EP2091318A1

EP2091318A1 - Manually foldable receptacles

Info

Publication number: EP2091318A1
Application number: EP07823932A
Authority: EP
Inventors: John William Farley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-09-28
Filing date: 2007-09-27
Publication date: 2009-08-26
Also published as: WO2008037990A1; GB0906893D0; WO2008037990B1; GB2455954A

Abstract

A manually foldable receptacle comprises a base portion; walls projecting upwards from said base portion; wherein at least said base portion incorporates substantially flat strips of plastics material woven in a criss-cross pattern; and each of at least two opposite walls incorporates a respective tunnel extending along the length of said wall with at least one open end into which an appropriately sized supporting member may be inserted in use.

Description

MANUALLY FOLDABLE RECEPTACLES

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to manually foldable receptacles, systems and/or methods employing such receptacles.

Review of Art known to the Applicant

The following prior art documents have been recently identified at the time of writing this application:

^■ CN 1914 996 A - UNIV SICHUAN; ■ JP 2006320243 A - SASKAKI;

- JP 2006115707 A - TANAKA;

^■ US 2003/079401 A - WHITCOMB;

- WO 2005/005807 A1 - SLATER et al;

^■ JP 2002000082 A - FORESUTO CUNKO KK; - JP 2005068648 A - FUKUOKA KANAAMI KOGYO KK et al;

^■ US 5916104 A - BOISSIE et al;

^■ JP 08165698 A - IGARASHI HIROSHI;

^■ JP 2006320243 A - WILL CORP KK et al;

^■ JP 2003105734 A - KOIZUMI JUTE MILLS LTD et al Summary of the Invention

In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides a manually foldable water permeable receptacle suitable for filling wholly or partially with earth covering material and intended to remain in situ when so filled, comprising a base portion and walls projecting upwards from said base portion, wherein the receptacle's walls project upwards to a limited height relative to its length in order to have the overall aspect of a shallow walled plateau for containing a relatively thin layer or layers of material.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows earth covering material such as stones, earth, paving, biodegradable matter etc to be contained within a receptacle that can be placed on the ground or partially buried so that the receptacle's contents are level with the grounds top surface. Furthermore, the advantage of the receptacle's shallow walls is that the receptacle requires a relatively small quantity of material to fill it per surface area. This therefore renders the shallow walled receptacle particularly light and therefore able to be moved and adjusted even when it is filled with material. The shallow walled receptacle may have a thin layer of material or multiple layers of material to fill it. The shallow walled receptacle may be transported with its entire contents rendering it environmentally friendly because it ensures that the receptacle and its contents are sustainable for use in another application.

Another advantage of this configuration is that it improves the prevention of water saturation within the receptacle. Water may be drained through the structured receptacle itself which is desirable when constructing "Soak Aways" and "Drains".

In a subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's first broad independent aspect, each of at least two opposite walls incorporates a respective tunnel extending along the length of said wall with at least one open end into which an appropriately sized supporting member may be inserted to hold the wall substantially upright in use.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because when supporting members are inserted into the receptacle, they may assist, for example, in keeping the receptacle's wall vertical and assist in keeping the receptacle open whilst being filled. The supporting members assist in containing the material fed in the receptacle and preventing spillages occurring over the sides of the receptacle.

The supporting members assist in keeping the integrity of the receptacle shape when being filled and emptied.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the receptacle is formed from a single sheet of woven strips of polypropylene with fold lines separating said base portion and said walls.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because the receptacle may be provided in a substantially flat form and then formed into the necessary receptacle shape. This single sheet also reduces the complexity of the receptacle, which makes it straightforward to manufacture.

Polypropylene is advantageous because it is durable and hard wearing. Polypropylene enables the receptacle to be buried for a number of years without degradation of its functionality. Polypropylene is easily folded manually therefore efficiently enabling the creation of the base portion and side portion walls of the receptacle manually. Polypropylene strips ensure that the material is permeable to water to allow drainage. Polypropylene material enables a receptacle to contain for example approximately half a ton of earth covering material.

In a further subsidiary aspect, releasable attachment means are provided to attach said walls to one or more of the walls of an adjacent receptacle.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the receptacles to be attached together to form a modular system. This modular system allows the creation of any design by attaching receptacles of various shapes together.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said supporting member is a polypropylene rope.

The configuration is particularly advantageous because the polypropylene rope allows the shape of the receptacle to be manually adjusted. Manual adjustment of the receptacle „

shape with conventional rigid supporting members would be difficult. It would also allow the supporting members to have the same properties as the rest of the receptacle when it is also of polypropylene. The supporting members and the receptacle itself could therefore straightforwardly be recycled without having to separate one from the other. Furthermore, the polypropylene rope would be able to support its contents whilst also alternatively or simultaneous being placed under tension.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the receptacle incorporates no handles which protrude beyond the upper rim of the receptacle.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it eliminates the need of either cutting off protruding handles or burying handles. The upper edge of the receptacle can therefore be immediately placed flush against its surroundings. Furthermore, it eliminates the likelihood of another person getting caught up in a protruding handle and injuring themselves.

