GB2486886A

GB2486886A - Plant wall system and a laminate material for making the system

Info

Publication number: GB2486886A
Application number: GB1021791.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Castro-Edwards
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-12-23
Filing date: 2010-12-23
Publication date: 2012-07-04
Anticipated expiration: 2030-12-23
Also published as: GB201021791D0; GB2486886B

Abstract

A plant wall system 10 comprises a first sheet 12 and a second sheet 14, both of laminate material. Each of the laminate materials comprises a first layer 21 of reinforcing material and a second layer 23 of fluid absorbent, fluid conductive material. A third layer 25 of waterproof material may be interposed between the first and second layers. The second sheet is secured to the first sheet so as to form at least one pouch 18. The first and second sheets may be secured together so that they are in fluid communication 26. Each pouch may be filled with growing media. Also disclosed is a compostable or biodegradable laminate material comprising a first layer of reinforcing material, a second layer of fluid absorbent, fluid conductive material, and a third layer of waterproof material. In the plant wall system, both sheets may be formed of such a compostable or biodegradable laminate material.

Description

I

PLANT WALL SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to plant wall systems and their method of manufacture.

Background to the Invention

A plant wall system consists of a receptacle or series of receptacles in which plants are grown to create the appearance of a vertical wall of plants. A plant wall may be used where a traditional hedge either would take too long to establish or could not be grown at all. The benefits of a plant wall system are that it has an attractive visual appearance and it enhances its immediate environment ecologically. It enables plants to be grown on vertical surfaces, and as such unlocks growing space: any vertical outside space becomes an area in which plants may potentially be grown. In addition, plant wall systems may be installed within buildings to enhance visual appearance and to provide oxygen and humidity to improve the air quality.

There are existing providers of plant wall systems. However, these are generally expensive bespoke installations for a niche market and often require considerable maintenance. To date there is no widely available mass market method of creating an inexpensive low maintenance plant wall.

The benefits of a simple, robust, inexpensive integrated plant wall system which could be used to create a large vertical plant wall are readily apparent. Such a system would enable large-scale plant walls to be installed cost-effectively. A large-scale plant wall could transform an urban landscape or unsightly industrial area creating an attractive, green environment and bringing a wealth of ecological benefits.

On a domestic scale, the invention enables individuals with limited outside space to grow plants. It enables plants to be grown on vertical spaces such as balconies, walls or pitched roofs. It could also be used, for example, to create an attractive feature, conceal an unsightly area or create privacy in an overlooked outside space in significantly less time than it would take to grow a traditional hedge.

On a public scale, the invention could be used to cover large areas; for example to turn large expanses of pre-cast concrete into a softer, more attractive feature.

Ugly, dated, rundown or vandalised urban fabric could be transformed into a green and pleasant environment for a fraction of the cost of redevelopment.

This carries a multitude of hidden environment benefits compared to demolition and construction. The appearance of a newly built school, hospital or housing development could be enhanced dramatically and inexpensively by using the invention to create a number of green walls within the project. The low cost, short growing time and relative portability of the plant wall system mean that it could also be used to screen a construction site.

The invention solves other problems which may be less readily apparent. For example, buildings absorb solar energy and store heat, increasing the temperature in a built up area (the "urban heat island effect"). As a result built-up areas are frequently significantly warmer than the surrounding countryside. If the invention was used to cover a south facing wall or pitched roof, the bio-mass would absorb the solar energy by way of photosynthesis and reduce the amount of solar energy stored as heat by the building. This would make a small but definite contribution to reducing summer temperatures in built-up environments.

The invention would also act as an insulator, keeping a building cooler in the summer months and warmer in the winter. Further, bio-mass absorbs carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. Accordingly, the invention is a small but definite step against global warming.

A plant wall system made from sustainable materials, such as natural fibres, using an environmentally friendly manufacturing process could not only capture carbon dioxide in its working life through the plants grown in the plant wall system but also capture carbon dioxide by way of the materials from which it is manufactured. If the materials from which the plant wall system was made were also biodegradable or compostable, the plant wall would capture carbon dioxide throughout its life cycle.

A plant wall would absorb noise; used to screen a road, railway or metro it would not only enhance a vista but make the environment quieter. This noise-reducing quality could be used to benefit, for example, residents of homes built next to a road or railway, workers in an office next to a construction site or visitors to a town centre with a metro running through it.

A plant wall system would also create an urban ecological habitat, supporting the population of insects and birds. Planted with flowers, for example, a plant wall system would provide vital food for the threatened bee population.

