Abstract:
A portable, wheeled greenhouse includes a chassis that can be wheeled, having upper and lower end portions. The upper end portion includes a tub-like reservoir with side walls and a bottom wall. One or more racks are supported upon the combination of wheeled chassis and tub and above the bottom of the tub so that each rack is sized and shaped to support and suspend a plurality of potted plants above the bottom, yet close enough to the bottom of the tub so that any water that is optionally contained within the tub contacts the supported pots and waters them via wick action. A translucent or transparent canopy fits about the combination of tub and chassis, the canopy can include a support frame with a cover.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This is a divisional application of Utility patent application Ser. No. 09/992,472 filed Nov. 14, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,425. This application claims priority of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/249,400 filed Nov. 15, 2000. 

   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable 
   REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
   Not applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to portable greenhouses and more particularly to a portable, wheeled greenhouse having an improved construction that includes a frame that supports a water containing tub or reservoir that has fittings for enabling water to be piped to and from the tub. A series of movable racks is supported by the frame above the tub and at a position that suspends pots from the racks and into the tub wherein the pots may extend into water and the plants receive water via osmosis from water contained with the tub. 
   2. General Background of the Invention 
   Several patents have issued for portable greenhouse arrangements, These include the following: 
   
     
       
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
             
               PATENT # 
               TITLE 
               ISSUE DATE 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
                   147,849 
               Fountain, Aquarium, and Flower-Pot 
               Feb. 24, 1874 
             
             
                 
               Stands 
             
             
               3,095,670 
               Seed Starter and Plant Propagator 
               Jul. 02, 1963 
             
             
               3,106,801 
               Portable Electric Greenhouse 
               Oct. 15, 1963 
             
             
               4,045,911 
               Versatile Horticultural Growth Apparatus 
               Sep. 06, 1977 
             
             
               4,316,347 
               Portable Solar Garden 
               Feb. 23, 1982 
             
             
               4,794,727 
               Wheel-About Greenhouse 
               Jan. 03, 1989 
             
             
               4,850,134 
               Growth Chamber With Solar Energy 
               Jul. 25, 1989 
             
             
                 
               Absorber 
             
             
               4,899,487 
               Storage and Display Receptacle Assembly 
               Feb. 13, 1990 
             
             
               5,095,649 
               Storage Receptacle Assembly 
               Mar. 17, 1992 
             