In a further aspect, the invention also provides a sheet of material comprising a central portion and a plurality of wings extending from said central portion; whereby when said wings are folded inwards relative to said central portion and neighbouring wings are sown together, a receptacle having the features of the broadest independent aspect is formed.

In a subsidiary aspect, one or more of the wings are folded on each other to form one or more walls with two or more layers of sheet.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because the walled portions of the receptacle are created without the need for further components whilst being able to achieve improved structural strength when compared to an arrangement with only one layer of sheet.

In a second broad independent aspect, the invention provides a grow bag containing a grow medium and one or more walls of woven strips of plastics.

This configuration is particularly advantageous since it allows heat be retained within the roots as well as allowing water to be retained. The growth of crops in such a bag is accelerated. For example, a typical crop in ordinary soil may grow 1mm in a four week winter period whereas employing the grow bag of this configuration with ordinary soil a 5mm growth is achieved. Furthermore, employing normal soil mixed with peat without the use of a grow bag of this kind would achieve 2mm of growth whereas employing normal soil with peat in a bag of the inventive configuration 11 mm of growth may be achieved.

Furthermore, growth is promoted as liquid accumulates at the bottom portion of the grow bag and re-percolates through the grow medium as the grow medium becomes dry. It allows critical areas around the roots of the plant to remain in a damp state. Furthermore, the grow bag insulates the contained grow medium to lessen the loss of heat into the surrounding environment. This allows a form of green house effect without the use of a glass enclosure to be achieved particularly when placing the grow bag in the ground.

It also allows the growth medium to be different from the surrounding environment and to prevent contamination from the surrounding environment to the grow medium.

It allows the grow medium to> support plant growth in environments that would normally impede plant growth.

In a subsidiary aspect, the bag comprises a base portion with at least one drain portion. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows water to be drawn to a specific location and potentially pumped back for further irrigation.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the bag comprises a base and side walls whose mesh is sufficiently tight to be substantially impermeable. This configuration allows the water to be retained as much as possible within the grow bag whilst achieving a degree of breathability through the wall. In addition, it allows the water to be collected and recycled if necessary.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the bag comprises portions of woven strips which are relatively coarse to allow drainage and portions of woven strips which are relatively tightly meshed to be substantially impermeable. This configuration is particularly advantageous ,

because it allows drainage to occur as well as water retention to occur dependent upon selected regions of the grow bag.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the bag comprises a base portion; walls projecting upwards from said base portion; and a lid comprising a top portion and walls projecting downwards from said base portion. This configuration is particularly advantageous when used for composting for example. It may also advantageously contain compost accelerators such as worms. In a further subsidiary aspect, the bag comprises a plurality of sections separated by one or more walls. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows a plurality of different crops to be located side by side whilst being retained in a single bag which may be lifted and placed in another location dependent upon their stages of growth.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a system for growing crops comprising a grow bag according to any of the preceding aspects; a pump for drawing water collected through said drain; and an irrigator to which said water is pumped for irrigation of said grow medium. This further accelerates the growth of a particular crop and minimises any water wastage.

In a third broad independent aspect, the invention provides a tray comprising a housing; and an absorbent material located within said housing; wherein said housing comprises substantially impermeable walls of woven strips of plastics for preventing any undue leakage from said absorbent material; the stray further comprising a membrane of woven strips of plastics whose meshes form perforations of sufficient size to allow oil or the like to pass through said membrane whilst forming a retention barrier for the absorbent material.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it may allow the tray to be rolled up and kept in a cab as part of a piece of machinery or plant and unrolled and put underneath the plant when necessary. It provides a particularly compact, light and versatile alternative to the prior art steel drip trays. It may also lend itself to reconditioning. In a further subsidiary aspect, said absorbent material is Swedish peat. This is a particularly advantageous selection because of its particularly high absorbent properties. It also lends itself to reconditioning. It can lend itself to burning as a fuel for the generation of electricity.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the tray further comprises a substantially impermeable cover of woven strips of plastics which when opened allows liquid to be absorbed through said membrane by said absorbent material.

In a further subsidiary aspect, releasable attachment means are provided to allow the opening and secure closing of said housing.

In a fourth broad independent aspect, the invention provides a method of growing crops comprising the steps of:

^■ Selecting a plurality of grow bags with a wall of woven strips of plastics;

^■ Filling grow bags wholly or partially with grow medium;

^■ Laying a plurality of grow bags side by side to form a field at the beginning of the crop growing cycle; and ■ Removing one or more of said bags dependent upon the maturity of the crop.

This method is particularly advantageous because it allows a rotation of segments of a field during the growth cycle. It also lends itself to the use for playing fields such as a football pitch where certain areas become more mature or worn through weather conditions and intense sports practice.

In a subsidiary aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the method further comprises the steps of drawing water collected underneath one or more bags and pumping said water to irrigate said grow medium. This further accelerates the expected growth and yield from a crop developed .through this method whilst minimising its water consumption.