A plant wall system could be used to grow fruit, vegetables or herbs for people with limited space, which would offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to travelling to a supermarket and purchasing packaged fruit, vegetables or herbs with their associated carbon footprint. Particular examples include pot herbs, salad leaves, hanging baby tomatoes and strawberries.

A plant wall system consisting of small growing receptacles could also offer water-saving benefits; since water would be concentrated on the roots of the plant or plants grown in each receptacle, less water would be needed than a plant in the ground, where water would inevitably percolate past the roots into the soil below the plant.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a plant wall system comprising: a first sheet of laminate material; and a second sheet of laminate material, wherein each of the laminate materials comprises a first layer of reinforcing material and a second layer of fluid absorbent, fluid conductive material, and wherein the second sheet is secured to the first sheet so as to form at least one pouch and such that the fluid conductive sheets of the first and second layers are in fluid communication.

The simple construction, from two sheets secured together enables a large array of pouches to be constructed quickly and inexpensively. As described more fully below, the construction also enables the plant wall system to be made entirely from materials that have a reduced environmental impact than current options.

Preferably, the second, fluid absorbent, fluid conductive layer of the first sheet faces the second, fluid absorbent, fluid conductive layer of the second sheet and is in direct contact with at least a portion thereof. This direct contact forms a fluid flow path for the distribution of water around the system.

The second sheet is preferably secured to the first sheet by a grid of seams defining a plurality of pouches. It will be appreciated, however, that the principle outlined above could be applied to a system having just a single pouch.

Where the system has multiple pouches, the grid of seams defining those pouches may include gaps which enable the passage of fluid across the fluid conductive layers, from pouch to pouch. The gaps may not be necessary, particularly in embodiments where the respective fluid absorbent, fluid conductive layers are in direct contact with one another, but they would help fluid distribution. One simple and effective way to achieve this is for the first sheet to be secured to the second sheet by stitching forming said grid of seams.

The first sheet is typically substantially planar, suitable for installation against a planar surface, such as a wall, fence or roof.

The fluid absorbent, fluid conductive material of the second layer of either or both of the first and second sheets may comprise a fibrous material, preferably of non-woven fibres. This is advantageous in retaining moisture there within.

The fibrous material preferably comprises natural material selected from the group consisting of: linseed, flax, coir, and cotton fibre, or the like. These materials have less environmental impact than man-made materials, and can look attractive.

The reinforcing material of the first layer of either or both of the first and second sheets may comprise woven fibres; preferably natural fibres selected from the group consisting of: hessian, jute, flax, and cotton fibres, or the like. These materials likewise have less environmental impact than man-made materials, and can look attractive.

At least one of the first and second sheets may further comprise a third layer of waterproof material between the first and second layers, to assist in retaining moisture within the system. The waterproof material may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride (PVC), starch-based bio-plastic film, waxed or otherwise waterproofed paper or card and rubber, or the like.

Preferably, each of the first and second sheets is compostable or biodegradable.

Once the plant wall has reached the end of its useful life, it would not take up space in land-fill, or have to be incinerated for disposal; thus resulting in a much more environmentally friendly product.

Each of the first and second sheets may be formed of the same laminate material. This could reduce costs through the use of fewer different source materials. However, there could be justification for having the front and back sheets formed of different materials. For example, the back sheet may be designed to bear a greater proportion of the weight of the system than the front sheet and accordingly be made of stronger materials. Moreover, the optional waterproof layer is more likely to be required for the front sheet than for the back sheet.

The plant wall system may further comprise an irrigation system, which may comprise a porous or perforated hose embedded within the fluid absorbent, fluid conductive layer of either or both of the first and second sheets. The provision of such an integral irrigation system, and the fact that this can be formed at the same time as the array of pouches removes the need for a separate system to irrigate the pouches and associated plumbing requirements.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a compostable or biodegradable laminate material comprising: a first layer of reinforcing material; a second layer of fluid absorbent, fluid conductive material; and a third layer of waterproof material, wherein each of the first, second and third layers is formed of a compostable or biodegradable material.

Such a material could be used for a large variety of applications and would have a minimal environmental impact as compared against similar material composed of man-made, non-compostable, or non-biodegradable materials.

The third layer is typically sandwiched between the first and second layers, so as to protect the relatively delicate waterproof layer and/or so as to ensure a pleasant aesthetic.

