Modular planting system for roof applications

A modular planting system for roof applications includes a plurality of green roof planter modules each comprising a planter including a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, and a biodegradable insert including a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, wherein the insert is adapted to retain a plant matter in the interior space of the insert, the plurality of sidewalls of the insert extend above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter, and wherein the plurality of sidewalls of the insert are adapted to retain a plant matter that extends above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular planting system for roof applications, and in particular to a modular planting system that includes a plurality of planter modules each including a planter and a biodegradable insert member extending upwardly from an uppermost portion of the planter, thereby allowing plant matter to extend above the upper edge of the associated planter and the insert member to degrade once the planter module is placed adjacent to a plurality of other planter modules, thereby creating a green-roof system.

Green-roof systems are used in a wide variety of applications, including commercial and residential buildings. The positive thermal properties of the systems result in significant cost savings with respect to cooling of the associated buildings and structures. Further, the systems dramatically reduce the amount of water runoff caused by rainfall, which is particularly critical in urban areas. The systems typically include a soil or aggregate matter supporting plants therein, and barrier layers for protecting the underlying roof and for providing the necessary water barriers and drainage for the associated plants. These methods may include the application of seed-including soils to the selected roof area. However, this method typically requires a significant amount of time until the plants provide adequate coverage. Other methods that have been employed include the use of modular systems, thereby reducing the grow-time required in order to provide adequate coverage by allowing plants to at least partially mature prior to being utilized within a green roof system. However, these systems employ normal planter boxes wherein the plant matter rests below an uppermost edge of the associated planter or container. Such methods, while a vast improvement over previous methods, typically result in several months to years of grow time while the individual sections grow and subsequently fuse together to provide adequate roof coverage. Another problem typically associated with past methods is the inadequacy of water supply, drainage and transport of water and nutrients between the associated sections.

A planted roof system is desired that provides adequate roof coverage quickly and economically, while simultaneously being easy to install at a relative low cost. Further, the system should provide improved water communication between the modules that comprise the overall system, and allow easy maintenance thereof

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for installing a modular green roof system that comprises providing a planter that includes a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls each having an upper edge that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, providing a removable collar member having a bottom edge and a top edge, and inserting the removable collar into the interior space of the planter such the removable collar extends upwardly from at least a select one of the plurality of sidewalls. The method further comprises placing and growing a plant matter within the interior space of the planter such that at least a portion of the plant matter extends upwardly from the upper edge of the plurality of sidewalls, positioning the planter proximate to at least one other planter, and removing the collar member from within the interior space of the planter such that the portion of the plant matter extending upwardly from the upper edge of the planter abut a portion of plant matter extending upwardly from an upper edge of the at least one other planter.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a green roof planter module that comprises a planter including a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, and a biodegradable insert including a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, wherein the insert is adapted to retain a plant matter in the interior space of the insert, the plurality of sidewalls of the insert extend above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter, and wherein the plurality of the sidewalls of the insert are adapted to retain a plant matter that extends above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for installing a modular green roof system that comprises providing a planter that includes a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls each having an upper edge and that cooperate with the bottom edge to form an interior space, providing a biodegradable insert that includes a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls each having an upper edge and that cooperate with the bottom wall of the insert to form an interior space, and inserting the insert into the interior space of the planter such that the upper edge of the sidewalls of the insert extend upwardly from the upper edge of the sidewalls of the planter. The method further includes placing and growing a plant matter within the interior space of the insert such that at least a portion of the plant matter extends upwardly from the upper edge of the plurality of sidewalls, positioning the planter proximate to at least one other planter, and allowing the insert to degrade from within the interior space of the planter such that the portion of the plant matter extending upwardly from the upper edge of the planter abut a portion of plant matter extending upwardly from an upper edge of the at least one other planter.

The present inventive green roof system provides coverage of an entire roof area quickly and economically by allowing the associated modules to be planted and/or grown off-sight in a manner that allows the plant matter to extend upwardly from an associated planter and plant matter within adjacent modules to abut immediately upon installation. Further, the roof system is easy to install at a relatively low cost. Moreover, the system provides improved water communication and drainage between adjacent modules, allows easy maintenance of the overall system, can be installed easily and quickly by even unskilled personnel, is capable of a long-operating life, and is particularly well adapted for the proposed use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The reference numeral10(FIG. 1) generally designates a green roof system embodying the present invention and employed on a building roof12and comprising a plurality of individual green roof planter modules14. In the illustrated example, each of the planter modules14(FIGS. 2 and 3) comprises a planter16and an insert18, such as a removable collar inserted into the planter16such that the collar18extends upwardly from an uppermost edge of the planter16, thereby allowing the retention of plant matter that extends above an upper edge of the planter16.

Each planter16includes a bottom wall20, a plurality of walls that include sidewalls22and end walls24that cooperate with the bottom wall20to form an interior space26, and a plurality of support tabs28(FIGS. 4 and 5) spaced about the interior space26and that extend inwardly toward the interior space26. Each of the sidewalls and end walls include a top edge25. As best illustrated inFIG. 4, each of the support tabs28extends upwardly from the bottom wall20and is spaced from an associated sidewall22or end wall24. The planter16is preferably integrally molded by press forming, and the like, and is constructed of a material such as plastic. In the illustrated example, the planter16is providing a rectangularly-shaped overall plan form, however, other configurations may also be utilized. Further, it is noted that the tabs28are configured to abut the bottom surface of the bottom wall20of another planter16when multiple planters are placed in a stacked relationship. As illustrated, one of the sidewalls22and one of the end walls24each include an outwardly-extending overlap tab29that overlaps a respective sidewall or end wall of an adjacent planter16.