In a fifth broad independent aspect, the invention provides a receptacle comprising a base, and walls projecting upwards from said base portion; said base portion and said walls being formed of woven strips to allow said receptacle to be permeable; wherein said receptacle incorporates one or more openable and/or removable wall forming and/or base forming portions; and releasable attachment means which secure said portions to neighbouring wall forming and/or base forming receptacle portions; whereby the extent to which the receptacle is opened may be increased by releasing said attachment means.

This structure will allow the produce contained by the receptacle to be secured within the receptacle for transportation and for the walls or the base to function as a funnel for evacuating the produce by opening and/or removing a portion of said walls and/or base by releasing the releasable attachment means.

In a sixth broad independent aspect, the invention provides a manually foldable receptacle comprising a base portion, and walls projecting upwards from said base portion; said base portion and said walls being formed of woven strips to allow said receptacle to be permeable; wherein said receptacle incorporates a funnel projecting downwards from said base portion, and said walls form an upper opening for unrestricted top filling between said walls. This allows the receptacle to function as a bag for carrying waste material as generated on a building site. It also allows the receptacle to be emptied with accuracy in order to considerably reduce any risk of material falling on an operator when operating the receptacle.

It also allows the receptacle to be permeable allowing for example the passage of water through the woven strips. The funnel is therefore primarily used to empty produce, which is generally solid and contained by the walls of the receptacle.

In a subsidiary aspect, at least one wall incorporates a tunnel suitable for the insertion of a tine of a lifting fork. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the receptacle to be lifted into a position with greater stability when compared to the lifting action associated with the tines of a lifting fork when grabbing handle loops of a receptacle.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said tunnel is formed between two superposed layers of receptacle material which are sown together whilst leaving a side opening for the insertion of a tine of a lifting fork. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the receptacle to be of greater strength when the tunnels are used to locate the appropriate lifting means such as the tines of a lifting fork.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said receptacle incorporates tunnels suitable for the insertion of a tine of a lifting fork and handles projecting upwards from said walls. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the lifting of a filled receptacle simultaneously through their handles and tunnels. In this configuration, the load may be distributed through the tunnels whilst being localised when employing the handles.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said walls incorporate an openable window for access at a level below said upper opening. Providing an opening in the wall of a receptacle, which typically contains heavy-duty material such as sharp sand, rubble or the like, marks a complete departure from the expected thinking of the skilled man. This configuration is however advantageous because it allows the emptying and filling of the receptacle through its wall. It will also allow a user to readily assess the contents instead of having to access contents through a single upper opening.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said openable window incorporates a funnel. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it will allow a slight tipping of the receptacle for selectively emptying a layer of material contained in the receptacle.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the receptacle's walls project upwards to a limited height relative to its length in order to have the overall aspect of a shallow walled plateau containing, in use, a relatively thin layers of material. A combination of a funnel and a shallow walled plateau receptacle is particularly advantageous because it allows such a receptacle to be readily emptied with the advantages detailed with reference to the invention's broadest independent aspect. It also allows earth covering materials such as stones, paving, biodegradable matter to be contained within a receptacle that can be placed on the ground or partially buried so that the receptacle's contents are level with the grounds top surface. Furthermore, it requires a relatively small quantity of material to fill a surface area whilst allowing this relatively small quantity of material to be readily removed from the receptacle without having to tilt it to empty it through its upper most opening. Brief description of the figures

Figure 1a shows a perspective view of a rectangular shaped receptacle along with two supporting members.

Figure 1b shows a perspective view of a rectangular shaped receptacle along with four supporting members.

Figure 1c shows a top view of a criss-cross "Chequer board" weave pattern.

Figure 2a shows a perspective view of two quadrant shaped receptacle.

Figure 2b shows a top view of four quadrant shaped receptacles attached together to form a circle.

Figure 3a shows a perspective view of two rectangular shaped receptacles.

Figure 3b shows a top view of two rectangular shaped receptacles attached together.

Figure 4a shows a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the rectangular shaped receptacle.

Figure 4b shows a top view of an additional embodiment of the rectangular shaped receptacle.

Figure 5a shows a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the rectangular shaped receptacle shown in Figure 1a with four lifting attachments.

Figure 5b shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the rectangular shaped receptacle shown in Figure 4a with four lifting attachments.

Figure 6 shows a cross sectional view of a grow bag placed in the ground. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a grow bag in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a further embodiment of the invention where a grow bag incorporates a lid.

Figure 9 shows a cross sectional view of a system for growing crops with an irrigator in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 shows a plan view of a grow bag in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention where the bag incorporates multiple sections.

Figure 11 is an illustration of the method of laying a football pitch in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 shows a cross sectional view of a grow bag with a sloping base portion in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 13 shows a tray containing absorbent material which is shown in perspective view in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 14 shows a further embodiment of a tray in perspective view in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 15 shows a perspective view of a grow bag of greater depth than the previous grow bags in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 16 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention with a funnel in its unfolded position.