The fluid absorbent, fluid conductive material of the second layer may comprise a fibrous material, preferably of non-woven fibres. This is advantageous in retaining moisture there within.

The waterproof material of the third layer preferably comprises a starch-based bio-plastic film, which is a readily available, environmentally friendly product.

The reinforcing material of the first layer may comprise woven fibres; preferably natural fibres selected from the group consisting of: hessian, jute, flax, and cotton fibres, or the like. These materials likewise have less environmental impact than man-made materials, and can look attractive.

The invention provides a robust, inexpensive, low maintenance means of creating a plant wall. Because of its modular construction, plant wall units can be installed side-by-side and above one another to cover a large area. Because the unit may consist of numerous relatively small pouches with an integrated irrigation system, plants grow quickly and create plant cover in a relatively short space of time.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an elevation view of a plant wall system according to the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the system installed on a typical wall; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the system installed on the wall; Figure 4 is a detailed view of an individual pouch; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view on A-A of the pouch of Figure 4; and Figure 6 corresponds to Figure 1, but showing vegetation grown in the individual pouches.

Detailed Description

A plant wall system 10 according to the invention comprises a back sheet 12 and a front sheet 14 connected to one another by a grid of seams 16. The grid of seams defines a tessellated array of pouches 18.

The first (back) sheet 12 is planar and is secured to the second (front) sheet 14 by means of the grid of seams 16. The first and second sheets 12, 14 each comprise a laminate material which is composed of a first layer 21 of reinforcing material and a second layer 23 of a water absorbent, water conductive material.

In some embodiments, one or both of the sheets 12, 14 may further include a third layer 25 of a waterproof film interposed between the first and second layers 21, 23. Such a waterproof film 25 can be useful in more arid environments, to retain moisture within the plant wall system by preventing evaporation through the respective sheets.

Either or both of the reinforcing material layers 21 may comprise woven fibres of strong, hardwearing material. Preferably, the reinforcing material is inexpensive, derived from natural or sustainable sources, and compostable or biodegradable.

Such materials may include woven hessian, jute, flax, or cotton fibre.

Alternatively, it could be derived from recycled or waste material.

Either or both of the water absorbent, water conductive material layers 23 may comprise fibrous material which may be woven or unwoven, such as fleece or matting. Preferably the water absorbent, water conductive material is inexpensive, derived from natural or sustainable sources, and compostable or biodegradable. Such materials may include linseed, flax, coir or cotton fibre.

Alternatively, the water absorbent, water conductive material may be derived from recycled or waste material. The essential feature is that the material absorbs and conducts water (or, more generally, fluid).

Either or both of the waterproof film layers, where provided, may comprise polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinylchloride (PVC), starch based bio-plastic film or other waterproof material such as waxed or otherwise waterproofed paper or card, rubber or otherwaterproof material. Preferably, the waterproof film layer is inexpensive, derived from natural or sustainable sources, and compostable or biodegradable. Alternatively it could be derived from recycled or waste material.

The essential feature is that it is waterproof.

The first and second sheets 12, 14 may be formed of different materials. In particular, whereas one of the sheets may comprise a 3-layer laminate, including the waterproof film layer 25, the other sheet may be a 2-layer laminate, omitting that waterproof layer. This is illustrated in Fig. 5, where the back sheet 12 is a 2-layer laminate and the front sheet 14 is a 3-layer laminate. It will be appreciated that evaporation of moisture is less likely to occur through the back sheet 12, located against a wall 30, than it is to occur through the front sheet 14.

Moreover, the materials of the component layers 21, 23, 25 themselves may be different from one sheet 12 to the other 14.

The seams 16 may be stitched, glued or otherwise bonded. The water absorbent, water conductive material layers 23 of the first and second sheets 12, 14 should be facing one another, with at least a portion of the fluid absorbent, fluid conductive layer 23 of the first sheet 12 being in direct contact with at least a portion 26 of the fluid absorbent, fluid conductive layer 23 of the second sheet 14. This direct contact forms a fluid flow path through which moisture can be transmitted, to be distributed around the plant wall system, and in particular between the respective front and back sheets 12, 14.

As illustrated, each pouch 18 is a four sided polygon, with horizontal seams 17 defining the respective tops and bottoms of the pouches, and vertical seams 19 defining the respective sides. It will be appreciated, however, that the pouches 18 do not have to be rectangular, nor symmetrical about either horizontal or vertical axes.

The horizontal and/or vertical seams 17, 19 may include gaps or breaks so as not to prevent the flow of water between the pouches 18.

