mm, at least about 100mm or more. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the thickness of the at least one layer of drainage medium directly correlates to the size of the container.

[0036] The soil-free potting medium may be of any suitable substrate or substrates that is or are substantially free of disease and other contaminates and that is able to support plant propagative material or materials.

[0037] The soil-free potting medium may generally include one or more of peats, barks, coir and mixtures thereof, including but not limited to sphagnum peat moss, hypnum peat, reed, sedge peat, combusted bark, composted bark and/or fresh bark.

[0038] In some embodiments, the soil-free potting medium may further include lime or a similar material to make the medium more basic. This can be advantageous for certain plant propagative materials.

[0039] In some embodiments, the soil-free potting medium may further include perlite and/or vermiculite to improve water holding capacity and/or drainage of the potting medium.

[0040] In some embodiments, the soil-free potting medium may further include one or more

2020100792 20 May 2020 fertilizers to provide supplemental nutrition for further growth of plant propagative materials postgermination. Any suitable liquid or granular fertilizer may be used.

[0041] In preferred embodiments, the soil-free potting medium may include a blend of coir and peat, also known as coir peat. The coir and peat may be blended in any suitable ratio.

[0042] In some embodiments, the apparatus or kit may further include a filtration agent. Any suitable filtration agent may be used that is able to absorb and filter mineral salts and impurities from the potting medium.

[0043] In preferred embodiments, the filtration agent may be charcoal, preferably horticultural charcoal.

[0044] Apart from acting as a filtration agent, the charcoal also advantageously acts as an alkaline agent for raising the pH value of the potting medium, also known as, “sweetening” the soil.

[0045] The filtration agent may be applied in any suitable location and quantity to the potting medium, apparatus or kit. Generally, the filtration agent may be applied atop the at least one wick member, preferably only directly atop. Typically, the filtration agent may be applied to form a layer atop the wick member, preferably between the at least one wick member and the soilfree potting medium.

[0046] Like with the drainage medium, the layer of the filtration agent may be of any suitable thickness. Normally, the filtration agent may be applied to form at least one layer directly atop the at least one wicking member having a thickness of at least about 10mm, at least about 20mm, at least about 30mm, at least about 40mm, at least about 50mm, at least about 60mm, at least about 70mm, at least about 80mm, at least about 90mm, at least about 100mm or more. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the thickness of the at least one layer of the filtration agent directly correlates to the size of the container.

[0047] In some embodiments, a layer of wicking material may be applied atop the filtration agent and between the drainage medium and the soil-free potting medium, preferably atop the filtration agent and between the drainage medium and the soil-free potting medium.

[0048] As previously described, the layer of wicking material may be formed from synthetic or natural material or materials as previously described.

[0049] In such embodiments, the layer of wicking material may include sphagnum moss or sphagnum peat, preferably sphagnum moss.

2020100792 20 May 2020

[0050] The layer of wicking material may be applied to any suitable thickness. For example, the wicking material may have a thickness of at least about 10mm, at least about 20mm, at least about 30mm, at least about 40mm, at least about 50mm, at least about 60mm, at least about 70mm, at least about 80mm, at least about 90mm, at least about 100mm or more. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the thickness of the layer of wicking material may directly correlate to the size of the container.

[0051] Advantageously, the layer of wicking material may enhance, or supplement, the capillary action of the at least one wick member in drawing up water from the drainage medium. Further, the layer of wicking material may extend the vertical drainage path provided by the at least one wick member and thereby enhance distribution of water amongst the soil-free potting medium.

[0052] In some embodiments, the apparatus or kit may further include a moisture retaining agent configured to be applied atop the soil-free potting medium and around any plant propagative materials planted in the medium.

[0053] The moisture retaining agent may be of any suitable size and form for retaining or at least partially impeding water loss through evaporation. Normally, the moisture retaining agent may be of a form to act as a blanket covering and protecting the soil-free potting medium beneath.

[0054] In some embodiments, the moisture retaining agent may include one or more of rocks, bark or mulch applied in a layer atop the soil-free potting medium, preferably entirely atop the soil-free potting medium.

[0055] In preferred embodiments, the moisture retaining agent may include at least one layer of sphagnum moss or sphagnum peat, preferably peat, applied atop the soil-free potting medium, preferably entirely atop the soil-free potting medium.

[0056] The layer of the moisture retaining agent may be applied to any suitable thickness. For example, the moisture retaining agent may have a thickness of at least about 10mm, at least about 20mm, at least about 30mm, at least about 40mm, at least about 50mm, at least about 60mm, at least about 70mm, at least about 80mm, at least about 90mm, at least about 100mm or more. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the thickness of the layer of the moisture retaining agent may directly correlate to the size of the container.