Figure 17 shows a perspective view from underneath of a further embodiment of the invention where the funnel has been collapsed onto itself and secured in a collapsed state by knotting a strap. Figure 18 shows a further embodiment of the invention in perspective view with a plurality of openable windows on a sidewall of a receptacle.

Figure 19 shows a side funnel in a receptacle in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

Figures 20a and 20b show respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional schematic view of a shallow walled plateau receptacle as a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 21 shows a perspective view receptacle in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 22 shows a perspective view of a receptacle in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Figures

"Earth covering material" may be defined as stones, earth, paving, concrete, self-levelling compounds, and resin or the like. It also includes within its scope biodegradable material including animal or human bodies if the receptacle is used as a coffin.

Figure 1 shows a manually foldable water permeable receptacle 1 in the form of a shallow walled plateau. In one preferred embodiment, whilst being removable from site to site, it is of a material which lends itself to remain in situ for extended periods of time, such as for example 10 years when filed with earth covering material. Its primary function is to remain in position rather than like a skip which is lifted and dropped repeatedly from site to site. However, as a subsidiary function it can be removed from site to site when for example the operator moves domicile.

The plateau shown in the figure has a length of 15 times its height. It is preferable for the length to be at least 10 times the height. The receptacle incorporates an enclosing wall portion 2 which is substantially vertical along axis AA. The walled portion 2 is attached to a base portion 3 which is substantially horizontal along axis BB. The base portion is substantially rectangular in shape.

The faces of the shallow receptacle 1 are entirely constructed from a woven material 4. The woven material 4 incorporates a criss-cross chequerboard pattern (see Figure 1c) that incorporates flat strips 5 and 6 which would be preferably of polypropylene (PP). The thickness of the strips is preferably comprised between 10 and 100 microns. The receptacle incorporates in one embodiment no drain hole other than the permeability facilitated by the apertures between strips.

Shallow receptacle 1 incorporates elongated side members 7 and 8, which are folded along fold lines 11 and 12 substantially along axis BB. The side members 7 and 8 are then folded back along fold lines 9 and 10 onto themselves along axis BB. The side members 7 and 8 are then stitched along stitch lines 23 and 24. This creates side-tunnelled cavities 13 and 14. Receptacle 1 incorporates shallow elongate end members 15 and 16 which are folded substantially vertically along fold lines 17 and 18 about axis CC. End members 15 and 16 are permanently attached to the side members 7 and 8, the members are preferably stitched together along lines 19, 20, 21 and 22 with monofilament or multifilament material. One preferred material is polypropylene. It appears advantageous for the receptacle to be white.

The two supporting members 25 and 26 are substantially rectangular and preferably of wood or polypropylene material. The two supporting members 25 and 26 are inserted into the side tunnel cavities 13 and 14 as indicated by arrows 27 and 28. The two supporting members 25 and 26 support the elongated side members 7 and 8, therefore opening the receptacle 1 to enable its filling. These are optional since the receptacle may be an open shallow walled plateau with or without the supporting members. In addition, the end of the tunnels may be shut by an additional stitch lines as appropriate. One end of the tunnels may be left open whilst the opposite is shut.

The two supporting members 25 and 26 maybe a rope of polypropylene such as rope sold under the trade name (CORDEX). The receptacle 1 may be lifted by its supporting members 25 and 26, along with its contents. The closing wall portion 2 contains the recepatcle'si content and prevents any spillages which may contaminate the immediate area around the receptacle 1.

Figure 1b shows an alternative embodiment of the shallow receptacle 32 which incorporates end sections 33 and 34 which are double layer walls with stitch lines 39 and 40 to form elongate end tunnels 35 and 36.

Two supporting members 30 and 31, which are substantially rectangular, are inserted into end tunnels 35 and 36 as indicated by arrows 37 and 38.

Figure 2a shows two quadrant shaped shallow receptacles 41 and 42, which are attachable, preferably a "touch to close" surface or a filamentary hook and eye surface 45 such as a VELCRO (registered trademark), as indicated by arrows 43 and 44. The quadrant shaped receptacle 41 has another attachable surface 46, which is preferably "Velcro" that enables another receptacle to be attached. This may be another quadrant shaped receptacle or a rectangular shaped receptacle or any other shape. The quadrant shaped receptacle 42 has another attachable surface 47, which is also preferably a "Velcro" surface that enables another receptacle to be attached. This may be another quadrant shaped receptacle or a rectangular shaped receptacle.

Figure 2b shows the two quadrant shaped receptacles 41 and 42 attached to another two quadrant shaped receptacles 49 and 50 to form a circular receptacle generally referenced 50. This attachment of quadrant shallow receptacles may be used as a module for building paths, patios and specialist flooring by planning and laying out the receptacles required for the design and then attaching the receptacles prior to filling them.

The quadrant shallow receptacle is an example of another type of shallow receptacle. Further shapes are envisaged by the invention which may be formed by an association of modules or by an individual module having appropriate compartments of a variety of shapes. The shapes may be triangles, four sided hubs and curvatures etc.