Each pouch 18 comprises a planar back wall 20 formed from a portion of the back sheet 12 between a cell of the grid of seams 16, and a gusseted front wall 22 formed from a corresponding portion of the front sheet 14. The portion of the front sheet 14 is folded (prior to attachment to the back sheet) to form side gussets 28 that enable the interior of the pouch to have a volume. An opening 24 is formed at the top of each pouch and defined by the top edge of the portion of the front sheet 14 and by the corresponding portion of the back sheet 12.

The plant wall system 10 may include one or more loops 40, forming pockets running along the top into which a rigid pole, such as a length of bamboo or cane, may be inserted. The plant wall system 10 can be easily and securely attached to a wall 30 or a sloping roof Preferably, the loops 40 have spaces 42 therebetween at regular intervals to allow the pole or cane to be hung from a bracket, to evenly distribute the weight of the plant wall system 10 when so installed.

Once the basic structure of the plant wall system 10 has been created, the individual pouches 18 are filled with nutritious matter such as earth through the respective top openings 24. This filling step may take place at the point of manufacture or alternatively at the point of installation. In order to facilitate the filling process, the second sheet 14 may have an array of bulges formed therein.

This bulging formation effectively pre-forms each pouch 18 and opens the top opening 24 ready for filling. The formation of the bulges may be achieved by deforming the second sheet 14 prior to it being secured to the first sheet 12, or alternatively by the addition of darts or filets. As discussed above, a preferred embodiment comprises a folded front sheet 14 forming side gussets 28 for each pocket This embodiment enables the plant wall system 10 to be flattened for transportation and/or storage, yet allows the top openings 24 to be easily and widely opened for filling.

Once filled with the nutritious matter, seeds, seedlings or plants may be planted in the individual pouches 18.

When irrigated, these seeds, seedlings or plants will grow, thus causing vegetation 50 to grow and cover across the plant wall system, as shown in Figure 6.

To this end, the plant wall system 10 may include an irrigation system (not shown), which may comprise a fluid inlet which could be by way of a pocket into which a porous or perforated hose may be inserted along the top that is in communication with the fluid absorbent, fluid conductive material 23. In use, fluid (typically water) is introduced into the fluid inlet or by watering one or more pouches and, under the action of gravity and or capillary action causes fluid to flow around the water absorbent, water conductive layers 23, which together form a fluid flow path in fluid communication with each pouch 18.

The irrigation may be under continuous control from the irrigation system, may be manual, or may, for outside installations, rely on natural precipitation and/or humidity.

