NZ575908A

NZ575908A - Planting aid of annular shape to retain an earth mound and form a well around a plant base

Info

Publication number: NZ575908A
Application number: NZ57590809A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Mark Hayton; Malcolm Edwin Jones
Original assignee: Mark Hayton
Priority date: 2008-05-26
Filing date: 2009-03-30
Publication date: 2009-09-25
Also published as: AU2009201241A1

Abstract

A planting aid has a body with width and height so as to retain an earth mound thereunder and so as to form a well about a plant base.

Description

.'Mar, 2009 16:53 h.im p. 8 57 5 9 08 *10057405191* ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Hayton, Mark Actual Inventors: Hayton, Mark Jones, Malcolm Edwin Invention Title: Planting Aid '^ey-ECTUAL property] OFFICE OF N.z. 3 0 MAK 2009 received! The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me> 1 ' 30.'Mar. 2009 16:53 No. 7095 P. .9 "Planting Aid" Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a planting aid. More particularly, the planting aid of the present Invention is intended for use in the retention of water at or near the 5 base of a plant or tree.

Background Art Conservation of water is art issue of increasing importance. New plantings of plants, particularly new trees, need regular watering when being established in a garden or some other plantation. In some areas soils tend to repel water resulting 10 in run off away from the base of a plant or the trunk of a tree. This can result in the application of more water to the general vicinity of the plant or tree than would otherwise be required.

Traditional practises when planting new trees have included the provision of an earth mound around the base of the tree. The earth mound acts to retain water 15 applied to the tree, preventing it running off and concentrating that water at a point from which it can permeate the soil and be accessed by the root ball of the tree. However, such an earth mound is easily broken down over time and is readily encroached upon by grasses.

Stone, wooden or plastic borders, often termed 'garden edging', are available and 20 do seek to address the above problem. These products provide a single physical barrier of whatever material they are formed from. For example, plastic garden edging is a single elongate sheet of plastic that is pressed into the ground around a garden bed or plant, forming a single sheeted physical barrier to, most commonly, grass growing into the area, and perhaps water or mulch passing out 25 of the area. However, such a single sheeted barrier is usually quite inefficient at fINTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 3 0 MAK 2009 received 'Mar. 2009 16:54 N o.-7095 P. 10 retaining water and does riot insulate the area within the border to any significant degree.

The planting aid of the present invention has as one object thereof to overcome substantially one or more of the problems of the prior art, or at least provide a 5 useful non-invasive alternative thereto.

The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia as at the 10 priority date of the application.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

It is to be understood that reference to plant or tree, or variations thereof, is inclusive of the other, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

Disclosure of the Invention In accordance with the present invention there is provided a planting aid comprising a body having a width and a height and retaining thereunder an earth 20 mound so as to form a well about a base of a plant so as to in turn retain water within that well surrounding the base of the plant.

Preferably, the planting aid comprises an inner portion and an outer portion separated by the body, the inner portion comprising an inner extremity of the apparatus that in use is located adjacent to and encircles the base of the plant.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 3 o MAK 2009 From: Wrays To: 00116449783691 Page: 3/4 Date: 25/05/2009 3:22:36 PM Received at IPONZ on 25 May 2009 Preferably, the body comprises an inner surface extending upwardly from adjacent the inner portion and an outer surface extending upwardly from adjacent the outer portion. Preferably, an upper surface separates an upper part of the inner surface from an upper part of the outer surface. Preferably, the inner 5 surface extends upwardly and towards the outer portion and the outer surface extends upwardly and towards the inner portion, thereby defining a channel in an underside of the planting aid.

Preferably, a plane described by the inner portion and a plane described by the outer portion are substantially parallel. Preferably, the plane described by the 10 inner portion and the plane described by the outer portion are copianar.

Preferably, the planting aid is comprised of interlocking parts. Preferably, the planting aid is symmetrical and comprised of two identical interlocking parts. Preferably, the planting aid is of annular shape and the identical parts describe an arc of at least 180 degrees.

Preferably, the interlocking parts comprise a step portion recessed into the external surface of the body at a first end of the part and a corresponding step portion recessed into the internal surface of the part at a second end of the part, the step portions overlap when the planting aid is assembled with the two parts in opposed orientation.

Preferably, corresponding snap lock portions are provided at either end of a part to provide for snap lock assembly of two parts to form the planting aid.

In accordance with the present invention there is further provided a planting aid comprising a body having a central aperture, the body having a bottom surface and at least one other surface extending between opposed edges of the body, the 25 body having depth of between 25mm and ooOmrn anu a width of between 35nirn and 250mm, whereby an earth mound is retained under the body so as to form a well within which water may be retained.