             
               5,448,853 
               Plant Growing Apparatus 
               Sep. 12, 1995 
             
             
               5,570,540 
               Seedling House 
               Nov. 05, 1996 
             
             
               5,675,932 
               Plant Growing System 
               Oct. 14, 1997 
             
             
               6,029,398 
               Multi-Compartmentalized Plant Container 
               Feb. 29, 2000 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   The Risacher U.S. Pat. No. 3,106,801 discloses a portable electric greenhouse that includes a small receptacle having a transparent cover that fits over the receptacle. 
   A wheeled storage and display receptacle assembly for display and/or storage of floral items is disclosed in the Brownles U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,487. 
   A wheel-about greenhouse is disclosed in the Kevin Smith U.S. Pat. No. 4,794,727. The Smith patent includes a wheeled frame. A pair of wheels are attached to the frame for wheeling the device about. A clear cover fits the upper edge of the frame. 
   The Harman U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,853 discloses a portable plant growing cart that can accommodate one or more plant trays thereon. The cart is constructed of rigid frames which are pivotally connected together so as to aid the storage of the cart when not in use. A movable light source is supported from the separate frames above the trays at any desired elevation. Additionally, a fabric like reflective shroud is supported over both the light source and the cart so as to reflect light back towards the plant trays when desired. 
   A seedling house is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,540 issued to Womack. The seedling house includes a number of shelves that have openings for receiving pots. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The portable greenhouse cart of the present invention provides a household size of greenhouse for use inside or outside the house in such as a Florida Room, screen room, patio, or in a garage or cellar. The cart provides most of the features of a free-standing greenhouse, however, in a size that may be conveniently utilized in restricted spaces, and freely moved to take advantage of natural sunlight, or, for other convenience, in moving about the inside quarters. 
   Fundamentally, the cart includes a watertight tub or pan mounted on wheels (such as bicycle wheels), disposed generally at one of the tray and legs (perhaps also including casters). In the inside periphery of the tub is disposed a rack (or racks) for holding seed flats, pots and the like, the rack(s) may be comprised of multiple assembleable preformed rods or slats having ends for detachable assembly into spaced holes which are set at predetermined positions coordinated such that the adjacent slats support standard sized seed-flats and pots, with the rack(s) capable of being readily broken down and reassembled to accommodate different sized flats or pots. 
   In a preferred embodiment of assembleable racks, the slats have a projection resembling the shape of an arrowhead which may be closely and locally received into a rectangular or a round hole in an adjacent slat. Main framing slats (tray bars) may include an additional keying projection to be closely received by a notch disposed in the slat adjacent the spaced holes. 
   The tray or tub provides a fluid containing reservoir and is preferably adapted with a drain in the underside of the tray along with a water inlet connected to an internal watering system within the tray. 
   The internal watering system may include such as spaced nozzles activated by water pressure such that the dispensing nozzle rises out of the nozzle housing to spray a limited region of the tray. Watering nozzles similar to smaller lawn sprinklers are preferred. 
   The tray may be fitted with an overhead framework for supporting an awning like cover, preferably transparent or translucent, to enable sunlight or artificial light (from an included fixture) to flood the plants and encourage seed germination and plant growth. For further enhancing the growth properties of the cart, a low power heating coil may be disposed adjacent the cart underside to provide supplemental heating should heating be desired. 
   The portable greenhouse and plant cart of the present invention is engineered and designed to provide improved growth and environmental control for germination of flower, vegetable, and herb seeds. This allows for a great head start on the growing season in residential gardens. Particularly in climates with a late spring, this product is also designed to serve alternatively as a patio vegetable, herb, and flower cart garden. The portable greenhouse of the present invention can also be used in a garage or outside building for storing ferns and potted plants through winter months. 
   Anyone who has ever gardened agrees that there is joy in nurturing a tiny seed and watching it grow into a robust plant. The portable greenhouse of the present invention, with its controllable climates, is ideally suited for starting plants from tiny little seeds such as perennials, annuals, herbs, and vegetables. 
   The apparatus of the present invention features a light-weight frame that can be constructed of such as durable lightweight pipe (e.g., one (1) inch PVC) with elbows and tees to form, for example, a 2′×4′ or 4′×6′ cart with bicycle size wheels. The one (1) piece bottom pan forming the tub can be formed from hard plastic to prevent corrosion or breakage. Tray holders are preferably formed from hard plastic with adjustable spacing rods for seed flats and pot holders. 