Irrigation has generally been discussed in the context of the irrigating fluid being water. It will be understood that other fluids, such as fertiliser, may instead or also be used.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A plant wall system comprising: a first sheet of laminate material; and a second sheet of laminate material, wherein each of the laminate materials comprises a first layer of reinforcing material and a second layer of fluid absorbent, fluid conductive material, and wherein the second sheet is secured to the first sheet so as to form at least one pouch and such that the fluid conductive sheets of the first and second layers are in fluid communication.
2. The plant wall system of claim 1, wherein the second, fluid absorbent, fluid conductive layer of the first sheet faces the second, fluid absorbent, fluid conductive layer of the second sheet and is in direct contact with at least a portion thereof.
3. The plant wall system of claim I or claim 2, wherein the second sheet is secured to the first sheet by a grid of seams defining a plurality of pouches.
4. The plant wall system of claim 3, wherein the grid of seams includes gaps which enable the passage of fluid across the fluid conductive layers, from pouch to pouch.
5. The plant wall system of claim 4, wherein the first sheet is secured to the second sheet by stitching forming said grid of seams.
6. The plant wall system of any preceding claim, wherein the first sheet is substantially planar.
7. The plant wall system of any preceding claim, wherein the fluid absorbent, fluid conductive material of the second layer of either or both of the first and second sheets comprises a fibrous material.
8. The plant wall system of claim 7, wherein the fibrous material comprises non-woven fibres.
9. The plant wall system of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the fibrous material comprises natural material selected from the group consisting of: linseed, flax, coir, and cotton fibre, or the like.
10. The plant wall system of any preceding claim, wherein the reinforcing material of the first layer of either or both of the first and second sheets comprises woven fibres.
11. The plant wall system of claim 10, wherein the woven fibres comprise natural fibres selected from the group consisting of: hessian, jute, flax, and cotton fibres, or the like.
12. The plant wall system of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first and second sheets further comprises a third layer of waterproof material between the first and second layers.
13. The plant wall system of claim 12, wherein the waterproof material of the third layer of either or both of the first and second sheets comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride (PVC), starch-based bio-plastic film, waxed or otherwise waterproofed paper or card and rubber, or the like.
14. The plant wall system of any preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second sheets is compostable or biodegradable.
15. The plant wall system of any preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second sheets is formed of the same laminate material.
16. The plant wall system of any preceding claim, further comprising an irrigation system.
17. The plant wall system of claim 16, wherein the irrigation system comprises a porous or perforated hose embedded within the fluid absorbent, fluid conductive layer of either or both of the first and second sheets.
18. A compostable or biodegradable laminate material comprising: a first layer of reinforcing material; a second layer of fluid absorbent, fluid conductive material; and a third layer of waterproof material, wherein each of the first, second and third layers is formed of a compostable or biodegradable material.
19. The laminate material of claim 18, wherein the third layer is sandwiched between the first and second layers.
20. The laminate material of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the fluid absorbent, fluid conductive material of the second layer comprises a fibrous material.
21. The laminate material of claim 20, wherein the fibrous material comprises non-woven fibres.
22. The laminate material of claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the fibrous material comprises natural material selected from the group consisting of: linseed, flax, coir, and cotton fibre, or the like.
23. The laminate material of any of claims 18 to 22, wherein the waterproof material of the third layer comprises a starch-based bio-plastic film.
24. The laminate material of any of claims lSto 23, wherein the reinforcing material of the first layer comprises woven fibres.
25. The laminate material of claim 24, wherein the woven fibres comprise natural fibres selected from the group consisting of: hessian, jute, flax, and cotton fibres, or the like.
26. A plant wall system according to any of claims I to 6, wherein each of the first and second sheets comprises a laminate material according to any of claims 18 to 25.
27. A plant wall system substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying figures.Amendments to the claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A plant wall system comprising: a first sheet of laminate material; and a second sheet of laminate material, wherein each of the laminate materials comprises a first layer of reinforcing material and a second layer of fluid absorbent, fluid conductive material, the second sheet is secured to the first sheet so as to form two or more pouches such that the fluid conductive layers of the first and second sheets are in fluid communication, and wherein the means for securing the sheets includes gaps which enable the passage of fluid across the fluid conductive layers, and between the plurality of pouches.2. The plant wall system of claim 1, wherein the second, fluid absorbent, C) fluid conductive layer of the first sheet faces the second, fluid absorbent, fluid conductive layer of the second sheet and is in direct contact with at least a CO portion thereof.3. The plant wall system of claim I or claim 2, wherein the means for securing the sheets comprises a grid of seams defining the plurality of pouches.4. The plant wall system of claim 3, wherein the grid of seams includes gaps which enable the passage of fluid across the fluid conductive layers, from pouch to pouch.5. The plant wall system of claim 4, wherein the grid of seams may be stitched, glued or otherwise bonded.6. The plant wall system of any preceding claim, wherein the first sheet is substantially planar.7. The plant wall system of any preceding claim, wherein the fluid absorbent, fluid conductive material of the second layer of either or both of the first and second sheets comprises a fibrous material.8. The plant wall system of claim 7, wherein the fibrous material comprises non-woven fibres.9. The plant wall system of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the fibrous material comprises natural material selected from the group consisting of: linseed, flax, coir, and cotton fibre, or the like.10. The plant wall system of any preceding claim, wherein the reinforcing material of the first layer of either or both of the first and second sheets comprises woven fibres. 1 1511. The plant wall system of claim 10, wherein the woven fibres comprise natural fibres selected from the group consisting of: hessian, jute, flax, and cotton fibres, or the like.12. The plant wall system of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first and second sheets further comprises a third layer of waterproof material between the first and second layers.13. The plant wall system of claim 12, wherein the waterproof material of the third layer of either or both of the first and second sheets comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride (PVC), starch-based bio-plastic film, waxed or otherwise waterproofed paper or card and rubber, or the like.14. The plant wall system of any preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second sheets is compostable or biodegradable.15. The plant wall system of any preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second sheets is formed of the same laminate material.16. The plant wall system of any preceding claim, further comprising an irrigation system.17. The plant wall system of claim 16, wherein the irrigation system comprises a porous or perforated hose embedded within the fluid absorbent, fluid conductive layer of either or both of the first and second sheets.18. A plant wall system substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying figures. r r (4