HK1237203B - Modular composting garden container, system, and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an expandable, modular tower planter having an internal vertical composting capability, and a method of assembling and using the same. Provided in various example embodiments is a modular composting garden container system comprising a base and a plurality of stackable rings forming a tower upon the base, including an optional base ring specially sized, shaped, and positioned to connect the tower to the base. A plurality of perforated, stackable tube sections are provided that are removably assembled into a compost tube assembly of selectable height and mounted within the interior of the tower and above the base. A plurality of holding struts are sized, shaped, and positioned to removably connect the compost tube assembly with the tower and to securely locate the compost tube assembly relative to the tower. Means are provided for recovering nutrient-rich drainage and selective recovery of compost material for reintroduction into the system.

Description

Modular composting garden container, system, and method of use

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and is a non-provisional application of, pending U.S. Patent Application No. 62/024,741, filed July 15, 2014. This application also claims priority to, and is a continuation-in-part of, pending U.S. Patent Application No. 13/606,803, filed September 7, 2012.

Federally funded research or development

none.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to gardening and, in particular, to container gardening in the form of a garden tower planter having an internal vertical composting tube.

Background Art

Container gardening is well known. When the correct growing conditions are provided, nearly any plant can be grown in a container. Plants can be grown in anything that will hold soil and allow for proper drainage. Criteria for selecting a container typically include ensuring it has holes for adequate drainage and is large enough to hold the minimum amount of soil required for a mature plant to grow. The biggest drawback to growing plants in containers is the maintenance requirements of watering and fertilizing.

Summary of the Invention

A novel garden planter is provided that effectively overcomes the problems of the prior art and offers additional advantages in the form of an expandable, modular tower planter with internal vertical composting capabilities. Various exemplary embodiments provide a hollow, vertical, cylindrical outer barrel having multiple openings formed around its cylindrical sides. Various exemplary embodiments also provide a hollow, cylindrical inner tube having multiple perforations formed in its cylindrical wall. The space between the inner tube and the barrel wall can be sized, shaped, and positioned to accommodate a growing medium, such as potting soil. The inner tube can be sized, shaped, and positioned to accommodate composting material. A plurality of worms can be added to the composting material in the inner tube. Water can be added to the inner tube and barrel, for example, on a daily basis. Plants can be inserted into the outer openings of the barrel. A removable container can be placed at the bottom of the tube and barrel, sized, shaped, and positioned to capture water draining from the tube and barrel. This drainage water is typically rich in nutrients and can be returned to the inner tube, for example, on a daily basis. In this way, a portion of the compost material can be converted into organic "worm tea" fertilizer to promote the rapid growth of healthy plants. In various exemplary embodiments, a vertical perforated inner chamber is provided within the vertical outer chamber, which allows garden plants to be grown within the vertical outer chamber. The inner chamber can produce compost that can be recycled and used in this or other planting environments.

The present modular composting garden container, system, and method of use provide various improvements over applicant's prior art garden tower described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/606,803. Applicant's prior art garden tower provided a cylindrical outer barrel with a composting tube concentrically positioned within the barrel. The disclosed barrel and tube were of one size. The present garden tower embodiment provides a system of modular barrels and tube segments that can be stacked to provide garden towers of varying sizes. The different segments can also be disassembled and nested together into a compact stack that significantly reduces the system's bulk for more efficient packaging, shipping, storage, and retail display.

In various example embodiments, a modular composting garden container system is provided, comprising: a base; a plurality of stackable rings sized, shaped, and positioned to be removably assembled into a tower having a selectable height and mounted above the base, the tower comprising a first interior and a first exterior surface, the first interior sized, shaped, and positioned to contain soil introduced from a top of the tower, the first exterior surface defining a plurality of first apertures therein, the first apertures sized, shaped, and positioned to facilitate plant growth from the first interior through the first apertures; a plurality of stackable pipe segments sized, shaped, and positioned to be removably assembled into a tower having a selectable height and mounted within the first interior of the tower and and a compost tube assembly above the base, the compost tube assembly including a second interior and a second exterior surface, the second interior sized, shaped, and positioned to hold compost material introduced from a top of the compost tube assembly, the second exterior surface defining a plurality of second openings therein, the second openings sized, shaped, and positioned to facilitate passage of worms through the second interior through the second openings; a plurality of retaining struts sized, shaped, and positioned to removably connect the compost tube assembly to the tower and securely position the compost tube assembly relative to the tower; wherein the base is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive, store, and provide access to nutrient-rich drainage water from the soil or the compost material, or both. In various example embodiments, the base includes a removable drawer sized, shaped, and positioned to receive, store, and provide access to nutrient-rich drainage water from the soil or the compost material, or both. Different example embodiments may further include a screen element that is removably mounted on a bottom below the modular composting tube assembly in the base. Different example embodiments may further include a bottom ring that is sized, shaped, and positioned to connect the tower to the base, and that is sized, shaped, and positioned to connect the composting tube assembly to the base. Different example embodiments may further include a plurality of legs that are sized, shaped, and positioned to connect the composting tube assembly to the base and that extend radially outwards from the base. Different example embodiments may further include a lid that is sized, shaped, and positioned to connect the top of the composting tube assembly to the base and to cover the top.

Also provided in various example embodiments is a modular composting garden container comprising: a base; a plurality of stackable rings removably assembled into a tower having a selectable height and mounted above the base, the tower comprising a first interior and a first exterior surface, the first interior sized, shaped, and positioned to contain soil introduced from a top of the tower, the first exterior surface defining a plurality of first apertures therein sized, shaped, and positioned to facilitate plant growth through the first apertures from the first interior; and a plurality of stackable pipe segments removably assembled into a tower having a selectable height and mounted within the first interior of the tower. and a compost tube assembly above the base, the compost tube assembly including a second interior and a second exterior surface, the second interior being sized, shaped, and positioned to hold compost material introduced from the top of the compost tube assembly, the second exterior surface defining a plurality of second openings therein, the second openings being sized, shaped, and positioned to facilitate passage of worms through the second interior through the second openings; a plurality of retaining struts that removably connect the compost tube assembly to the tower and securely position the compost tube assembly relative to the tower; wherein the base is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive, store, and provide access to nutrient-rich drainage water from the soil or the compost material, or both. In various example embodiments, the base may further include a removable drawer sized, shaped, and positioned to receive, store, and provide access to nutrient-rich drainage water from the soil or the compost material, or both. Different example embodiments may further include a screen element that is removably mounted in the base and is positioned below the bottom of the modular compost pipe assembly. Different example embodiments may further include a bottom ring that connects the tower to the base. Different example embodiments may further include a bottom ring that connects the compost pipe assembly to the base. Different example embodiments may further include a plurality of legs that are connected to the base and extend radially outward from the base. Different example embodiments may further include a lid that is removably attached to the top of the compost pipe assembly and covers the top.

In various example embodiments, a method of using a modular composting garden container system is provided, comprising the steps of: removably assembling a plurality of conformable stackable rings into a tower having a selectable height and mounting the tower above a base, the tower comprising a first interior and a first exterior surface, the first interior sized, shaped, and positioned to contain soil introduced from a top of the tower, the first exterior surface defining a plurality of first apertures therein, the first apertures sized, shaped, and positioned to facilitate plant growth through the first apertures from the first interior; removably assembling a plurality of stackable pipe segments into a tower having a selectable height and mounting the tower above a base. The compost pipe assembly of optional height and this compost pipe assembly is installed in this first inside of this tower and above this base, this compost pipe assembly comprises second inside and second outer surface, this second inside is determined size, shaped and positioned to be used for containing the compost material introduced from the top of this compost pipe assembly, this second outer surface defines a plurality of second orifices therein, these second orifices are determined size, shaped and positioned to be conducive to worms passing these second orifices from this second inside; and use a plurality of holding braces that this compost pipe assembly is removably connected with this tower and firmly this compost pipe assembly is positioned relative to this tower.Different example embodiments can further include that this tower is connected with this base by bottom ring, this bottom ring is determined size, shaped and positioned to be used for being connected with this tower and this base interface.Different example embodiments can further include that this compost pipe assembly is connected with this base by bottom ring, this bottom ring is determined size, shaped and positioned to be used for being connected with this compost pipe assembly and this base interface. Various example embodiments may further include substantially filling the first interior with soil; placing compost material in the second interior; placing worms in the second interior; planting a plurality of plants in the soil through the first apertures; and adding water to the soil, the compost material, or both. Various example embodiments may further include removing nutrient-rich drainage from the soil, the compost material, or both from the base; and adding the nutrient-rich drainage back to the soil, the compost material, or both. Various example embodiments may further include removing a screen element from the base; and causing at least a portion of the compost material to exit the compost tube assembly through the bottom of the compost tube assembly.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Other aspects, objects, and advantages of the various example embodiments will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon examination of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 is a front view of an example garden container and system according to various example embodiments.

