WO2013082191A1 - Wall-mountable plant presentation systems and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to the field of horticulture. More specifically, the invention relates to wall-mountable plant presentation watering systems and methods that may provide an aesthetic display of plants such as in a picture garden that is designed for optimal plant growth balanced with convenient, no-mess watering. The invention may provide for a series of tiers of individual plants which may be arranged in a desired orientation. Particular embodiments may focus on prescribed periodic watering schedules, where watering of a prescribed, predetermined total growth medium amount is achieved via direct contact of the growth medium with pooled water passing through hole(s) in a substantial bottom of each insert(s) (5) that is established in a water retentive housing (4); the prescribed watering schedule may result in a dry period at a terminal portion of the period of the prescribed periodic watering schedule. A water fill amount may also be prescribed; it may result in both passage of air and water into growth medium through hole(s) (9) which, in certain embodiments, are in the substantial bottom of the insert, at the beginning of the period of the prescribed periodic watering schedule (when the prescribed water fill amount is conveyed into the water retentive housing that supports the insert).

Description

WALL-MOUNTABLE PLANT PRESENTATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

This is an international application which claims priority to and benefit of US Provisional Application Numbers 61/564,222, filed November 28, 2011 and 61/607,299, filed March 6, 2012, each provisional application hereby incorporated, in their entirety, herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Vertical planters, in general, have been used in the past. Some of these may have required re-planting of the plants (where a user has to add growth medium directly to the planters and place the plant therein) such as discussed in U.S. Patent No. 5,826,375 to Black. Others have provided different ways to keep plants watered, for example: in a cascading type design where all plant containers may be watered by only watering the top plant container such as discussed in U.S. Patent Application No. US2009/0000189 Al to Black, U.S. Patent No. 3,452,475 to Johnson, and U.S. Patent Application No. US2010/0146854 to Cannon et al.; by drip irrigation fed from a main water supply tube as discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2011/0258925 Al to Baker; or even in a self- irrigating display rack as discussed in U.S. Patent No. 4,006,559 to Carlyon, Jr.; each specifically incorporated by reference herein.

However, past designs and systems may have problems and limitations in their effectiveness of promoting healthy plants while balancing plant watering needs and scheduling, among other limitations. Therefore, these problems and limitations may represent a long-felt need for an effective solution. As such, the current inventive technology provides a simple comprehensive solution, which in some embodiments is expressed throughout.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a wall-mountable plant presentation watering system with optimal balanced exposure of the plants to water and air. Another object of the present invention is to provide a plant presentation watering system that may balance needs to promote good plant health with easy watering schedules, e.g., once a week, once every two weeks, and the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide wall-mountable plant presentation systems which are designed to receive a commercially available container, with both growth medium and plants already established therein, such as may be obtained from a plant nursery alongside the corresponding housing configured (shaped) to receive the insert in stable fashion, so that assembly of the system may simply require a user to place the insert (with plants and growth medium) into a receiving portion of the growth medium retentive housing without requiring any re-planting of the plants.

Another object of particular embodiments of the inventive technology is to provide a prescribed water fill amount and prescribed periodic watering schedule where, when the prescribed water fill amount is conveyed into a water retentive housing (at the beginning of the prescribed periodic watering schedule), a hole(s) at the substantial bottom of growth medium holding insert (e.g., the lower one third) established in the allows for passage of both water and air through the hole(s) directly to the growth medium at the beginning of the aforementioned period, but at an end portion of the aforementioned period, allows for passage of only air through such holes.

Another object of the inventive technology is to provide for a prescribed water fill amount that is coordinated with a total growth medium amount in the growth medium holding insert (e.g,. the two are related via a volumetric ratio range) such that, upon conveyance of such water fill amount into the growth medium holding insert (e.g., manually, perhaps via a hose or watering can, or otherwise), a hole(s) at the substantial bottom of growth medium holding insert established in the housing allows for passage of both water and air through the hole(s) directly to the growth medium at the beginning of the

aforementioned period, but at an end portion of the aforementioned period, allows for passage of only air through such holes. In this way, the prescribed water fill amount, the prescribed watering schedule, and the total growth medium amount (in all inserts held by a housing) may all be coordinated.

Naturally, further objects of the inventive technology will become apparent from the description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1A shows a side, vertical cross-section (through fluid entry hole(s)) view of an embodiment of the inventive technology. Water levels (in this and Figs. 1B-1F) are not shown for clarity reasons.

Fig. IB shows a transparent view from behind the embodiment of Fig. 1 A.

Fig. 1C shows a side, vertical cross-section (through fluid entry hole(s)) view of an embodiment of the inventive technology.

Fig. ID shows a transparent view from behind the embodiment of Fig. 1C.

Fig. IE shows a side, vertical cross-section (through fluid entry hole(s)) view of an embodiment of the inventive technology.

Fig. IF shows a transparent view from behind the embodiment of Fig. IE.

Fig. 2A shows a side, vertical cross-section (through fluid entry hole(s)) view of an embodiment of the inventive technology, with a prescribed water fill amount therein. Fig. 2A corresponds with Fig. 1A.

Fig. 2B shows a side, vertical cross-section (through fluid entry hole(s)) view of an embodiment of the inventive technology, with a prescribed water fill amount therein. Fig. 2B corresponds with Fig. 1C.

Fig. 2C shows a side, vertical cross-section (through fluid entry hole(s)) view of an embodiment of the inventive technology, with a prescribed water fill amount therein. Fig. 2C corresponds with Fig. IE.

Fig. 3A shows a side, vertical cross-section (through fluid entry hole(s)) view of an embodiment of the inventive technology, with an intermediate water amount therein. Fig. 3A corresponds with Fig. 1A.

Fig. 3B shows a side, vertical cross-section (through fluid entry hole(s)) view of an embodiment of the inventive technology, with an intermediate water amount therein. Fig. 3B corresponds with Fig. 1C.

Fig. 3C shows a side, vertical cross-section (through fluid entry hole(s)) view of an embodiment of the inventive technology, with an intermediate water amount therein. Fig. 3C corresponds with Fig. IE. Fig. 4A shows a side, vertical cross-section (through fluid entry hole(s)) view of an embodiment of the inventive technology, with an amount of water therein that may be seen during a dry terminal portion of the prescribed watering schedule's period. Fig. 4A corresponds with Fig. 1A.

Fig. 4B shows a side, vertical cross-section (through fluid entry hole(s)) view of an embodiment of the inventive technology, with an amount of water therein that may be seen during a dry terminal portion of the prescribed watering schedule's period. Fig. 4B corresponds with Fig. 1C.

Fig. 4C shows a side, vertical cross-section (through fluid entry hole(s)) view of an embodiment of the inventive technology, with an amount of water therein that may be seen during a dry terminal portion of the prescribed watering schedule's period. Fig. 4C corresponds with Fig. IE.

Fig. 5 A shows a top view of an embodiment of a growth medium retentive insert.

Fig. 5B shows a front side view of an embodiment of a growth medium retentive insert.

Fig. 5C shows a perspective view, from above, of an embodiment of a growth medium retentive insert.

Fig. 5D shows an end side view of an embodiment of a growth medium retentive insert.

Fig. 6 A shows a top view of an embodiment of a growth medium retentive insert.

Fig. 6B shows a front side view of an embodiment of a growth medium retentive insert.

Fig. 6C shows a bottom view of an embodiment of a growth medium retentive insert. Fig. 6D shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a growth medium retentive insert.

Fig. 6E shows an end view of an embodiment of a growth medium retentive insert. Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a growth medium retentive insert.

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a growth medium retentive insert with growth medium and plants established therein, perhaps as may be made commercially available. Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a growth medium retentive insert with growth medium and plants established therein, perhaps as may be made commercially available.

