AU2007211877A1

AU2007211877A1 - Plant container

Info

Publication number: AU2007211877A1
Application number: AU2007211877A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Peter Walter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-08-21
Filing date: 2007-08-21
Publication date: 2008-03-06

Description

21 Aug. 2007 17:21 A ct ua te I P G r u No. 4265 P, 4 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT

APPLICANT:

NUMBER:

FILING DATE: INVENTION TITLE: Peter Walter PLANT CONTAINER The following statement Is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: COMS ID No: ARCS-157810 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:26 Date 2007-08-21 21. Aug. 2007 17:21 Actuate IP Group No.4266 P. S" 2 0

O

PLANT CONTAINER Field of the Invention The Invention relates to the area of seedling and plant pots and containers and in particular, to a plant container which provides a means for enabling a user to easily 17- 7- remove the plant(s) from the container without destroying the integrity of the plant via a

OO

pop-out mechanism whilst also ensuring that the container promotes plant growth by providing water drainage and air permeability.

N

oWhist the invention can be applied to any suitable container for holding any type of plant therein, for convenience sake it shall be described herein as a plant container for raising seedlings.

Background to the Invention Commonly, plant seedlings are grown in containers such as seedling trays or punnets which are specifically designed to house and promote the growth of a seedling therein.

The seedling trays or punnets generally comprise a plurality of compartments which are designed to hold one or more seedlings therein. The compartments are generally provided with a drainage means to ensure that excess water will not accumulate within the compartment and cause the seedling to rot. The drainage apertures also allow air to circulate through the roots and soil. The disadvantage with these seedling trays or punnets Is that once the seedling is ready to be planted, it is extremely difficult to remove the seedling or plant from the container and in doing so, can often inflict damage to the plant.

There have been a number of improvements which have been made to plant containers to provide a means of assisting a user to remove a plant from the containers. These containers are generally made of a flexible material which allows a user to press around the sides of the container in an attempt to loosen the soil and roots structure so that the plant will easily slide out from the container. In addition, the containers may have provided a tearable portion which allows the plant to be removed from the container COMS ID No: ARCS-157810 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:26 Date 2007-08-21 2i1 Aug. 2007 17:22 A ct ua te I F G r u No. 4266 P. 6 3 0 C(l without having to cut the container. However, once this portion is removed, the container Smust be replaced entirely and cannot be reused.

Accordingly, It Is an object of the present invention to provide a plant container which provides a means for enabling a user to easily remove the plant(s) from the container without destroying the integrity of the plant via a pop-out mechanism whilst also ensuring that the container promotes plant growth by providing water drainage and air 00 permeability.

It is a further object of the Invention to provide a plant container which is re-useable.

Cl Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a plant container including: a top surface: a rim portion; and at least one compartment which is adapted to hold a plant or seedling therein, said compartment having a flexible bottom pop-up mechanism whereby, the plant container provides a means for enabling a user to easily remove the plant(s) from the container without destroying the integrity of the plant.

The rim portion preferably extends along the perimeter of the plant container and is In the form of a downwardly extending flange which is integrally formed with the top surface of the plant container. Provided on an underneath Inner wall of the rim portion Is preferably at least one tab member. It is preferred that the tab members are Integrally formed with the Inner wall of the rim portion and are adapted to extend downwardly and Inwardly from the outer edge of the rim portion to abut against an outer surface of a body portion of the compartment(s).

The top surface preferably has provided at least one aperture which Is adapted to correspond to each compartment of the plant container and provide an opening for the said compartment(s). The top surface preferably forms a number of connecting portions, having at least one indentation, in the form of a bridge connecting the adjacent COMS ID No: ARCS-157810 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:26 Date 2007-08-21 21. Aug. 2007 17:22 Actuate IP Group No, 4266 P. 7 4 0 compartments. It is preferred that the indentations are smoothly contoured and are designed to permit water to move between adjacent compartments.

Each compartment is preferably integrally formed with the underside of the top surface of the plant container and extends downwardly from the top surface of the container so that a body portion of the compartment is located beneath the horizontal plane of the top surface of the plant container. The compartment(s) is/are preferably substantially 00 rectangular In shape with a slight tapering toward a bottom end with rounded comer edges to assist in the removal of the plant(s) from each compartment.

oIt Is preferred that bottom end has a bottom plate which Is adapted to hold the filling l and/or growth media for the plant within the compartment whilst also providing a pop-up mechanism for the plant container to assist with removal of the plant(s) from each compartment.