2 is a cross-sectional view of the example garden container of FIG. 1 .

3A is a perspective view of a cross-sectional view of the garden container of FIG. 2 , and FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a portion thereof.

4 is a bottom view of an example garden tower according to various example embodiments.

5 is a top view of an example garden tower according to various example embodiments.

6 is a perspective view of an example garden tower base, according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the base of the example garden tower of FIG. 6 .

8 is a perspective view of an example base drawer according to various example embodiments.

9 is a perspective view of an example base filter according to various example embodiments.

10 is a bottom perspective view of an example bottom ring according to various example embodiments.

11 is a top perspective view of the example base ring of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 is a top view of the example bottom ring of FIG. 10 .

13 is a bottom perspective view of an example upper ring having multiple locators according to various example embodiments.

14 is a top perspective view of the example upper ring of FIG. 13 .

FIG. 15 is a side view of the example upper ring of FIG. 13 .

FIG. 16 is a top view of the upper ring of the example of FIG. 13 .

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the example upper ring of FIG. 13 .

18 is a perspective view of an example center pipe segment according to various example embodiments.

19 is a top view of the example center tube segment of FIG. 18 .

20 is a bottom view of the example center tube segment of FIG. 18 .

21 is a perspective view of an example center tube cover according to various example embodiments.

22 is a side view of the example center tube cover of FIG. 21 .

23 is a side view of an example retention brace, according to various example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to certain specific example embodiments, including any best mode contemplated by the inventors. Examples of these specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present invention is described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments described or illustrated. On the contrary, it is intended to encompass numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Specific example embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these features or specific details. In some instances, components and procedures well known to those skilled in the art have not been described in detail in order not to obscure aspects of the present invention.

For clarity, various techniques and mechanisms will sometimes be described in singular form. However, it should be noted that some embodiments may include multiple iterations of the techniques or multiple components, mechanisms, etc., unless otherwise indicated. Similarly, the various steps of the methods shown and described herein are not necessarily performed in the order indicated, or in some embodiments, not performed at all. Thus, some implementations of the methods discussed herein may include more or fewer steps than those shown and described.

Furthermore, the example techniques and mechanisms described herein will sometimes describe a connection, relationship, or communication between two or more items or entities. It should be noted that a connection or relationship between entities does not necessarily refer to a direct, unimpeded connection, as a variety of other entities or processes may exist or occur between any of the entities. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, a connection indicated does not necessarily refer to a direct, unimpeded connection.

With reference now to the accompanying drawings in detail, in which like elements are indicated by like numerals, an example modular composting garden container and system in the form of a modular composting garden container system 1 is shown, which is composed of a modular vertical cylindrical outer barrel assembly 10 with a modular inner concentric perforated cylindrical composting tube assembly 80. See Figures 1 to 5. The modular barrel assembly 10 may include a base 20, a bottom ring 40 resting on the base, and one or more upper rings 60 stacked on the bottom ring 40. Alternatively, the upper ring 60 may be sized, shaped, and positioned to rest directly on the base 20 without a separate bottom ring 40. The modular composting tube assembly 80 may include a plurality of tube segments 90 (Figure 18) and, in certain embodiments, a lid 110 (Figure 21). The modular barrel assembly 10 may have a bottom 11 and a top 12 and may be formed into a generally cylindrical shape (e.g., as shown in the figures), with the longitudinal axis of the modular barrel assembly 10 extending from the center of the bottom 11 to the center of the top 12. The modular bucket assembly 10 can have one or more sidewalls 13 formed by the rings 40, 60. The top 12, bottom 11 and sidewalls 13 of the modular bucket assembly define therein a bucket assembly interior 14. The modular composting tube assembly 80 can be concentrically positioned within the bucket assembly interior 14.

2 , a modular compost duct assembly 80 can have an open bottom 81, from which a cylindrical sidewall 82 formed by a tube segment 90 ( FIG. 18 ) extends vertically upward to an open top 83. The modular compost duct assembly 80 can be, for example, generally cylindrical in shape (or any other suitable shape), with a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the bottom 81 of the compost duct assembly. The top 83, bottom 81, and sidewall 82 of the compost duct assembly define a compost duct assembly interior 84 ( FIG. 3A ). The top 83 of the compost duct assembly can be covered, for example, by a removable cover 110 to keep flies and the like out.

As indicated in Figures 3A and 3B, in various exemplary embodiments, the modular bucket assembly 10 can include a bottom ring 40 rotatably resting on the base 20, such that the bottom ring 40, one or more upper rings 60 stacked thereon, and the compost tube assembly 80 connected thereto (collectively, the upper portion 300 of the modular composting garden container system 1 indicated in Figure 3A) can all be rotated about their longitudinal axes relative to the base 20 as indicated by arrow 310 (and can also be rotated in a direction opposite to arrow 310). For example, this allows a user to rotate the upper portion 300 of the modular composting garden container system 1 to access its entire circumference when the modular composting garden container system 1 is located in a corner. The bottom ring 40 can be rotatably connected to the base 20 via a plurality of ball bearings 210 or other rotatable or slidable members that are in rotational or slidable contact with a lower groove 200 formed in the base 20 and also in rotational or slidable contact with an upper groove 220 formed in the bottom ring 40, as shown in Figures 3A, 6, and 10. It should be noted that although Figures 6 and 10 each illustrate only a few ball bearings 210 positioned in the lower and upper grooves 200, 220, respectively, it should be understood that when the modular composting garden container system 1 is assembled, the entire space between the upper and lower grooves 200, 220 may be partially or completely filled with ball bearings 210 or other rotatable or slidable members.

With more specific reference to Figures 6-9, an example bucket assembly base 20 can have a bottom 21 with one or more sidewalls 23 extending vertically upward from the bottom to a base top 22. The base 20 can be, for example, generally cylindrical in shape (or any other suitable shape), with a longitudinal axis of the base 20 generally perpendicular to the bottom 21 of the base 20. The base assembly's bottom 21, top 22, and sidewalls 23 define a base interior 24 therein. The sidewalls 23 can have an outer surface 25 having a plurality of, for example, three or four, preferably equally spaced vertical recesses 26 formed therein. Each recess 26 can be sized, shaped, and positioned to receive a bucket assembly leg 15. The base top 22 can have a raised central annular segment 27 with an aperture 33 leading to a cavity 28 within the base interior 24. The base top central annular segment 27 can be sized, shaped, and positioned to receive the compost tube assembly bottom 81. The base top 22 can also have an upwardly extending peripheral flange 29. The bottom of the tub sidewall 13 can be sized, shaped, and positioned to fit over the base top perimeter flange 29. The base sidewall 23 can have a radial opening 30 extending into the base interior cavity 31. The base 20 can further include a top-opening drawer 32 ( FIG. 8 ) sized, shaped, and positioned to slide through the base sidewall radial opening 30 into the base interior cavity 31. The base 20 can further include a screen element 34 ( FIG. 9 ) slidably inserted into the base interior cavity 31 through the radial opening 30 above the drawer 32.