   In its preferred embodiment, the portable greenhouse has water hose and electrical heat hookups, a clear plastic cover, and an adjustable light located on top of the cart. A heat cord in the bottom of the pan with temperature control would keep the cart at a consistent temperature based on ambiance. The portable greenhouse temperature controls need to be set at 70–75 degrees F. for seedling and propagating cutting; a warm 65 degrees F. for the germination of most seeds; and 80 degrees F. for tropical varieties. 
   The cart is preferably about thirty inches high and makes gardening easy for everyone. This is the same height as a desk, and is ideal height for sliding a chair underneath while working on plants. This height would make gardening available for the physically challenged and elderly. 
   For the germination of seeds each 2′×4′ cart could hold four seed flats. Each flat could hold eighteen three packs, six six packs, six nine packs, eighteen two packs, and eighteen 3% 2×3/s&#39; pots. The eighteen three packs and the six nine packs could yield fifty-four plants per flat and a total of 216 plants per cart. The six six packs and the eighteen two packs could yield thirty-six plants per flat and a total of 144 per cart. The eighteen 3′/z″×3′/z″ pots could yield eighteen plants per seed flat and a total of 72 plants per cart. 
   The 4′×6″ cart could hold twelve seed flats. The eighteen three packs and six nine packs could yield fifty-four plants per seed flat for a total of cart 648 plants per cart. The six six packs and eighteen two packs could yield thirty-six plants per flat and a total per cart of 432. The eighteen 3% ×3′/z″ pots could yield eighteen plants per seed flat and a total for cart of 216 plants. A user could have half flowers and half vegetables or other desired combination. 
   When using the cart as a patio flower, vegetable and/or herb garden, a gardener starts with seeds or small plants. Plants are repotted in larger pots and placed in the cart on the patio, screen porch, etc. of home or apartment. 
   A drain valve is provided in the tub or bottom pan to drain off excess water from the cart. A garden hose will hook up to the valve so that water can be drained into a sink or outside if the cart is to be used inside. When using the cart outside, water can be drained into flower beds or onto the ground. 
   The watering system includes an adjustable sprinkler head that can be positioned in the center of the cart. With PVC pipe extensions the sprinkler head rises above the potted plants. Simply twist the top of the sprinkler head to adjust the water flow radius. 
   The wick system is another watering method that can be used for certain plants (e.g., saintpaulias). The wick watering system is made up of two parts: (1) the upper section serves as a flowerpot and (2) the lower serves as the saucer-reservoir, holding water and liquid fertilizer. The wicks in the bottom of the post operate on the principle of the oil lamp, drawing water instead of oil. The wick pots offer a healthful and convenient way to grow African-violet. 
   The top of the cart features an adjustably positioned light that is removable and swing-away. With different types of light attachments the light could range from full spectrum lighting to a heating lamp. 
   The cover for the portable greenhouse can be manufactured from light weight clear durable plastic, which allows light penetration while providing protection from insects and birds. The lightweight plastic material would also help reduce heat and moisture loss. The cover can be removed after seed germination, converting the portable greenhouse into a plant cart for a patio garden. The lightweight cover is preferably easily folded and stored in the tool holder on front of the cart or in a storage area. A flap located on top of the cover with a Velcro® fastener addresses ventilation needs. 
   The adjustable tray holders can be manufactured from a hard plastic to prevent corrosion of breakage. The tray connection bar ends can be tapered in both directions, allowing them to easily lock in place when a short taper is passed through the rail. The connection bars can have holes to accept the taper lead-ins and snap taper, plus being notched to have a flash top so the cups or pots can sit evenly on all sides. 
   The bar rail, which holds the plants, is designed to rest on the pipe frame on both ends and have connection bar holes on about two inch centers. The completed tray holders can be quickly and easily converted to hold all standard cups, pots, and seed flats and can be adjusted by the customer for different uses. 
   The portable greenhouse and plant cart of the present invention is designed for easy use and assembly. It can be entirely of plastic materials to prevent breakage and corrosion, and enabling easy cleanup after use. Large wheels can make moving the cart effortless, and a large handle on the front of the cart can also aid in moving the cart. The holder or tray on front of the cart will hold small gardening tools and gloves. 
   The greenhouse cart of the present invention is engineered to make gardening or the germination of plants easier for everyone. It takes away the hassle of traditional gardening methods for those individuals who may have trouble handling the work load, or simply do not have a lot of gardening space and for people who are just looking for an easier method. 
   The tray holder can be manufactured from a hard plastic to prevent corrosion or breakage while allowing for some flexibility. It can be made in different colors to easily identify the lengths. Tray connection bars ends are preferably tapered in both directions to allow for an easy lead-in and snap to lock connection. It locks in place when passed the short taper on the inside. 
   The connection bars have holes to accept the taper lead-in and snap taper, plus it is notched to have a flush top so the cups or pots can set evenly on all sides. 