Fig. 10 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of a growth medium retentive insert.

Fig. 11 A shows a top view of an embodiment of a water retentive housing.

Fig. 1 IB shows a top transparent view of an embodiment of a water retentive housing, with insert established therein.

Fig. l lC shows an end transparent view of an embodiment of a water retentive housing, with insert established therein.

Fig. 1 ID shows a perspective view (from below) of an embodiment of a water retentive housing.

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a water retentive housing, with growth medium retentive insert established therein.

Fig. 13A shows a top view of an embodiment of a water retentive housing, with growth medium retentive insert established therein.

Fig. 13B shows a front view of an embodiment of a water retentive housing, with growth medium retentive insert established therein.

Fig. 13C shows a back view of an embodiment of a water retentive housing, with growth medium retentive insert established therein.

Fig. 13D shows a bottom view of an embodiment of a water retentive housing, with growth medium retentive insert established therein.

Fig. 13E shows a left view of an embodiment of a water retentive housing, with growth medium retentive insert established therein.

Fig. 13F shows a right view of an embodiment of a water retentive housing, with growth medium retentive insert established therein.

Fig. 14A shows a top view of an embodiment of a water retentive housing, with growth medium retentive insert established therein.

Fig. 14B shows a rear view of an embodiment of a growth medium retentive insert.

Fig. 14C shows an end side view of an embodiment of a growth medium retentive insert (shown in a substantially vertical position). Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a water retentive housing with growth medium retentive insert established therein.

Figure 17 shows a table for the number of days between watering for cups of water versus cups of growth medium.

Figure 18 shows a table for the ratios of cups of water to cups of growth medium for cups of water versus cups of growth medium.

Figure 19 shows a table for the days between watering ratios for cups of water per 1 cup of growth medium versus days between watering.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The present invention includes a variety of aspects, which may be combined in different ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and describe some of the embodiments of the present invention. These elements are listed with initial embodiments, however it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the present invention to only the explicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. Further, this description should be understood to support and encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and all various permutations and combinations of all elements in this or any subsequent application.

Embodiments of the inventive technology relate to wall-mountable plant presentation apparatus (1) (or plant display) and systems, and related methods, in which plants (2), including but not limited to potted plants (e.g., flowering or non-flowering potted plants, whether vegetables, perennials, herbs or annuals, as but a few examples) may be retained in desired orientation (e.g., tilted outwards, off vertical axis) so as to present upper portions of plants to passers-by, thereby visually exposing more of the top view of the plant, thereby exposing potentially more flowers, foliage or other aesthetic features of the selected plant species. The tilt orientation may also serve to maximize light receipt perhaps from a nearby window. Particular embodiments may offer a watering system in which a upper tier of plants may be retained above a lower tier of plants; each may be waterable individually, in particular embodiments, such that watering of one does not impact the water in a lower tier. Each tier may include a water retentive housing, and a growth medium holding insert that is insertable into the housing. A single unit or tiers (multiple units, one above another) may be connectable to a wall, or walls (e.g., in a corner, whether outside or inside), via any of many well known fastening techniques. Of course, not only can a plurality of units be placed one above the other, but more than one unit may be placed side by side.

At least one embodiment of the inventive technology may be described as a planting system (1) configured for establishment against at least one substantially vertical surface (3) (e.g., a wall), the system comprising: a water retentive housing (which is able to retain water), and at least one growth medium retentive insert (5) (able to retain growth medium (6) such as soil, as but one example) that is insertable into the water retentive housing. The at least one growth medium retentive insert may be configured to contain a total growth medium amount (e.g., a volumetric amount of all growth medium of all inserts supported by the housing) and plants emerging therefrom. Further, in particular embodiments, when the (at least one) growth medium retentive insert is supported in the water retentive housing, the plants, when in the growth medium in the growth medium retentive insert, present off- vertically (7) such that stems of the plants emerge from the growth medium at a stem angle (8) that is upwards, and away from the at least one substantially vertical surface. Such manner of presentation may afford benefits mentioned elsewhere in this disclosure.

The system may further comprise at least one water entry hole (11) (through which to convey water) through an upper portion of the water retentive housing and at least one fluid entry hole (9) (allowing passage of water and/or air) through each of the growth medium retentive insert(s). In particular embodiments, when the at least one growth medium retentive insert is supported in the water retentive housing, the at least one fluid entry hole has at least a first fluid entry site (12) substantially at a lowest height of the at least one fluid entry hole and a second fluid entry site (13) substantially at a highest height of the at least one fluid entry hole, the second fluid entry site being higher than the first fluid entry site. A fluid entry site may be part of a hole, or a hole itself.

Additionally, the system may include a prescribed water fill amount (see Figs. 2A-

2C) for the water retentive housing, and the prescribed water fill amount may be coordinated with the total growth medium amount to define a water to growth medium ratio. Such coordination merely implies that the water fill amount may depend, at least in part, on the amount of growth medium.

Further, at the beginning of a period of a prescribed periodic watering schedule (once per week, as but one example), when the growth medium retentive insert(s) with the total growth medium amount therein is supported in the water retentive housing and the prescribed water fill amount is in the water retentive housing, the first fluid entry site (each insert in the housing may have such a site) may be submerged in water and the second fluid entry site may be exposed to air. When the growth medium retentive insert(s) with the total growth medium amount therein is supported in the water retentive housing, at an end portion of the period of the prescribed periodic watering schedule (the seventh day of a once per week watering schedule, as but one example), both the first fluid entry site and the second fluid entry site may be exposed to air. Note that in certain embodiments, such aeration-type constraints may indeed require the coordination of the relative shapes of the insert and that portion of the housing into which the insert fits (e.g., slides) such that conveyance of a prescribed water fill amount into the reservoir results in proper water level relative to first and second fluid entry sites at the beginning and end portion of a period of the prescribed periodic watering schedule.

In particular embodiments, after the prescribed water fill amount is conveyed into the water retentive housing (e.g., via manual conveyance by a human, or automatically via an electrical or other system), water in the water retentive housing is standing, pooled water (14) that is reduced in amount via evapotranspiration. Such standing, pooled water may be in direct contact with at least some growth medium of the growth medium amount during a majority of the period of the prescribed watering schedule, when the growth medium retentive insert is supported by the water retentive housing. At least some of the total growth medium amount may be in direct contact with the standing, pooled water retained in the water retentive housing after the prescribed water fill amount is conveyed into the water retentive housing. Upon evapotranspiration, and upon expiration of at least a sufficient portion of the period of the prescribed periodic watering schedule (e.g., 6 of a week period), the level of the pooled, standing water may be reduced to below the first fluid entry site, such that only air passes through the first (lower) and second (higher) fluid entry sites during that terminal portion.

At the beginning of the period of the prescribed periodic watering schedule, when the at least one growth medium retentive insert with the total growth medium amount therein is supported in the water retentive housing and the prescribed water fill amount is in the water retentive housing, growth medium at the first fluid entry site may be directly in contact with water. Note that in certain embodiments, the second fluid entry site may be less than ¼ of the entire entry area of the at least one fluid entry hole; in certain

embodiments, it may be less than 1/8^ώ of the entire entry area (of the at least one fluid entry hole).

Note that, in preferred embodiments, the water to growth medium ratio may be within a range selected from the group consisting of: 0.27 to 0.67, 0.30-0.63, 0.37-0.56, and 0.44-0.48. As explained elsewhere, such relationship may be important in providing a dry period at the end of a period of a prescribed periodic watering schedule. Of course, other factors, as explained below, may also be involved.