As can be seen most clearly in Figures 10-12, the bottom ring 40 can form the lowermost ring of the modular barrel assembly 10 and interface the modular barrel assembly 10 with the base 20. The bottom ring 40 can have, for example, a generally cylindrical shape (or any other suitable shape) having a bottom 41, an open top 42, and one or more sidewalls 43 extending from the bottom 41 to the top 42, the bottom 41, top 42, and sidewalls 43 defining a base ring interior 44 therein. The bottom ring sidewall 43 can have a plurality of generally circumferential, outwardly extending protrusions 45 along a top edge 46 of the bottom ring sidewall. Each protrusion 45 can be defined by a lip 47. The bottom ring bottom 41 can have a plurality of perforations 48, a central annular channel 52, and a central orifice 49 defined by the annular channel 52. The central orifice 49 can have a downwardly extending cylindrical sleeve 50. The bottom ring sleeve 50 can be sized, shaped, and positioned to engage the base top central annular segment 27. The bottom ring interior 44 can have a plurality of first engagement members 51, which can include, for example, a plurality of hollow engagement cylinders 51 extending from the bottom ring bottom 41 along the bottom ring sidewall 43 to the bottom ring top 42. The first engagement members 51 can each be positioned between the bottom ring sidewall protrusions 45, adjacent to the sidewall 43.

As best seen in Figures 13 to 17, upper rings 60 can form a substantial portion of the modular bucket assembly 10. The number of upper rings 60 can vary to determine the overall height of the modular composting garden container system 1. The first upper ring 60 can rest on the bottom ring 40 (or base 20), and each subsequent upper ring 60 can rest on the previously installed upper ring 60. Each upper ring 60 can have, for example, a generally cylindrical shape (or any other suitable shape), having a bottom 61, an open top 62, and one or more sidewalls 63 extending from the bottom 61 to the top 62, the bottom 61, top 62, and sidewalls 63 defining an upper ring interior 64 therein. Each upper ring sidewall 63 can have a plurality of generally circumferential, outwardly extending protrusions 65 along a top edge of the upper ring sidewall 63. Each protrusion 65 can be defined by a lip 67. Each upper ring bottom 61 can have a central annular aperture 68 formed therein. The diameter of the aperture 68 may be larger and may, for example, be about 75% or more of the diameter of the upper ring 60 itself.

Each upper ring interior 64 can have a plurality of second engagement members 71, which can, for example, include a plurality of hollow engagement cylinders 71 extending from the upper ring bottom 61 along the upper ring sidewall 63 to the upper ring top 62. The second engagement members 71 can each be positioned between the upper ring sidewall protrusions 65, adjacent to the sidewall 63. Each upper ring bottom 61 can also have a plurality of outwardly projecting engagement members 72. Each engagement member 72 can, for example, be positioned adjacent to the junction between the bottom 61 and the sidewall 63 below the protrusions 65. Each upper ring bottom 61 can also have a plurality of retaining elements 73, such as small orifices 73 positioned adjacent to the circumference of the bottom central aperture 68 on a radial line from the engagement members 72.

As best seen in Figures 18-20, the modular composting tube assembly 80 can include a plurality of tube segments 90 and a cap 110. In various exemplary embodiments, the number of tube segments 90 can correspond to the combined number of bottom rings 40 and upper rings 60. Each tube segment 90 can have, for example, a generally cylindrical shape (or any other suitable shape) having an open bottom 91, an open top 92, and one or more sidewalls 93 extending from the bottom 91 to the top 92, the bottom 91, top 92, and sidewalls 93 defining a tube segment hollow interior 94 therein. Each tube segment sidewall 93 can have a plurality of apertures 95 formed therein. Each tube segment sidewall 93 can have a bottom sidewall segment 97 formed therein, the bottom sidewall segment 97 having a larger diameter than the main sidewall 93. The larger diameter of the bottom sidewall segment 97 can form an annular channel 98 that is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive the top edge 96 of the tube segment sidewall 93 of the adjacent tube segment 90.

At each segment bottom 91, the segment bottom sidewall section 97 may terminate in a radial, outwardly projecting annular flange 100. Each annular flange 100 may have a top surface 101 and a bottom surface 102. Each annular flange may also have equally spaced apertures 103 extending through the top and bottom surfaces.

The lowermost pipe segment 90 can be positioned on the bottom ring 40, wherein the lowermost pipe segment ring flange 100 rests in the bottom ring central annular channel 52, and the pipe segment bottom sidewall segment annular channel 98 can be sleeved on the radially innermost ridge 53 of the bottom ring central annular channel, which defines the bottom ring central annular channel 52 and the central orifice 49.

21 and 22 , each modular compost garden container system 1 can be equipped with a compost pipe assembly cover 110. The cover 110 can have, for example, a generally cylindrical shape (or any other suitable shape) with an open bottom 111, a closed top 112, and one or more sidewalls 113 extending from the bottom 111 to the top 112, wherein the bottom 111, top 112, and sidewalls 113 define a cover hollow interior 114 therein. An annular channel 115 can be formed around the cover sidewall 113, adjacent the cover bottom 111. A vent 116 can be formed in the sidewall 113 above the channel 115, near the cover top 112. The cover 110 can be sized, shaped, and positioned to be inserted into the uppermost pipe segment 90, wherein the cover sidewall bottom 111 can be inserted through the pipe segment top 92. The cover sidewall channel 115 can engage the pipe segment interior 94. The remainder of the cover sidewall 113 may rest on the tube segment top 92 .

5 and 23 , a linear retaining strut 5 is shown having two ends 6, 7, each terminating in a retaining element 8, for example, approximately ninety degrees downwardly directed. Each strut can be sized, shaped, and positioned so that one end 6 or 7 is inserted into the upper ring retaining aperture 73 and the other end 7 or 6 is inserted into the corresponding pipe segment ring flange aperture 103. Multiple struts 5 thus inserted into corresponding apertures 73, 103 can provide lateral stability to the modular compost garden container system 1, thereby concentrically retaining the modular compost pipe assembly 80 within the modular bucket assembly 10. While Figures 5 and 23 illustrate one example retention strut 5, the retention strut 5 may include any suitable structure having any suitable geometry or mechanical properties, so long as a plurality of the retention struts 5 are capable of removably connecting the compost tube assembly 80 to the modular compost garden container system 1 by connecting the compost tube assembly 80 to the modular vertical outer cylindrical modular bucket assembly 10 and securely positioning the compost tube assembly 80 relative to the modular compost garden container system 1. For example, in one embodiment (not shown), the retention strut 5 may include a plurality of ties, wires, or other flexible members (e.g., like the spokes of a wheel) that can attach to the upper ring retention aperture 73 and the corresponding pipe segment flange aperture 103 and apply radial tension therebetween.

Any suitable material may be used for any of the components or pieces described herein, such as, for example, any suitable polymer or metal, or ceramic, porcelain, concrete, or wood, and any structure disclosed herein may be manufactured by any suitable means and may be solid or hollow. Ball bearing 210 may be of any suitable material. While the rings 40, 60, base 20, and tube segment 90 in various example embodiments have generally round cylindrical outer contours, as shown in the figures, any or all of these components may alternatively have any other suitable shape, such as a square, rectangular, octagonal, or any other suitable outer contour (when viewed from a top plan view, as shown in FIG5 ).

In use, the example modular composting garden container and system in the form of a modular composting garden container system 1 can be modularly assembled into any of a plurality of heights by providing a base 20 and vertically stacking thereon any suitable number of rings 60 (optionally including a bottom ring 40 specifically sized, shaped, and positioned to interface with the base 20). When each ring 40 or 60 is stacked and removably secured together using the attachment arrangement of the engaging members 71 and elements 72 as described herein, the modular composting pipe assembly 80 can also be progressively assembled by stacking and removably securing together pipe segments 90, which are also stacked concentrically within the ring 60 on the base 20 or bottom ring 40. When each ring 40 or 60 is stacked together and when each pipe segment 90 therein is stacked together, each pipe segment 90 can be radially connected to a vertically corresponding ring 40 or 60 by a plurality of connecting struts 5, which can be equally spaced around the circumference of each pipe segment 90. Legs 15 can be mounted to extend radially outward from base 20 to provide additional stability. Base drawer 32 can be removably mounted in base 20, and screen element 34 can be removably mounted in base 20 between the bottom of modular compost tube assembly 80 and base drawer 32. Cover 110 can be removably placed on the uppermost tube segment 90. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the figures, all of the above steps can be reversed and repeated to repeatedly assemble and disassemble the modular composting garden container system 1, for example, by hand without tools.