It is further preferred that the bottom plate includes a central plate member which is positioned centrally at the bottom end such that, there is an even spacing from the perimeter of the central plate member to the perimeter of an outer bottom edge of the compartment. The bottom plate has provided at least one flexible side member wherein a first end of the flexible side member(s) Is adapted to be integrally formed with the central plate of the bottom plate of the compartment and a second end is adapted to be integrally formed with a corresponding side wall of the compartment.

It Is preferred that the first and second ends of the flexible side member(s) are preferably in the form of a flexible hinge which enables the adjacent components to be movable, in a forward and reverse direction, to a certain degree about the axis of the hinge ends.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood we will describe by way of non-limiting example specific embodiments thereof.

Brief Description of the Drawing Figures Figure 1 shows a bottom perspective view of the plant container according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

COMS ID No: ARCS-157810 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:26 Date 2007-08-21 21. Aug. 2007 17:22 Actuate IP Group No. 4266 P.

0 O Figure 2 shows a top perspective view of the plant container according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention 17 Figures 1 and 2 show the plant container according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

00 In this preferred embodiment, the invention provides a plant container 1 which provides a means for enabling a user to easily remove the plant(s) from the container without odestroying the integrity of the plant via a pop-out mechanism whilst also ensuring that the container promotes plant growth by providing water drainage and air permeability.

The plant container 1 is preferably made of a plastics material which Is flexible, strong durable and weather resistant to ensure longevity and recycling of the container 1.

However, it is envisaged that any other suitable material which satisfies the above characteristics and meets the requirements of the Invention may also be employed. It Is envisaged that the shape, style and dimensions of the plant container 1 may be varied as desired to suit the requirements of different plants and/or applications.

The plant container 1 preferably has provided at least one compartment 10 which is adapted to hold a plant andlor seedling (not shown) therein. The plant container 1 is preferably substantially rectangular in shape. However, it is envisaged that any other suitable shape may also be adopted. The plant container 1 preferably has provided a rim portion 2 which is adapted to extend along the perimeter of the plant container 1. The rim portion 2 is preferably in the form of a downwardly extending flange which provides a means for enabling a person to carry the container 1 by its edge. Provided on the underneath inner wall 3 of the rim portion 2 Is preferably at least one tab member 4. The tab members 4 are preferably integrally formed with the inner wall 3 of the rim portion 2 and are adapted to extend downwardly and inwardly from the outer edge of the rim portion 2 to abut against an outer surface of a body portion 11 of the compartment(s) The tab members 4 preferably provide stability around each compartment 10 and a means for keeping the containers 1 apart particularly during the mechanical dispensing of the container(s) 1. The shape and dimensions of the tab members 4 may be varied to suit the different shapes and dimensions of the compartments 10 and containers 1. It is 8 COMS ID No: ARCS-157810 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:26 Date 2007-08-21 21. Aug. 2007 17:23 Actuate IP Group No. 4266 P. 9 O6 0 envisaged that the plant container may also have provided at least one rib (not shown).

The rib(s) is/are preferably provided along the rim on the longer sides of the plant container and are adapted to be positioned between adjacent compartments/cells The top surface 5 of the container 1 is preferably substantially flat in configuration. The top surface 5 preferably has provided at least one aperture 12 which Is adapted to correspond to each compartment 10 provided by the plant container 1 and provide an 00 opening for the said compartment(s) 10. The top surface 5 preferably forms a number of connecting portions 6 in the form of a bridge connecting the adjacent compartments together 10. The connecting portions 6 preferably have provided at least one

O

oIndentation 7. The indentations 7 are preferably smoothly contoured and are designed to Spermit water to move between adjacent compartments 12 or cells In order to allow a capillary action through the soil. In a further embodiment, the indentations 7 and/or connecting portions 6 may be tapered on each side toward the opening 12 of the compartment(s) 10 to assist in directly the water Into each compartment 10 without the water collecting and/or evaporating on the top surface 5 of the container.

