US20060273098A1 - Planting system - Google Patents
Planting system Download PDFInfo
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- US20060273098A1 US20060273098A1 US11/143,216 US14321605A US2006273098A1 US 20060273098 A1 US20060273098 A1 US 20060273098A1 US 14321605 A US14321605 A US 14321605A US 2006273098 A1 US2006273098 A1 US 2006273098A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- combination according
- receptacle
- parts
- wall
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
- A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
Definitions
- This invention relates to planting systems and, more particularly, to a planting system with a container configured at least partially to simulate the appearance of an egg shell.
- the shell is, by its nature, very brittle. The user must initially fracture the shell and strategically remove portions thereof to achieve a desired end shape. During this process, cracks may develop that render the shell useless for its intended purpose.
- the user must dispose of the shell contents. Most commonly, the edible portion of the egg will be discarded, which represents both waste and an inconvenience.
- the user must introduce growing medium into the prepared shell. This, again, is a delicate operation in that even a minimal compaction pressure on the growing medium may cause unwanted cracking of the shell.
- a drainage hole is generally formed in the egg shell to allow drainage through the placed growing medium. This may be accomplished as through a drill or pick. During the process, the shell is again prone to cracking. Further, the drainage hole provides a stress concentration from which cracks may propagate.
- the composition of the shell is such that it is prone to absorbing moisture and chemicals, which may hasten its deterioration.
- the shell may discolor and decompose to the point that it is no longer functional as a container. Transplanting of the contents thereof to another newly prepared shell may be difficult or impossible to do.
- egg shells are generally used as planters at the same location at which they are prepared for planting.
- the egg shells have very little commercial value in terms of their being offered as a planting component.
- egg shells are generally prepared as planting containers only in school and craft class environments.
- egg shells would be useable as planting containers without contending with all of the above limitations and drawbacks.
- the invention is directed to the combination of a container and a growing medium for a plant.
- the container is made to simulate the appearance of an egg shell bounding a receptacle.
- the growing medium is provided in the receptacle.
- the container has at least first and second parts that are separable from each other.
- the first part may have an associated base assembly for maintaining the first part in an operative orientation wherein the first part defines an upwardly opening cup shape bounding the receptacle.
- the base assembly may have a flat surface to bear upon an upwardly facing, subjacent surface so as to maintain the first part in the operative orientation.
- the first part of the container has a jagged edge that simulates the appearance of a broken egg shell.
- the container receptacle may be covered by a separable barrier layer that confines the growing medium.
- the barrier layer may be defined by a second container part that is selectively separable from the first part.
- the first and second container parts may be releasably press fit together.
- first and second container parts are joined through a frangible connection that can be fractured to allow separation of the first and second container parts.
- the container may have an opening therein to communicate liquid from within the receptacle gravitationally to externally of the receptacle.
- the first and second parts may cooperatively define a substantially closed, oval shape that simulates the appearance of an intact egg shell.
- the growing medium consists of soil mixed with a plant growth stimulator.
- the growing medium may further include plant seed mixed with the soil.
- the container is made at least partially from at least one of a ceramic material and terra cotta.
- the container has a wall that can be fractured by a user to produce a jagged edge to simulate a broken egg shell.
- the frangible construction of the container wall may be such as to allow the container wall to be fractured in a predetermined manner.
- the container wall may be fractured in different predetermined manners as selected by a user to produce a desired end appearance.
- the opening in the container is blocked by a releasable closure element.
- the container may be provided in combination with materials to facilitate adornment of exposed portions of the container.
- the container has integrally formed adornment thereon.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container, according to the present invention, with a growing medium in which plants are propagating in a receptacle defined by the container;
- FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the container in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the container in FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein a releasable barrier layer is provided over the receptacle;
- FIG. 4 is a view as in FIG. 3 of a modified form of container having parts that can be strategically separated to reconfigure the container;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a connector between container parts as shown in FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is a view as in FIGS. 3 and 4 of a further modified form of container, according to the present invention, and including separable parts to allow reconfiguration of the container;
- FIG. 7 is a view as in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 of a modified form of container, according to the present invention, wherein fully surrounded openings are provided between the top and bottom of the container;
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a wall on the containers in FIGS. 1-7 , with adornment integrally formed thereon;
- FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a base assembly on the container shown in FIGS. 1-8 ;
- FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the containers in FIGS. 1-9 having an associated illumination source.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a kit including the inventive containers, and adornment materials for changing the appearance of the container, integrated through the use of a package.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 one form of container, according to the present invention, is shown at 10 .
