Patent ID: 8065831
Filing Date: 2011-11-29
Classification: A01G

Abstract:
1. A structural cell for supporting hardscape and allowing tree root growth underneath the hardscape, comprising: a cell structure having a bottom portion and a plurality of support members, the cell structure having a vertical direction generally perpendicular to the bottom portion and lateral directions generally within the bottom portion; wherein outer edges of the bottom portion and the plurality of support members define a volume, the cell structure configured to support the hardscape while allowing generally unimpeded growth of tree roots through at least approximately ninety percent of the volume; wherein the cell structure is stackable upon another one of the cell structure so that the support members of the stacked cell structures provide the support of the hardscape, and so that the stacked cell structures are substantially coupled in their vertical directions and substantially uncoupled in their lateral directions; wherein the cell structure is capable of being oriented in orientations about its vertical direction, and wherein the cell structure is configured to be stacked upon another one of the cell structures in a generally opposite orientation from the orientation of the another one of the cell structures; wherein each support member of the plurality of support members has a cross-sectional shape that is a generally quadrifoil shape configured to prevent interlocking of the generally oppositely oriented stacked cell structures; and wherein the plurality of support members further includes a first set of support members having a first support member orientation, and a second set of support members having a second support member orientation that is rotated approximately 45 degrees from the first support member orientation.