Each compartment 10 of the plant container 1 is preferably integrally formed with the underside of the top surface 5 of the plant container 1 whereby the upper edge of the compartment(s) 10 is defined by the outer edge of the opening(s) 12 provided on the plant container. The compartment(s) 10 is/are adapted to extend downwardly from the top surface 5 of the container 1 so that a body portion 11 of the compartment 10 Is located beneath the horizontal plane of the top surface 5 of the plant container 1. The compartment(s) 10 is/are preferably substantially rectangular in shape. However, it is envisaged that any other suitable shape may also be employed. It Is envisaged that the dimensions, and in particular the depth, may be varied to suit different and accommodate the root structure and growth of different plant types. It is envisaged that the compartment(s) 10 may also be slightly tapered toward the bottom end 13 with rounded corner edges to assist In the removal of the plant(s) from each compartment The sufficient depth and tapering of the compartment(s) 10 also assists in promoting growth of the plant(s) and development of the root structure.

The bottom end 13 of each compartment 10 Is preferably formed by a bottom plate which is adapted to hold the filling and/or growth media for the plant within the COMS ID No: ARCS-157810 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:26 Date 2007-08-21 21. Aug. 2007 17:23 Actuate IP Group No.4266 P. 07 compartment 10 whilst also providing a pop-up mechanism for the plant container to assist with removal of the plant(s) from each compartment 10. The bottom plate preferably Includes a central plate member 21 which is positioned centrally at the bottom end 13 such that, there is an even spacing from the perimeter of the central plate member 21 to the perimeter of the outer bottom edge 14 of the compartment 10. The central plate member 21 preferably has provided at least one aperture 22 which is adapted to provide a water drainage means for the compartment 10. However, in an 00 alternate embodiment, the central plate member 21 may not have provided any Capertures.

oThe bottom plate 20 may preferably have provided at least one flexible side member Cl The flexible side member(s) 30 is/are adapted to extend from the outer edge of the central plate 21 to the bottom edge 14 of a corresponding side wall 15 on the body 11 portion of the compartment(s) 10. In a preferred embodiment, there are preferably six flexible side members 30 having a first end 31 which is preferably adapted to be integrally formed with the central plate 21 of the bottom plate 20 of the compartment and a second end 32 which is adapted to be integrally formed with a corresponding side wall 15 of the compartment 10. The width of the flexible side member(s) 30 should be such that, there is a suitably sized aperture/gap between each adjacent flexible side member 30 in order to provide a means for water drainage and air permeability for each compartment 10 of the plant container 1.

The first 31 and second 32 ends of the flexible side member(s) 23 are preferably in the form of a flexible hinge. The flexible hinges 31, 32 are preferably made of the same material as the plant container 1 and are adapted to enable the adjacent components to be movable, in a forward and reverse direction, to a certain degree about the axis of the hinge ends 31, 32. Due to the hinged flexibility of the flexible side member(s) 23, the flexible side members 23 are preferably slightly angled such that, when the container is empty and being held to the eye, It can be see that the central plate 21 will actually lie slightly lower than the bottom edge 14 of the compartments 10 of the container 1.

It Is envisaged that the plant container 1 may also have provided a labeling means (not shown) which allows a user to identify what has been planted in the plant container 1.

The labeling means may be in the form of a sticker or plastic label or the like which could COMS ID No: ARCS-157810 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:26 Date 2007-08-21 21. Aug. 2007 17:23 Actuate IP Group No.4266 P.

0 be attached to the plant container via an aperture and/or other suitable securing means.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the plant container 1 may have provided a handle to assist in carrying the plant container 1. The handle could be made of the same material as the plant container 1 or any other suitable material and could be attached to either side of the plant container 1.

In practice, the container 1 is placed onto a solid surface and each compartment 10 is 00 filled with a growth medium (not shown) suitable for growing a plant or seedling therein.

The plant or seed is then placed into the growth medium within the compartment 10 and the plant or seedling is allowed to grow for a prescribed period of time and/or until it is oready to be transferred to the ground or a bigger container. In order to remove the plant or seedling from the compartment 10, the user gently applies pressure against the central plate 21 of the bottom plate 20 of the compartment, pushing in an upward direction toward the top of the container 1. The hinged edges or ends 31, 32 of the flexible side members 23 will cause the central plate 21 and aide members 23 of the bottom plate 20 to move upwardly into the compartment 10 of the container 1 and as a result, push the plant or seedling together with the growth medium out from the top of the compartment 10. The plant container 1 of the invention ensures that there is no damage to plant upon removal and its integrity will remain intact. The plant container 1 also provides a re-usable container, as once the plant has been removed from the compartment, the bottom plate 20 can be pushed back down into its original position to be used again.

While we have described a particular embodiment of a plant container 1, It is further envisaged that other embodiments of the Invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features previously described. However, it is to be understood that any variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

11 COMS ID No: ARCS-157810 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:26 Date 2007-08-21

Claims

21. Aug. 2007 17:24 Actuate IP Group No. 4266 P. 12 19 c The claims defining the invention are as follows: 1, A plant container including: a top surface; a rim portion; and at least one compartment which is adapted to hold a plant or seedling therein, said compartment having a flexible bottom pop-up mechanism whereby, the plant container provides a means for enabling a user to easily remove the plant(s) from the container without destroying the Integrity of the plant. S2. A plant container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rim portion extends along the Cl perimeter of the plant container and is In the form of a downwardly extending flange which Is Integrally formed with the top surface of the plant container. 3. A plant container as claimed in claim 2 wherein provided on an underneath inner wall of the rim portion is at least one tab member. 4. A plant container as claimed in claim 3 wherein the tab members(s) is/are preferably integrally formed with the inner wall of the rim portion and is/are adapted to extend downwardly and inwardly from the outer edge of the rim portion to abut against an outer surface of a body portion of the compartment(s). A plant container as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the top surface has provided at least one aperture which is adapted to correspond to each compartment of the plant container and provide an opening for the said compartment. 6. A plant container as claimed In any one of the above claims wherein the top surface forms a number of connecting portions in the form of a bridge connecting the adjacent compartments. 7. A plant container as claimed in claim 6 wherein the connecting portions have provided at least one Indentation. COMS ID No: ARCS-157810 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:26 Date 2007-08-21 21. Aug. 2007 17:24 Actuate IP Group No.4266 P. 13 S' O 8. A plant container as claimed in claim 7 wherein the indentations are smoothly contoured and are designed to permit water to move between adjacent compartments. 9. A plant container as claimed in claim any preceding claim wherein each compartment is integrally formed with the underside of the top surface of. the plant container such that the upper edge of the compartment(s) is defined by the outer O 0edge of the opening(s) provIded on the plant container. 17- 10. A plant container as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the o compartment(s) is/are adapted to extend downwardly from the top surface of the container so that a body portion of the compartment is located beneath the horizontal plane of the top surface of the plant container. 11. A plant container as claimed in any preceding claim where the compartment(s) Islare preferably substantially rectangular in shape with a slight tapering toward a bottom end and rounded corner edges to assist In the removal of the plant(s) from each compartment. 12. A plant container as claimed in clalm 11 wherein the bottom end has a bottom plate which is adapted to hold the filling andlor growth media for the plant within the compartment whilst also providing a pop-up mechanism for the plant container to assist with removal of the plant(s) from each compartment. 13. A plant container as claimed in claim 12 wherein the bottom plate includes a central plate member which is positioned centrally at the bottom end such that, there Is an even spacing from the perimeter of the central plate member to the perimeter of an outer bottom edge of the compartment. 14. A plant container as claimed in claim 12 and claim 13 wherein the bottom plate has provided at least one flexible side member. A plant container as claimed In claim 14 wherein a first end of the flexible side member(s) is adapted to be integrally formed with the central plate of the bottom COMS ID No: ARCS-157810 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:26 Date 2007-08-21 21, Aug. 2007 17:24 Actuate IP Group No, 4266 P. 14 11 Cl plate of the compartment and a second end Is adapted to be integrally formed with a corresponding side wall of the compartment. 16. A plant container as claimed in claim 15 wherein the width of the flexible side member(s) is such that, there Is a suitably sized aperture between each adjacent flexible side member in order to provide a means for water drainage and air permeability for each compartment of the plant container. 00 17. A plant container as claimed in claim 15 and claim 16 wherein the first and second ends of the flexible side member(s) are preferably in the form of a flexible hinge O which enables the adjacent components to be movable, in a forward and reverse C'l direction, to a certain degree about the axis of the hinge ends. 18. A plant container as substantially described herein with reference to the above examples and drawings figures. COMS ID No: ARCS-157810 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:26 Date 2007-08-21