When disassembled, the various components of the modular composting garden container system 1 can be designed to stack vertically in a nested fashion for maximum density and minimum bulk. For example, the rings 60 and tube segments 90 can include multiple thin outer walls that taper along their vertical axes to allow stacking within similar parts. For example, the bottom of each disassembled piece can be sized, shaped, and positioned to slide into the top opening of another similarly disassembled piece, much like a stack of plastic drinking cups. This facilitates compact packaging for efficient storage, shipping, and retail display.

Once assembled, the modular compost pipe assembly 80 can be filled with compost materials, such as vegetable and fruit fragments. A cup of worms can also be added. The bucket interior 14 between the bucket sidewall 13 and the compost pipe assembly 80 can be filled with growth media, such as potting soil. Starter plants can be added in each ring protrusion 45, 65. Water can be added to the modular compost pipe assembly 80 and the modular bucket assembly 10. The compost pipe sidewall opening 95 allows worms to travel between the modular compost pipe assembly 80 and the potting soil. The worms feed on the compost materials and leave worm excrement (nutrient-rich feces). When unused water flows through the compost worm excrement, this unused water collects important nutrients, thereby becoming "worm tea (worm tea)" and being discharged into the base drawer 32 by the screen element 34. The base drawer 32 that accommodates the worm tea can then be opened or removed, and the worm tea can then be reintroduced into the modular bucket assembly 10 by adding this worm tea to the normal watering cycle, thus providing organic fertilizer for plants. When the modular compost tube assembly 80 is full, the user can remove a portion of the compost by removing the screen element 34 at the bottom 81 of the compost tube assembly and forcing the desired amount out the bottom of the compost tube into the drawer 32, which can be recycled and used in this or other growing environments.

It should be understood that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other embodiments that will embody the principles of the present invention and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Modular composting garden container, system, and method of use

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and is a non-provisional application of, pending U.S. Patent Application No. 62/024,741, filed July 15, 2014. This application also claims priority to, and is a continuation-in-part of, pending U.S. Patent Application No. 13/606,803, filed September 7, 2012.

Federally funded research or development

none.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to gardening and, in particular, to container gardening in the form of a garden tower planter having an internal vertical composting tube.

Background Art

Container gardening is well known. When the correct growing conditions are provided, nearly any plant can be grown in a container. Plants can be grown in anything that will hold soil and allow for proper drainage. Criteria for selecting a container typically include ensuring it has holes for adequate drainage and is large enough to hold the minimum amount of soil required for a mature plant to grow. The biggest drawback to growing plants in containers is the maintenance requirements of watering and fertilizing.

Summary of the Invention

A novel garden planter is provided that effectively overcomes the problems of the prior art and offers additional advantages in the form of an expandable, modular tower planter with internal vertical composting capabilities. Various exemplary embodiments provide a hollow, vertical, cylindrical outer barrel having multiple openings formed around its cylindrical sides. Various exemplary embodiments also provide a hollow, cylindrical inner tube having multiple perforations formed in its cylindrical wall. The space between the inner tube and the barrel wall can be sized, shaped, and positioned to accommodate a growing medium, such as potting soil. The inner tube can be sized, shaped, and positioned to accommodate composting material. A plurality of worms can be added to the composting material in the inner tube. Water can be added to the inner tube and barrel, for example, on a daily basis. Plants can be inserted into the outer openings of the barrel. A removable container can be placed at the bottom of the tube and barrel, sized, shaped, and positioned to capture water draining from the tube and barrel. This drainage water is typically rich in nutrients and can be returned to the inner tube, for example, on a daily basis. In this way, a portion of the compost material can be converted into organic "worm tea" fertilizer to promote the rapid growth of healthy plants. In various exemplary embodiments, a vertical perforated inner chamber is provided within the vertical outer chamber, which allows garden plants to be grown within the vertical outer chamber. The inner chamber can produce compost that can be recycled and used in this or other planting environments.

The present modular composting garden container, system, and method of use provide various improvements over applicant's prior art garden tower described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/606,803. Applicant's prior art garden tower provided a cylindrical outer barrel with a composting tube concentrically positioned within the barrel. The disclosed barrel and tube were of one size. The present garden tower embodiment provides a system of modular barrels and tube segments that can be stacked to provide garden towers of varying sizes. The different segments can also be disassembled and nested together into a compact stack that significantly reduces the system's bulk for more efficient packaging, shipping, storage, and retail display.

In various example embodiments, a modular composting garden container system is provided, comprising: a base; a plurality of stackable rings sized, shaped, and positioned to be removably assembled into a tower having a selectable height and mounted above the base, the tower comprising a first interior and a first exterior surface, the first interior sized, shaped, and positioned to contain soil introduced from a top of the tower, the first exterior surface defining a plurality of first apertures therein, the first apertures sized, shaped, and positioned to facilitate plant growth from the first interior through the first apertures; a plurality of stackable pipe segments sized, shaped, and positioned to be removably assembled into a tower having a selectable height and mounted within the first interior of the tower and and a compost tube assembly above the base, the compost tube assembly including a second interior and a second exterior surface, the second interior sized, shaped, and positioned to hold compost material introduced from a top of the compost tube assembly, the second exterior surface defining a plurality of second openings therein, the second openings sized, shaped, and positioned to facilitate passage of worms through the second interior through the second openings; a plurality of retaining struts sized, shaped, and positioned to removably connect the compost tube assembly to the tower and securely position the compost tube assembly relative to the tower; wherein the base is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive, store, and provide access to nutrient-rich drainage water from the soil or the compost material, or both. In various example embodiments, the base includes a removable drawer sized, shaped, and positioned to receive, store, and provide access to nutrient-rich drainage water from the soil or the compost material, or both. Different example embodiments may further include a screen element that is removably mounted on a bottom below the modular composting tube assembly in the base. Different example embodiments may further include a bottom ring that is sized, shaped, and positioned to connect the tower to the base, and that is sized, shaped, and positioned to connect the composting tube assembly to the base. Different example embodiments may further include a plurality of legs that are sized, shaped, and positioned to connect the composting tube assembly to the base and that extend radially outwards from the base. Different example embodiments may further include a lid that is sized, shaped, and positioned to connect the top of the composting tube assembly to the base and to cover the top.

Also provided in various example embodiments is a modular composting garden container comprising: a base; a plurality of stackable rings removably assembled into a tower having a selectable height and mounted above the base, the tower comprising a first interior and a first exterior surface, the first interior sized, shaped, and positioned to contain soil introduced from a top of the tower, the first exterior surface defining a plurality of first apertures therein sized, shaped, and positioned to facilitate plant growth through the first apertures from the first interior; and a plurality of stackable pipe segments removably assembled into a tower having a selectable height and mounted within the first interior of the tower. and a compost tube assembly above the base, the compost tube assembly including a second interior and a second exterior surface, the second interior being sized, shaped, and positioned to hold compost material introduced from the top of the compost tube assembly, the second exterior surface defining a plurality of second openings therein, the second openings being sized, shaped, and positioned to facilitate passage of worms through the second interior through the second openings; a plurality of retaining struts that removably connect the compost tube assembly to the tower and securely position the compost tube assembly relative to the tower; wherein the base is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive, store, and provide access to nutrient-rich drainage water from the soil or the compost material, or both. In various example embodiments, the base may further include a removable drawer sized, shaped, and positioned to receive, store, and provide access to nutrient-rich drainage water from the soil or the compost material, or both. Different example embodiments may further include a screen element that is removably mounted in the base and is positioned below the bottom of the modular compost pipe assembly. Different example embodiments may further include a bottom ring that connects the tower to the base. Different example embodiments may further include a bottom ring that connects the compost pipe assembly to the base. Different example embodiments may further include a plurality of legs that are connected to the base and extend radially outward from the base. Different example embodiments may further include a lid that is removably attached to the top of the compost pipe assembly and covers the top.

