GB1581228A - Plant containers - Google Patents
Plant containers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB1581228A GB1581228A GB2552676A GB2552676A GB1581228A GB 1581228 A GB1581228 A GB 1581228A GB 2552676 A GB2552676 A GB 2552676A GB 2552676 A GB2552676 A GB 2552676A GB 1581228 A GB1581228 A GB 1581228A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- reservoir
- shelf
- container according
- mat
- tray
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G27/00—Self-acting watering devices, e.g. for flower-pots
- A01G27/04—Self-acting watering devices, e.g. for flower-pots using wicks or the like
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)
Description
(54) PLANT CONTAINERS
(71) I, GEOFFREY JOHN HARRI
SON, a British subject, of 7 Cloughside, Marple Bridge, Cheshire, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a Patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:
The present invention relates to humidifying devices and is particularly concerned with containers for germinating seeds and growing plants. The plants may be in earth in pots having holes in the bottom, which pots are placed on a supporting platform in the container.
Such containers may be provided with a reservoir of water and with an automatic system for passing water from the reservoir to the roots.
It is important in such devices that a continuous flow of water is provided from a reservoir which can contain enough water to avoid frequent re-filling. It is also important that the flow should not be so great that it floods the roots.
One method of passing water from a reservoir to the roots of plants situated above the reservoir is by means of a strip of material having capillary properties, a part of which material extends below the surface of the water. One such material is fabric made from a vegetable fibre. This material contaminates the water and damages the growing plants.
Furthermore, the capillary properties of such fabrics are such that water can only be raised a short distance in height, and also only a short distance in a lateral direction on the support means. Therefore the capacity of the reservoir in such devices is small, necessitating frequent re-filling, and the number of plants which can be grown in each device is small.
The present invention aims to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages.
According to the invention, there is provided a container having a support means, a reservoir situated directly below such support means, and a mat of capillary material laid on the support means to substantially completely cover the support means and having at least one portion extending into the reservoir, wherein the support means takes the form of a shelf or tray adapted to support a number of plant pots with the mat interposed between the base of the or each plant pot and the shelf or tray.
Preferably, the capillary mat of the present invention is a melded fabric mat made from synthetic fibres, which may be polyester but are preferably nylon. Preferably the mat has a thickness of between two and three millimetres and has a weight of between 65 gms.
per square metre and 150 gms. per square metre. A suitable mat is that sold by I.C.I.
Limited under the Trade Mark CAM
BRELLE which has a thickness of 2.5 mm.
and weight of 70 gms. per square metre.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the reservoir is provided with a side wall having a flange adapted to receive the edge of said shelf or tray, said shelf or tray being provided with at least one cut-away portion to permit the said portion(s) of the mat to extend into the reservoir. The support means may comprise a solid shelf or a shelf in the form of a grill having a plurality of bars.
The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a container according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a vertical section through a container assembled from the components shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a plan view of a reservoir forming part of a second embodiment of a container according to the invention;
Figure 4 is a section taken on the line
IV-IV in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a plan view of a tray or shelf for use with the reservoir shown in Figures 3 and 4;
Figure 6 is a vertical section through a detachable side wall for the reservoir shown in Figures 3 and 4;
Figure 7 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a container according to the invention; and
Figure 8 is a section taken on the line VIII-VIII in Figures:;be mad to Figure 7; Reference will first be made to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings in which the container comprises a reservoir 1 having a flange 2 for supporting a tray or shelf 4 and an upwardly extending side wall 3. The tray or shelf 4 constitutes support means on which is laid a mat 5 of capillary material such as nylon. The corner regions of the shelf 4 are cut-away to provide recesses 6 and the mat 5 which is shaped to cover substantially the whole of the shelf 4, has outwardly extending arm portions or ears 7 at the corner regions which, when the container is assembled as shown in
Figure 2, pass through the recesses 6 and into the reservoir 1 which is normally filled with water 8 so that the arm portions 7 dip into the water.The arm portions 7 preferably extend substantially to the bottom of the reservoir.
The reservoir 1 has a central protrusion 9 for supporting the shelf at its centre and from below and the shelf 4 is preferably provided on at least its upper surface with a series of ribs 10 to permit surplus water to drain away from the capillary mat 5.
Three plant pots containing plants can be placed on the capillary mat 5 on the shelf 4 of
the container. The central protrusion 9 in this
case serves to support the central region of the shelf while its edges bear on the flange 2.
The plants should obtain sufficient and not too much water through the capillary mat
and through the holes in the bottom of the
plant pots for so long as water remains in the
reservoir and in the mat.
Turning now to Figures 3 to 6 of the draw ings it will be seen that the container com
prises a substantially rectangular reservoir
11 having a flange 12 for supporting the edge
of a tray or shelf 14 and two protrusions 19
for supporting central regions of the tray or
shelf 14. The shelf is provided with a cut-out
region 16 along one of its longer sides to
permit a flap indicated by the dotted line 17
in Figure 5 of a capillary mat to enter the
reservoir 11 beneath the shelf 14 which shelf
forms a support for the remainder of the
capillary mat (not shown) which has like
dimensions to that of the shelf 14.