[0057] In some embodiments, the container may include one or more markings or indicia on an internal or external surface of the sidewall to indicate a thicknesses or boundaries of the

2020100792 20 May 2020 various components of the apparatus. For example, the container sidewall may include a marking or indicia at or near the base to indicate a thickness of the layer of drainage medium to be applied atop the base.

[0058] In some such embodiments, the markings or indicia may be permanently marked on the surface of the sidewall, e.g., etched in the surface.

[0059] In other embodiments, the markings or indicia may be temporarily or removably marked on the surface of the sidewall, e.g., as an ink or sticker applied to the surface.

[0060] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a plant growth apparatus for prolonging and optimising water distribution for supporting plant growth, said method including:

providing a container having a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim, said rim defining an opening to the container;

forming and locating at least one wick member atop the base of the container, said wick member configured to protrude upwardly at least partially towards the opening from a central portion of the base;

applying drainage medium atop the base and around the at least one wick member; and at least partially filling a remainder of the container with soil-free potting medium applied atop the at least one wick member and the drainage medium.

[0061] The method may include one or more characteristics or features of the apparatus as hereinbefore described.

[0062] The providing may preferably include providing a glass container having a circular base, a circular rim defining a circular opening located opposite the base and a single outwardly curved sidewall extending between the base and the rim.

[0063] The forming and locating may typically include forming a substantially cylindrical wick member atop a central portion of the base of the container. The wick member may protrude upwardly at least partially towards the opening of the container, preferably to a height of between about 20% and about 50% of a height of the container.

[0064] The forming may typically be by hand with pre-moistened wick member material, preferably sphagnum moss.

[0065] The drainage medium may be carefully applied about the at least one wick member, preferably by hand-placing the drainage medium atop the base of the container.

2020100792 20 May 2020

[0066] Once the drainage medium is in place, the container may be at least partially filled with the soil-free potting medium.

[0067] The at least partially filling may include applying the soil-free potting medium atop the drainage medium and the at least one wicking member and filling the container to or near to the rim. The soil-free potting medium may be carefully applied about and atop the at least one wick member so as not to destroy or partially destroy the wick member.

[0068] In some embodiments, the method may further include applying a filtration agent atop the at least one wick member and between the at least one wick member and the soil-free potting medium.

[0069] In some embodiments, the method may further include applying a layer of wicking material atop the filtration agent and between the drainage medium and the soil-free potting medium, preferably atop the filtration agent and between the drainage medium and the soil-free potting medium.

[0070] In some embodiments, the method may further include applying a layer of moisture retaining agent atop the soil-free potting medium and around any plant propagative materials planted in the medium.

[0071] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0072] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0073] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to the following drawings:

[0074] Figure 1 is a schematic showing a sectional side view of a plant growth apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0075] Figure 2 is a schematic showing a sectional side view of a plant growth apparatus

2020100792 20 May 2020 according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0076] Figure 3 is a schematic showing a sectional side view of a plant growth apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0077] Figure 4 is a schematic showing a sectional side view of a plant growth apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] Figures 1 to 4 show embodiments of a plant growth apparatus (100) configured to prolong and optimise water distribution for supporting plant (900) growth within a container (110) of the apparatus (100).

[0079] Referring to Figure 1, in this first embodiment the plant growth apparatus (100) includes: the container (110) having a base (112), a rim (114) defining an opening (116) to the container located opposite the base (112), and a sidewall (118) extending from the base (112) to the rim (114); a wick member (120) located atop the base (112) and configured to protrude upwardly at least partially towards the opening (116) from a central portion (113) of the base (112); a drainage medium (130) arranged in a layer atop the base (112) and at least partially around the wick member (120); and a soil-free potting medium (140) applied atop the wick member (120) and the drainage medium (130) for at least partially filling a remainder of the container (110).

[0080] The container (110) is formed of glass and is transparent so that the internal contents and moisture content of the container (110) can be readily visualised from the outside.

[0081] The container (110) has a circular-shaped base (112), a circular-shaped rim (114) defining a circular-shaped opening (116) and a single, outwardly curved sidewall (118) extending from the base (112) to the rim (114).

[0082] The wick member (120) provides a vertical drainage path for water collected or pooled atop the base (112) of the container (110) to flow upwards via capillary action.

[0083] The wick member (120) is formed from sphagnum moss substantially in the shape of cylinder configured to protrude upwardly along its longitudinal axis from the central portion (113) of the base (112) of the container (110) at least partially towards the opening (116).

[0084] The wick member protrudes upwardly between about 20% and about 25% of the height of the container (110).

2020100792 20 May 2020

[0085] The drainage medium (130) has a high hydraulic conductivity value and typically includes an aggregate containing a coarse- to medium-grained particulate material, such as, e.g., a plurality of pebbles.