In various example embodiments, a method of using a modular composting garden container system is provided, comprising the steps of: removably assembling a plurality of conformable stackable rings into a tower having a selectable height and mounting the tower above a base, the tower comprising a first interior and a first exterior surface, the first interior sized, shaped, and positioned to contain soil introduced from a top of the tower, the first exterior surface defining a plurality of first apertures therein, the first apertures sized, shaped, and positioned to facilitate plant growth through the first apertures from the first interior; removably assembling a plurality of stackable pipe segments into a tower having a selectable height and mounting the tower above a base. The compost pipe assembly of optional height and this compost pipe assembly is installed in this first inside of this tower and above this base, this compost pipe assembly comprises second inside and second outer surface, this second inside is determined size, shaped and positioned to be used for containing the compost material introduced from the top of this compost pipe assembly, this second outer surface defines a plurality of second orifices therein, these second orifices are determined size, shaped and positioned to be conducive to worms passing these second orifices from this second inside; and use a plurality of holding braces that this compost pipe assembly is removably connected with this tower and firmly this compost pipe assembly is positioned relative to this tower.Different example embodiments can further include that this tower is connected with this base by bottom ring, this bottom ring is determined size, shaped and positioned to be used for being connected with this tower and this base interface.Different example embodiments can further include that this compost pipe assembly is connected with this base by bottom ring, this bottom ring is determined size, shaped and positioned to be used for being connected with this compost pipe assembly and this base interface. Various example embodiments may further include substantially filling the first interior with soil; placing compost material in the second interior; placing worms in the second interior; planting a plurality of plants in the soil through the first apertures; and adding water to the soil, the compost material, or both. Various example embodiments may further include removing nutrient-rich drainage from the soil, the compost material, or both from the base; and adding the nutrient-rich drainage back to the soil, the compost material, or both. Various example embodiments may further include removing a screen element from the base; and causing at least a portion of the compost material to exit the compost tube assembly through the bottom of the compost tube assembly.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Other aspects, objects, and advantages of the various example embodiments will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon examination of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 is a front view of an example garden container and system according to various example embodiments.

2 is a cross-sectional view of the example garden container of FIG. 1 .

3A is a perspective view of a cross-sectional view of the garden container of FIG. 2 , and FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a portion thereof.

4 is a bottom view of an example garden tower according to various example embodiments.

5 is a top view of an example garden tower according to various example embodiments.

6 is a perspective view of an example garden tower base, according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the base of the example garden tower of FIG. 6 .

8 is a perspective view of an example base drawer according to various example embodiments.

9 is a perspective view of an example base filter according to various example embodiments.

10 is a bottom perspective view of an example bottom ring according to various example embodiments.

11 is a top perspective view of the example base ring of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 is a top view of the example bottom ring of FIG. 10 .

13 is a bottom perspective view of an example upper ring having multiple locators according to various example embodiments.

14 is a top perspective view of the example upper ring of FIG. 13 .

FIG. 15 is a side view of the example upper ring of FIG. 13 .

FIG. 16 is a top view of the upper ring of the example of FIG. 13 .

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the example upper ring of FIG. 13 .

18 is a perspective view of an example center pipe segment according to various example embodiments.

19 is a top view of the example center tube segment of FIG. 18 .

20 is a bottom view of the example center tube segment of FIG. 18 .

21 is a perspective view of an example center tube cover according to various example embodiments.

22 is a side view of the example center tube cover of FIG. 21 .

23 is a side view of an example retention brace, according to various example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to certain specific example embodiments, including any best mode contemplated by the inventors. Examples of these specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present invention is described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments described or illustrated. On the contrary, it is intended to encompass numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Specific example embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these features or specific details. In some instances, components and procedures well known to those skilled in the art have not been described in detail in order not to obscure aspects of the present invention.

For clarity, various techniques and mechanisms will sometimes be described in singular form. However, it should be noted that some embodiments may include multiple iterations of the techniques or multiple components, mechanisms, etc., unless otherwise indicated. Similarly, the various steps of the methods shown and described herein are not necessarily performed in the order indicated, or in some embodiments, not performed at all. Thus, some implementations of the methods discussed herein may include more or fewer steps than those shown and described.

Furthermore, the example techniques and mechanisms described herein will sometimes describe a connection, relationship, or communication between two or more items or entities. It should be noted that a connection or relationship between entities does not necessarily refer to a direct, unimpeded connection, as a variety of other entities or processes may exist or occur between any of the entities. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, a connection indicated does not necessarily refer to a direct, unimpeded connection.

With reference now to the accompanying drawings in detail, in which like elements are indicated by like numerals, an example modular composting garden container and system in the form of a modular composting garden container system 1 is shown, which is composed of a modular vertical cylindrical outer barrel assembly 10 with a modular inner concentric perforated cylindrical composting tube assembly 80. See Figures 1 to 5. The modular barrel assembly 10 may include a base 20, a bottom ring 40 resting on the base, and one or more upper rings 60 stacked on the bottom ring 40. Alternatively, the upper ring 60 may be sized, shaped, and positioned to rest directly on the base 20 without a separate bottom ring 40. The modular composting tube assembly 80 may include a plurality of tube segments 90 (Figure 18) and, in certain embodiments, a lid 110 (Figure 21). The modular barrel assembly 10 may have a bottom 11 and a top 12 and may be formed into a generally cylindrical shape (e.g., as shown in the figures), with the longitudinal axis of the modular barrel assembly 10 extending from the center of the bottom 11 to the center of the top 12. The modular bucket assembly 10 can have one or more sidewalls 13 formed by the rings 40, 60. The top 12, bottom 11 and sidewalls 13 of the modular bucket assembly define therein a bucket assembly interior 14. The modular composting tube assembly 80 can be concentrically positioned within the bucket assembly interior 14.

2 , a modular compost duct assembly 80 can have an open bottom 81, from which a cylindrical sidewall 82 formed by a tube segment 90 ( FIG. 18 ) extends vertically upward to an open top 83. The modular compost duct assembly 80 can be, for example, generally cylindrical in shape (or any other suitable shape), with a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the bottom 81 of the compost duct assembly. The top 83, bottom 81, and sidewall 82 of the compost duct assembly define a compost duct assembly interior 84 ( FIG. 3A ). The top 83 of the compost duct assembly can be covered, for example, by a removable cover 110 to keep flies and the like out.

As indicated in Figures 3A and 3B, in various exemplary embodiments, the modular bucket assembly 10 can include a bottom ring 40 rotatably resting on the base 20, such that the bottom ring 40, one or more upper rings 60 stacked thereon, and the compost tube assembly 80 connected thereto (collectively, the upper portion 300 of the modular composting garden container system 1 indicated in Figure 3A) can all be rotated about their longitudinal axes relative to the base 20 as indicated by arrow 310 (and can also be rotated in a direction opposite to arrow 310). For example, this allows a user to rotate the upper portion 300 of the modular composting garden container system 1 to access its entire circumference when the modular composting garden container system 1 is located in a corner. The bottom ring 40 can be rotatably connected to the base 20 via a plurality of ball bearings 210 or other rotatable or slidable members that are in rotational or slidable contact with a lower groove 200 formed in the base 20 and also in rotational or slidable contact with an upper groove 220 formed in the bottom ring 40, as shown in Figures 3A, 6, and 10. It should be noted that although Figures 6 and 10 each illustrate only a few ball bearings 210 positioned in the lower and upper grooves 200, 220, respectively, it should be understood that when the modular composting garden container system 1 is assembled, the entire space between the upper and lower grooves 200, 220 may be partially or completely filled with ball bearings 210 or other rotatable or slidable members.