Plant type, for example, may be a factor that may need consideration in meeting the goal of providing a dry period at the end of a period of a prescribed periodic watering schedule. This may be because different plants use water at different rates. In at least one embodiment of the inventive technology, the plants of a single insert (or of inserts that are supported by a single water retentive housing) are of at least one plant type. Again, factors such as the prescribed periodic watering schedule may be related to the at least one plant type. However, the prescribed water fill amount may, in certain embodiments, be a predetermined water fill amount that is independent of plant type. In such embodiments, it may be the watering schedule that is adjusted to provide for the desired dry time at the end of the period of the watering schedule. Indeed, watering schedules may be prescribed by the manufacturer, upon consideration of several factors, to provide for the desired dry terminal portion of the schedule's period. In this way, perhaps no matter what plant(s) is in the insert (and perhaps even independently of aridity of the region of the country in which the system will be used), water fill amounts may be identical.

At times, the prescribed periodic watering schedule may be manufacture advised

(e.g., in product literature) to a system purchaser. Such advisement may include adjustments to accommodate for area use (e.g., Arizona would have a shorter period for its prescribed periodic watering schedule than would be the period for Maine), and sun exposure as dependent on purchaser location of system (e.g., location of a system on the south side of a house in the northern hemisphere may result in a shorter period for its prescribed periodic watering schedule than would be the period for the north side of that house).

Growth medium includes but is not limited to soil, any soil substitute, hydroponic growth medium, soilless potting medium, sand, clay, clay based mediums, peat moss, vermiculite, shredded newspaper, rockwool, any combinations thereof, as but a few examples.

Note that the at least one entry hole (in each insert, e.g.) may be at least two entry holes (see, e.g., Figs. 1A and IB). Perhaps a set of holes may be established through a bottom or side of the insert, one higher than the other, for each plant of the insert. However, this is just one of perhaps an infinite number of ways of providing a first (lower) and a second (higher) fluid entry site. It is of note that in at least one embodiment, the holes may be vertically aligned with the plants (or, more specifically, the site where the stem(s) of the plants emerge from the growth medium.

The prescribed periodic watering schedule may be: once per week and once every two weeks, once every four days, once every five days, once every six days, once every eight days, once every nine days, once every ten days, once every eleven days, once every twelve days, and once every thirteen days, as but a few examples. In at least one

embodiment, when the water to growth medium ratio is within the range of 0.44 and 0.48, the prescribed periodic watering schedule is once per week.

In particular embodiments, the prescribed water fill amount may be related, at least in part, to a bottom area of the water retentive housing. Often, the larger the bottom area, the greater the water fill amount. The two may be directly related (e.g., by a constant), particularly wherein the sides above the bottom of the water retentive housing are substantially parallel when viewed in vertical cross- section.

Note also that a water fill height may be associated with the prescribed water fill amount, and that when the growth medium retentive insert is supported in the water retentive housing, the water fill height may be between the lowest fluid entry height and the highest fluid entry height (e.g., the lowest and highest portions of the at least one fluid entry hole(s)). Such may provide the partial submergence in water of the bottom or lower portion of a side(s) of the insert that is desired in particular embodiments. The system, and the method discussed below, in particular embodiments, may provide water/growth medium ratios that allow for predictable watering cycles and provide for growth medium that is not totally immersed in water at the start of such cycle (schedule) but has some percentage that is out of the water, thereby allowing for air in the growth medium and improved root growth. Root growth may also be enhanced by providing a dry period at the end of the period of the prescribed periodic watering schedule.

In particular embodiments, the at least one fluid entry hole is at a bottom of the growth medium retentive insert, wherein the growth medium retentive insert bottom (15) is a bottom of a growth medium retentive insert when the growth medium retentive insert is outside of the water retentive housing and such that an upper surface of the growth medium is substantially horizontal. In certain designs, when the growth medium retentive insert is supported in the water retentive housing, the growth medium retentive insert bottom is angled up and towards the substantially vertical surface at a growth medium retentive insert bottom angle (16). Such angle may be, e.g., between 25 degrees and 65 degrees with horizontal, between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with horizontal, between 35 degrees and 55 degrees with horizontal, between 40 degrees and 50 degrees with horizontal. In certain embodiments it may be substantially 45 degrees. In analogous fashion, where a fluid entry hole(s) is at a side (see Fig IB) of the growth medium retentive insert (where the growth medium retentive insert side is a side of the growth medium retentive insert when the growth medium retentive insert is outside of the water retentive housing and supported upright such that stems emerge vertically from the growth medium), when the growth medium retentive insert is supported in the water retentive housing, the growth medium retentive insert side may be angled up and away from the substantially vertical surface at a growth medium retentive insert side angle (such side may be between the growth medium retained by the insert and the substantially vertical surface, or on the other side of the growth medium). As with the insert bottom angle discussed above, the growth medium retentive insert side angle may be between 25 degrees and 65 degrees with horizontal, between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with horizontal, between 35 degrees and 55 degrees with horizontal, between 40 degrees and 50 degrees with horizontal. In certain embodiments, it may be substantially 45 degrees.

In particular embodiments, the growth medium retentive insert is commercially sold with plants and growth medium therein (see Fig. 8). This may make it easy for consumers (who also purchase the water retentive housing) to select which plants they want to present, purchase an insert with such plants therein, and place such insert into the housing. The growth medium retentive insert can be one of a plurality of growth medium retentive inserts of different plant variety (geraniums, cacti, herbs, marigolds, grasses, flowering annuals, etc.). The growth medium insert may have one or several plants (note that standard pots, which typically contain only one plant may be a type of insert; other inserts, as shown in the figures, typically each have more than one plant therein). A few examples of inserts that are specifically made to fit into the housing (such that the housing and the inserts are uniquely coordinated with each other) are shown in the figures. Note that, as mentioned, in at least one embodiment, each of the growth medium retentive inserts of the different plant variety may have the prescribed water fill amount, but may have different prescribed periodic watering schedules. Typically, although not always, plants are presented in side by side fashion in a growth medium retentive insert. This may be achieved via one or more custom- made inserts that each has more than one plant therein, or a plurality of standard pots (each with one plant in it). Standard pots, again, (available at nurseries for years) are a type of insert. Of course, as mentioned, housings may be placed one above the other to cover a greater area and give a more impressive plant display (although this is not required).

Note that in certain embodiments, the insert may be insertable into the housing in only two ways - with each "spun" 180 degs. relative to each other (perhaps about a vertical or off-vertical axis). This is unlike a standard pot, which can be inserted in many different ways (e.g., 1 deg. difference, 2 deg. Difference, 3 deg. difference, etc.), which therefor requires many air holes, or higher water fill amounts to assure that a desired water and air flow pattern (at least one example of which is mentioned elsewhere herein) in the proper progression is achieved. Note that the insert and the housing are coordinated so that proper placement of the insert into the housing results in a secure fit, but allows for a facile removal of the insert from the housing. The stem angle may be within any of several ranges (e.g., between 25 degrees and 65 degrees with horizontal, between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with horizontal, between 35 degrees and 55 degrees with horizontal, between 40 degrees and 50 degrees with horizontal). It may be substantially 45 degrees in one embodiment (although this is merely exemplary, and other angles may be used)

As to where the system may be established - the at least one substantially vertical surface may be one wall, whether straight or otherwise (note that substantially vertical suggests from between 50 degrees to 140 degrees relative to horizontal). The system may be established against at least two substantially vertical surfaces (e.g., as defined by a corner, such as an inside corner or an outside corner). In certain embodiments, the at least one substantially vertical surface may be at least a portion of a stand. Note that the system may be established against a surface that is not substantially vertical, whether it be part of a stand or, instead, a wall.