The reservoir 11 is provided with an out
wardly extending flange 18 for supporting
the bottom of a detachable side wall 13 (Fig
ure 6) of the container. A number of plant
pots can be placed on the capillary mat as in
the embodiment described with reference to
Figures 1 and 2. If desired, the reservoir 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 may also be provided with a detachable side wall similar to the side wall 13.
The container shown in Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings comprises a substantially rectangular reservoir 21 having side walls 23 and end walls 28. In this case, the central protrusions take the form of a series of ribs 29 extending along the longitudinal axis of the reservoir and the upper edges of the side walls 23 are extended outwardly to form platforms 30 which terminate in side walls 31 which are joined to the end walls 28. Each side wall 23 is provided with a step which forms a flange 22 on which a substantially rectangular tray or shelf 24 can rest. The tray or shelf has such a thickness that, when it is supported on the flanges 22, its upper surface is substantially co-planar with the upper surfaces of the platforms 30.Two capillary mats 25a and 25b are laid on the platforms 30, the mats extending between the shelf 24 and a side wall 23 into the reservoir 21 and one mat 25a also overlying the shelf 24. For the sake of clarity the shelf and mats are omitted from
Figure 7.
Each end wall 28 of the reservoir 21 is provided with a cut-out recess 26 by means of which the shelf 24 may be removed from the reservoir by engaging the underside of the shelf at one or both ends and raising the shelf.
However, it is not necessary to raise the shelf in order to fill the reservoir with water because water can be poured into the reservoir through the recesses 26. Each end wall 28 is also provided with a bore 32 which is in communication with the interior of the reservoir by means of a slot 33 and serves to indicate the level of water and in the reservoir.
The reservoir 21 is further provided with bores 34 at its corners in the end walls 28 and bores 35 provided in thickened regions 36 of the side walls 31. The bores 34 and 35 serve for the reception of rods by means of which a series of these containers may be stacked one on top of another for display purposes. The reservoir may further be provided with a detachable side wall (not shown).
The embodiments of container above described can be made in various different shapes and sizes to accommodate different numbers and sizes of plant pots. The reservoir and support means can, in each case, be made of moulded plastics or ceramic material.
In the containers according to the present invention, the reservoirs may be such that the level of water is five inches below the support means before the reservoir need be re-filled to maintain the flow of water. Also, in the containers according to the present invention the horizontal flow of water through the capillary mat may be three or even four metres. The support means may therefore be at least three or four metres in length.
A further advantage of the containers according to the present invention is that if the roots of the plants are over-watered, then the water flows back through the capillary mat into the reservoir.
Where the plants are growing in plant pots, particularly clay pots, it has been found useful to insert one end of a small piece of capillary matting through the holes in the bottom of the pots, the other end being placed in contact with the capillary mat laid on the support means, since this further improves the flow of water to the plant roots.
Containers made according to the present invention may be used for other purposes than watering plants. For example, they may be used in the manufacture of pottery. In this case, the capillary mat is skimmed with plaster of Paris or like material which provides a flat surface on which pottery may be placed.
The capillary mat prevents the pottery from drying out prior to the clay being baked.
WHAT I CLAIM IS:
1. A container having a support means, a reservoir situated directly below the support means and a mat of capillary material laid on the support means to substantially completely cover the support means and having at least one portion extending into the reservoir, wherein the support means takes the form of a shelf or tray adapted to support a number of plant pots with the mat interposed between the base of the or each plant pot and the shelf or tray.
2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the capillary mat comprises a melded fabric mat made from synthetic fibres.
3. A container according to claim 2, wherein the fibres are polyester fibres.
4. A container according to claim 2, wherein the fibres are made of nylon.
5. A container according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the mat has a thickness of between two and three millimetres and a weight of between 65 and 150 gms. per square metre.
6. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the reservoir is provided with a side wall having a flange adapted to receive the edge of said shelf or tray, said shelf or tray being provided with at least one cut-away portion to permit the said portion(s) of the mat to extend into the reservoir.
7. A container according to claim 6, wherein the support means comprises a solid shelf provided with a series of ribs.
8. A container according to claim 6, wherein the support means comprises a shelf in the form of a grill having a plurality of bars.
9. A container according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the reservoir is provided with one or more protrusions for supporting the shelf or tray.
10. A container according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the shelf or tray is provided with a plurality of cut-away portions and wherein the capillary mat is provided with a plurality of portions to extend into the reservoir corresponding to the number of cut-away portions of the tray or shelf.
11. A container according to claim 10, wherein each of said mat portions extending into the reservoir comprises an ear projecting from the major portion of the mat.
12. A container according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the reservoir is provided with a further side wall adapted to be detachably mounted on said side wall.
13. A container according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the support means further includes laterally extending portions of said side walls of the reservoir which form platforms arranged to be substantially coplanar with the upper surface of said shelf or tray.
14. A container according to claim 13, wherein the reservoir is substantially rectangular and the platforms extend only along its longer sides.