With more specific reference to Figures 6-9, an example bucket assembly base 20 can have a bottom 21 with one or more sidewalls 23 extending vertically upward from the bottom to a base top 22. The base 20 can be, for example, generally cylindrical in shape (or any other suitable shape), with a longitudinal axis of the base 20 generally perpendicular to the bottom 21 of the base 20. The base assembly's bottom 21, top 22, and sidewalls 23 define a base interior 24 therein. The sidewalls 23 can have an outer surface 25 having a plurality of, for example, three or four, preferably equally spaced vertical recesses 26 formed therein. Each recess 26 can be sized, shaped, and positioned to receive a bucket assembly leg 15. The base top 22 can have a raised central annular segment 27 with an aperture 33 leading to a cavity 28 within the base interior 24. The base top central annular segment 27 can be sized, shaped, and positioned to receive the compost tube assembly bottom 81. The base top 22 can also have an upwardly extending peripheral flange 29. The bottom of the tub sidewall 13 can be sized, shaped, and positioned to fit over the base top perimeter flange 29. The base sidewall 23 can have a radial opening 30 extending into the base interior cavity 31. The base 20 can further include a top-opening drawer 32 ( FIG. 8 ) sized, shaped, and positioned to slide through the base sidewall radial opening 30 into the base interior cavity 31. The base 20 can further include a screen element 34 ( FIG. 9 ) slidably inserted into the base interior cavity 31 through the radial opening 30 above the drawer 32.

As can be seen most clearly in Figures 10-12, the bottom ring 40 can form the lowermost ring of the modular barrel assembly 10 and interface the modular barrel assembly 10 with the base 20. The bottom ring 40 can have, for example, a generally cylindrical shape (or any other suitable shape) having a bottom 41, an open top 42, and one or more sidewalls 43 extending from the bottom 41 to the top 42, the bottom 41, top 42, and sidewalls 43 defining a base ring interior 44 therein. The bottom ring sidewall 43 can have a plurality of generally circumferential, outwardly extending protrusions 45 along a top edge 46 of the bottom ring sidewall. Each protrusion 45 can be defined by a lip 47. The bottom ring bottom 41 can have a plurality of perforations 48, a central annular channel 52, and a central orifice 49 defined by the annular channel 52. The central orifice 49 can have a downwardly extending cylindrical sleeve 50. The bottom ring sleeve 50 can be sized, shaped, and positioned to engage the base top central annular segment 27. The bottom ring interior 44 can have a plurality of first engagement members 51, which can include, for example, a plurality of hollow engagement cylinders 51 extending from the bottom ring bottom 41 along the bottom ring sidewall 43 to the bottom ring top 42. The first engagement members 51 can each be positioned between the bottom ring sidewall protrusions 45, adjacent to the sidewall 43.

As best seen in Figures 13 to 17, upper rings 60 can form a substantial portion of the modular bucket assembly 10. The number of upper rings 60 can vary to determine the overall height of the modular composting garden container system 1. The first upper ring 60 can rest on the bottom ring 40 (or base 20), and each subsequent upper ring 60 can rest on the previously installed upper ring 60. Each upper ring 60 can have, for example, a generally cylindrical shape (or any other suitable shape), having a bottom 61, an open top 62, and one or more sidewalls 63 extending from the bottom 61 to the top 62, the bottom 61, top 62, and sidewalls 63 defining an upper ring interior 64 therein. Each upper ring sidewall 63 can have a plurality of generally circumferential, outwardly extending protrusions 65 along a top edge of the upper ring sidewall 63. Each protrusion 65 can be defined by a lip 67. Each upper ring bottom 61 can have a central annular aperture 68 formed therein. The diameter of the aperture 68 may be larger and may, for example, be about 75% or more of the diameter of the upper ring 60 itself.

Each upper ring interior 64 can have a plurality of second engagement members 71, which can, for example, include a plurality of hollow engagement cylinders 71 extending from the upper ring bottom 61 along the upper ring sidewall 63 to the upper ring top 62. The second engagement members 71 can each be positioned between the upper ring sidewall protrusions 65, adjacent to the sidewall 63. Each upper ring bottom 61 can also have a plurality of outwardly projecting engagement members 72. Each engagement member 72 can, for example, be positioned adjacent to the junction between the bottom 61 and the sidewall 63 below the protrusions 65. Each upper ring bottom 61 can also have a plurality of retaining elements 73, such as small orifices 73 positioned adjacent to the circumference of the bottom central aperture 68 on a radial line from the engagement members 72.

As best seen in Figures 18-20, the modular composting tube assembly 80 can include a plurality of tube segments 90 and a cap 110. In various exemplary embodiments, the number of tube segments 90 can correspond to the combined number of bottom rings 40 and upper rings 60. Each tube segment 90 can have, for example, a generally cylindrical shape (or any other suitable shape) having an open bottom 91, an open top 92, and one or more sidewalls 93 extending from the bottom 91 to the top 92, the bottom 91, top 92, and sidewalls 93 defining a tube segment hollow interior 94 therein. Each tube segment sidewall 93 can have a plurality of apertures 95 formed therein. Each tube segment sidewall 93 can have a bottom sidewall segment 97 formed therein, the bottom sidewall segment 97 having a larger diameter than the main sidewall 93. The larger diameter of the bottom sidewall segment 97 can form an annular channel 98 that is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive the top edge 96 of the tube segment sidewall 93 of the adjacent tube segment 90.

At each segment bottom 91, the segment bottom sidewall section 97 may terminate in a radial, outwardly projecting annular flange 100. Each annular flange 100 may have a top surface 101 and a bottom surface 102. Each annular flange may also have equally spaced apertures 103 extending through the top and bottom surfaces.

The lowermost pipe segment 90 can be positioned on the bottom ring 40, wherein the lowermost pipe segment ring flange 100 rests in the bottom ring central annular channel 52, and the pipe segment bottom sidewall segment annular channel 98 can be sleeved on the radially innermost ridge 53 of the bottom ring central annular channel, which defines the bottom ring central annular channel 52 and the central orifice 49.

21 and 22 , each modular compost garden container system 1 can be equipped with a compost pipe assembly cover 110. The cover 110 can have, for example, a generally cylindrical shape (or any other suitable shape) with an open bottom 111, a closed top 112, and one or more sidewalls 113 extending from the bottom 111 to the top 112, wherein the bottom 111, top 112, and sidewalls 113 define a cover hollow interior 114 therein. An annular channel 115 can be formed around the cover sidewall 113, adjacent the cover bottom 111. A vent 116 can be formed in the sidewall 113 above the channel 115, near the cover top 112. The cover 110 can be sized, shaped, and positioned to be inserted into the uppermost pipe segment 90, wherein the cover sidewall bottom 111 can be inserted through the pipe segment top 92. The cover sidewall channel 115 can engage the pipe segment interior 94. The remainder of the cover sidewall 113 may rest on the tube segment top 92 .

5 and 23 , a linear retaining strut 5 is shown having two ends 6, 7, each terminating in a retaining element 8, for example, approximately ninety degrees downwardly directed. Each strut can be sized, shaped, and positioned so that one end 6 or 7 is inserted into the upper ring retaining aperture 73 and the other end 7 or 6 is inserted into the corresponding pipe segment ring flange aperture 103. Multiple struts 5 thus inserted into corresponding apertures 73, 103 can provide lateral stability to the modular compost garden container system 1, thereby concentrically retaining the modular compost pipe assembly 80 within the modular bucket assembly 10. While Figures 5 and 23 illustrate one example retention strut 5, the retention strut 5 may include any suitable structure having any suitable geometry or mechanical properties, so long as a plurality of the retention struts 5 are capable of removably connecting the compost tube assembly 80 to the modular compost garden container system 1 by connecting the compost tube assembly 80 to the modular vertical outer cylindrical modular bucket assembly 10 and securely positioning the compost tube assembly 80 relative to the modular compost garden container system 1. For example, in one embodiment (not shown), the retention strut 5 may include a plurality of ties, wires, or other flexible members (e.g., like the spokes of a wheel) that can attach to the upper ring retention aperture 73 and the corresponding pipe segment flange aperture 103 and apply radial tension therebetween.