Related embodiments may focus on a plant growing and presentation method that includes the steps of: establishing a water retentive housing against at least one substantially vertical surface (e.g, manually, perhaps also with the use of fasteners); and inserting a growth medium retentive insert into the water retentive housing (perhaps it is slid in from substantially above (and perhaps a bit to the front) of the housing, e.g.)). The at least one growth medium retentive insert may contain a total growth medium amount and plants emerging therefrom. The method may further include the step of supporting the growth medium retentive insert in the water retentive housing (there may be flanges or lips on the insert that aid is secure support, or the insert may be sized and designed to contact certain parts of the housing, resulting in secure support). An additional step may include presenting the plants off- vertically such that stems of the plants emerge from the growth medium at a stem angle that is upwards, and away from the at least one substantially vertical surface. Further, a prescribed water fill amount may be conveyed (e.g., manually, as by a human, through a watering port, or otherwise via a non-human (e.g., computerized) irrigator) into the water retentive housing, and then water may be passed (as a consequence of the conveyance step) through a first fluid entry site into the growth medium in that insert, and air passed through a second fluid entry site into the growth medium in that insert. Both of such passage steps may occur when the prescribed water fill amount is in the water retentive housing and the growth medium retentive insert is supported by the water retentive housing. Additional steps may include: conveying air through both the first fluid entry site and the second fluid entry site into the growth medium in that insert upon expiration of a shortened period of time that is at least one day less than a period of time associated with a prescribed periodic watering schedule, the shortened period of time and the period of time both commencing when the step of conveying the prescribed water fill amount is performed. Then, the "irrigator" (whether human or otherwise) may wait until expiration of the period of time associated with the prescribed periodic watering schedule, at which point in time the irrigator may then repeat the aforementioned steps of conveying the prescribed water fill amount; then passing water through the first fluid entry site and passing air through the second fluid entry site; conveying air through both the first and second fluid entry sites; and waiting until expiration of the period of time. At any time during presentation of the plants off-vertically such that stems of the plants emerge from the growth medium at a stem angle that is upwards, and away from the at least one substantially vertical surface, the plants may grow (a term that includes mere maintenance of health and vitality, in addition to

enlargement in plant size and emergence of flowers, e.g.). The method, and the

aforementioned system, may provide a simple, easy to remember manner in which to provide the plant with all the water it needs, while mitigating the possibility of over- watering or underwatering. The method claims presented in this disclosure are hereby incorporated into this discussion. It is of note that the method claims, at times, may "track" and correlate with the system/apparatus claims, and the above description of the apparatus or system. As such, the discussion of the system above provides support for the method claims, particularly in view of the comments provided towards the end of the specification that specifically address support for method claims that stems from discussion of the apparatus or system.

It is of note that while certain designs preferably do not include fluidic connection between units that are one above the other, such feature may be incorporated. Without such fluidic connection, each housing (with insert therein) may indeed need to be filled with water individually, but a simpler design may result.

In particular embodiments, the prescribed watering schedule (e.g., once per week, once per two weeks, once per 10 days, as but a few examples) is selected so that both fluid entry sites pass air at an end portion (e.g., one day, two days, three days, as but a few examples) of the period of the prescribed watering schedule. This selection, which may be advised by the seller, manufacturer or producer, to the consumer (e.g., in literature accompanying the system as sold), may consider the prescribed water fill amount (and/or its associated level (23)), and perhaps also one or more of the following: type of plant, the geographic area in which the apparatus is to be used (which may account for the

temperature, at least in part, and humidity), the sun exposure aspect (e.g., exposed to the sun all day, exposed to the sun during the morning, exposed to the sun during the afternoon, etc.), as but a few examples. Additional consideration may be given to, e.g., the size of the part of the water retentive housing that actually acts to contain water, and, in particular, variations in such size in the vertical aspect (e.g., does the reservoir flare out below the height of the second fluid entry site? does it converge inwards?) Indeed, in particular embodiments, the prescribed water fill amount may be that amount which, given a starting water level that leaves a first fluid entry site submerged in water and a second fluid entry site exposed to air, upon consideration of the anticipated evapotranspiration of the water

(perhaps as dependent upon type of plant, the geographic area in which the apparatus is to be used (which may account for the temperature, at least in part, and humidity), the sun exposure aspect (e.g., exposed to the sun all day, exposed to the sun during the morning, exposed to the sun during the afternoon, etc.), and perhaps any variations in the size of the water containing portion of the water retentive housing (in the vertical plane), leaves the first fluid entry site exposed to air for a limited, watering period end portion time that is beneficial to plant growth and/or plant health. Note that having less than full submergence in water of all fluid entry sites at the prescribed water fill level (the water height associated with the prescribed water fill amount) at the beginning of a prescribed watering schedule, and providing exposure only to air of all such fluid entry sites during an end portion of such watering schedule, may be beneficial to plant growth and health. While not all

embodiments require both such constraints (some require only one instead of the other (and some perhaps neither constraint!)), some embodiments do. It is of note that the

aforementioned end portion time (e.g., "dry" end portion) may be approximately one day, one half day, two days, two and one-half days, three days, etc.). It may be described alternatively as a percentage of the period associated with the prescribed periodic watering schedule (e.g., approximately 1/12, 1/14, 1/10, 1/8, 1/7, 1/6, 1/5, 1/4 of the period associated with the prescribed watering schedule). In this way, the prescribed watering schedule may be coordinated with the prescribed water fill amount; such coordination may result in a desired "dry" end portion of the watering schedule. Such dry potion may differ depending upon, for example, the type of plant and the geographic area in which the system is to be used (arid regions may benefit from shorter dry end portions). Regardless, the watering schedule may be selected (thus prescribed) so as to provide a beneficial dry end portion of the schedule's period (given the water level associated with the prescribed fill amount). For example, in one embodiment, the prescribed watering schedule (typically expressed as once per 'n' days) may be water (with the prescribed water fill amount) once every week, which, given the type of plant, the geographic area in which the system is used, and perhaps other aforementioned factors, may, in the average, result in a dry end portion of the period of the prescribed periodic watering schedule that is beneficial to plant health and/or growth. Such predictability (i.e., it may be predictable that watering according to the prescribed periodic watering schedule, with the prescribed water fill amount, provides a dry end period (of the period of the prescribed periodic watering schedule) that is beneficial to the plant ) may be attractive to consumers.

Watering of plants at the beginning of a prescribed periodic watering schedule may be accomplished manually (by a human, via watering can or hose, for example) or in some other fashion. For example, automated watering systems may use a timed or otherwise controlled amount of flow, or some sort of sensor that initiates and/or terminates flow.

