WO2024089174A1

WO2024089174A1 - Container

Info

Publication number: WO2024089174A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/079929
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick TORBEY; Lionel Nicholas Gilbert MORA; Hector Thierry Joseph DE WAZIÈRES; Thomas Jeremy DROZE; Thierry Dominique WYSEUR
Original assignee: Neoplants Sas
Priority date: 2022-10-27
Filing date: 2023-10-26
Publication date: 2024-05-02

Abstract

A plant container includes an outer cover assembly, an inner basket assembly, and a water level indicator. The plant container is composed of at least one polymer material and at least one organic material.

Description

CONTAINER

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/858,060, filed October 27, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/419,930, filed October 27, 2022, the title of which is "Container," and the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Indoor and ornamental plants make important and valuable contributions to our environments.

SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure provides technologies for plant containers that include a built-in water level indicator, aeration features, modular component design, and eco-friendly materials.

[0004] In one aspect, the present embodiments are directed to a plant container including: an outer cover assembly including: a cover top; and a cover bottom coupled to the cover top; and an inner assembly disposed within the outer cover assembly, the inner assembly including: a basket top for holding a plant; and a basket bottom coupled to a bottom surface of the basket top, the basket bottom supporting the basket top within the cover assembly.

[0005] In some embodiments, the inner assembly includes a tank for holding water. The basket bottom is seated within the tank.

[0006] In some embodiments, the container includes a level indicator.

[0007] In some embodiments, the level indicator includes: a float assembly including: a float cage; a float foam disposed within the float cage; and a rod coupled to the top of the float cage. The float assembly moves up and down according to a level of water in the tank.

[0008] In some embodiments, the rod moves up and down within a transparent cylinder, and the transparent cylinder is coupled to the basket top. [0009] In some embodiments, the transparent cylinder is composed of a polymer material and/or glass.

[0010] In some embodiments, the float foam is comprised of at least one biofoam.

[0011] In some embodiments, the container includes at least one aeration feature.

[0012] In some embodiments, the aeration feature includes a series of bottom slots disposed within the cover bottom, the series of bottom slots spaced circumferentially around the cover bottom.

[0013] In some embodiments, the container is composed a composite material including: about 40% to about 85% composition by weight of one or more polymer materials; and about 15% to about 60% by weight of one or more organic materials.

[0014] In some embodiments, organic materials include at least one of a bio-based resin, hemp fiber, flax, wheat starch, and pine wood fiber.

[0015] In some embodiments, the polymer materials comprise at least one of polylactic acid (PLA), polypropylene, polyethylene, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

[0016] In some embodiments, the polymer materials comprises a specific gravity in a range from about 0.855 g/cc to about 1.43 g/cc.

[0017] In some embodiments, the composite material is manufactured via at least one of injection molding and extrusion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cover bottom comprises a vertically extending knob, the tank comprises a hollow recess extending upward from a bottom surface of the tank, and the vertically extending knob is disposed within the hollow recess thereby keeping the tank seated on the cover bottom.

[0019] In some embodiments, the basket top comprises an upper float column, and the basket bottom comprises a lower float column coupled to the upper float column.

[0020] In some embodiments, as the water level in the tank rises and falls, at least a portion of the float cage rises and falls within at least one of the lower float column and the upper float column.

[0021] In some embodiments, as the water level in the tank rises and falls, at least a portion of the rod rises and falls within at least one of the transparent cylinder and the upper float column. [0022] In another aspect, the present embodiments are directed to a plant stand including the plant container as described herein, the plant stand including a base and a shaft coupled to the base. The vertically extending knob is hollow and includes an open bottom. The shaft is coupled to the plant container via the open bottom of the vertically extending knob.

[0023] In another aspect, the present embodiments are directed to a plant container composed of at least one bioplastic.

[0024] In some embodiments, the bioplastic comprises: about 40% to about 85% composition by weight of one or more polymer materials; and about 15% to about 60% by weight of one or more organic materials.

[0025] In some embodiments, the container includes a water level indicator.

DEFINITIONS

[0026] The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims appended hereto and is not limited by certain embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art, reading the present specification, will be aware of various modifications that may be equivalent to such described embodiments, or otherwise within the scope of the claims. In general, terms used herein are in accordance with their understood meaning in the art, unless clearly indicated otherwise. Explicit definitions of certain terms are provided below; meanings of these and other terms in particular instances throughout this specification will be clear to those skilled in the art from context.

[0027] Use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements.

[0028] The articles "a" and "an," as used herein, should be understood to include the plural referents unless clearly indicated to the contrary. Claims or descriptions that include "or" between one or more members of a group are considered satisfied if one, more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process unless indicated to the contrary or otherwise evident from the context. In some embodiments, exactly one member of a group is present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. In some embodiments, more than one, or all group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. It is to be understood that the present disclosure encompasses all variations, combinations, and permutations in which one or more limitations, elements, clauses, descriptive terms, etc., from one or more of the listed claims is introduced into another claim dependent on the same base claim (or, as relevant, any other claim) unless otherwise indicated or unless it would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that a contradiction or inconsistency would arise. Where elements are presented as lists (e.g., in Markush group or similar format), it is to be understood that each subgroup of the elements is also disclosed, and any element(s) can be removed from the group. It should be understood that, in general, where embodiments or aspects are referred to as "comprising" particular elements, features, etc., certain embodiments or aspects "consist," or "consist essentially of," such elements, features, etc. For purposes of simplicity, those embodiments have not in every case been specifically set forth in so many words herein. It should also be understood that any embodiment or aspect can be explicitly excluded from the claims, regardless of whether the specific exclusion is recited in the specification.

[0029] Approximately or About. As used herein, the terms "approximately" or "about" may be applied to one or more values of interest, including a value that is similar to a stated reference value. In some embodiments, the term "approximately" or "about" refers to a range of values that fall within ±10% (greater than or less than) of a stated reference value unless otherwise stated or otherwise evident from context (except where such number would exceed 100% of a possible value). For example, in some embodiments, the term "approximately" or "about" may encompass a range of values that within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or less of a reference value.

[0030] Associated: As used herein, two or more events, conditions, or entities may be described as "associated" with one another, if the presence, level and/or form of one is correlated with that of the other. For example, a particular entity (e.g., polypeptide, genetic signature, metabolite, microbe, etc.) is considered to be associated with a particular disease, disorder, or condition, if its presence, level and/or form correlates with incidence of and/or susceptibility to the disease, disorder, or condition (e.g., across a relevant population). In some embodiments, two or more entities are physically "associated" with one another if they interact, directly or indirectly, so that they are and/or remain in physical proximity with one another. In some embodiments, two or more entities that are physically associated with one another are covalently linked to one another; in some embodiments, two or more entities that are physically associated with one another are not covalently linked to one another but are non-covalently associated, for example by means of hydrogen bonds, van der Waals interaction, hydrophobic interactions, magnetism, and combinations thereof.

[0031] Biodegradable plastic: As used herein, the term "biodegradable plastic" refers to any plastic, thermoplastic, polymer, etc. that undergoes biodegradation, a process in which degradation results from the action of naturally occurring micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae, and that is regulated by ASTM D6400.

[0032] Bioplastic: As used herein, the term "bioplastic" refers to any plastic, thermoplastic, polymer, etc. that is biodegradable or has bio-based content, or both.

[0033] Comparable- As used herein, the term "comparable" refers to two or more agents, entities, situations, sets of conditions, subjects, populations, etc., that may not be identical to one another but that are sufficiently similar to permit comparison therebetween so that one skilled in the art will appreciate that conclusions may reasonably be drawn based on differences or similarities observed. In some embodiments, comparable sets of agents, entities, situations, sets of conditions, subjects, populations, etc. are characterized by a plurality of substantially identical features and one or a small number of varied features. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, in context, what degree of identity is required in any given circumstance for two or more such agents, entities, situations, sets of conditions, subjects, populations, etc. to be considered comparable. For example, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that sets of agents, entities, situations, sets of conditions, subjects, populations, etc. are comparable to one another when characterized by a sufficient number and type of substantially identical features to warrant a reasonable conclusion that differences in results obtained or phenomena observed under or with different sets of circumstances, stimuli, agents, entities, situations, sets of conditions, subjects, populations, etc. are caused by or indicative of the variation in those features that are varied.

[0034] Control- As used herein, the term "control" refers to the art-understood meaning of a "control" being a standard or reference against which results are compared. Typically, controls are used to augment integrity in experiments by isolating variables in order to make a conclusion about such variables. In some embodiments, a control is a reaction or assay that is performed simultaneously with a test reaction or assay to provide a comparator. For example, in one experiment, a "test" (i.e., a variable being tested) is applied. In a second experiment, a "control," the variable being tested is not applied. In some embodiments, a control is a historical control (e.g., of a test or assay performed previously, or an amount or result that is previously known). In some embodiments, a control is or comprises a printed or otherwise saved record. In some embodiments, a control is a positive control. In some embodiments, a control is a negative control.

[0035] Determining, measuring, evaluating, assessing, assaying and analyzing: As used herein, the terms "determining," "measuring," "evaluating," "assessing," "assaying," and "analyzing" may be used interchangeably to refer to any form of measurement, and include determining if an element is present or not. These terms include both quantitative and/or qualitative determinations. Assaying may be relative or absolute. For example, in some embodiments, "Assaying for the presence of" can be determining an amount of something present and/or determining whether or not it is present or absent.

[0036] Engineered: In general, as used herein, the term "engineered" refers to an aspect of having been manipulated by the hand of man. For example, in some embodiments, a cell or organism may be considered to be "engineered" if it has been manipulated so that its genetic information is altered (e.g., new genetic material not previously present has been introduced, for example by transformation, mating, somatic hybridization, transfection, transduction, or other mechanism, or previously present genetic material is altered or removed, for example by substitution or deletion mutation, or by mating protocols). As is common practice and is understood by those in the art, progeny of an engineered polynucleotide or cell are typically still referred to as "engineered" even though the actual manipulation was performed on a prior entity. In some embodiments, a cell or organism may be considered to be "engineered" if it has been handled or cultivated in a manner involving one or more interventions by man.

[0037] Improve, increase, enhance, inhibit or reduce: As used herein, the terms "improve," "increase," "enhance," "inhibit," "reduce," or grammatical equivalents thereof, indicate values that are relative to a baseline or other reference measurement. In some embodiments, a value is statistically significantly difference that a baseline or other reference measurement. In some embodiments, an appropriate reference measurement may be or comprise a measurement in a particular system (e.g., in a single subject) under otherwise comparable conditions absent presence of (e.g., prior to and/or after) a particular agent or treatment, or in presence of an appropriate comparable reference agent. In some embodiments, an appropriate reference measurement may be or comprise a measurement in comparable system known or expected to respond in a particular way, in presence of the relevant agent or treatment. In some embodiments, an appropriate reference is a negative reference; in some embodiments, an appropriate reference is a positive reference. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0038] Figure 1 illustrates a view of a plant container and stand, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0039] Figure 2 illustrates a view of a plant container, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0040] Figure 3 illustrates a view of a plant container, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0041] Figure 4 illustrates a view of a plant container, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0042] Figure 5 illustrates a view of a plant container, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0043] Figure 6 illustrates a view of a plant container, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0044] Figure 7 illustrates a view of plant container components, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0045] Figure 8 illustrates a view of plant container components, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0046] Figure 9A illustrates a view of a plant container component, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0047] Figure 9B illustrates a view of a plant container component, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0048] Figure 9C illustrates a view of a plant container component, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0049] Figure 9D illustrates a view of a plant container component, according to aspects of the present embodiments. [0050] Figure 10A illustrates a view of a plant container component, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0051] Figure 10B illustrates a view of a plant container component, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0052] Figure 10C illustrates a view of a plant container component, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0053] Figure 10D illustrates a view of a plant container component, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0054] Figure 11 illustrates a view of a plant container component, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0055] Figure 12 illustrates a view of a plant container component, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0056] Figure 13 illustrates a view of a plant container component, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0057] Figure 14 illustrates a view of a plant container component, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0058] Figure 15 illustrates a view of a plant container component, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0059] Figure 16 illustrates a view of a plant container component, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0060] Figure 17 illustrates a view of plant container components, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0061] Figure 18 illustrates a view of a plant container, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS [0062] Those skilled in the art, reading the present disclosure, will appreciate its applicability beyond particular organisms (e.g., certain indoor ornamental plants) exemplified herein. For example, in some embodiments, provided technologies are applied to one or more plants (e.g., one or more indoor plants, one or more outdoor plants, one or more ornamental plants) and/or to one or more algae.

[0063] Thus, as noted above, in some embodiments, provided technologies are applied to one or more indoor plants. In some embodiments, provided technologies are applied to one or more outdoor plants. In some embodiments, provided technologies are applied to one or more ornamental plants (e.g., one or more indoor ornamental plants and/or to one or more outdoor ornamental plants).

[0064] Figure 1 illustrates a view of a plant container and stand (i.e., a plant container assembly 5), according to aspects of the present embodiments. The plant container 10 is used for containing a plant and may include a series of bottom slots 12 to encourage aeration. The plant container 10 may be composed of suitable bioplastics and other materials, as discussed herein. The stand 14 may include a shaft (or pole) 16 and a base (or support) 18. The stand 14 may be composed of wood, metal, polymers, and other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the shaft 16 may have a length of 78.5 cm (or a length in a range from about 60 cm to about 90 cm) and a diameter of about 2.3 cm (or a diameter in a range from about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm). In some embodiments, the base 18 may have a diameter of about 27.7 cm (or may include a diameter in a range from about 20 cm to about 40 cm) and a thickness of about 2.3 cm (or a thickness in a range from about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm). In some embodiments the container (or pot) 10 may include a height of about 21.5 cm (or from about 15 cm to about 30 cm) and may include a diameter of about 18.5 cm (or from about 10 cm to about 25 cm).

[0065] Figure 2 illustrates an enlarged view of the plant container 10 and bottom slots 12, according to aspects of the present embodiments. In the view of Fig. 2, a level indicator 20 is visible. The container 10 may include a cover top 22 that interfaces with, and connects to, a cover bottom 24. The bottom slots 12 are disposed within the cover bottom 24 and extend downward and radially inward, as shown in Fig, 2. The top of the shaft 16 is also visible in Fig. 2.

[0066] Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the plant container 10, according to aspects of the present embodiments. The container 10 may include a basket top 30 for holding a plant. The basket top 30 may be disposed within the cover (for example, with the cover top 22 disposed radially around the basket top 30 and the cover bottom 24 disposed beneath the basket top 30 and supporting it (directly or indirectly). The level indicator 20 may include a clear plastic (for example, polymer or bioplastic) cylinder 26 that is fixed to the basket 30, and a rod 28 disposed within the cylinder 26 and configured to float up and down within the cylinder 26 to indicate a water level within the container 10, as further described herein in connection with Figures 9, 10, and 17. The respective rims of each of the cover top 22 and basket top 30 may include a curved recess 34, 32, to help facilitate watering a plant held within the container 10, while minimizing the chances of a spill. The basket 30 may also include a plurality of vertically aligned basket slots 36 dispose therethrough to encourage aeration of a plant held in the container 10.

[0067] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the plant container 10, accordingto aspects of the present embodiments. In the view of Fig. 4, the basket top 30 is seated within the cover top 22 and cover bottom 24. A tank 40 is visible through the basket slots 36. The tank 40 acts as a reservoir for holding water. The basket top 30 sits within the tank 40 which in turn is support by the cover bottom 24. Both the basket 30 and the tank 40 are contained within the cover top 22 and cover bottom 24. Water can reach a plant held within the container 10 via the basket slots 36, which also extend to a bottom surface of the basket top 30. The basket top 30 also may include a fill tube 38 which includes an opening at the bottom thereby allowing water poured into the fill tube 38 to reach the tank 40 when the basket top 30 is seated within the tank 40 (via the basket bottom 50, as disclosed further herein in connection with Fig. 7). Each of the curved recesses 32, 34 disposed within the basket top 30 and cover top 32 respectively must be circumferentially aligned with each other in order for the basket top 30 to fit within the cover top 22 due to a plurality of inwardly extending ribs 42 extending circumferentially around an interior surface of the cover top 22. The ribs 42 hold the basket top 30 snuggly in place within the cover top 22. A partition 44 separates the fill tube 38 from the main interior of the basket 30 (i.e., where the plant is held) so that water poured into the fill tube 38 does not directly flow into the plant and instead flows into the tank 40. The basket top 30 may also include a stanchion 46 extending vertically into the basket to help anchor the plant within the basket 30. The stanchion 46 may be hollow to help encourage aeration of the center of the plant and/or watering of the center of the plant (for example, via capillary action). In some embodiments, the stanchion 46 may extend from about 1 to about 1.5 inches (for example, from about 2.5 cm to about 4 cm) into the plant.

[0068] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate views of the plant container 10 including the cover top 22, cover top recess 34, interior ribs 42, level indicator 20 and rod 28, according to aspects of the present embodiments. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the container 10 is full of water and the water level is accordingly indicated via rod 28, which extends all the way to the top of the cylinder 26. By contrast, in the embodiment of Fig. 6, the tank 40 (shown in Fig. 4) is empty and the plant needs watering since the rod 28 is not visible within the cylinder 26. The cylinder 26 should be composed of a transparent material such that the rod 28 may be viewed therethrough. The rod 28 should be made of a material that is not soluble nor porous when submerged in water, or placed in contact with water. In addition, the rod 28 may be shaded (for example, in a shade that contrasts with the transparent cylinder 26) so that it is easy to view through the transparent cylinder 26. The curved recess 34 within the top cover 22 increases the visibility of the cylinder 26 and/or rod, in addition to helping to facilitate the pouring of water into the fill tube 38 (shown in Fig. 4).

[0069] Figure 7 illustrates a view of plant container components, according to aspects of the present embodiments. In particular, Fig. 7 shows a sub-assembly of the basket 30 (i.e., the basket top 30), the basket bottom 50, and the tank 40. The basket top 30 and the basket bottom 50 are configured to be coupled together, for example, via a plurality of clips 54 extending upwardly from the basket bottom 50 which interface with a lip or rim 62 that extends circumferentially around the bottom of the basket top 30. The bottom surface of the basket top 30 may include a plurality of radially extending members 69 (shown in Figures 9B and 9D), which define spaces through which the clips 54 may extend such that they are able to interface with the lip or rim 62 that extends around the bottom of the basket top 30 (the rim 62 being shown in Fig. 7, and also in Figs. 9B and 9D). In some embodiments, the basket bottom 50 includes one or more feet 52 spaced circumferentially around the bottom of the basket bottom 50. For example, in some embodiments, the basket bottom 50 includes three (3) feet 52 spaced circumferentially about approximately 120 degrees apart around the basket bottom 50. In some embodiments, the basket bottom 50 includes four (4) feet 52 spaced circumferentially about approximately 90 degrees apart around the basket bottom 50. In some embodiments, the basket bottom 50 includes five (5) feet 52 spaced circumferentially about approximately 72 degrees apart around the basket bottom 50. In other embodiments, other foot 52 numbers and spacing arrangements are possible.

[0070] Referring still to Fig. 7, the basket bottom 50 may include a lower float column 56 that houses a float assembly (shown in Fig. 17) that causes the rod 28 to move up and down within the cylinder 26 (both shown in Figs. 5 and 17) according to the water level within the container 10. In order to accommodate the column bottom portion 56, the tank 40 includes a convex portion 48 (i.e., as seen from an external view), thereby allowing the basket bottom 50 to fit within the cup-shaped tank 40. As water within the tank 40 rises or falls, the basket bottom 50 and basket top 30 remain coupled together and seated within the tank 50, the feet 52 maintaining continuous contact with the horizontal interior surface of the tank 40 due to the weight of the plant housed within the basket top 30. The float assembly (shown in Fig. 17), however, moves up and down within the lower float column 56 and an upper float column 58 that is integrated within the basket top 30 and is operatively coupled to the lower float column 56. In operation, the rod 28 extends from the top of the float assembly (shown in Fig. 17) and moves up and down within the lower float column 56 and the upper float column 58.

[0071] Figure 8 illustrates a view of plant container components, according to aspects of the present embodiments. In particular, Fig. 8 illustrates the cover bottom 24 and the cover top 22, into which each of the components illustrated in Fig, 7 (i.e., the basket top 30, the basket bottom 50, and the tank 40) is contained. The cover bottom 24 may include a plurality of clips 64 that interface with corresponding tabs or pads 66 disposed circumferentially around a bottom surface of the cover top 22, thereby holding the cover bottom 24 and the cover top 22 together. The plurality of clips 64 are disposed at the same respective circumferential locations on the cover bottom 24 as the corresponding tabs or pads 66 that are circumferentially disposed around the cover top 22, in order to facilitate a tight connection therebetween. As shown in Fig. 8, the cover top 22 and cover bottom may form an outer cover assembly for holding an inner assembly that includes the basket top 30, the basket bottom 50, and the tank 40, all illustrated in Fig. 7.

[0072] Figures 9A-9D illustrate views of the basket 30 (i.e., the basket top 30), according to aspects of the present embodiments. Figures 9A and 9C illustrate perspective top views of the basket top 30 while Figures 9B and 9D illustrate perspective bottom views of the basket top 30. As shown in Fig. 9A, the upper float column 58 (in which the rod 28 moves up and down (i.e., into and out of the page in the top view is Fig. 9A)) is contained within the fill tube 38. The stanchion 46 is visible in Figs. 9A and 9C. As seen in the bottom perspective views of Figs. 9B and 9D, the fill tube 38 is open at the bottom to allow fluid communication with the tank 40 and lower float column 56 (both shown in Fig. 7) when the basket top 30 is seated within the basket bottom 50. The hollow bottom 74 of the stanchion 46 is visible in Figs. 9B and 9D. One or more additional holes 72 may also be disposed in the bottom of the basket top 30 to allow additional water access and/or aeration. In some embodiments, the basket top 30 may include a substantially solid bottom surface, as shown in Fig. 4. In some embodiments, the basket top 30 may include a bottom surface that includes a plurality of ribs 68 that extend radially outward from a center hub 76 to the rim 62. The spaces 78 between ribs 68 allow the clips 54 of the basket bottom 50 to extend through the bottom surface of the basket top 30 such that they may hook onto the rim 62, thereby securing the basket bottom 50 to the basket top 30. In some embodiments, the basket top 30 may include a plurality of vertically extending slots 78 (i.e., similar to, and/or the same as the basket slots 36 shown in Figs. 3 and 4) that allow the basket top 30 to provide additional aeration to a plant held within the container 10. In some embodiments, there may be from about 10 to about 40, or from about 12 to about 30, or from about 15 to about 25 vertically extending slots 82 circumferentially spaced around the basket top 30. In some embodiments, the slots 82 may be thicker at the bottom than at the top, for example to allow space for the clips 54.

[0073] Figures 10A-10D illustrate views of the basket bottom 50, according to aspects of the present embodiments. As shown in Figs. 10A and 10D, the basket bottom 50 may include a plurality of feet 84 circumferentially spaced around the bottom of the basket bottom 50. In some embodiments, the basket bottom 50 may include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and/or a different number of feet 84. The feet 84 may include a plurality of vertically aligned channels or holes 88 at the bottom (as shown in Figs. 10B and 10D) to help promote capillary action (i.e., to encourage water into the feet to be drawn up toward the plant). As shown in Figs. 10B and 10C, the lower float column 56 is shaped and sized (for example, shaped to include a circle with an extending lobe) so as to house the float assembly (shown in Fig. 17). The flow assembly moves up and down within the lower float column 56 as the water level rises and drops. The clips 54 are also visible in Figs. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D.

[0074] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate perspective and side views of the cover bottom 24, according to aspects of the present embodiments. In some embodiments, the cover bottom 24 includes a knob 92 that extends vertically upward from the bottom surface 94 of the cover bottom 24. The knob 92 may include a ridge 96 extending along a length of the knob 92. The knob 92 and ridge 96 interface with a recess 98 (shown in Fig. 15) in the tank 40 to keep the tank and the cover bottom 24 coupled so as to prevent relative rotational motion therebetween. Stated otherwise, the ridge 96 (and corresponding portion (i.e., a groove 110) of the recess 98) prevent the tank 40 from rotating on the cover bottom 24. In addition, because the ridge only allows the knob 92 to be inserted into the recess 98 when the ridge 96 is aligned with the groove 110, circumferential alignment of the cover bottom 24 with the other components of the plant container 10 is ensured (in turn, causing the attachment features (clips, etc.) to be aligned with the corresponding attachment features). In some embodiments, the knob 92 itself may be hollow to allow the plant container 10 to be coupled to the stand 14 (for example, via the shaft 16) as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The plurality of clips 64 extending from the top of the cover bottom 24 are also visible in Figs. 11

[0075] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate top and perspective views of the cover top 22, according to aspects of the present embodiments. In some embodiments, the cover top 22 may include scallop features 102 spaced circumferentially around the periphery of the cover top 22. In some embodiments, the scallop features 102 may extend vertically from the bottom to the top of the cover top 22, and may gradually taper out (i.e., become smoothed) toward the top of the covertop 22. The ribs 42 are also visible in Figs. 13 and 14, and the curved recess 34 is visible in Fig. 14.

[0076] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective view of the tank 40, according to aspects of the present embodiments. In the view of Fig. 15, the recess 98 (which interfaces with the knob 92) and groove 110 are both visible.

[0077] Figure 16 illustrates a top view of a float cage 60, according to aspects of the present embodiments. The float cage 60 may include one or more straight structural members 104 that extend both laterally and vertically. The float cage 60 may also include one or more rounded portions 106. The one or more straight structural members 104 and the one or more round portions 106 may extend around a float foam 70, that is configured to rise and fall the with the water level in the tank 40. The float foam 70, the float cage 60 and the rod 28 may all be coupled together to form a float assembly 100, as shown in Fig. 17. As described herein, the rod 28 moves up and down within the transparent cylinder 26 (which is fixedly coupled to the basket top 22, and is also visible in Fig. 17). The float cage 60 and float foam 70 may both be sized and shaped (i.e., with a substantially cylindrical outer form, each with an extending portion 108, 110) such that they may fit (and move) within the lower float column 56 (shown in Figures 7 and 10).

[0078] Figure 18 illustrates a view of a plant container holding a plant, according to aspects of the present embodiments.

[0079] According to aspects of the present embodiments, the capacity of the tank 40 relative to the volume of the interior of the basket 30 is specifically calibrated such that once filled, the tank 40 provides a 10-day supply of water, thereby allowing the plant to go un-watered for an extended period of time, without running the risk of causing harm or death to the plant. By providing an inner basket structure (for example, including the basket top 30 and the basket bottom 50) within an outer cover 22, 24, by providing a self-contained tank, by providing several watering and aeration features, and by using eco- friendly materials, the container of the present disclosed embodiments provides enhanced plant-growing conditions. In addition, the water level indication 20 of the present embodiments provides an objective indication of when the plant needs to be watered, such that users do not have to guess when it is time to water the plant, thereby reducing the risk that the plant will be over-watered or under-watered.

Materials

[0080] The container described herein must be constructed with materials that demonstrate several important material properties. The container of the present embodiments must be composed of material(s) that is/are sufficiently robust to support the weight of a plant and water, to not degrade overtime, to not plastically deform or become damaged when tipped over and/or dropped (for example, from a height of about 30 inches or in some embodiment from a height in a range from about 12 inches to about 90 inches, from about 20 inches to about 60 inches, from about 25 inches to about 50 inches, and/or from a height of about 30 inches to about 45 inches). The container of the present embodiments must also not degrade over time when exposed to and/or contacting organic materials such as plants and dirt, as well as water, humidity, plant fertilizer (e.g., plant food), and air. The container of the present embodiments must also not degrade over time when exposed to ultra-violet rays (for example, from sun exposure) or other types of radiation. The container of the present embodiments must also not emit gases and/or other types of emissions that are harmful to plants and/or animals. The container should also be eco-friendly and have a design that appeals to consumers.

[0081] The container may be composed of any of the following materials or combinations thereof, as well as other suitable materials that meet the material properties and performance characteristics described herein. In some embodiments, one or more components of the container may be composed of a different material or combinations of materials than at least one other component of the container.

[0082] In some embodiments, the container 10 (for example, the container assembly and components thereof) may be composed of a composite material that includes polylactic acid (PLA) with pieces of flax disposed therein. PLA requires the use of less hydrocarbons (and is associated with a lower level of carbon release during decomposition) than conventional plastic resins. In some embodiments the PLA composite material may include about 25%, or from about 20-30%, or from about 15% to about 50% flax pieces, on a weight basis. [0083] In some embodiments, the container 10 (for example, the container assembly and components thereof) may be composed of a composite material that includes approximately 40% to about 60% (or from about 45% to about 55%) composition by weight of polypropylene and about 40% to about

60% (or from about 45% to about 55%) composition by weight of wheat starch.

[0084] In some embodiments, the container 10 (for example, the container assembly and components thereof) may be composed of a composite material that includes approximately 60% to about 80% (or from about 65% to about 75%) composition by weight of polypropylene and about 20% to about 40% (or from about 25% to about 35%) composition by weight of pine wood fiber.

[0085] In some embodiments, the container 10 (for example, the container assembly and components thereof) may be composed of a composite material that includes approximately 65% to about 85% (or from about 70% to about 80%) composition by weight of polyethylene and about 15% to about 35% (or from about 20% to about 30%) composition by of weight hemp fiber.

[0086] In some embodiments, the container 10 (for example, the container assembly and components thereof) may be composed of a composite material that includes approximately 65% to about 85% (or from about 70% to about 80%) composition by weight of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and about 15% to about 35% (or from about 20% to about 30%) composition by weight of hemp fiber.

[0087] In some embodiments, the container 10 (for example, the container assembly and components thereof) may be composed of a composite material that includes approximately 40% to about 60% (or from about 45% to about 55%) composition by weight of polyethylene and about 40% to about 60% (or from about 45% to about 55%) by weight of one or more bio-based resins.

[0088] In some embodiments, the container 10 (for example, the container assembly and components thereof) may be composed of a composite material that includes approximately 40% to about 85% (and/or various subranges therebetween) composition by weight of one or more polymer materials, and about 15% to about 60% (and/or various subranges therebetween) by weight of one or more organic materials including but not limited to bio-based resins, hemp fiber, flax, wheat starch, pine wood fiber, as well as other suitable organic materials. In some embodiments, the polymer material may have a density / specific gravity from about 0.855 g/cc to about 1.43 g/cc, or from about 1.21 g/cc to about 1.43 g/cc, or from about 0.855 g/cc to about 0.943 g/cc, or from about 0.88 g/cc to about 0.96 g/cc, or from about 1.06 g/cc to about 1.08 g/cc, and/or various subranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the polymer material may include a melting temperature and/or glass transition temperature from about 105 °C to about 171 °C, from about 150 °C to about 160 °C, from about 115 °C to about 135 °C, from about 130 °C to about 171 °C, and/or various subranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the polymer material may be insoluble in water. By forming the container 10 (for example, the container assembly and components thereof) of a composite material that includes both a polymer material and an organic material as described herein, the structural robustness and resistance to degradation (for example, from exposure to sunlight, water, soil, etc.) may be achieved via the polymer component, while the organic component may achieve the goals of (1) being eco-friendly, and (2) minimizing or eliminating gases and/or other types of emissions that are harmful to plants and/or animals.

[0089] The float foam 70 may be composed of any suitable bioplastics and/or other materials (for example, composite materials) that are sufficiently water resistance and buoyant, as described herein. In some embodiments, the foam float 70 may be composed of a biofoam (for example, a gelatin-based biofoam and/or a starch-based biofoam).

[0090] The plant container and subcomponents of the present embodiments may be formed via any suitable processes including molding (for example, injection molding), extrusion, 3D-printing / additive manufacturing, forming, machining, melting, casting, and other suitable processes. The dimension of the plant container 10 and subcomponents may be scaled up and down as needed to accommodate larger or smaller plants.

EQUIVALENTS

[0091] It is to be understood that while the disclosure has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention(s). Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the claims.

[0092] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the present embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the present embodiments is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A plant container comprising: an outer cover assembly comprising: a cover top; and a cover bottom coupled to the cover top; and an inner assembly disposed within the outer cover assembly, the inner assembly comprising: a basket top for holding a plant; and a basket bottom coupled to a bottom surface of the basket top, the basket bottom supporting the basket top within the cover assembly.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the inner assembly comprises a tank for holding water, wherein the basket bottom is seated within the tank.

3. The container of claim 2, comprising a level indicator.

4. The container of claim 3, where the level indicator comprises: a float assembly comprising: a float cage; a float foam disposed within the float cage; and a rod coupled to the top of the float cage, wherein the float assembly moves up and down according to a level of water in the tank.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the rod moves up and down within a transparent cylinder, and wherein the transparent cylinder is coupled to the basket top.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the transparent cylinder is composed of at least one of a polymer material and glass.

7. The container of claim 4, wherein the float foam is comprised of at least one biofoam.

8. The container of claim 1, further comprising at least one aeration feature.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein the at least one aeration feature comprises a series of bottom slots disposed within the cover bottom, the series of bottom slots spaced circumferentially around the cover bottom.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is composed a composite material comprising: about 40% to about 85% composition by weight of one or more polymer materials; and about 15% to about 60% by weight of one or more organic materials.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the one or more organic materials comprises at least one of a bio-based resin, hemp fiber, flax, wheat starch, and pine wood fiber.

12. The container of claim 10, wherein the one or more polymer materials comprises at least one of polylactic acid (PLA), polypropylene, polyethylene, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

13. The container of claim 12, wherein the one or more polymer materials comprises a specific gravity in a range from about 0.855 g/cc to about 1.43 g/cc.

14. The container of claim 10, wherein the composite material is manufactured via at least one of injection molding and extrusion.

15. The container of claim 10, wherein the cover bottom comprises a vertically extending knob, wherein the tank comprises a hollow recess extending upward from a bottom surface of the tank, and wherein the vertically extending knob is disposed within the hollow recess thereby keeping the tank seated on the cover bottom.

16. The container of claim 4, wherein the basket top comprises an upper float column, and wherein the basket bottom comprises a lower float column coupled to the upper float column.

17. The container of claim 16, wherein, as the water level in the tank rises and falls, at least a portion of the float cage rises and falls within at least one of the lower float column and the upper float column.

18. The container of claim 16, wherein, as the water level in the tank rises and falls, at least a portion of the rod rises and falls within at least one of the transparent cylinder and the upper float column.

19. A plant stand comprising the container of claim 15, the plant stand comprising a base and a shaft coupled to the base, wherein the vertically extending knob is hollow and comprises an open bottom, and wherein the shaft is coupled to the plant container via the open bottom of the vertically extending knob.

20. A plant container composed of at least one bioplastic.

21. The container of claim 20, wherein the at least one bioplastic comprises: about 40% to about 85% composition by weight of one or more polymer materials; and about 15% to about 60% by weight of one or more organic materials.

22. The container of claim 21, comprising a water level indicator.