Any suitable material may be used for any of the components or pieces described herein, such as, for example, any suitable polymer or metal, or ceramic, porcelain, concrete, or wood, and any structure disclosed herein may be manufactured by any suitable means and may be solid or hollow. Ball bearing 210 may be of any suitable material. While the rings 40, 60, base 20, and tube segment 90 in various example embodiments have generally round cylindrical outer contours, as shown in the figures, any or all of these components may alternatively have any other suitable shape, such as a square, rectangular, octagonal, or any other suitable outer contour (when viewed from a top plan view, as shown in FIG5 ).

In use, the example modular composting garden container and system in the form of a modular composting garden container system 1 can be modularly assembled into any of a plurality of heights by providing a base 20 and vertically stacking thereon any suitable number of rings 60 (optionally including a bottom ring 40 specifically sized, shaped, and positioned to interface with the base 20). When each ring 40 or 60 is stacked and removably secured together using the attachment arrangement of the engaging members 71 and elements 72 as described herein, the modular composting pipe assembly 80 can also be progressively assembled by stacking and removably securing together pipe segments 90, which are also stacked concentrically within the ring 60 on the base 20 or bottom ring 40. When each ring 40 or 60 is stacked together and when each pipe segment 90 therein is stacked together, each pipe segment 90 can be radially connected to a vertically corresponding ring 40 or 60 by a plurality of connecting struts 5, which can be equally spaced around the circumference of each pipe segment 90. Legs 15 can be mounted to extend radially outward from base 20 to provide additional stability. Base drawer 32 can be removably mounted in base 20, and screen element 34 can be removably mounted in base 20 between the bottom of modular compost tube assembly 80 and base drawer 32. Cover 110 can be removably placed on the uppermost tube segment 90. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the figures, all of the above steps can be reversed and repeated to repeatedly assemble and disassemble the modular composting garden container system 1, for example, by hand without tools.

When disassembled, the various components of the modular composting garden container system 1 can be designed to stack vertically in a nested fashion for maximum density and minimum bulk. For example, the rings 60 and tube segments 90 can include multiple thin outer walls that taper along their vertical axes to allow stacking within similar parts. For example, the bottom of each disassembled piece can be sized, shaped, and positioned to slide into the top opening of another similarly disassembled piece, much like a stack of plastic drinking cups. This facilitates compact packaging for efficient storage, shipping, and retail display.

Once assembled, the modular compost pipe assembly 80 can be filled with compost materials, such as vegetable and fruit fragments. A cup of worms can also be added. The bucket interior 14 between the bucket sidewall 13 and the compost pipe assembly 80 can be filled with growth media, such as potting soil. Starter plants can be added in each ring protrusion 45, 65. Water can be added to the modular compost pipe assembly 80 and the modular bucket assembly 10. The compost pipe sidewall opening 95 allows worms to travel between the modular compost pipe assembly 80 and the potting soil. The worms feed on the compost materials and leave worm excrement (nutrient-rich feces). When unused water flows through the compost worm excrement, this unused water collects important nutrients, thereby becoming "worm tea (worm tea)" and being discharged into the base drawer 32 by the screen element 34. The base drawer 32 that accommodates the worm tea can then be opened or removed, and the worm tea can then be reintroduced into the modular bucket assembly 10 by adding this worm tea to the normal watering cycle, thus providing organic fertilizer for plants. When the modular compost tube assembly 80 is full, the user can remove a portion of the compost by removing the screen element 34 at the bottom 81 of the compost tube assembly and forcing the desired amount out the bottom of the compost tube into the drawer 32, which can be recycled and used in this or other growing environments.

It should be understood that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other embodiments that will embody the principles of the present invention and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (13)

1. A modular composting garden container system, comprising:

Base;

A bottom ring, which is sized and formed, is removably mounted above the base;

A plurality of stackable rings, sized and shaped to be removably assembled into a tower having a selectable height and mounted above a base ring, each of the plurality of stackable rings comprising a generally cylindrical body having an outer diameter, an open top, a bottom, and sidewalls extending from the bottom to the top, the bottom having a central annular orifice formed therein, the central annular orifice being at least 75% the diameter of the stackable ring, the sidewalls defining a plurality of generally circumferentially outwardly extending protrusions along the top edge of the sidewalls, the tower comprising a first interior and a first outer surface, the first interior being sized, shaped, and positioned to hold soil introduced from the top of the tower, the first outer surface defining a plurality of first orifices between successively stacked rings in the stackable rings, the first orifices being sized, shaped, and positioned to facilitate plant growth from the first interior through these first orifices, the first orifices having an outer edge defined by the outwardly extending protrusions;

Each of the plurality of stackable rings includes a plurality of first connecting members and a plurality of second connecting members, each of the plurality of first connecting members being positioned on the bottom and at the center below one of the outwardly extending protrusions of the stackable ring, and each of the plurality of second connecting members being positioned on the top and at the center between adjacent outwardly extending protrusions of the stackable ring, the first connecting members and the second connecting members being configured to be rotatably oriented and removably connected to the stackable rings stacked in succession, such that when the stackable rings are stacked and connected together, the outwardly extending protrusion of each stackable ring is positioned at the center between the outwardly extending protrusions of adjacent stackable rings;

Multiple stackable tube segments, sized and shaped to be removably assembled into a hollow composting tube assembly having a selectable height and mounted within the first interior of the tower and above the base, the hollow composting tube assembly including a second interior and a second outer surface, the second interior being sized, shaped, and positioned to hold compost material introduced from the top of the hollow composting tube assembly, the second outer surface defining a plurality of second orifices therein, the second orifices being sized, shaped, and positioned to facilitate the passage of worms through the second interior;

The base is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive, store, and provide a pathway for nutrient-rich drainage from the soil or the compost material or both.

The base further includes: a drawer providing passage for the nutrient-rich drainage from the soil or the compost material or both; and an upper portion having an upward-facing annular groove formed therein, approximately on the outer perimeter of the upper portion.

The bottom ring includes a lower portion having a downward-facing annular groove formed therein, which is close to the outer perimeter of the lower portion;

Multiple rotatable support members are positioned between adjacent downward-facing annular grooves and upward-facing annular grooves.

The plurality of stackable rings, the bottom ring, and the plurality of stackable tube segments are configured to be rotatably rested on the base, such that when the modular compost garden container system is assembled and the plurality of stackable rings are filled with soil, the plurality of stackable rings, the bottom ring, and the plurality of stackable tube segments can all rotate together with respect to the base about a common longitudinal axis without changing the position of the base or the drawer.

The modular compost garden container system further includes multiple retaining struts, the stackable ring includes retaining orifices, the stackable pipe segment includes a pipe segment ring flange orifice, and the retaining struts are sized, shaped, and positioned such that one end is inserted into the retaining orifice and the other end is inserted into the pipe segment ring flange orifice.

2. The modular composting garden container system of claim 1, further comprising:

The base includes a removable drawer that is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive, store, and provide access to nutrient-rich drainage from the soil or the compost material or both.

3. The modular composting garden container system of claim 1, further comprising:

A screen element, which is removably mounted in the base below the bottom of the hollow composting tube assembly.

4. The modular composting garden container system of claim 1, wherein the bottom ring is sized, shaped, and positioned to allow the hollow composting tube assembly to be rotatably connected to the base.

5. The modular composting garden container system of claim 1, further comprising:

A cover, which is sized, shaped, and positioned to be removably attached to and cover the top of the hollow composting tube assembly.