   The bar rail is designed to rest on the PVC pipe frame on both ends and have connection bar holes on about 2 inch centers. Two of the connection bars can be used as a handle on both ends. 
   The completed tray holder can be quickly and easily converted to hold all standard cups, pots and flats plus can be customer adjusted for special uses. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is an end perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is side perspective view showing the underside of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a partial perspective exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a partial perspective exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a fragmentary sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a partial elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the connecting bar and bar rail prior to assembly; 
       FIG. 10  is a partial end view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating one of the bar rails; and 
       FIG. 11  is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating two of the racks; 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view with the cover exploded, of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 13  is an end view of the alternative embodiment of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a partial pictorial view of the tub of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 11 ; and 
       FIG. 15  is an elevational view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 11 , with a portion of the cover cut away. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIGS. 1–11  show a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention designated generally by the numeral  10  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5  and  6 , the apparatus  10  of the present invention is shown with the cover removed for clarity. 
   Portable greenhouse cart apparatus  10  has a frame  11  that includes a large tub or reservoir  17  manufactured for example of plastic or metallic construction and supported by legs  12 , horizontal braces  13 , vertical members  14  and horizontal braces  15  that can function as axles. A pair of spaced apart wheels  16  are attached to frame  11  opposite handle  28 . 
   Tub  17  is preferably a liquid containing vessel or reservoir that can be manufactured of any material that will hold water or a mixture of water and liquid fertilizer. The tub  17  has a bottom wall  18  and a plurality of side walls  19 ,  20  as well as end walls  21 ,  22 . One of the side walls  19 ,  20  or end wall  21 ,  22  can include a fitting  23  that communicates with inlet flow line  24 . Flow line  24  is provided for adding water to the interior of tub  17  such as during a filling of the tub such as by hose  24 ′ attached to fitting  23  or when it is desired that water should be sprayed upon potted plants that are growing in pots  38 ,  39  supported by racks  34 ,  35 . 
   A drain fitting  25  can be used to drain water from tub  17  if it is desired to water plants using spray head  26  and not through wicking action. As with fitting  23 , drain fitting may be connected to a hose  24 ′ (not shown) so that drain water may be directed to a convenient disposal area. 
   Spray head  26  can be mounted at one end portion of inlet flow line  24 , preferably a riser section that positions the spray head  26  above any potted plants that are growing in pots  38 ,  39  on racks  34 ,  35 . If desired for additional coverage, multiple spray heads  26  may be positioned at selected locations in tub  17 . 
   A heater  27  can be provided for heating tub  17  and/or water that is contained within tub  17 . Conventional electrical strip heaters such as low wattage flexible strips available from such as Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company or Omega Engineering, Inc. may be disposed below tub  17  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Selection of a particular strip will be influenced by the amount of heat to be supplied to tub  17  as well as the material of which it is composed. 
   Handle  28  is positioned opposite wheels  16  and can support storage tray  29  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   A frame  31  is provided that supports translucent cover  32 . Cover  32  can be translucent or transparent as desired. The illustrated cover  32  is a unitary structure of clear plastic such as Lexan® polycarbonate material available from General Electric Company, Inc. Alternatively, cover  32  may be translucent should it be desirable to shield the contents of cart  10  from view. Likewise, individual sheets of plastic material may be attached to selected frame members  31 , either permanently or with detachable means such as screws, clips and clamps. Also, within the scope of the present invention, cover  32  may be a flexible clear plastic or fabric which is conveniently draped over frame  31 . 
   A lamp  33  is supported above translucent or transparent cover  32 . The lamp  33  is preferably mounted upon a swivel or pivoting post so that the lamp  33  can be rotated away from cover  32  such as when the cover  32  is to be removed. Frame  31  is comprised of a number of framed parts that include legs  47 , horizontal supports  48 , vertical sections  49 , inclined sections  50 , and horizontal sections  51  as shown in the drawings. The frame  31  can be a unitary structure that can be lifted from tub  17 , as in the preferred embodiment. The leg portions  47  of frame  31  can simply rest upon the bottom  18  of tub  17 . Frames parts illustrated are of such as ′/z inch to 1 inch diameter PVC pipe using connectors such as elbows, “T”s and sleeves. Alternatively, metal tubing of steel, aluminum and similar materials may be utilized as well as analogous angular or strip materials. Preferable materials are those light in weight such that the overall weight of cart  10  does not impeded its movement. 