- the container 10 has a wall 12 that is shaped to simulate the appearance of an egg shell that bounds a receptacle 14 .
- a growing medium 16 is placed within the receptacle 14 .
- Seeds 18 are placed in the growing medium 16 , which germinate to produce plants 20 .
- “plant” is intended to encompass any growing composition, be it technically plant, flower, etc.
- the growing medium 16 may be made up of soil and an additive that facilitates or stimulates the germination of the seed 18 and growth thereof.
- the wall 12 has a generally upwardly opening, cup shape with an upper edge 22 that is jagged to simulate the appearance of a broken egg shell.
- the wall 12 can be made from virtually a limitless number of different materials, among which are preferred materials such as ceramic and terra cotta. However, the material could be plastic, composite, metal, etc. Alternatively, the wall 12 can be made from different materials that are used to exploit desired properties thereof.
- an insert 24 is shown on the wall 12 to contrast with the remaining portion of the exposed surface 26 of the wall 12 .
- the insert 24 might be clear as compared to the remainder of the exposed surface 26 , or might be reflective, or otherwise eye catching, either by itself or in coordination with the remainder of the wall 12 .
- the bottom of the wall 12 has a base assembly 28 to facilitate support of the container 10 in an operative orientation relative to an upwardly facing surface on a subjacent support 30 .
- the base assembly 28 consists of a flat at the bottom of the wall 12 .
- an opening 32 is provided through the base assembly 28 .
- the opening 32 communicates liquid from within the receptacle 14 to externally thereof under gravitational force.
- a releasable closure element 34 is applied over the opening 32 to effect blocking thereof.
- the closure element 34 may be made with a fixed or flexible shape and may be attached, for example, by an adhesive which allows it to be peeled away from the base assembly 28 .
- a projecting tab 38 facilitates gripping of the closure element 34 and its peeling away from the base assembly 28 .
- the container 10 may be initially made in the shape shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . If configured in the “broken egg” shape in FIG. 1 with the jagged edge 22 , the receptacle 14 may be covered by a separable barrier layer 39 that may be, for example, a conformable film that is frictionally gripped against part of the exposed surface 26 sufficiently to block the escape of the growing medium 16 from the receptacle 14 .
- the film 39 may be clear to facilitate viewing of the contents of the receptacle 14 , as at point of purchase.
- the barrier layer 39 may be wrapped fully around the container 10 . In FIG. 3 , the barrier layer 39 is wrapped over the top of the container 10 and extends to slightly above the flat 28 at the bottom of the wall 12 .
- the barrier layer 39 might have any appearance that makes it appealing, as to a prospective purchaser.
- the container 10 ′ has a reconfigurable shape.
- the container 10 ′ has a wall 12 ′ which defines a substantially fully enclosed shape that simulates the appearance of an intact egg shell.
- the wall 12 ′ bounds a receptacle 14 ′ within which the growing medium 16 is placed.
- the container wall 12 ′ is defined by a first part 40 and a second part 42 that cooperatively bound the receptacle 14 ′.
- the first and second parts 40 , 42 meet at a separation line 44 , that extends continuously around the periphery of the “egg” to produce an exposed, jagged, upper edge 22 ′ on the first part 40 , with the second part 42 separated from the first part 40 .
- the first part 40 and second part 42 on the container 10 ′ are joined through a connector 46 .
- the second part 42 functions as a barrier layer to confine the contents of the receptacle 14 ′.
- the connector 46 may be such that a connection therethrough is effected by snap connecting the first and second parts 40 , 42 .
- the connector 46 may include a separate element that maintains the first and second parts 40 , 42 , together. Alternatively, the connector may be maintained through frictional engagement between the first and second parts 40 , 42 .
- the connector 46 may be defined partially or fully by the barrier layer 39 which maintains the first and second parts 40 , 42 together as a unit.
- the connector 46 may consist of a frangible portion 48 extending partially or fully along the extent of the separation line 44 .
- the second part 42 By fracturing the frangible portion 48 , the second part 42 can be separated from the first part 40 so as to thereby expose the receptacle 14 ′.
- the frangible portion 48 may be constructed so that it can be fractured in a predetermined manner by a twisting force between the first and second parts 40 , 42 , or by applying an impact force to the second part 42 .