This fax was sent from Wrays fax server. Visit http://www.wrays.com.au for further information.

. Mar, 2009 1 5:54 No. 7095 P. 12 . -5- Preferably, the central aperture is substantially circular having a diameter of between 85mm and 600mm.

Preferably, the at least one other surface extends upwardly and outwardly away from said bottom surface.

Preferably, the bottom surface is substantially flat Preferably the bottom surface is substantially parallel with the at least one other surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1a is an isometric view of a plant showing a planting aid in accordance with the present invention located around its base; Figure 1b is a sectional view of the planting aid of Figure 1a showing in addition, soil, plant root ball, and mulch; Figure 2a is a top view of the planting aid in accordance with Figure 1 a; Figure 2b is a sectional view of the planting aid of Figure 2a; Figure 3a is an isometric assembly view of the planting aid of Figure 1a; Figure 3b is an exploded isometric view of the planting aid of Figure 1a showing its assembly from identical parts; Figure 3c shows a retaining mechanism for retaining the identical parts as 20 a complete assembly; INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF HZ. 3 0 MAK 2009 RECEIVED *. Mar, 2(309 1 6: 54 No. 7095 F. 13 Figure 3d shows a multiple number of the Identical parts of Figure 3b stacked for storage or point of sale display; and Figure 3e shows a rib provided on an underside of the planting aid for stacking and stiffening purposes.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention In Figures 1a to 3e there is shown a planting aid 1 consisting of a pre-formed body of material having a central aperture for placement around a base of a plant to aid with watering of the plant. In particular, the planting aid 1 acts as an artificial well having sufficient height to retain water at the base of the plant 10 allowing the water time to soak into the soil. This is particularly useful in locations with water repelling soils. The planting aid 1 may also retain mulch at the base of the plant. Slow release fertiliser and other soil applicants may also be retained by the device. Still further, an earth mound is retained/maintained under/within the planting aid 1 to establish a water seal around the base of the plant.

Referring now to Figure 1a and 1b there is shown the planting aid 1 located around the base 130 of a plant 100. The planting aid 1 is located on the ground 115 and positioned around a plant 100 so that the stem of the plant 100 extends through a central aperture of the planting device 1. Water applied to the plant 100 is retained by the planting aid 1 within the central aperture allowing it time to soak 20 into the soil adjacent a root ball 120 of the plant 100.

In use, the planting aid 1 may be used to retain mulch 110 within the central aperture region. This may save application of mulch externally of the planting aid 1. Alternately, the planting aid 1 may be covered by mulch 110 so as not to be visible. Further, the planting aid 1 maintains, underneath and within it as best 25 seen in Figure 1b, an earth mound 118 that acts to accentuate a water seal around the base 130 of the plant 100.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 3 0 MAK 2009 RECEIVED From: Wrays To: 00116449783691 Page: 3/4 Date: 2/09/2009 9:23:13 AM Received at IPONZ on 2 September 2009 Referring now to Figures 2a and 2b, there is shown a plan view and a sectional view of the planting aid 1. The planting aid 1 comprises an inner portion 5 and an outer portion 10 separated by the body 45 of the planting aid 1. The inner portion 5 is an inner extremity of the planting aid 1. In use, the inner portion 5 is located 5 adjacent to and encircles the base of a plant. An outer portion 10 comprises an outer extremity of the planting aid 1.

The body 45 comprises an inner surface 15 extending from adjacent the inner portion 5 upwardly and towards the outer portion 10. The body 45 comprises an outer surface 20 extending from adjacent the outer portion 10 upwardly and 10 towards the inner portion 5. An upper surface portion 60 of the body 45 extends between an upper part of the inner surface 15 and an upper part of the outer surface 20.

The inner portion 5 is located in a plane that is substantially parallel to the outer portion 10. For example, the inner portion 5 and the outer portion 10 are located 15 in substantially the same plane, as best seen in Figure 2b. The upper surface portion 60 of the body 45 is substantially parallel with the planes in which the inner portion 5 and the outer portion 10 are located.

The planting aid 1, by virtue of the inner surface 15, the outer surface 20 and the upper surface portion 60 rises above the plane described by the inner portion 5 20 and the outer portion 10. This arrangement creates a channel 65 in the planting aid 1 and in which the earth mound 118 may be provided and retained. The inner surface 15 and earth mound 118 operate to retain water at the base of the plant from where it may flow downwardly to the root ball 120 of that plant 100.

The inner diameter of the planting aid 1, i.e. the diameter across the inner edge, is 25 in the range of about 85mm to 600mm. The distance between the inner portion 5 and the outer portion 10 is in the range of about 35mm to 250mm. The height of the planting aid 1 is in the range of about 25mm to 350mm.