   A plurality of racks  34 ,  35 , preferably of different internal size for accommodating pots of different diameters are supported by frame  31  and more particularly by the horizontal supports  48 . Each rack  34 ,  35  has respective openings  36 ,  37  of differing dimensions so that a plurality of racks  34 ,  35 , or additional racks can carry a number of pots  38 ,  39  (or other pots) of differing diameters. 
   Each rack  34 ,  35  is constructed of bar rails  40  and connecting bars  44 . This construction of racks  34 ,  35  can best be seen in  FIGS. 5–11 . In their preferred embodiment, each bar rail  40  has end portions with notches  41  that fit the horizontal supports  48  of frame  31 . Openings  42  in bar rails  40  receive pegs  45  of connecting bars  44 . In the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11 , peg  45  includes a detent  45 ′ which cooperates with the bar rail  40  at opening  42  to retain peg  45  therein. Each bar rail  40  has notches or recesses  43  that receive horizontal projections  46  that are at the end portions of connecting bars  44  as shown in  FIGS. 7–11 . The bar rails are connected together using a plurality of connecting bars  44  as shown in  FIGS. 7–9  wherein the pegs  45  of connecting bars  44  fit into in a snap fashion the openings  42  in bar rails  40 . As may be best seen in  FIG. 11 , connecting bars  44  may be fabricated of differing lengths as illustrated, such that openings  38  may be readily varied in size to accommodate different sized pots. 
   In the embodiment of racks  34 ,  35  illustrated, openings  42  are spaced at a preselected distance x which is then also the operative length of the smallest cross or connecting bars  44 . The distance x is selected to be slightly smaller than the diameter of a planting pot to be ultimately positioned into racks  34 ,  35 . Additional sizes of cross or connecting bars  44  are provided which are of an operative length of such as 2× and 3x. By this coordinated sizing, racks  34 ,  35  may be readily fabricated from bar rails  40  and connecting bars  44  of differing sizes to accommodate larger pots as well. 
   Completed pot racks  34 ,  35  are shown in  FIG. 16 . Each completed pot rack  34 ,  35  includes at least a pair of spaced apart bar rails and a plurality of connecting bars  44 . Handles  52  can be fitted to the end portions of each bar rail  40 . The handles  52  have a similar configuration to the connecting bars  44 , so that projections  46  and pegs  45  of each handle  52  fit the recess  53  and opening  54  that are provided at opposing ends of bar rail  40 . 
   Each of the racks  34 ,  35  provides preferably a plurality of openings, each for receiving a pot. These openings are smaller for the rack  34  wherein the openings are designated generally by the numeral  36 . These openings are larger for the rack  35 , designated by the numeral  37 . Openings  36 ,  37  can thus be provided of a variety of dimensional configurations for accommodating either rounded or squared pots, or pots of other shapes, as well as pots of differing diameters and dimensions. 
     FIGS. 12–15  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the portable greenhouse cart apparatus  10  of the present invention. As illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 15 , the frame  11 , legs  12 , braces  13  vertical members  14  and tub or reservoir  17  illustrated in the  FIGS. 1–11  are incorporated into a molded chassis; wherein legs  12 ′ are an integral part of chassis  10 ′. Likewise, the tub or reservoir  17 ′ is a molded unit, affixed to chassis  10 ′ as by welding, adhesives or mechanical fasteners, according to the materials chosen for the chassis, i.e., plastics or metal. By forming an integral chassis, a storage area  55  may be incorporated, including a closable door  56  to secure the contents of storage area  55  when not in use. 
   The remaining aspects of chassis  10 ′ are similar to those previously illustrated and described.  FIG. 14  illustrates tub or reservoir  17 ′ including elongated groves  57  in which heating elements as previously described may be disposed. 
   The following is a list of suitable parts and materials for the various elements of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
   PARTS LIST 
   
       
         10  greenhouse cart apparatus 
         10 ′ integral chassis 
         11  frame 
         12  leg 
         12 ′ integral leg 
         13  horizontal brace 
         14  vertical member 
         15  horizontal brace 
         16  wheel 
         17  tub 
         17 ′ integral tub 
         18  bottom 
         19  side wall 
         20  side wall 
         21  end wall 
         22  end wall 
         23  fitting 
         24  inlet flowline 
         24 ′ hose 
         25  drain 
         26  spray head 
         27  heater 
         28  handle 
         29  storage tray 
         30  upper edge 
         31  frame 
         32  translucent cover 
         33  lamp 
         34  rack 
         35  rack 
         36  opening 
         37  opening 
         38  pot 
         39  pot 
         40  bar rail 
         41  notch 
         42  opening 
         43  recess 
         44  connecting bar 
         45  peg 
         45 ′ detent 
         46  projection 
         47  leg 
         48  horizontal support 
         49  vertical section 
         50  inclined section 
         51  horizontal section 
         52  handle 
         53  recess 
         54  opening 
         55  storage area 
         56  door 
         57  groove 
     
  
   The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.