- the first and second parts 40 , 42 may be separated by a tensile force applied in opposite directions on the first and second parts 40 , 42 .
- the invention contemplates virtually any way to releasably join the first and second parts 40 , 42 .
- a water soluble adhesive may be used to maintain the first and second parts 40 , 42 together.
- the frangible portion 48 will “fracture” by melting.
- the second part 42 may include a separable third part 50 , that is releasably joined to the second part 42 , through any type of connector 46 ′, corresponding to the connector 46 , as described above.
- a separable third part 50 By separating the third part 50 , an exposed, jagged edge 22 ′′ is formed on the second part 42 , thereby giving the resulting container 10 ′ a still different overall appearance.
- a desired configuration for the resulting container 10 ′ an be selected by the end user.
- an optional fill opening 52 is provided to introduce the growing medium 16 to the receptacle 14 ′.
- the fill opening 52 may be left exposed or blocked by an appropriate cover 54 .
- the cover 54 may be a discrete element.
- the aforementioned barrier layer 39 may be utilized to cover a substantial areal portion of the exposed surface of the container 10 ′ or a smaller area over the fill opening 52 to confine the growing medium 16 in the receptacle 14 ′.
- FIG. 6 a further modified form of container is shown at 10 ′′.
- the container 10 ′′ consists of a wall 12 ′′ with a first part 40 ′′ defining an upwardly opening receptacle 14 ′′ and a bottom flat 28 ′′.
- a network of separation lines 44 ′ is provided to allow separation of a number of discrete parts, identified as A-H.
- the user can selectively separate the parts A-H in a predetermined manner along the separation lines 44 ′. For example, the user can break off any one, or a number, of the parts A-H.
- One possibility is to one-by-one snap off the parts A-H to arrive at the desired depth of the receptacle 14 ′′ and overall desired appearance of the resulting container wall 12 ′′.
- the individual parts A-H can be grasped between the user's fingers and snapped off. Connectors of the type previously described are also contemplated at each separation line 44 ′.
- a container 10 ′′′ is shown in FIG. 7 consisting of a wall 12 ′′′ in the form of an egg with a bottom flat 28 ′′′ and an opening 56 through which a receptacle 14 ′′′, defined by the wall 12 ′′′, is exposed.
- the opening 56 is fully bounded by a jagged edge 58 that can be reconfigured by separating wall parts A′-H′, corresponding to the wall parts A-H shown in FIG. 6 .
- openings 56 ′, 56 ′′ are also shown through the wall 12 ′′′ for purposes of aesthetics.
- the openings 56 ′, 56 ′′ are fully surrounded by the container wall 12 ′′′.
- adornment 60 may be integrally formed on the walls 12 , 12 ′, 12 ′′, 12 ′′′, at selected locations, or over the entire exposed area of its container 10 ′′′ to produce a desired visual effect.
- the adornment 60 is raised to add another dimension to the appearance of the container with which the wall 12 , 12 ′, 12 ′′, 12 ′′′ is associated.
- the base assembly 28 , 28 ′, 28 ′′, 28 ′′′ has been shown on the containers 10 , 10 ′, 10 ′′, 10 ′′′ as a flat surface, as shown in FIG. 9
- the invention contemplates virtually any type of integral or separate base assembly, as shown generically at 28 4x′ with respect to the container 10 , 10 ′, 10 ′′, 10 ′′′.
- the appearance of the containers 10 , 10 ′, 10 ′′, 10 ′′′ can be further enhanced by including an illumination source 62 .
- the illumination source 62 may be incorporated in virtually a limitless number of different manners.
- the illumination source 62 may project light from within the receptacles 14 , 14 ′, 14 ′′, 14 ′′′ or through openings in the walls 12 , 12 ′, 12 ′′, 12 ′′′.
- the illumination source 62 may be designed to project light through the walls 12 , 12 ′, 12 ′′, 12 ′′′, as by making all or part of the walls 12 , 12 ′, 12 ′′, 12 ′′′ capable of transmitting light through the use of transparent/translucent materials.
- fiber optics may be incorporate into the walls 12 , 12 ′, 12 ′′, 12 ′′′ to generate visible light in desired patterns.
- the invention contemplates sale of a series of components as a package 64 , consisting of any of the containers 10 , 10 ′, 10 ′′, 10 ′′′, including the growing medium 16 and seed 18 , with adornment materials 66 that allow the end user to alter in a desired manner the appearance of the containers 10 , 10 ′, 10 ′′, 10 ′′′. Accordingly, the end user has the option of effecting a reconfiguration of the containers 10 , 10 ′, 10 ′′, 10 ′′′, as well as customizing adornment on exposed parts thereof.
- the package 64 integrates the components into a saleable, unitary kit.
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to planting systems and, more particularly, to a planting system with a container configured at least partially to simulate the appearance of an egg shell.
- 2. Background Art
- Many different plant container configurations have been derived over the years to appeal to different tastes and for use in different environments. As one example, it is known to use actual egg shells as containers for planting medium, thereby creating an interesting visual effect.
- While the use of egg shells in the above manner potentially creates an appealing visual effect, there are certain drawbacks associated with using egg shells in this manner.
- First, preparation of the egg shell to function as a container is a difficult and delicate operation. The shell is, by its nature, very brittle. The user must initially fracture the shell and strategically remove portions thereof to achieve a desired end shape. During this process, cracks may develop that render the shell useless for its intended purpose.
- Second, the user must dispose of the shell contents. Most commonly, the edible portion of the egg will be discarded, which represents both waste and an inconvenience.
- Third, the user must introduce growing medium into the prepared shell. This, again, is a delicate operation in that even a minimal compaction pressure on the growing medium may cause unwanted cracking of the shell.
- Fourth, a drainage hole is generally formed in the egg shell to allow drainage through the placed growing medium. This may be accomplished as through a drill or pick. During the process, the shell is again prone to cracking. Further, the drainage hole provides a stress concentration from which cracks may propagate.
- Fifth, the composition of the shell is such that it is prone to absorbing moisture and chemicals, which may hasten its deterioration. In a relatively short period of time, the shell may discolor and decompose to the point that it is no longer functional as a container. Transplanting of the contents thereof to another newly prepared shell may be difficult or impossible to do.
- Sixth, due to the fragile nature of the egg shell, particularly after a portion thereof has been removed, it is difficult to place any type of aesthetic enhancement thereon. This enhancement may be in the nature of coloring, designs, etc. The nature of the egg shell is such that the type of enhancement possible thereon is quite limited. Further, there may be a reluctance to invest too much time in enhancing the egg shell when it is anticipated that deterioration will occur in such a short time frame.
- Seventh, while the configuration of the egg shell is aesthetically desirable, those that are more practically useable as containers for vegetation generally have a limited dimension, on the order of a couple of inches on the longer dimension of the oval. Consequently, the nature of what can be planted in the egg shell is inherently limited, as is its maintenance. The addition of any significant amount of soil and/or plant food may be difficult or impossible to effect without destroying the egg shell. Consequently, users are not likely to plant vegetation that has any significant anticipated life span.
- Eighth, because of the fragile nature of the egg shells, it is generally impractical to package, display, and ship them commercially with or without growing medium therein. Consequently, the egg shells are generally used as planters at the same location at which they are prepared for planting. Thus, the egg shells have very little commercial value in terms of their being offered as a planting component. As a result, egg shells are generally prepared as planting containers only in school and craft class environments.
- Ideally, egg shells would be useable as planting containers without contending with all of the above limitations and drawbacks.
- In one form, the invention is directed to the combination of a container and a growing medium for a plant. The container is made to simulate the appearance of an egg shell bounding a receptacle. The growing medium is provided in the receptacle.
- In one form, the container has at least first and second parts that are separable from each other.
- The first part may have an associated base assembly for maintaining the first part in an operative orientation wherein the first part defines an upwardly opening cup shape bounding the receptacle.
- The base assembly may have a flat surface to bear upon an upwardly facing, subjacent surface so as to maintain the first part in the operative orientation.
- In one form, the first part of the container has a jagged edge that simulates the appearance of a broken egg shell.
- The container receptacle may be covered by a separable barrier layer that confines the growing medium.
- The barrier layer may be defined by a second container part that is selectively separable from the first part.
- The first and second container parts may be releasably press fit together.
- In an alternative form, the first and second container parts are joined through a frangible connection that can be fractured to allow separation of the first and second container parts.
- The container may have an opening therein to communicate liquid from within the receptacle gravitationally to externally of the receptacle.
- The first and second parts may cooperatively define a substantially closed, oval shape that simulates the appearance of an intact egg shell.
- In one form, the growing medium consists of soil mixed with a plant growth stimulator.
- The growing medium may further include plant seed mixed with the soil.
- In one form, the container is made at least partially from at least one of a ceramic material and terra cotta.
- In one form, the container has a wall that can be fractured by a user to produce a jagged edge to simulate a broken egg shell.
- The frangible construction of the container wall may be such as to allow the container wall to be fractured in a predetermined manner.
- Alternatively, the container wall may be fractured in different predetermined manners as selected by a user to produce a desired end appearance.
- In one form, the opening in the container is blocked by a releasable closure element.
- The container may be provided in combination with materials to facilitate adornment of exposed portions of the container.
- In one form, the container has integrally formed adornment thereon.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container, according to the present invention, with a growing medium in which plants are propagating in a receptacle defined by the container; -
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the container inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the container inFIGS. 1 and 2 wherein a releasable barrier layer is provided over the receptacle; -
FIG. 4 is a view as inFIG. 3 of a modified form of container having parts that can be strategically separated to reconfigure the container; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a connector between container parts as shown inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a view as inFIGS. 3 and 4 of a further modified form of container, according to the present invention, and including separable parts to allow reconfiguration of the container; -
FIG. 7 is a view as inFIGS. 3, 4 and 6 of a modified form of container, according to the present invention, wherein fully surrounded openings are provided between the top and bottom of the container; -
FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a wall on the containers inFIGS. 1-7 , with adornment integrally formed thereon; -
FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a base assembly on the container shown inFIGS. 1-8 ; -
FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the containers inFIGS. 1-9 having an associated illumination source; and -
FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a kit including the inventive containers, and adornment materials for changing the appearance of the container, integrated through the use of a package. - In
FIGS. 1 and 2 , one form of container, according to the present invention, is shown at 10. Thecontainer 10 has awall 12 that is shaped to simulate the appearance of an egg shell that bounds areceptacle 14. Within thereceptacle 14, a growingmedium 16 is placed.Seeds 18 are placed in the growingmedium 16, which germinate to produceplants 20. For purposes of discussion herein, “plant” is intended to encompass any growing composition, be it technically plant, flower, etc. The growingmedium 16 may be made up of soil and an additive that facilitates or stimulates the germination of theseed 18 and growth thereof. - The
wall 12 has a generally upwardly opening, cup shape with anupper edge 22 that is jagged to simulate the appearance of a broken egg shell. Thewall 12 can be made from virtually a limitless number of different materials, among which are preferred materials such as ceramic and terra cotta. However, the material could be plastic, composite, metal, etc. Alternatively, thewall 12 can be made from different materials that are used to exploit desired properties thereof. As just one example, aninsert 24 is shown on thewall 12 to contrast with the remaining portion of the exposedsurface 26 of thewall 12. Theinsert 24 might be clear as compared to the remainder of the exposedsurface 26, or might be reflective, or otherwise eye catching, either by itself or in coordination with the remainder of thewall 12. - The bottom of the
wall 12 has abase assembly 28 to facilitate support of thecontainer 10 in an operative orientation relative to an upwardly facing surface on asubjacent support 30. In this embodiment, thebase assembly 28 consists of a flat at the bottom of thewall 12. - To facilitate drainage, an
opening 32 is provided through thebase assembly 28. Theopening 32 communicates liquid from within thereceptacle 14 to externally thereof under gravitational force. In this embodiment, areleasable closure element 34 is applied over theopening 32 to effect blocking thereof. Theclosure element 34 may be made with a fixed or flexible shape and may be attached, for example, by an adhesive which allows it to be peeled away from thebase assembly 28. A projectingtab 38 facilitates gripping of theclosure element 34 and its peeling away from thebase assembly 28. - The