Figure 3a shows two rectangular shaped shallow receptacles 52 and 53, which are attachable preferably by a Velcro surface 54, as indicated by arrows 55 and 56. Rectangular shaped receptacle 52 has another attachable surface 58, which is outward facing. The attachable surface 58 is preferably of Velcro that enables another receptacle to be attached. This may be another rectangular shaped receptacle or a quadrant shaped receptacle. Rectangular shaped receptacle 53 has another attachable surface 57, which is preferably Velcro that enables another receptacle to be attached. This maybe another rectangular shaped receptacle or a quadrant shaped receptacle.

Figure 3b shows two rectangular shaped receptacles 52 and 53 attached to each other to form a larger rectangular receptacle overall 59. This attachment of rectangular shallow receptacles may be used as a modular system for building paths, drives and specialist flooring by planning and laying out the receptacles required for the design and then attaching the receptacles prior to filling them. This will give an indication of the size and impact your design may have, therefore giving option for adjustment or modification before the receptacles are filled with material which may make adjustment impossible at a later date. For example, concrete or self-levelling resin flooring.

Figure 4a shows an additional embodiment of the invention in the form of a body bag which has been folded into two equally sized portions 60 and 61 along axis DD. The two equally sized portions are attached together at the sides 62 and 63 and preferably stitched together 64 and 65 with monofilament or multifilament material, preferably polypropylene. The two attached portions 60 and 61 create a pocket / pouch 66 overall in shape, with an aperture 67 at the upper most portion of the pocket/pouch 66 whereby the bag can fulfil the function of a coffin.

Figure 4b shows a top view of the pocket/pouch 66, with the aperture 67 at the upper most portion of the pocket/pouch.

Figure 5a shows the rectangular walled plateau receptacle 1 (as shown in Figure 1a) with four lifting attachments in the form of handles 71, 72, 73 and 74. Preferably, each attachment is of a loop configuration (as shown), which is stitched to the side sections 7 and 8 of the receptacle 1.

This embodiment will increase the lifting efficiency of the receptacle filled or not filled keeping the shape integrity of the receptacle without spilling its contents.

Figure 5b shows an additional embodiment of a receptacle, which is formed into a pocket / pouch 66 (shown in Figure 4a) with four lifting attachments 74, 75, 76 and 77. Preferably each attachment is of a loop configuration (as shown), which is stitched to the side sections 60 and 61 of the pocket/pouch 66.

This embodiment will increase lifting efficiency of the receptacle, which maybe used to lift temporary or permanent soak away units, drains units or containing biological material for burial. The decomposition rate of buried biological matter is reduced by placing the receptacle containing the biological matter within another identical receptacle. The outer receptacle provides a second barrier to resist penetration from external organisms and matter which contribute to decomposition of buried biological matter.

The invention also envisaged that the body bag may be formed from two receptacles of the kind shown in figures 1 where one is inserted into the other to form a box.

The receptacles which have been laid with a hardened material, such as concrete or resin flooring, are easily removed. The hardened material may also be broken up within the receptacle without contaminating the immediate area about the receptacle. The receptacle is lifted and removed whilst containing the material debris.

The receptacles may be laid on the ground and have the base portion slit to allow a plant to grow through the receptacle, whilst at the same time containing earth covering material.

Figure 6 shows a grow bag generally referenced 101 with a crop such as salads 102 growing from a grow medium 103. The grow bag incorporates a housing 104 with a base portion 105 and at least one side wall 106. The housing has an open top generally referenced 107. The material of the housing's wall is of woven strips of plastics as shown schematically in the amplified view 108. Drops of water such as drop 109 tend to be retained within the housing. By varying the gaps between strips of plastics, the level of permeability may be adjusted. In this embodiment, it is preferred to use a very tight mesh which becomes substantially impermeable. The woven material may be formed in a crisscross chequer board pattern incorporating flat strips which would be preferably of polypropylene (PP). The thickness of strips is preferably comprised between 10 and 100 microns. The material used may preferably be substantially UV resistant and white.

In the embodiment of figure 6, the grow bag has been itself planted within neighbouring soil. The grow bag forms a barrier between neighbouring soil and the soil contained within the housing. This allows the soil within the housing to be protected from contamination. It also tends to retain nutrients within the housing.

Figure 7 shows a further configuration of a grow bag without its grow medium for clarity. One portion 110 of the grow bag incorporates a very tight mesh which is substantially impermeable. At one end of the grow bag a strip 111 does not incorporate such a tight mesh. Caps are deliberately provided to allow fluid to flow through the grow bag at that location. This portion acts as drain. A drain may also be formed by a cylindrical connector for attachment to a water conduit as shown in figure 9. Figure 9 shows a drain portion 112 located underneath a grow bag 113 and a conduit 114 incorporating valves or pumps which operate to achieve the controlled irrigation of the crops of the grow medium through a sprayer 115. Figure 8 shows a configuration of a grow bag with a lower portion 116 and an upper portion 117. In this configuration the walls of the portions are sufficiently flexible to allow the portions to be fitted into one another. This solution is ideally suited as a compost bag. It may be provided with a layer of compost produce which is impregnated with worms. Green waste could then be used to fill the bag. The worms are prevented from escaping due to the barrier of the woven plastic material. In addition, the bag will keep a warm damp environment which encourages them to feed. The bags could come in a variety of sizes for example either 25kg or 5 kg bags.