Water may be detained in each water retentive housing, thereby allowing for even watering which may extend plant life by preventing excessive drying or wilting or even death. Water detained in the container retention structure may be uniformly available to all growth medium within an insert established in the water retentive housing. The prescribed water fill amount may be proportional to the amount of growth medium in the insert thereby providing the optimum amount of water and air available to each plant (including their roots) within the container upon watering according to a prescribed periodic watering schedule. This can prevent both over- and under- watering of plants thereby increasing the plant life and aesthetic quality of the container retention structure whether using one unit or multiple units as previously described. In particular embodiments, the angle, or tilt of the substantial bottom of the insert when it is inserted into and supported by the water retentive housing may allow the insert to have a portion of the pot/growth medium/root mass not immersed in any detained water. This may help to promote root growth by providing the right ratio of air to water. Roots need air in order to grow and the plant needs water to survive. That ratio of air to water may be critical of optimum plant growth to prevent disease and potentially death. The insert and the part of the water retentive housing may be designed so that hole(s) at the bottom are at different levels, and so that plants in the insert present in an off-vertical manner (upwards, and away from the wall to which the system is attached). The angle the plants in a reservoir of a plant container retention structure may be based on the proportionality of the plant pot, hole(s) locations, water level, amount of growth medium to water, desired watering system needs, air to water ratios, or the like. A plant may have a growth medium emerging stem(s) that emerge from the growth medium at an angle including, but not limited to, about 45 degrees, between about 35 and about 55 degrees, and the like. As mentioned, it may be desirable to provide a fluid entry site at the substantial bottom of the insert that is submerged in the water and a different fluid entry that is exposed to air, thus not submerged perhaps when the water level is at its predetermined fill level (associated with the prescribed water fill amount). At a maximum water height, a fluid entry site may be in water and a different fluid entry site may be out of water and exposed to air. This may also be provided as a water level decreases (via evapotranspiration, for example), until the water reaches a level that is below the lower fluid entry site (at an end portion of the period associated with the prescribed periodic watering schedule). Note that the two fluid entry sites may be provided by one hole, or more than one hole (e.g., one for each site). The growth medium in contact with water via the lower fluid entry site may allow the water to move into the growth medium via capillary action and the plant roots may then consume the water from the growth medium. The plant can send roots to the location of the water. Exposure of the growth medium to air may be important so as to give roots air since plant roots require air to grow. Roots may also anchor the plant into the growth medium. The ends of roots may extract nutrients from the growth medium. If roots are submerged in water, they can grow up to get away from the water to find air. Thus, providing the water and air exposure via drain holes may allow optimal conditions for the plant health. Note that while preferred embodiments may indeed provide for air entry into growth (through a substantial bottom of the insert) at the beginning of a period of a prescribed watering schedule (initiated upon conveyance of a prescribed water fill amount into the water retentive housing), and for exclusively air entry into growth medium at an end portion of such period (such that no water is in contact with growth medium and thus does not enter the growth from below), these two features are not required in particular embodiments. Indeed, either, and perhaps even both, may be discarded in particular embodiments of the inventive technology.

By submerging only part of the growth medium mass in water, the system may use about 80% less water as compared to apparatus where the water is conveyed to the top of the growth medium and may drain out through the bottom. Further, the system may have limited evaporation from the water retention structure.

The angle of presentation of the plants may allow for maximum visibility of the aesthetic part of the displayed plant by, in certain outdoor and indoor applications, providing the plant with maximum potential for receiving sunlight. Because the container retention structure may be mounted on a wall, plants displayed will not receive sunlight from

"behind" the wall or structure onto which it is mounted; the tilt angle may perhaps maximize light receipt in some applications. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the angle of the plant in the container retention structure may be critical or at least helpful to the success of the plant's ability to photosynthesize the available light. Angle may also contribute to ease of replacement of inserts and plants established therein. In summary, in those embodiments with outwardly tilted plant containers, such tilt may extend plant life and the value of the unit.

It may be desirable to provide a watering schedule (e.g., once per week watering, once every two weeks, or, more generally, once per every 'n' days) to provide convenience to its users (certainly there are facile recall benefits associated with, e.g., a once per week periodic watering schedule). In order to determine a prescribed watering schedule, a ratio balance between the number of days, the amount of growth medium, the amount of water, the number of days of plant exposure to water, and even the length of a dry period (at the end of a prescribed periodic watering schedule) may need to be determined (in certain embodiments) so that it can be incorporated into a particular system. Thus, in some embodiments, a plant presentation system may be designed and optimized so that a user may only need to water the system by watering with a prescribed water fill amount (e.g., to a predetermined water level) each week (or perhaps each "n" days) while providing optimal growth perhaps even without any further monitoring by the user.

As such, embodiments of the present invention may provide a convenient, easy to remember, and attractive watering system to consumers. As mentioned, a ratio may be based on watering frequency which may be very desirable for a user when they only have to water the plants once a week, for example, while providing an optimal system balancing wet and dry days which can be beneficial to maintain healthy plants. Figure 17 shows a table of the days between watering which is based on the amount of growth medium (cups of growth medium) and the amount of water (cups of water) and the number of days, here presented between about 4 days and 10 days. Figure 18 shows a table for the ratios for each number of days in identifying the range that each ratio may have based on an amount of growth medium (cups of growth medium) and an amount of water (cups of water) applied. Figure 19 summarizes the information from Figure 18 and provides ranges ratios of cups of water to one cup of growth medium for each of about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, and about 10 days between watering. It is noted that all numbers presented in the figures are estimates only and are meant to be presented as "about" numbers and amounts. The ratios such as presented in Figure 19 are presented in a range to accommodate differences in growth medium types, differences in plant types and sizes, differences in climate, and the like.

Plants and their exposure to water and dryness may be a factor in determining a watering schedule. Plants that are consistently water stressed may grow slower while plants that are not may grow larger. Balancing the size of plants, smaller plants need less water than larger plants. As mentioned, a watering schedule may include a drying cycle (e.g., at an end portion of a period of the prescribed watering schedule) where there may be no saturation (with water) of a plant for a period of time. For example, a once per week prescribed periodic watering schedule may include wet days (where a plant is at least partially standing in water) that may be between not more than about 3 to about 6 days and may include dry days (where a plant is not exposed to substantially any water) that may be between not more than about 1 to about 3 days. On a weekly schedule, wet days may include between about 4 and about 6 days and dry days may include between about 1 and about 3 days. A two week watering schedule may be developed; however because of the long timeframe, if a user misses a watering date, the plants may be more likely to die. In embodiments, the present invention may provide a watering date reminder such as a reminder, indicator, indicia, a light, an email, a text, or the like so that a user remembers to water their plants.

Embodiments of the present invention thus may provide ratios of growth medium to water and perhaps even an associated water height or level and may provide a weekly watering schedule (as but one example) that provides a number of days of growth medium in water that is within a range and a number of days where growth medium that is dry. In certain embodiments, an adjustable water level height may be provided such that various water schedules may be used including, but not limited to, once every about 4 days, once every about 5 days, once every about 6 days, once every about 7 days, once every about 8 days, once every about 9 days, once every about 10 days, and the like. Two different variables that may be independent and that may be coordinated to (or that together) allow for a once per week watering schedule may include a prescribed water fill amount to total growth medium amount, or even an area of bottom of water retentive housing to total growth medium amount. Ratio calculations may relate to a prescribed water fill amount to a total growth medium amount in a growth medium holding insert (or growth medium retentive insert). In certain embodiments, in calculating the range of ratios of the volumetric prescribed water fill amount in a water retentive housing to the total volume of growth medium held by all the inserts (typically only one) housed by that (or inserted into) that water retentive housing, the lowest ratio could result in about 4 wet days and the highest ratio could result in about 6 wet days (on a weekly watering schedule). However, this is merely exemplary and applies only to particular applications/embodiments.

The ratios may also allow for applying a specific amount of water thereby perhaps eliminated the guess work of how much water to apply in order to achieve a desired number of watering days. This may allow for easy irrigation of the plants within the insert(s) by allowing the irrigator to perhaps add a given amount of water at the beginning of the period of a prescribed periodic watering schedule. As such, in certain embodiments, an irrigator (whether human or mechanical such as a timer or flow meter) may be able to "program" their watering cycle to whatever number of days between watering they choose by perhaps changing the amount of water applied based on the ratio of water to growth medium (while still meeting constraints relative to, perhaps, providing air and water entry to the growth medium (perhaps through the substantial bottom, or even a side(s) of the insert) at the beginning of the period, and/or providing a dry period at an end portion of such period). By having a consistent watering cycle and therefore schedule, the irrigator may be able to program their watering of the plant container retention structure to perhaps avoid missed waterings or over- waterings which may cause the plants to wilt and die or become saturated and die thusly perhaps improving plant health making the plant presentation system more aesthetically pleasing.

While certain embodiments may be wall mounted, these and other embodiments may be free standing. In free standing embodiments, there may be provided a stand (e.g., such as a metal, perhaps caged structure, as but one example); free standing embodiments may, but need not, be linear (as found in certain wall-mounted embodiments, where housing and their inserts may be presented side by side). This stand would prevent the container retention structure from easily tipping over due to weight or wind, or casual contact. Free standing embodiments may be linear, circular (when viewed from above), shaped to fit around a convex corner of a wall, or shaped to fit within a concave corner of a wall, as but a few examples. It is of note that wall mounted versions need not necessarily be hung in horizontal (perhaps tiered) fashion, as indeed, diagonal, or even linear corner hugging models may be provided. Wall mounted versions may also be shaped to fit around a convex corner of a wall, or shaped to fit within a concave corner of a wall (and attached, perhaps via screws, to the wall). While some embodiments may be limited to mounting to a wall, others may have componentry that allows mounting to a deck railing (perhaps such componentry would take the form of hooks that can be secured, without screws, to the upper railing), fencing, the side of a house, interior walls, to name a few.

Certain embodiments of the container retention structure may be used both indoors and outdoors, depending on the desire of the customer. Indoor use may include those plants species that are suitable to be grown indoors. Outdoor use may include plant species suitable for outdoor growth in the area and during that time of year. The system does not require any addition of growth medium or other media in order for the plants to be grown. Inserts allow for facile replacement due to the season or desire of the consumer, e.g. This embodiment potentially allows the structure to be used year round both indoors and outdoors depending plants of the insert inserted into the structure. It is of note that hydroponic plants, which grow with hydroponic substrate (deemed a type of growth medium), may also be used in particular embodiments of the inventive technology.

In embodiments, there may not be any need for wicking material in a plant system. Further, units established one above may, but need not, be connected to units above and/or below.

Embodiments of the present invention may provide various methods of manufacture including, but not limited to, molded systems (e.g., injection molded), providing two pieces that may be seemed together or molded together at a seam.

General concepts of the present invention may include, but are not limited to each of the following individually or in any combination: (a) ratio values (e.g., total growth medium amount to prescribed (or consumer selected) water fill amount; perhaps about 2: 1 growth medium to water ratio; perhaps even about 50% to about 75% value); (b) the saturated portion; (c) overflow configuration; (d) top and bottom control via holes; (e) refill frequency coordinated; (f) weekly watering; (g) periodic watering regulator; (h) growth medium airhole; (i) housing size to insert size; (]) angle of plants; (k) constant, at least partial growth medium aerification; (1) prescribed water fill amounts and/or periodic watering schedule; (m) partial submersion in water during only part of the period of the prescribed watering schedule; (n) insert hole design such as but not limited to the number of holes and placement thereof; (o) insert size as may be determined by plant material size or even desired surface area; or the like. Other inventive aspects, both independent and otherwise, are disclosed elsewhere in this disclosure. It is of note that in certain inventive embodiments, there may be no insert in that it may instead just be a portion of the housing that holds soil and is nonremovable from the housing (other features of the inventive technology may be as described elsewhere herein). However, preferred embodiments involve an insert.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involves both plant container support techniques as well as devices to accomplish the appropriate support. In this application, the support techniques are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.

The discussion included in this provisional application is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the generic nature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure. Where the invention is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for the device described, but also method or process claims may be included to address the functions the invention and each element performs. Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application.

It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this invention. A broad disclosure encompassing both the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternative embodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like are encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting the claims for any subsequent patent application. It should be understood that such language changes and broader or more detailed claiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any required deadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on this filing. With this understanding, the reader should be aware that this disclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed patent application that may seek examination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within the applicant's right and may be designed to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the invention both independently and as an overall system. Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used or implied, an element is to be understood as encompassing individual as well as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms— even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of an "insert" should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of "inserting"— whether explicitly discussed or not— and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of "inserting", such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of an "insert" and even a "means for inserting." Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description. Further, each such means (whether explicitly so described or not) should be understood as encompassing all elements that can perform the given function, and all descriptions of elements that perform a described function should be understood as a non- limiting example of means for performing that function.

Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. Any priority case(s) claimed by this application is hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with a broadly supporting interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated by reference. Finally, all references listed in the list of below or other information statement filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference, however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant(s).

U.S.PATENTS

U.S.PATENT APPLICATION PUBLICATIONS Publication Publication Name of Patentee or

Number Date Applicant

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20010052199A1 2001-12-20 Klein et al.

20090000189A1 2009-01-01 Black

20100146854A1 2010-06-17 Cannon et al.

20110088319A1 2011-04-21 Koumoudis

20110154744A1 2011-06-30 Bo wen

20110258925A1 2011-10-27 Baker

NON-PATENT LITERATURE DOCUMENTS

www.asiearthforms.com; Simply Vertical Plantcase; Architectural Supplements, 2010, 2 pages

Simply Vertical Plant Systems, Comprehensive Guide, 2012

www.thegreenhead.com; outdoor living wall planters; The Green Head; 2008; 3 pages www.thegreenhead.com; living wall planter large vertical; The Green Head; 2009; 2 pages www.gardeners.com/Living-Wall-Outdoor-Planter; Outdoor living wall panel grid; 5 pages www.gardeners.com Living-Wall-Indoor; Indoor Living Wall Kits; 3 pages

www.thegreenhead.com; Indoor Living Wall Planters; The Green Head; 2008; 3 pages

ELT Easy Green; Specification, ELT EasyGreen Living Wall System; 11 pages

brightgreenusa.com; Spec Data Sheet on Bright Green Living Wall Planter (BG-20); 3 pages brightgreenusa.com; Planting Instructions, vertical planter; 4 pages

brightgreenusa.com; Product downloads, instructions, specs and video tutorial; 1 page www.amazon.com/BrightGreen-BG8-Living-Planter-Mounting; Living Wall Planter; 5 pages

Woolly Pocket Garden Company, Inc., Living Wall Planter,

http://www.woollypocket.com/living-wall-planters/woolly-living-wall-planter, printed

11/19/2012

Provisional application filed 11/28/2011; serial number 61564222; entitled Wall-Mountable

Plant Presentation Apparatus

Provisional application filed 03/06/2012; serial number 61607299; entitled Wall-Mountable Plant Presentation Watering Systems and Methods

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the support devices as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) each system, method, and element shown or described as now applied to any specific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi) an apparatus for performing the methods described herein comprising means for performing the steps, xii) the various combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed, xiii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency on each and every one of the independent claims or concepts presented, and xiv) all inventions described herein.

With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid great expansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any time present only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with only initial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested in potential scope of this or subsequent applications should understand that broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in a case claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spite of any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, or arguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there is no intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. It should be understood that if or when broader claims are presented, such may require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered at any prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that to the extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented in this or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid such prior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims or the like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested in existing or later potential coverage, or considering if there has at any time been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender of potential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimer is ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application. Limitations such as arose in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d

1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this or any subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws— including but not limited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws— to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whether in this application or in any subsequent application, it should also be understood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broad a scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments.

Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase "comprising" is used to maintain the "open-end" claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. The use of the phrase, "or any other claim" is used to provide support for any claim to be dependent on any other claim, such as another dependent claim, another independent claim, a previously listed claim, a subsequently listed claim, and the like. As one clarifying example, if a claim were dependent "on claim 20 or any other claim" or the like, it could be re-drafted as dependent on claim 1, claim 15, or even claim 25 (if such were to exist) if desired and still fall with the disclosure. It should be understood that this phrase also provides support for any combination of elements in the claims and even incorporates any desired proper antecedent basis for certain claim combinations such as with combinations of method, apparatus, process, and the like claims.

Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A planting system configured for establishment against at least one substantially vertical surface, said system comprising:

- a water retentive housing;

- at least one growth medium retentive insert that is insertable into said water retentive housing, said at least one growth medium retentive insert adapted to contain a total growth medium amount and plants emerging therefrom, wherein, when said growth medium retentive insert is supported in said water retentive housing, said plants, when in said growth medium in said growth medium retentive insert, present off-vertically such that stems of said plants emerge from said growth medium at a stem angle that is upwards, and away from said at least one substantially vertical surface;

- at least one water entry hole through an upper portion of said water retentive housing;

- at least one fluid entry hole through each of said at least one growth medium retentive insert, wherein, when said growth medium retentive insert is supported in said water retentive housing, said at least one fluid entry hole has at least a first fluid entry site substantially at a lowest height of said at least one fluid entry hole and a second fluid entry site substantially at a highest height of said at least one fluid entry hole, said second fluid entry site being higher than said first fluid entry site; and

- a prescribed water fill amount for said water retentive housing, said prescribed water fill amount coordinated with said total growth medium amount to define a water to growth medium ratio

wherein, at the beginning of a period of a prescribed periodic watering schedule, when said at least one growth medium retentive insert with said total growth medium amount therein is supported in said water retentive housing and said prescribed water fill amount is in said water retentive housing, said first fluid entry site is submerged in water and said second fluid entry site is exposed to air, and - wherein, when said at least one growth medium retentive insert with said total growth medium amount therein is supported in said water retentive housing, at an end portion of said period of said prescribed periodic watering schedule, both said first fluid entry site and said second fluid entry site are exposed to air.

2. A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein, after said prescribed water fill amount is conveyed into said water retentive housing, water in said water retentive housing is standing, pooled water that is reduced in amount via evapotranspiration. 3. A planting system as described in claim 2 wherein said standing, pooled water is in direct contact with at least some growth medium of said total growth medium amount, during a majority of said period of said prescribed watering schedule, when said at least one growth medium retentive insert is supported by said water retentive housing.

4. A planting system as described in claim 2 wherein at least some of said total growth medium amount is in direct contact with said standing, pooled water retained in said water retentive housing after said prescribed water fill amount is conveyed.

5. A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said water to growth medium

ratio is within a range selected from the group consisting of: 0.27 to 0.67, 0.30-0.63, 0.37-0.56, and 0.44-0.48.

6. A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said plants are of at least one plant type.

7. A planting system as described in claim 6 wherein said prescribed periodic watering schedule is related to said at least one plant type.

8. A planting system as described in claim 6 wherein said prescribed water fill amount is a predetermined water fill amount that is independent of plant type.

9. A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said at least one entry hole

comprises at least two entry holes.

10. A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said prescribed periodic watering schedule is selected from the group consisting of: once per week and once every two weeks. A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said prescribed periodic watering schedule is selected from the group consisting of: once every four days, once every five days, once every six days, once every eight days, once every nine days, once every ten days, once every eleven days, once every twelve days, and once every thirteen days.

A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein, when said water to growth medium ratio is within the range of 0.44 and 0.48, said prescribed periodic watering schedule is once per week.

A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said plants comprise plants that are presented in side by side fashion in said at least one growth medium retentive insert.

A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said at least one growth medium retentive insert comprises at least two growth medium retentive inserts that are insertable into said water retentive housing.

A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein a water fill height is associated with said prescribed water fill amount.

A planting system as described in claim 15 wherein, when said at least one growth medium retentive insert is supported in said water retentive housing, said water fill height is between said lowest fluid entry height and said highest fluid entry height . A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein fluid passable through said at least one fluid entry hole through said at least one insert comprises a fluid selected from the group consisting of: water and air.

A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein, at said beginning of said period of said prescribed periodic watering schedule, when said at least one growth medium retentive insert with said total growth medium amount therein is supported in said water retentive housing and said prescribed water fill amount is in said water retentive housing, growth medium at said first fluid entry site is directly in contact with water.

A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said second fluid entry site is less than ¼ of the entire entry area of said at least one fluid entry hole. A planting system as described in claim 19 wherein said second fluid entry site is less than 1/8 of said entire entry area.

A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said at least one fluid entry hole is at a bottom of each of said growth medium retentive insert, wherein said growth medium retentive insert bottom is a bottom of said growth medium retentive insert when said at least one growth medium retentive insert is outside of said water retentive housing and such that an upper surface of said growth medium is substantially horizontal.

A planting system as described in claim 21 wherein, when said at least one growth medium retentive insert is supported in said water retentive housing, said growth medium retentive insert bottom is angled up and towards said substantially vertical surface at a growth medium retentive insert bottom angle.

A planting system as described in claim 22 wherein said growth medium retentive insert bottom angle is selected from the group consisting of: between 25 degrees and 65 degrees with horizontal, between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with horizontal, between 35 degrees and 55 degrees with horizontal, between 40 degrees and 50 degrees with horizontal.

A planting system as described in claim 23 wherein said growth medium retentive insert bottom angle is substantially 45 degrees.

A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said at least one fluid entry hole is at a side of each of said at least one growth medium retentive insert, wherein said growth medium retentive insert side is a side of said growth medium retentive insert when said growth medium retentive insert is outside of said water retentive housing and supported upright .

A planting system as described in claim 25 wherein, when said growth medium retentive insert is supported in said water retentive housing, said growth medium retentive insert side is angled up and away from said substantially vertical surface at a growth medium retentive insert side angle.

A planting system as described in claim 26 wherein said growth medium retentive insert side angle is selected from the group consisting of: between 25 degrees and 65 degrees with horizontal, between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with horizontal, between 35 degrees and 55 degrees with horizontal, between 40 degrees and 50 degrees with horizontal.

28. A planting system as described in claim 27 wherein said growth medium retentive insert side angle is substantially 45 degrees.

29. A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said end portion of said period of said prescribed periodic watering schedule is at least one day.

30. A planting system as described in claim 29 wherein said end portion of said period of said prescribed periodic watering schedule is approximately one day.

31. A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said at least one growth medium retentive insert is commercially sold with at least one of said plants and growth medium therein.

32. A planting system as described in claim 31 wherein said at least one growth medium retentive insert is of a plurality of growth medium retentive inserts of different plant variety are commercially sold.

33. A planting system as described in claim 32 wherein each of said growth medium retentive inserts of said different plant variety are insertable into said water retentive housing.

34. A planting system as described in claim 33 wherein each of said growth medium retentive inserts of said different plant variety have said prescribed water fill amount.

35. A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said prescribed periodic watering schedule is manufacture advised to system purchaser.

36. A planting system as described in claim 35 wherein said advisement includes

adjustments to accommodate for area use, and sun exposure as dependent on purchaser location of system.

37. A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said prescribed water fill amount is related to a bottom area of said water retentive housing.

38. A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said stem angle is selected from the group consisting of: between 25 degrees and 65 degrees with horizontal, between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with horizontal, between 35 degrees and 55 degrees with horizontal, between 40 degrees and 50 degrees with horizontal.

39. A planting system as described in claim 38 wherein said stem angle is substantially 45 degrees.

40. A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said at least one substantially vertical surface is one wall.

41. A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said at least one substantially vertical surface comprises two surfaces.

42. A planting system as described in claim 41 wherein said two surfaces are defined by a corner.

43. A planting system as described in claim 42 wherein said corner is an inside corner.

44. A planting system as described in claim 42 wherein said corner is an outside corner.

45. A planting system as described in claim 1 wherein said at least one substantially vertical surface comprises at least a portion of a stand.

46. A plant growing and presentation method comprising the steps of:

- establishing a water retentive housing against at least one substantially vertical surface;

- inserting at least one growth medium retentive insert into said water retentive housing, wherein said at least one growth medium retentive insert contains a total growth medium amount and plants emerging therefrom,

- supporting said at least one growth medium retentive insert in said water retentive housing,

- presenting said plants off-vertically such that stems of said at least one plants emerge from said growth medium at a stem angle that is upwards, and away from said at least one substantially vertical surface,

- conveying a prescribed water fill amount into said water retentive housing;

- then passing water through a first fluid entry site into said growth medium, and passing air through a second fluid entry site into said growth medium, both when said prescribed water fill amount is in said water retentive housing and said at least one growth medium retentive insert is supported by said water retentive housing;

- conveying air through both said first fluid entry site and said second fluid entry site into said growth medium upon expiration of a shortened period of time that is at least one day less than a period of time associated with a prescribed periodic watering schedule, said shortened period of time and said period of time both commencing when said step of conveying said prescribed water fill amount is performed;

- waiting until expiration of said period of time associated with said prescribed periodic watering schedule;

- then, repeating the aforementioned steps of conveying said prescribed water fill amount; then passing water through said first fluid entry site and passing air through said second fluid entry site; conveying air through both said first and second fluid entry sites; and waiting until expiration of said period of time, and

- growing said at least one plants while continuing to perform said step of presenting said plants off-vertically such that stems of said plants emerge from said growth medium at a stem angle that is upwards, and away from said at least one substantially vertical surface.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said step of establishing a water retentive housing against at least one substantially vertical surface comprises the step of establishing a water retentive housing against one wall. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said step of establishing a water retentive housing against at least one substantially vertical surface comprises the step of establishing a water retentive housing against two surfaces.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 48 wherein said two surfaces are defined by a corner.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 49 wherein said corner is an inside corner.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 49 wherein said corner is an outside corner.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said step of conveying a prescribed water fill amount into said water retentive housing comprises the step of conveying a prescribed water fill amount that is coordinated with said total growth medium amount to define a water to growth medium ratio.

53. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 52 wherein said water to growth medium ratio is within a range selected from the group consisting of: 0.27 to 0.67, 0.30-0.63, 0.37-0.56, and 0.44-0.48.

54. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said step of conveying a prescribed water fill amount into said water retentive housing comprises the step of manually conveying.

55. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said at plants are of at least one plant type.

56. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 55 wherein said prescribed periodic watering schedule is related to said at least one plant type.

57. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 55 wherein said step of conveying a prescribed water fill amount into said water retentive housing comprises the step of conveying a prescribed water fill amount that is a

predetermined water fill amount that is independent of plant type.

58. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said step of passing water through a first fluid entry site into said growth medium comprises the step of directly contacting water with a portion of said growth medium at said first fluid entry site.

59. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said first fluid entry site and said second fluid entry site are of at least one entry hole.

60. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 59 wherein said at least one entry hole comprises at least two entry holes.

61. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 59 wherein said second fluid entry site is less than ¼ of the entire entry area of said at least one fluid entry hole.

62. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 61 wherein said second fluid entry site is less than 1/8 of said entire entry area.

63. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 59 wherein said at least one fluid entry hole is at a bottom of each of said at least one growth medium retentive insert, wherein said growth medium retentive insert bottom is a bottom of said growth medium retentive insert when said at least one growth medium retentive insert is outside of said water retentive housing and supported such that an upper surface of said growth medium is substantially horizontal.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 59 wherein said step of supporting said at least one growth medium retentive insert in said water retentive housing comprises the step of supporting said at least one growth medium retentive insert such that a growth medium holding insert bottom is angled up and towards said substantially vertical surface at a growth medium retentive insert bottom angle. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 64 wherein said growth medium retentive insert bottom angle is selected from the group consisting of: between 25 degrees and 65 degrees with horizontal, between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with horizontal, between 35 degrees and 55 degrees with horizontal, between 40 degrees and 50 degrees with horizontal.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 65 wherein said growth medium retentive insert bottom angle is substantially 45 degrees.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said at least one fluid entry hole is at a side of each of said at least one growth medium retentive insert, wherein said growth medium retentive insert side is a side of said growth medium retentive insert when said growth medium retentive insert is outside of said water retentive housing and supported such that an upper surface of said growth medium is substantially horizontal.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 67 wherein said step of supporting said at least one growth medium retentive insert in said water retentive housing comprises the step of supporting said at least one growth medium retentive insert such that a growth medium holding insert side is angled up and away from said substantially vertical surface at a growth medium retentive insert side angle.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 68 wherein said growth medium retentive insert side angle is selected from the group consisting of: between 25 degrees and 65 degrees with horizontal, between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with horizontal, between 35 degrees and 55 degrees with horizontal, between 40 degrees and 50 degrees with horizontal. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 69 wherein said growth medium retentive insert side angle is substantially 45 degrees.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said prescribed periodic watering schedule is selected from the group consisting of: once per week and once every two weeks .

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said prescribed periodic watering schedule is selected from the group consisting of: once every four days, once every five days, once every six days, once every eight days, once every nine days, once every ten days, once every eleven days, once every twelve days, and once every thirteen days.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said step of presenting said at plants comprises the step of presenting said plants in side by side fashion in said at least one growth medium retentive insert.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said step of conveying a prescribed water fill amount in to said water retentive housing comprises the step of conveying water to a water fill height that is associated with said prescribed water fill amount.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 74 wherein said first fluid entry site is substantially at a lowest fluid entry height and said second fluid entry site is substantially at a highest fluid entry height.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 75 wherein, when said at least one growth medium retentive insert is supported in said water retentive housing, said water fill height is between said lowest fluid entry height and said highest fluid entry height.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said step of conveying air through both said first fluid entry site and said second fluid entry site into said growth medium upon expiration of a shortened period of time that is at least one day less than a period of time associated with a prescribed periodic watering schedule comprises the step of wherein conveying air through both said first fluid entry site and said second fluid entry site into said growth medium upon expiration of a shortened period of time that is approximately one day less than a period of time associated with a prescribed periodic watering schedule.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 further comprising the step of purchasing said at least one growth medium retentive insert with plants and growth medium established therein.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 78 wherein said at least one growth medium retentive insert comprises a plurality of growth medium retentive inserts of different plant variety that are commercially sold.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 79 wherein each of said growth medium retentive inserts of said different plant variety are insertable into said water retentive housing .

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 80 wherein each of said growth medium retentive inserts of said different plant variety have said prescribed water fill amount.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said prescribed periodic watering schedule is manufacture advised to system purchaser. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 82 wherein said advisement includes adjustments to accommodate for area use, and sun exposure as dependent on purchaser location of system.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said step of conveying a prescribed water fill amount into said water retentive housing comprises the step of conveying a water fill amount that is related to a bottom area of said water retentive housing.

A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said step of presenting said plants off-vertically such that stems of said plants emerge from said growth medium at a stem angle comprises the step of presenting said plants off- vertically such that stems of said plants emerge from said growth medium at a stem angle that is selected from the group consisting of: between 25 degrees and 65 degrees with horizontal, between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with horizontal, between 35 degrees and 55 degrees with horizontal, between 40 degrees and 50 degrees with horizontal.

86. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 85 wherein said stem angle is substantially 45 degrees.

87. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said step of establishing a water retentive housing against at least one substantially vertical surface comprises the step of establishing a water retentive housing against two surfaces.

88. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 87 wherein said two surfaces are defined by a corner.

89. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 88 wherein said corner is an inside corner.

90. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 89 wherein said corner is an outside corner.

91. A plant growing and presentation method as described in claim 46 wherein said step of establishing a water retentive housing against at least one substantially vertical surface comprises the step of establishing a water retentive housing against at least a portion of a stand.