container 10 may be initially made in the shape shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 . If configured in the “broken egg” shape inFIG. 1 with thejagged edge 22, thereceptacle 14 may be covered by aseparable barrier layer 39 that may be, for example, a conformable film that is frictionally gripped against part of the exposedsurface 26 sufficiently to block the escape of the growingmedium 16 from thereceptacle 14. Thefilm 39 may be clear to facilitate viewing of the contents of thereceptacle 14, as at point of purchase. For convenience and integrity, thebarrier layer 39 may be wrapped fully around thecontainer 10. InFIG. 3 , thebarrier layer 39 is wrapped over the top of thecontainer 10 and extends to slightly above the flat 28 at the bottom of thewall 12. Thebarrier layer 39 might have any appearance that makes it appealing, as to a prospective purchaser. - In a modified form of container, shown at 10′ in
FIG. 4 , thecontainer 10′ has a reconfigurable shape. In this embodiment, thecontainer 10′ has awall 12′ which defines a substantially fully enclosed shape that simulates the appearance of an intact egg shell. Thewall 12′ bounds areceptacle 14′ within which the growingmedium 16 is placed. - The
container wall 12′ is defined by afirst part 40 and asecond part 42 that cooperatively bound thereceptacle 14′. The first andsecond parts separation line 44, that extends continuously around the periphery of the “egg” to produce an exposed, jagged,upper edge 22′ on thefirst part 40, with thesecond part 42 separated from thefirst part 40. - As shown generically in
FIG. 5 , thefirst part 40 andsecond part 42 on thecontainer 10′ are joined through aconnector 46. Thesecond part 42 functions as a barrier layer to confine the contents of thereceptacle 14′. Theconnector 46 may be such that a connection therethrough is effected by snap connecting the first andsecond parts connector 46 may include a separate element that maintains the first andsecond parts second parts connector 46 may be defined partially or fully by thebarrier layer 39 which maintains the first andsecond parts connector 46 may consist of afrangible portion 48 extending partially or fully along the extent of theseparation line 44. - By fracturing the
frangible portion 48, thesecond part 42 can be separated from thefirst part 40 so as to thereby expose thereceptacle 14′. Thefrangible portion 48 may be constructed so that it can be fractured in a predetermined manner by a twisting force between the first andsecond parts second part 42. As a further alternative, the first andsecond parts second parts - The invention contemplates virtually any way to releasably join the first and
second parts second parts connection 46 to water, thefrangible portion 48 will “fracture” by melting. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , thesecond part 42 may include a separablethird part 50, that is releasably joined to thesecond part 42, through any type ofconnector 46′, corresponding to theconnector 46, as described above. By separating thethird part 50, an exposed,jagged edge 22″ is formed on thesecond part 42, thereby giving the resultingcontainer 10′ a still different overall appearance. By selectively removing the second orthird parts container 10′ an be selected by the end user. - In the
container 10′, anoptional fill opening 52 is provided to introduce the growingmedium 16 to thereceptacle 14′. This allows thecontainer 10′ to be formed into theFIG. 4 shape, after which the growingmedium 16 can be introduced through thefill opening 52. Thefill opening 52 may be left exposed or blocked by anappropriate cover 54. Thecover 54 may be a discrete element. Alternatively, theaforementioned barrier layer 39 may be utilized to cover a substantial areal portion of the exposed surface of thecontainer 10′ or a smaller area over thefill opening 52 to confine the growingmedium 16 in thereceptacle 14′. - In
FIG. 6 , a further modified form of container is shown at 10″. Thecontainer 10″ consists of awall 12″ with afirst part 40″ defining an upwardly openingreceptacle 14″ and a bottom flat 28″. In this embodiment, a network ofseparation lines 44′ is provided to allow separation of a number of discrete parts, identified as A-H. The user can selectively separate the parts A-H in a predetermined manner along theseparation lines 44′. For example, the user can break off any one, or a number, of the parts A-H. One possibility is to one-by-one snap off the parts A-H to arrive at the desired depth of thereceptacle 14″ and overall desired appearance of the resultingcontainer wall 12″. In one form, the individual parts A-H can be grasped between the user's fingers and snapped off. Connectors of the type previously described are also contemplated at eachseparation line 44′. - The invention contemplates that the receptacles can be defined other than by removal of the top of the “egg”. For example, a
container 10′″ is shown inFIG. 7 consisting of awall 12′″ in the form of an egg with a bottom flat 28′″ and anopening 56 through which areceptacle 14′″, defined by thewall 12′″, is exposed. Theopening 56 is fully bounded by ajagged edge 58 that can be reconfigured by separating wall parts A′-H′, corresponding to the wall parts A-H shown inFIG. 6 . - In this embodiment, additional,
optional openings 56′, 56″ are also shown through thewall 12′″ for purposes of aesthetics. Theopenings 56′, 56″ are fully surrounded by thecontainer wall 12′″. - As shown in
FIG. 8 ,adornment 60 may be integrally formed on thewalls container 10′″ to produce a desired visual effect. In this embodiment, theadornment 60 is raised to add another dimension to the appearance of the container with which thewall - Whereas the
base assembly containers FIG. 9 , the invention contemplates virtually any type of integral or separate base assembly, as shown generically at 28 4x′ with respect to thecontainer - As shown in
FIG. 10 , the appearance of thecontainers illumination source 62. Theillumination source 62 may be incorporated in virtually a limitless number of different manners. For example, theillumination source 62 may project light from within thereceptacles walls illumination source 62 may be designed to project light through thewalls walls walls - As shown in
FIG. 11 , the invention contemplates sale of a series of components as apackage 64, consisting of any of thecontainers medium 16 andseed 18, withadornment materials 66 that allow the end user to alter in a desired manner the appearance of thecontainers containers package 64 integrates the components into a saleable, unitary kit. - The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the broad concepts comprehended by the invention.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/143,216 US20060273098A1 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2005-06-02 | Planting system |
US12/926,417 US8413374B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2010-11-16 | Planting system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/143,216 US20060273098A1 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2005-06-02 | Planting system |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/926,417 Continuation US8413374B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2010-11-16 | Planting system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20060273098A1 true US20060273098A1 (en) | 2006-12-07 |
Family
ID=37493150
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/143,216 Abandoned US20060273098A1 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2005-06-02 | Planting system |
US12/926,417 Expired - Fee Related US8413374B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2010-11-16 | Planting system |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/926,417 Expired - Fee Related US8413374B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2010-11-16 | Planting system |
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US (2) | US20060273098A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150375925A1 (en) * | 2013-03-07 | 2015-12-31 | Mondelez Uk R&D Limited | Improved packaging and method of opening |
US10479550B2 (en) * | 2012-03-26 | 2019-11-19 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Packaging and method of opening |
US10507970B2 (en) | 2013-03-07 | 2019-12-17 | Mondelez Uk R&D Limited | Confectionery packaging and method of opening |
US11395462B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2022-07-26 | W. Michael Dunn | Seedling container with frangible tear-off strip |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9943025B2 (en) * | 2015-03-04 | 2018-04-17 | Bloombabies Inc. | Seed growing device, method, and system |
USD789241S1 (en) * | 2016-03-11 | 2017-06-13 | Audible Easter Eggs for the Visually Impaired, Inc. | Easter egg |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060150498A1 (en) * | 2004-12-22 | 2006-07-13 | Chen-Che Chen | Airtight container for culturing flowers |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2998896A (en) * | 1958-01-13 | 1961-09-05 | Peoria Plastic Company | Container |
DE1290760B (en) * | 1964-05-26 | 1969-03-13 | Me Kox Ind | Plant briquette |
US3741379A (en) * | 1971-03-01 | 1973-06-26 | Niemand Ind Inc | Package |
US4024670A (en) * | 1975-10-20 | 1977-05-24 | Stanley Peter W | Shipping and growing apparatus for seeds |
US4124135A (en) * | 1976-12-17 | 1978-11-07 | Highland Manufacturing And Sales Co., Inc. | Hinged plastic Easter egg |
JP3220941B2 (en) * | 1999-05-31 | 2001-10-22 | 聖新陶芸株式会社 | Seed germination growth tool |
JP3459616B2 (en) | 2000-05-31 | 2003-10-20 | 聖新陶芸株式会社 | Seed germination and growth tool, method for manufacturing the same, and manufacturing apparatus |
-
2005
- 2005-06-02 US US11/143,216 patent/US20060273098A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2010
- 2010-11-16 US US12/926,417 patent/US8413374B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060150498A1 (en) * | 2004-12-22 | 2006-07-13 | Chen-Che Chen | Airtight container for culturing flowers |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10479550B2 (en) * | 2012-03-26 | 2019-11-19 | Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. | Packaging and method of opening |
US20150375925A1 (en) * | 2013-03-07 | 2015-12-31 | Mondelez Uk R&D Limited | Improved packaging and method of opening |
US10507970B2 (en) | 2013-03-07 | 2019-12-17 | Mondelez Uk R&D Limited | Confectionery packaging and method of opening |
US10513388B2 (en) * | 2013-03-07 | 2019-12-24 | Mondelez Uk R&D Limited | Packaging and method of opening |
US11395462B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2022-07-26 | W. Michael Dunn | Seedling container with frangible tear-off strip |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20110232182A1 (en) | 2011-09-29 |
US8413374B2 (en) | 2013-04-09 |
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