Figure 10 shows the grow bag with a number of internal walls such as walls 118 and 119 which segment the grow bag, the base portions and the walls are each of woven plastics material. Each section may have a different level of permeability to be suited for different kinds of plants. This configuration would be suited for planting a variety of herbs.

Figure 11 shows a stack 120 with a number of grow bags which may be placed side by side to form a field of interchangeable patches (IP) 121. Patch 122 which may become worn as compared to patch 121 may be interchanged with patch 121. Alternatively, patch 122 may simply be discarded and replaced with one of the grow bags of stack 120.

A modular arrangement of this kind may also be employed for any other crop and rotated in accordance with their maturity.

The grow bags may also be formed with a base portion 123 as shown in figure 12 with a relatively deeper portion 124 and a shallow end 125 so that water may tend to flow from the shallow end to the deep end. The deep end may be provided with a drain and a recirculation system of the kind shown in figure 9.

Figure 13 shows a tray generally referenced 126 with impermeable side walls 27 and 28. Furthermore, the tray 26 comprises an impermeable cover 129 which may be opened to uncover a layer of absorbent material which can directly absorb dripping oil for example. Once the tray has been employed and oil has been absorbed lid 129 may be replaced and attached to the side walls such as side wall 127 through releasable attachment means 130 and 131. These releasable attachment means may for example be touch to close pads such as Velcro pads (registered trade mark). Figure 14 shows a further bag which is again of a plateau form i.e. with a height which is a lot lower than its width where the bag comprises a layer of absorbent material 132 located within the container 133. A membrane 134 is placed on top of the absorbent material to assist in separating the absorbent material. The membrane may also be a meshed configuration of strips of plastics as shown in the amplified view 135. However, the mesh size of the membrane will be selected to allow it to be relatively permeable as compared to the walls of the container which are relatively impermeable. Membrane 134 may optionally incorporate around its periphery releasable attachment means such as a fastener for attaching to a corresponding releasable attachment means such as a fastener provided on the inside of the side walls of container 133. The membrane is optionally secured spaced from the upper lip of the container so that side walls protrude beyond the membrane when the membrane is secured in position. A preferred form of releasable attachment means for the container may be a filamentary touch to close pad of the hook or loop type for attaching to a corresponding filamentary touch to close pad of the hook or loop type provided on the membrane. Suitable pads of this kind are often called Velcro pads (Velco is a registered trademark in certain jurisdictions).

The absorbent material is preferably Swedish peat. The combination of the bag and the peat may be rolled up and stowed away. Once the Swedish peat has been used to absorb oil it may be processed for burning in order to convert it into electricity. The bag or tray may be reconditioned and then refilled with fresh Swedish peat.

Figure 15 shows a further grow bag 36 with the height of approximately half of the width. Such a configuration is particularly advantageous when used for cabbage growing. The use of this grow bag avoids the necessity of using pesticides and hand weeding which damage the cabbages. The grow bag prevents penetration of weeds through the polypropylene weave and since no pesticides are required the produce becomes organic.

Whilst many of the previous embodiments have employed relatively impermeable walls of woven strips of plastics, the woven strips may be rendered coarse for certain applications to allow the grow bags to freely allow the passage of water. Figure 16 shows a receptacle, which may be formed from a single sheet of material. A receptacle illustrated is of a cubic shape with four sidewalls 202, 203, 204 and 205. The receptacle 201 also incorporates a base portion 206, which incorporates a funnel 207. The material for the walls, base portion and funnel is preferably a polymeric material formed in woven strips. The woven material as shown in view 208 may incorporate a criss-cross checkerboard pattern with substantially flat strips. The material may be preferably polypropylene. The thickness of the strips is preferably comprised between 10 and 100 microns. The strips are generally of sufficient tightness to substantially prevent the passage of grains of sand whilst allowing the passage of water so that the receptacle is essentially permeable.

The receptacle comprises pockets generally referenced 209 and 210 on opposite sides of the cube. A single sheet of material wraps around upper portions such as portions 211 and 212 to form tunnels 213 and 214 through which the tines of a forklift truck or other machine may be placed for stably lifting a receptacle to and/or from a given location.

Extra stitching extends about the edges such as edge 215 of pockets 209 and 210 in order to reinforce the overall strength of the receptacle.

A stitched section such as stitched section 216 is also threaded through a portion of a handle strap 217 which forms a loop 218 acting as a secondary means for lifting the receptacle to and from a desired location.

Funnel 207 is stitched as a separate piece of material into the base portion 204 and formed from a single sheet of rectangular material joined together at opposite ends as illustrated by line 219. Line 219 incorporates a stitch, which also passes through strap portions 220 and 221, which may be employed to close the funnel on itself. The material for the funnel is selected to allow it to readily collapse on itself in a similar manner as the rest of the receptacle. The funnel may for example be rolled up first and then secured in a rolled up position in close proximity to the outside of the base portion.

The diameter of the funnel at its upper most portion is substantially the same as at its lowest portion. In an alternative embodiment, the funnel may taper from its upper most portion to its lower most portion. Figure 17 shows a receptacle 222 incorporating handles such as handle 223 located in a corner of the receptacle. The funnel, which is located at the centre of the base portion 224, is collapsed on itself with the strap 225 forming a barrier for any material being prevented from escaping.

Figure 18 shows a receptacle 226 with a sidewall 227 with openable windows 228 and 229. The edge of the window 228 may incorporate releasable attachment means. These means may for example be filamentary touch to close pads such as Velcro (registered trade mark) pads arranged about the periphery 230 or 231 of the individual windows. An operator may secure a corner of a window and simply peel back the releasable attachment means in order to gain access to the receptacle from its side.

In a further embodiment, the openable windows may be located in the base portion in order to form a rapidly openable section to allow material to escape from the receptacle.

Figure 19 shows a receptacle 232 with a collapsible funnel 233 of the kind shown in figure 1 but extending sideways which would allow a layer 234 to be evacuated without requiring access to the base portion of the receptacle and without requiring the receptacle to be tilted to the same extend as would be necessary to release material through the upper most opening 235.

Figure 20a shows a receptacle 236 of manually foldable material. The receptacle incorporates elongate side members 237 and 238. The receptacle also incorporates end members 239 and 240 the side end members are permanently attached to one another by stitching of a monofilament or a multifilament kind.

The side members may incorporate a tunnel to accommodate support members. As part of the base portion 231, there is provided a funnel generally referenced 242 with a succession of annual sections 243, 244 and 245 allowing the funnel to gradually incline from a side region of the receptacle to a central region so that the entire contents of the receptacle may be emptied by opening the funnel in a similar manner as described with reference to the previous figures. The multiple sections which form the funnel may be joined together by stitching and allow improved collapsing of the funnel into the receptacle when the receptacle is used primarily to hold material. Figure 21 shows a receptacle generally referenced 250 with a number of loops such as loop 251 located in the corners of the receptacle. The receptacle has a number of side tunnels such as side tunnel 252. Side 253 of the receptacle incorporates three distinct removable portions 254, 255 and 256. Stitching is provided between the portions and neighbouring portions of the receptacle. With regard to portion 254, a single thread is provided along dashed lines 257, 258 and 259. The thread may be provided with a tab for a user to grab and pull the thread out in one action so that portion 254 is removed allowing the emptying of the contents of the bag through the opening achieved once the portion is removed. A user may opt to remove portions 254 or 256 even before portion 254 dependent upon the intended mode of use of the receptacle. On the opposite side of the receptacle generally referenced 260, a number of separable portions shown as portions 261 and 262 are provided.

Figure 22 shows a receptacle generally referenced 263 with a number of separable portions 264, 265 and 266 which may be individually removed by drawing threads 267 and 268. In this embodiment, the threads extend around the receptacle at a single level so that portions 264, 265 and 266 may be separated in tranches.

The term "grow bag" covers specifically bags in which plants, crops, and bulbs are placed and cultivated. The grow medium is selected for each bag with the necessary nutrients to encourage growth of the produce contained.

The term "crop" is to be interpreted broadly to include all forms of edible produce as well as other plants such as grass.

Claims

1. A manually foldable receptacle comprising a base portion; walls projecting upwards from said base portion; wherein at least said base portion incorporates substantially flat strips of plastics material woven in a criss-cross pattern; and each of at least two opposite walls incorporates a respective tunnel extending along the length of said wall with at least one open end into which an appropriately sized supporting member may be inserted in use.

2. A receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle's walls project upwards to a limited height relative to its length in order to have the overall aspect of a shallow walled plateau for containing a relatively thin layer or layers of material.

3. A receptacle according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle is formed from a single sheet of woven strips of polypropylene with fold lines separating said base portion and said walls.

4. A receptacle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more fasteners are provided to attach said walls to one or more fasteners of the walls of an adjacent receptacle.

5. A receptacle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said supporting member is a polypropylene rope.

6. A receptacle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle incorporates no handles, which protrude beyond the upper rim of the receptacle.

7. A sheet of material comprising a central portion and a plurality of wings extending from said central portion; whereby when said wings are folded inwards relative to said central portion and neighbouring wing portions are sewn together, a receptacle having the features of claim 1 is formed.

8. A sheet according to claim 6, wherein one or more of the wings are folded on each other to form one or more walls with two or more layers of sheet.