15. A container according to claim 14, wherein two capillary mats are provided, one mat being arranged to be laid on the shelf or tray and one of the platforms and the other being arranged to be laid on the other platform.
16. A container according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the reservoir is provided with at least one recess in its side wall to facilitate removal of the shelf or tray.
17. A container according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the reservoir is provided with means in its side wall to permit said reservoir to be filled with water without removing the shelf or tray.
18. A container according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the reservoir is provided with means to enable a second container to be stacked on top of said container.
19. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the reservoir and support means are made of moulded plastics or ceramic material.
20. A container substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings.
21. A container substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 3 to 6 or Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings.
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.
Claims (21)
1. A container having a support means, a reservoir situated directly below the support means and a mat of capillary material laid on the support means to substantially completely cover the support means and having at least one portion extending into the reservoir, wherein the support means takes the form of a shelf or tray adapted to support a number of plant pots with the mat interposed between the base of the or each plant pot and the shelf or tray.
2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the capillary mat comprises a melded fabric mat made from synthetic fibres.
3. A container according to claim 2, wherein the fibres are polyester fibres.
4. A container according to claim 2, wherein the fibres are made of nylon.
5. A container according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the mat has a thickness of between two and three millimetres and a weight of between 65 and 150 gms. per square metre.
6. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the reservoir is provided with a side wall having a flange adapted to receive the edge of said shelf or tray, said shelf or tray being provided with at least one cut-away portion to permit the said portion(s) of the mat to extend into the reservoir.
7. A container according to claim 6, wherein the support means comprises a solid shelf provided with a series of ribs.
8. A container according to claim 6, wherein the support means comprises a shelf in the form of a grill having a plurality of bars.
9. A container according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the reservoir is provided with one or more protrusions for supporting the shelf or tray.
10. A container according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the shelf or tray is provided with a plurality of cut-away portions and wherein the capillary mat is provided with a plurality of portions to extend into the reservoir corresponding to the number of cut-away portions of the tray or shelf.
11. A container according to claim 10, wherein each of said mat portions extending into the reservoir comprises an ear projecting from the major portion of the mat.
12. A container according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the reservoir is provided with a further side wall adapted to be detachably mounted on said side wall.
13. A container according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the support means further includes laterally extending portions of said side walls of the reservoir which form platforms arranged to be substantially coplanar with the upper surface of said shelf or tray.
14. A container according to claim 13, wherein the reservoir is substantially rectangular and the platforms extend only along its longer sides.
15. A container according to claim 14, wherein two capillary mats are provided, one mat being arranged to be laid on the shelf or tray and one of the platforms and the other being arranged to be laid on the other platform.
16. A container according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the reservoir is provided with at least one recess in its side wall to facilitate removal of the shelf or tray.
17. A container according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the reservoir is provided with means in its side wall to permit said reservoir to be filled with water without removing the shelf or tray.
18. A container according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the reservoir is provided with means to enable a second container to be stacked on top of said container.
19. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the reservoir and support means are made of moulded plastics or ceramic material.
20. A container substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings.
21. A container substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 3 to 6 or Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB2552676A GB1581228A (en) | 1977-09-19 | 1977-09-19 | Plant containers |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB2552676A GB1581228A (en) | 1977-09-19 | 1977-09-19 | Plant containers |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB1581228A true GB1581228A (en) | 1980-12-10 |
Family
ID=10229127
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB2552676A Expired GB1581228A (en) | 1977-09-19 | 1977-09-19 | Plant containers |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB1581228A (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2199475A (en) * | 1986-11-27 | 1988-07-13 | Fisons Plc | Plant cultivation container |
| WO2000049854A1 (en) * | 1999-02-25 | 2000-08-31 | Carver Plc | Self watering growing unit |
| WO2018133903A1 (en) * | 2017-01-18 | 2018-07-26 | Eastside Impex · Handelsgesellschaft Mbh | Seed pad, seed tray, perforated sheet-metal insert, hardware kit and seed kit for germinating seeds, and method for watering a seed pad |
| US11026377B2 (en) | 2016-01-19 | 2021-06-08 | Reinhold H. Holtkamp, JR. | Wick watering pot cover system |
-
1977
- 1977-09-19 GB GB2552676A patent/GB1581228A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2199475A (en) * | 1986-11-27 | 1988-07-13 | Fisons Plc | Plant cultivation container |
| GB2199475B (en) * | 1986-11-27 | 1990-08-01 | Fisons Plc | Plant cultivation container |
| WO2000049854A1 (en) * | 1999-02-25 | 2000-08-31 | Carver Plc | Self watering growing unit |
| US11026377B2 (en) | 2016-01-19 | 2021-06-08 | Reinhold H. Holtkamp, JR. | Wick watering pot cover system |
| WO2018133903A1 (en) * | 2017-01-18 | 2018-07-26 | Eastside Impex · Handelsgesellschaft Mbh | Seed pad, seed tray, perforated sheet-metal insert, hardware kit and seed kit for germinating seeds, and method for watering a seed pad |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS | Patent sealed | ||
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |