GB2250171A

GB2250171A - Plant pot

Info

Publication number: GB2250171A
Application number: GB9016844A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lee Chin Hee
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-08-01
Filing date: 1990-08-01
Publication date: 1992-06-03
Also published as: GB9016844D0

Abstract

A plant pot comprises a chamber 2 forming a reservoir for a liquid e.g. water, and a container 1 for a plant 5. A fluid communication 3 is provided between the two, the reservoir 2 being otherwise airtight in use so that fluid can pass slowly from the reservoir to the plant in the container. The reservoir 2 and container 1 may be integrally formed or may be separable. Means may be provided for maintaining the level of liquid in the chamber between preset limits. <IMAGE>

Description

PLANT POT This invention relates to the supply of water or other liquids such as, e.g. liquid fertilizer, to plants such as indoor decorative plants, plants in landscape gardens, and the like.

It is common practice in the watering of plants grown in pots, troughs, planters and the like, hereinafter referred to generally as plant pots, to supply water to the plants by pouring water onto the plants or into the plant pots or by spraying water onto the plants using sprinklers, garden hoses and the like.

These methods have disadvantages however, the plants tend to be over-watered, with surplus water having to be drained and resulting in wastage of water. Usually, only a small portion of the water applied is actually used by the plants, the rest being wasted. The amount of water needed by the plants is difficult to establish, control and supply.

In addition, it is common practice to place a drain pan under the pot to capture surplus water if there is no adequate drainage facility. This can result in the breeding of mosquitos and other pests or waterlogs the bottom of the plant pot with stagnant water. Further, frequent watering requires substantial labour and other resources to water the plants.

The present invention provides a plant pot, trough, planter or the like, which has the means to supply approximately the necessary quantity of water to moisten the earth and maintain the moisture content of the earth in the plant pot, to support the growth of the plant, from an enclosed reservoir. Thus this can reduce the frequency of watering thereby saving water, labour and other resources needed to water the plants. The reservoir may be separable from the plant-containing part to facilitate easy removal, handling or transportation.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a structure for containing and supplying liquid to a growing plant comprising: one or more plant containers and a chamber forming a reservoir for a liquid and having one or more liquid outlets adapted to deliver liquid to an inlet to the interior of the or each plant container, the arrangement being such that as to restrict the entry of air into the chamber to replace outgoing liquid, whereby the flow of liquid from the outlet(s) into the container(s) takes place at a low average rate so that the contents of the container are watered over an extended period of time.

Preferably the restricted entry of air is afforded by at least one aperture or air vent into the chamber. The diameters of these vents may be up to lOmin, advantageously less than 5mm, and preferably between linin and 3mm.

The period over which a plant may be watered by the structure can be in the range 3 to 6 weeks depending on the size of chamber and the number and type of plants to be watered.

The invention will be further described by way of non-limitative example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a vertical transverse section of a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig.l; Figure 3 is a vertical transverse section of a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig.3; Figure 5 is a vertical transverse section of a third embodiment of the invention, where the reservoir and the container are shown separated; Figure 6 is a vertical transverse section of the embodiment shown in Fig.5, with the container and the reservoir assembled; Figure 7 is an enlarged view of Fig.6; Figure 8 is a respective view of the pot shown in Figs.5-7; and Figure 9 is a pictorial view of the pot shown in Fig.5-8 with the plant-container and the reservoir separated.

Figure 10 is a vertical transverse section of a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig.10.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 14 is a vertical transverse section of the central reservoir of the sixth embodiment.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention.

This has a single hole discharge opening 3 and a chamber forming a built-in reservoir 2. The single discharge opening 3 allows water to flow from the chamber 2 to the plant container 1. The container 1 is shown with a plant 5 growing in earth 6. The chamber 2 has a hole to allow filling with water and a stopper 7 to fill the hole.

In use, a plant 5 is placed in the container 1 together with some earth 6. The reservoir 2 is filled with water 4, and the stopper 7 is replaced so that it is airtight.

Water 4 from the reservoir 2 is absorbed by the earth 6 in the container 1 via the single discharge opening.

As the water 4 is absorbed air is released into the reservoir 1 via the single discharge opening 3. Water is released into the earth 6, until, eventually all the earth in the container 1 is moistened. The absorption may be by capillary attraction.

When the earth around the discharge opening 3 is saturated with water, the further release of air into the reservoir 2 is prevented and the capillary absorption process is interrupted. Water then no longer flows into the container 1.

Due to evaporation of water from the earth 6 and transpiration from the plant 5, the earth 6 in the container 1 begins to dry. Eventually, the earth 6 around the discharge opening 3 is no longer saturated, and water is then absorbed into the earth again.

The process repeats itself until the water level falls to that of the single discharge opening. The reservoir 2 must then be refilled, although this may be at long intervals, approximately 3 to 6 weeks, depending upon the size of the reservoir 2.

It has been found that with the above absorption process, approximately the right amount of water for moistening the earth, to support plant growth, may be supplied from the reservoir through the discharge opening.

The correct moisture content in the earth can be maintained, despite the drying of the earth by evaporation and by transpiration from the plant. As a result, no water is wasted and no drainage facility is required as only the correct amount of water needed by the plant to sustain growth is supplied. Further, it has been found that the earth mass in the container is not saturated with water; only the lowest layer 9 of the earth in the container, particularly the earth around the discharge opening becomes saturated. The remainder of the earth is moistened but still porous. It contains air pockets which allow the roots of the plant to breath and the roots not to be soaked.

In Figure 3 of the drawings, a second embodiment of the invention is shown. In this, a pot is provided with a chamber 2 built-in, and a two-hole discharge opening 3 that allows water to flow from the chamber 2 into the container 1. The container 1 is shown with a plant 5 growing in earth 6 in the container 1. The chamber 2 has a hole for filling with water and a stopper 7 to fill the hole.

The chamber 2 is filled with water 4. The earth 6 in the container 1 absorbs water 4 via the lower of the two discharge holes 3 and is moistened by absorption. Air is released from the earth 6 into the chamber 2 via the upper hole of the two-hole opening 3. The process of absorption, and moistening of the earth in the container 1 continues until the bottom of the container 1 is filled with a layer of water 9. The lower of the discharge openings 3 is then blocked and the further release of air into the chamber 2 is prevented. The absorption process is interrupted until the earth 6 begins to dry by evaporation and transpiration. The process repeats itself until all the water in the chamber is used, at which point it must be refilled.

As with the first embodiment of the invention, it was found that the correct amount of water to support plant growth was maintained.

Figure 5 of the drawings shows a third embodiment of the invention, in which the chamber and container are separable. The chamber 2 comprises an outlet 10 with a twohole discharge opening 3, to which is attached an O-ring 13, and, when not in use, a cap 12 which may be fitted to the outlet 10 to prevent water from spilling. The container 1 comprises an inlet 11, via which water may be allowed into the container 1, however loose earth 6 in the container is prevented from spilling out from the container inlet 11 by a porous barrier 8.

Figure 6 shows the container/chamber of Fig.5, once assembled.

Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of the inlet/outlet connection of Figs 5,6. The outlet 10 extends laterally from the side of the chamber 2 and then downwardly at its end. This allows the chamber 2 to be filled and carried to the container 1 with the outlet upper-most to avoid spilling water, and then the outlet can be engaged with the container 1 before rotating the chamber to its normal position causing water to flow through the outlet thus avoiding spillage before and during engagement. The O-ring 13 seals the inlet against the outlet, thus preventing any water from leaking out of the inlet/outlet. Disposed within the outlet 10 is the discharge opening 3, which may comprise one or more holes. As with the previously described embodiments, the chamber may be re-filled when the stopper is removed.If the chamber is separated from the container water may be prevented from flowing from the outlet by the cap 12.

If the potted plant needs to be removed or transported, the container can be separated from the chamber. The cap 12 is then fitted onto the outlet 10 to prevent the escape of any water, should the chamber need to be handled. The container can then be removed and/or transported leaving the chamber behind as may be required.

In Figure 10 of the drawings, a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown in which the chamber and the container, which can be separable, are connected by a pipe, tubing, flexible hose or the like to facilitate flexible positioning of the container when in use.

The chamber 2 comprises an outlet 10 through which water 4 can flow to the container 1 via the tube 3. An opening 8 is built into the chamber 2 and can be capped with a stopper when needed. The size of the opening depends on the period over which the water is to leave the chamber, but may have a size of less than 5mm e.g. 1-3mm, and the aperture may be positioned about 3cm above outlet 10. The chamber has a hole for filling with water and a stopper 7 to fill the hole. The container 1 comprises an inlet 11 via which water may flow into the container. The inlet 11, which is in the shape of an elbow and has a single-hole discharge opening 12 at the end, extends laterally from the side of the container 1 and then downwardly at its end.The outlet 10 and the inlet 11 are threaded so that when connected by the tube 3, using the couplers 13, they form an air tight connection.

Figure 11 of the drawings shows a perspective view of Fig 10.

In use, a plant 5 is placed in the container 1 together with some earth 6. The reservoir 2 is filled with water 4, and the stopper 7 is replaced so that it is air tight. The reservoir and the container are then connected using a tube 3 together with the couplers 13 so that the connection is air tight. The cap to the vent opening 8 is then removed and water 4 flows from the reservoir 2 to the container 1 via the tube 3. Simultaneously, air is released into the reservoir via opening 8. This water is absorbed by the earth 6 until all the earth in the container is moistened. Water is released into the container and is replaced in the chamber by air entering through opening 8.

The process continues until the water level in the chamber falls below outlet 10, when the chamber must be refilled.

If the potted plant needs to be removed or transported, the container 1 can be separated from the reservoir 2. This is done by replacing the cap over the vent hole 8 and then detaching the coupler 13 from the inlet 11. The container can then be removed or transported leaving the reservoir behind. In place of the coupler 13, the tube 3 is capped-off to prevent water from spilling from the reservoir 2 via the tube 3.

Figure 12 of the drawings shows a fifth embodiment of the invention in which a plurality of containers, which can be separable, are connected to a central reservoir via a combination of pipes, tubings, flexible hose and the like.

Using a similar method of connecting the containers to the reservoir as with the fourth embodiment of the invention, one or more of the containers can be separated and removed as required. The operation of the containers and the reservoir is similar to that described in Figures 10 and 11 for the fourth embodiment of the invention.

Compared with the earlier embodiments of the invention, in this embodiment, several potted plants are watered at the same time from a common reservoir. In addition, for refilling, only one reservoir needs to be refilled compared to the earlier embodiments where the reservoirs for each and every container needs to be refilled. Therefore substantial saving on labour needed to water the plants can be achieved. Further, by using flexible hoses, it allows for flexible positioning of the plants which can be very important for plant displays such as in indoor landscaping and other uses. Further, the reservoir can be located away from the plant display area so that refilling of water into the reservoir is not seen, will not disrupt the activities of the display area, will not wet adjacent floors.

Figure 13 of the drawings shows a sixth embodiment of the invention in which a multiple of containers, which can be separable, are connected to a central reservoir and in which the filling and refilling of the reservoir is made automatic by using a combination of level sensors and electrically operated valves.

Figure 14 of the drawings shows a vertical transverse section of the reservoir which reflects the arrangement of the sensors and the valves.

The method of watering the pots is similar to that of the fourth and fifth embodiment of the invention.

However, when the water level in the reservoir drops to the low water level, LWL, this is detected by the level sensor S1, which causes the electrically operated valves V1 and V2 to close, and valves V3 and V4 to open. With valve V3 opened, which is connected to water supply source such as a municipal water supply, water is allowed to fill the reservoir. With valve V4 opened, air is allowed to escape from the reservoir to the atmosphere as water flows into the reservoir via valve V3. With valve V1 closed, water is prevented from flowing to the containers from the reservoir during the filling/refilling process. With valve V2 closed, water is prevented from spilling from the reservoir through the vent opening during the filling/refilling process.As water flows into the reservoir, the water level in the reservoir rises until it reaches the high water level, HWL, at which point, this is detected by the sensor S2 which causes valves V3 and V4 to be closed simultaneously. After valves V3 and V4 are closed, valves V1 and V2 are opened thereby bringing the whole system to its original state.

The whole cycle repeats itself when the water in the reservoir is used. The action of the sensors and the valves may be co-ordinated by a control system comprising, e.g.

contactors, relays etc., which are electrically energised.

Compared to the earlier embodiments of the invention, this embodiment eliminates the need for any labour to fill and refill the reservoirs in order to water the plants. The entire watering system is made fully automatic.

The above embodiments have been described in relation to traditional plant pots but the invention is equally applicable to troughs, planters and the like which are intended to be encompassed by the terms "plant pot" or "watering systems" as used herein.

Claims

1. A structure for containing and supplying liquid to a growing plant comprising: one or more plant containers and a chamber forming a reservoir for a liquid and having one or more liquid outlets adapted to deliver liquid to an inlet to the interior of the or each plant container, the arrangement being such as to restrict the entry of air into the chamber to replace outgoing liquid, whereby the flow of liquid from the outlet(s) into the container(s) takes place at a low average rate so that the contents of the container are watered over an extended period of time.

2. A structure according to claim 1, wherein the restricted entry of air is afforded by at least one air vent into the chamber.

3. A structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the chamber is closed or closable to the air, except via the liquid outlet(s) and/or the air vent(s) if provided, whereby the flow of liquid into the interior(s) of the one or more plant container(s) is at least partly determined by whether moisture conditions prevailing at the inlet of the liquid into the plant container permit the entry of air to replace the outgoing liquid.

4. A structure according to claim 1, 2 or 3, the chamber further comprises a sealable inlet to permit refilling of the chamber with liquid.

5. A structure according to any one of the preceding claims wherein there is only one outlet adjacent the bottom of the chamber, which is adapted to deliver liquid to an inlet at the bottom of the plant container.

6. A structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein there are a plurality of fluid communicating outlets adjacent the bottom of the chamber which are adapted to deliver liquid to inlets at the bottom of the plant container.

7. A structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber is integral with the plant container.

8. A structure according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plant container, or at least one of them, is adapted to be detachably attached to the chamber.

9. A structure according to claim 8, wherein the chamber comprises the or each liquid outlet is detachably engageable with the, or a respective, inlet on the plant container.

10. A structure according to claim 9 wherein the inlet of the container comprises a porous barrier for retaining potting material within the container.

11. A structure according to claims 8 or 9 and including at least one flexible tube detachably interconnecting the liquid outlet with the, or a respective, inlet.

12. A structure according to claim 9, 10 or 11 wherein sealing means are provided to prevent escape of liquid to the exterior from the connection between the inlet(s) and outlet(s).

13. A structure according to any one of the preceding claims in which there is one chamber and one container.

14. A structure according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and in which there is one chamber and at least two containers.

15. A structure according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising: (a) means for detecting the quantity of fluid contained in the chamber.

(b) means responsive to the detecting means for controllably supplying fluid to the chamber so as to maintain the quantity of water in the chamber between a maximum and a minimum quantity.

16. A plant pot constructed and arranged to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.