9. A grow bag according to any of the preceding claims, containing a grow medium.

10. A grow bag according to claim 9, wherein said grow bag comprises a base portion with at least one drain portion.

11. A grow bag according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the bag comprises a base and sidewall portions whose mesh is sufficiently tight to be substantially impermeable.

12. A grow bag according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the bag comprises portions of woven strips which are relatively coarse to allow drainage and portions of woven strips which are relatively tightly meshed to be substantially impermeable.

13. A grow bag according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the bag comprises a base portion; walls projecting upwards from said base portion; and a lid comprising a top portion and walls projecting downwards from said base portion.

14. A grow bag according to any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the bag comprises a plurality of sections separated by one or more walls.

15. A system for growing crops comprising a grow bag according to any of claims 10 to 14; a pump for drawing water collected through said drain; and an irrigator to which said water is pumped for irrigation of said grow medium.

16. A tray comprising a housing; an absorbent material located within said housing; wherein said housing comprises substantially impermeable walls of woven strips of plastics for preventing any undue leakage from said absorbent material; and a membrane of woven strips of plastics whose meshes form perforations of sufficient size to allow oil or the like to pass through said membrane whilst forming a retention barrier for the absorbent material.

17. A tray in accordance with claim 16, wherein said absorbent material is Swedish Peat.

18. A tray according to either of the preceding claims, further comprising a substantially impermeable cover of woven strips of plastics which when opened allows liquid to be absorbed by said absorbent material.

19. A bag comprising a tray in accordance with either of the preceding claims, wherein releasable attachment means are provided to allow the opening and secure closing of said housing.

20. A method of growing crops comprising the steps of: selecting a plurality of grow bags with a wall of woven strips of plastics; filling grow bags wholly or partially with grow medium; laying a plurality of grow bags side by side to form a field at the beginning of the crop growing cycle; and removing one or more of said bags dependent upon the maturity of the crop.

21. A method of growing crops according to claim 20, further comprising the steps of drawing water collected underneath one or more bags and pumping said water to irrigate said grow medium.

22. A receptacle according to claim 1, wherein said base portion and said walls are formed of woven strips to allow said receptacle to be permeable; wherein said receptacle incorporates one or more openable and/or removable wall forming and/or base forming portions; and releasable attachment means which secure said portions to neighbouring wall forming and/or base forming receptacle portions; whereby the extent to which the receptacle is opened may be increased by releasing said attachment means.

23. A receptacle according to claim 1, wherein said base portion and said walls are formed of woven strips to allow said receptacle to be permeable; wherein said receptacle incorporates a funnel projecting downwards from said base portion, and said walls form an upper opening for unrestricted top filling between said walls.

24. A receptacle according to either of the preceding claims, wherein said tunnel is sized and shaped for the insertion of a supporting member in the form of a tine of a lifting fork.

25. A receptacle according to claim 24, wherein said tunnel is formed between two superposed layers of receptacle material which are sown together whilst leaving a side opening for the insertion of a tine of a lifting fork.

26. A receptacle according to any of claims 22 to 25, wherein said receptacle incorporates tunnels suitable for the insertion of a tine of a lifting fork and handles projecting upwards from said walls.

27. A receptacle according to any of claims 22 to 25, wherein said walls incorporate an openable window for access at a level below an upper opening.

28. A receptacle according to claim 27, wherein said openable window incorporates a funnel.

29. A receptacle according to any of claims 22 to 28, wherein the receptacle's walls project upwards to a limited height relative to its length in order to have the overall aspect of a shallow walled plateau containing, in use, a relatively thin layer or layers of material.

30. A manually foldable water permeable receptacle suitable for filling wholly or partially with earth covering material and intended to remain in situ when so filled, comprising a base portion and walls projecting upwards from said base portion, wherein the receptacle's walls project upwards to a limited height relative to its length in order to have the overall aspect of a shallow walled plateau for containing a relatively thin layer or layers of material.

31. A grow bag containing a grow medium and one or more walls of woven strips of plastics.

32. A tray comprising a housing; an absorbent material located within said housing; wherein said housing comprises substantially impermeable walls of woven strips of plastics for preventing any undue leakage from said absorbent material; and a membrane of woven strips of plastics whose meshes form perforations of sufficient size to allow oil or the like to pass through said membrane whilst forming a retention barrier for the absorbent material.

33. A receptacle comprising a base, and walls projecting upwards from said base portion; said base portion and said walls being formed of woven strips to allow said receptacle to be permeable; wherein said receptacle incorporates one or more openable and/or removable wall forming and/or base forming portions; and releasable attachment means which secure said portions to neighbouring wall forming and/or base forming receptacle portions; whereby the extent to which the receptacle is opened may be increased by releasing said attachment means.

34. A manually foldable receptacle comprising a base portion, and walls projecting upwards from said base portion; said base portion and said walls being formed of woven strips to allow said receptacle to be permeable; wherein said receptacle incorporates a funnel projecting downwards from said base portion, and said walls form an upper opening for unrestricted top filling between said walls.

35. A receptacle substantially as hereinbefore described and/or as illustrated with reference to any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or figures.