This fax was sent from Wrays fax server. Visit http://www.wrays.com.au for further information. , 3®. Mar. 2009 1 6:55 ■No. 7095 P. 15 Referring now to Figures 3a - 3e, the planting aid 1 Is symmetrical and comprised of two interlocking parts of Identical shape and configuration. The planting aid 1 may be annular in shape with each part extending through an arc in the order of 180° so that the parts can be connected with the two identical parts in opposed 5 orientation so as to form an annulus. The arc may be greater than 180° to allow for the end portions of each part to overlap and inter-engage. Figure 3c shows an end portion of one piece in greater detail that allows for such overlap and inter-engagement. In particular, a step portion 30 is recessed into the external surface of the body 45 at a first end of the device. A corresponding and complimentary 10 step portion 35 is recessed into the internal surface of the body at a second end of the planting aid 1. This enables two identical parts to inter-engage and to form an annulus.

As is best seen in Figure 3e, a plurality of shallow ribs 70 may be provided on the upper surface portion 60 extending between the inner surface 15 and the outer 15 surface 20 in the channel 65. The ribs 70 act to stiffen the body 45 and to facilitate nested stacking of the parts in the manner best seen in Figure 3d.

Resilient interlocking portions may be located at either end of the parts to facilitate substantially rigid interlocking therebetween. The resilient interlocking mechanism, sometimes referred to as a 'snap lock', may take the form of tabs or 20 projections 80 that interlock with corresponding recesses or apertures 90, as shown in Figures 3a and 3c. Tabs/projections and corresponding recesses/ apertures may be located at either end of the device to facilitate this.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 3 0 MAK 2009 received

Claims

3D. Mar, 2009 16:56 h, 7095 P. 16 The Claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A planting aid comprising a body having a width and a height and retaining thereunder an earth mound so as to form a well about a base of a plant so as to in turn retain water within that well surrounding the base of the plant. 5

2. A planting aid according to claim 1, wherein the planting aid comprises an inner portion and an outer portion separated by a body, the inner portion comprising an inner extremity of the planting aid that in use is located adjacent to and encircles the base of the plant.

3. A planting aid according to claim 2, wherein the body comprises an inner 10 surface extending upwardly from adjacent the inner portion and an outer surface extending upwardly from adjacent the outer portion.

4-, A planting aid according to claim 3, wherein an upper surface separates an upper part of the inner surface from an upper part of the outer surface.

5. A planting aid according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the inner surface extends 15 upwardly and towards the outer portion and the outer surface extends upwardly and towards the inner portion, thereby defining a channel in an underside of the planting aid.

6. A planting aid according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein a plane described by the inner portion and a plane described by the outer portion are 20 substantially parallel-

7. "A planting aid according to claim 6, wherein the plane described by the inner portion and the plane described by the outer portion are coplanar.

8. A planting aid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the planting aid is comprised of interlocking parts. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.2. 3 0 MAK 2009 RECEIVED From: Wrays To: 00116449783691 Page: 4/4 Date: 2/09/2009 9:23:13 AM Received at IPONZ on 2 September 2009 -10-

9. A planting aid according to claim 8, wherein the planting aid is symmetrical and comprised of two identical interlocking parts.

10. A planting aid according to claim 9, wherein the planting aid is of annular shape and the identical parts describe an arc of at least 180 degrees, 5

11. A planting aid according to claim 10, wherein the interlocking parts comprise a step portion recessed into the external surface of the body at a first end of the part and a corresponding step portion recessed into the internal surface of the part at a second end of the part, the step portions overlap when the planting aid is assembled with the two parts in opposed orientation. 10

12. A planting aid according to claim 11, wherein corresponding snap lock portions are provided at either end of a part to provide for snap lock assembly of two parts to form the planting aid.

13. A planting aid according to claim 1, wherein the body has a depth or height of between 25mm and 350mm and a width of between 35mm and 250mm. 15

14, A planting aid according to claim 13, wherein the planting aid is of annular shape defining a substantially circular central aperture having a diameter of between 85mm and 600mm.

15. A planting aid substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 20 This fax was sent from Wrays fax server. Visit http://www.wrays.com.au for further information. 3*0.Mar, 2009 1 6:56 No. 7095 P. 19 -12- Abstract A planting aid (1) comprising a body having a width and a height and retaining thereunder an earth mound (118) so as to form a well about a base (130) of a plant (100) so as to in turn retain water within that well surrounding the base (130) 5 of the plant (100). INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFRCE OF N.2. 3 0 MAK 2009 received|