6. A method using a modular composting garden container system, the method comprising the following steps:

A modular composting garden container system is provided, the modular composting garden container system comprising:

Base;

A bottom ring, which is sized and formed, is removably mounted above the base;

A plurality of stackable rings, sized and shaped to be removably assembled into a tower having a selectable height and mounted above a base ring, each of the plurality of stackable rings comprising a generally cylindrical body having an outer diameter, an open top, a bottom, and sidewalls extending from the bottom to the top, the bottom having a central annular orifice formed therein, the central annular orifice being at least 75% the diameter of the stackable ring, the sidewalls defining a plurality of generally circumferentially outwardly extending protrusions along the top edge of the sidewalls, the tower comprising a first interior and a first outer surface, the first interior being sized, shaped, and positioned to hold soil introduced from the top of the tower, the first outer surface defining a plurality of first orifices between successively stacked rings in the stackable rings, the first orifices being sized, shaped, and positioned to facilitate plant growth from the first interior through these first orifices, the first orifices having an outer edge defined by the outwardly extending protrusions;

Each of the plurality of stackable rings includes a plurality of first connecting members and a plurality of second connecting members, each of the plurality of first connecting members being positioned on the bottom and at the center below one of the outwardly extending protrusions of the stackable ring, and each of the plurality of second connecting members being positioned on the top and at the center between adjacent outwardly extending protrusions of the stackable ring, the first connecting members and the second connecting members being configured to be rotatably oriented and removably connected to the stackable rings stacked in succession, such that when the stackable rings are stacked and connected together, the outwardly extending protrusion of each stackable ring is positioned at the center between the outwardly extending protrusions of adjacent stackable rings;

Multiple stackable tube segments, sized and shaped to be removably assembled into a hollow composting tube assembly having a selectable height and mounted within the first interior of the tower and above the base, the hollow composting tube assembly including a second interior and a second outer surface, the second interior being sized, shaped, and positioned for containing compost material introduced from the top of the hollow composting tube assembly, the second outer surface defining a plurality of second orifices therein, the second orifices being sized, shaped, and positioned to facilitate the passage of worms through the second interior;

The base is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive, store, and provide a pathway for nutrient-rich drainage from the soil or the compost material or both.

The modular compost garden container system further includes multiple retaining struts, the stackable ring includes retaining orifices, the stackable tube segment includes a tube segment ring flange orifice, and the retaining struts are sized, shaped, and positioned such that one end is inserted into the retaining orifice and the other end is inserted into the tube segment ring flange orifice.

The plurality of stackable rings can be removably assembled into a tower with a selectable height;

The plurality of stackable pipe segments are removably assembled into a hollow composting pipe assembly with a selectable height, and the hollow composting pipe assembly is installed within the first interior of the tower and above the base; and

The hollow composting tube assembly is removably connected to the tower.

7. The method using a modular composting garden container system as described in claim 6, further comprising the following steps:

Connect the bottom ring to the base;

Connect the tower to the bottom ring.

8. The method using a modular composting garden container system as described in claim 6, further comprising the following steps:

The interior of the first section was essentially filled with soil.

Place the compost material inside this second interior;

The worm is placed inside this second interior;

Multiple plants were planted in the soil through these first openings; and

Add water to the soil or the compost material or both.

9. The method using a modular composting garden container system as described in claim 8, further comprising the following steps:

Nutrient-rich drainage from the soil, compost, or both should be removed from the base; and

Add the nutrient-rich drainage back into the soil or the compost material, or both.

10. The method using a modular composting garden container system as described in claim 8, further comprising the following steps:

Remove the screen element from the base; and

This causes at least a portion of the compost material to exit the hollow compost tube assembly through the bottom of the hollow compost tube assembly.

11. A method using a modular composting garden container system, comprising the following steps:

A modular composting garden container system is provided, the modular composting garden container system comprising:

Base;

A bottom ring, which is sized and formed to be removably mounted above the base;

A plurality of stackable rings, sized and shaped to be removably assembled into a tower having a selectable height and mounted above a base ring, each of the plurality of stackable rings comprising a generally cylindrical body having an outer diameter, an open top, a bottom, and sidewalls extending from the bottom to the top, the bottom having a central annular orifice formed therein, the central annular orifice being at least 75% the diameter of the stackable ring, the sidewalls defining a plurality of generally circumferentially outwardly extending protrusions along the top edge of the sidewalls, the tower comprising a first interior and a first outer surface, the first interior being sized, shaped, and positioned to hold soil introduced from the top of the tower, the first outer surface defining a plurality of first orifices between successively stacked rings in the stackable rings, the first orifices being sized, shaped, and positioned to facilitate plant growth from the first interior through these first orifices, the first orifices having an outer edge defined by the outwardly extending protrusions;

Each of the plurality of stackable rings includes a plurality of first connecting members and a plurality of second connecting members, each of the plurality of first connecting members being positioned on the bottom and at the center below one of the outwardly extending protrusions of the stackable ring, and each of the plurality of second connecting members being positioned on the top and at the center between adjacent outwardly extending protrusions of the stackable ring, the first connecting members and the second connecting members being configured to be rotatably oriented and removably connected to the stackable rings stacked in succession, such that when the stackable rings are stacked and connected together, the outwardly extending protrusion of each stackable ring is positioned at the center between the outwardly extending protrusions of adjacent stackable rings;

Multiple stackable tube segments, sized and shaped to be removably assembled into a hollow composting tube assembly with a selectable height, are mounted within the first interior of the tower and above the base. The hollow composting tube assembly includes a second interior and a second outer surface. The second interior is sized, shaped, and positioned to hold compost material introduced from the top of the hollow composting tube assembly. The second outer surface defines a plurality of second orifices therein, sized, shaped, and positioned to facilitate the passage of worms through the second interior.

The base is sized, shaped, and positioned to receive, store, and provide a pathway for nutrient-rich drainage from the soil or the compost material, or both, and the base includes:

A drawer that provides passage for the nutrient-rich drainage from the soil or the compost material or both; and an upper portion having an upward-facing annular groove formed therein, approximately equal to the outer perimeter of the upper portion;

The bottom ring includes a lower portion having a downward-facing annular groove formed therein, which is close to the outer perimeter of the lower portion;

Multiple rotatable support members are positioned between adjacent downward-facing annular grooves and upward-facing annular grooves.

The plurality of stackable rings, the bottom ring, and the plurality of stackable tube segments are configured to be rotatably placed on the base, such that when the modular compost garden container system is assembled and the plurality of stackable rings are filled with soil, the plurality of stackable rings, the bottom ring, and the plurality of stackable tube segments can all rotate together with respect to the base about a common longitudinal axis without changing the position of the base or the drawer.

The modular compost garden container system further includes multiple retaining struts, the stackable ring includes retaining orifices, the stackable tube segment includes a tube segment ring flange orifice, and the retaining struts are sized, shaped, and positioned such that one end is inserted into the retaining orifice and the other end is inserted into the tube segment ring flange orifice.

The bottom ring is removably assembled with the base;

The plurality of stackable rings can be removably assembled into a tower with a selectable height;

The tower and the bottom ring are removably assembled;

The plurality of stackable tube segments are removably assembled into a hollow composting tube assembly with a selectable height, and the hollow composting tube assembly is installed inside the first interior of the tower and above the base.

The hollow composting tube assembly is removably connected to the tower;

The interior of the first section was essentially filled with soil.

Place the compost material inside this second interior;

The worm is placed inside this second interior;

Multiple plants are planted in the soil through these first openings;

Add water to the soil or the compost material or both; and

The plurality of stackable rings, the bottom ring, and the plurality of stackable tube segments rotate together about a common longitudinal axis relative to the base.

12. The method using a modular composting garden container system as described in claim 11, further comprising the following steps:

Nutrient-rich drainage from the soil, compost, or both should be removed from the base; and

Add the nutrient-rich drainage back into the soil or the compost material, or both.

13. The method using a modular composting garden container system as described in claim 11, further comprising the following steps:

Remove the screen element from the base; and

This causes at least a portion of the compost material to exit the hollow compost tube assembly through the bottom of the hollow compost tube assembly.