[0086] The drainage medium (130) is applied as a layer atop the base (112) and at least partially around the wick member (120). The layer of drainage medium (130) is applied to a suitable thickness of at least about 20mm atop the base (112) so as to provide a suitable space for the collection or pooling of water at the base (112) of the container (110).

[0087] The soil-free potting medium (140) includes a blend of coir and peat and advantageously is free of disease and other contaminates commonly found in conventional soil.

[0088] Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the plant growth apparatus (100) for optimising water distribution and supporting plant (900) growth within a container (110) of the apparatus (100). For convenience, features that are similar or correspond to features of the first embodiment will again be referenced with the same reference numerals.

[0089] Referring to Figure 2, the apparatus (100) again includes a container (110), a wick member (120), a drainage medium (130) and a soil-free potting medium (140) as previously described.

[0090] In this embodiment, however, the apparatus (100) further includes a filtration agent (210) for absorbing and filtering mineral salts and impurities from the potting medium (140).

[0091] The filtration agent (210) includes horticultural charcoal that is applied as a layer directly atop the wick member (120) between the soil-free potting medium (140) and the wick member (120).

[0092] Apart from acting as a filtration agent (210), the charcoal also advantageously acts as an alkaline agent for raising the pH value of the potting medium (140), also known as “sweetening” the soil.

[0093] The layer of filtration agent (210) is applied to a suitable thickness of at least about 10mm directly atop the wick member (120).

[0094] Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the plant growth apparatus (100) for optimising water distribution and supporting plant (900) growth within a container (110) of the apparatus (100). For convenience, features that are similar or correspond to features of the first embodiment will again be referenced with the same reference numerals.

2020100792 20 May 2020

[0095] Referring to Figure 3, the apparatus (100) again includes a container (110), a wick member (120), a drainage medium (130), a soil-free potting medium (140) and a filtration agent (210) as previously described.

[0096] In this embodiment, however, the apparatus (100) further includes a layer of wicking material (310) applied atop the filtration agent (210) and the soil-free potting medium (140).

[0097] The layer of wicking material (310) includes sphagnum moss and is applied to a suitable thickness of at least about 30mm.

[0098] Advantageously, the layer of wicking material (310) enhances, or supplements, the capillary action of the member (120) in drawing up water from the drainage medium (130). Further, the layer of wicking material (310) extends the vertical drainage path provided by the wick member (120) and thereby enhances the distribution of water amongst the soil-free potting medium (140).

[0099] Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the plant growth apparatus (100) for optimising water distribution and supporting plant (900) growth within a container (110) of the apparatus (100). For convenience, features that are similar or correspond to features of the first embodiment will again be referenced with the same reference numerals.

[00100] Referring to Figure 4, the apparatus (100) again includes a container (110), a wick member (120), a drainage medium (130), a soil-free potting medium (140), a filtration agent (210) and a layer of wicking material (310) as previously described.

[00101] In this embodiment, however, the apparatus (100) further includes a moisture retaining agent (410) applied atop the soil-free potting medium (140) for retaining or at least partially impeding water loss through evaporation.

[00102] In use, the moisture retaining agent (410) acts as a blanket covering and protecting the soil-free potting medium (140) beneath.

[00103] The moisture retaining agent (410) include at least one layer of sphagnum moss applied entirely atop the soil-free potting medium (140).

[00104] The layer of the moisture retaining agent (410) is applied to any suitable thickness of at least about 150mm.

[00105] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not

2020100792 20 May 2020 exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00106] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00107] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A plant growth apparatus configured to prolong and optimise water distribution for supporting plant growth therein, said apparatus including:

a container having a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim, said rim defining an opening to the container;

at least one wick member located atop the base and configured to protrude upwardly at least partially towards the opening from a central portion of the base;

a drainage medium applied atop the base and at least partially around the at least one wick member; and a soil-free potting medium applied atop the at least one wick member and the drainage medium for at least partially filling a remainder of the container.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a filtration agent located atop the wick member and beneath the soil-free potting medium.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further including a layer of wicking material located atop the filtration agent and between the drainage medium and the soil-free potting medium.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, further including a moisture retaining agent applied atop the potting medium.

5. A method of forming a plant growth apparatus for prolonging and optimising water distribution for supporting plant growth, said method including:

providing a container having a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim, said rim defining an opening to the container;

forming and locating at least one wick member atop the base of the container, said wick member configured to protrude upwardly at least partially towards the opening from a central portion of the base;

applying drainage medium atop the base and around the at least one wick member; and at least partially filling a remainder of the container with soil-free potting medium applied atop the at least one wick member and the drainage medium.