The collar member18includes a plurality of walls30each having a bottom edge32and a top edge34. In the illustrated example, the collar member18comprises two pieces that extend in a rectangular manner about the planter16. Specifically, the collar member18extends about the interior space26of the associated planter16such that the bottom edge32of each of the walls30is inserted between the sidewalls and end walls22,24of the planter16and the associated support tabs28, thereby retaining the collar member18within the interior space26of the planter16, and such that the walls30of the collar member18extend upwardly from the top edge25of the sidewalls and end walls22,24of the planter16. Although locking tabs are illustrated between each of the pieces of the collar, overlapping, non-tabbed ends may also be utilized.

In operation, the collar member18is inserted into the interior space26of planter16, in a manner described above, and a plant matter that comprises grown plants, plant seedlings, plant seeds and the like, and soil and/or aggregate is also inserted into the interior space26of the planter16. Subsequently, plants are grown within the interior space26until such plant matter extends upwardly above the top edge25of the sidewalls and end walls22,24of the planter16. The planter module14is then placed in rows or a grid work-like pattern upon a roof12(FIG. 1) and the collar member18removed such that the plant matter within the interior space26of the planter16abuts similar plant matter in adjacent planter modules14, thereby providing a connected roof system that will quickly provide an interconnected and aesthetically-pleasing planted surface. Alternatively, the collar member18comprises a biodegradable material that may be left within the planter16placed within the overall grid work of the green roof system10. It is also noted that the walls30of the collar member18angles outwardly from the sidewalls and end walls22,24of the planter16, thereby promoting a tight abutment of the plant matter extending above the top edge25of the sidewalls and end walls22,24between adjacent planter modules14.

The proper communication of water between adjacent planters16is provided by various elements within the planter16. As best illustrated inFIG. 2, the bottom wall20of the planter16comprises a grid work-like pattern of recesses36segmented by raised portions38. A plurality of drainage apertures40extend through the recesses36and the raised portions38. It is noted that at least a portion of each of the drainage apertures40extend through a lowermost portion of the bottom wall20, thereby eliminating standing water within the planter16. Each of the sidewalls and end walls22,24of the planter16also include arcuately-shaped recesses or apertures42extending therethrough that align with similar apertures of adjacent planters when positioned within the overall gridwork. As illustrated, each of the apertures extends downwardly from the top edge25of the sidewalls and end walls22,24, a distance that is greater than half of the distance between the top edge25and a point at which the bottom wall20intersects the sidewalls and/or end wall22,24, thereby providing adequate water communication between adjacent planters16and further allowing for the migration of plant matter therebetween.

The reference numeral14a(FIG. 5B) generally designates another embodiment of the present inventive planter module. Since the planter module14ais similar to the previously-described planter module14, similar parts appearing inFIGS. 2-4andFIG. 5, respectively are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix “a” in the numerals of the latter. In the planter module14a, the top edge25aof each of the sidewalls22aand end walls24ainclude an upwardly-opening channel33defining a pocket35within which the bottom edge32aof the collar member18ais inserted.

The planter16(FIG. 6) further includes a pair of gripping reliefs44located at each end thereof Specifically, each relief44is provided within the intersection of an associated end wall24and the bottom wall20such that a user is able to insert their fingers into the reliefs44, thereby allowing easy gripping and support of the planter module14.

The reference numeral14b(FIG. 7) generally designates another embodiment of the present inventive planter module14. Since the planter module14bis similar to the previously-described planter module14, similar parts appearing inFIGS. 2-4andFIG. 7, respectively are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix “b” in the numerals of the latter. In the planter module14b, the intersecting corner46between the sidewalls22band the end walls (not shown) are provided with an aperture48extending therethrough, while corresponding corners of the collar member18bare provided with an aperture or recess50. The alternative embodiment planter module14bfurther includes a retainer member that extends about the exterior of the sidewalls and end wall22b,24bof the planter16band extends into the aperture48of the planter16band the apertures50of the collar member18b, thereby retaining the collar member18bto the outside of the planter16b. It is preferred that the retainer member52comprises an elastically-deformable material, such as an elastic cord or rubber band. The retainer member52assists in retaining the collar member18babout the planter16b, but allows easy removal of the retaining member52and the collar member18bfrom about the planter16b.

The reference numeral14c(FIG. 8) generally designates another embodiment of the present inventive planter module. Since the planter module14cis similar to the previously-described planter module14, similar parts appearing inFIGS. 2-4andFIGS. 8 and 9, respectively are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix “c” in the numerals of the latter. The planter module14cincludes a planter16c, a collar member18c, and a drainage member54supporting the planter16c. The planter16cand collar member18care similar to the previously-described planter16and collar member18, the most notable exception being that the bottom wall20cof the planter16cis substantially flat with a plurality of drainage holes or apertures56extending therethrough. The drainage member54is provided substantially the same plan form shape as the planter16cand includes a top wall58, a bottom wall60, and a plurality of sidewalls62. As illustrated, the planter16cincludes a plurality of downwardly-extending pegs63that are embedded into the drainage member54. As best illustrated inFIG. 9, the top wall58includes an inwardly-extending grid work of passages or recesses64. These passages extend between and through the sidewalls62of the drainage member54. In assembly, the bottom wall20cof the planter16cis supported on the top wall58of the drainage member54such that the drainage apertures56of the planter16caligns with the recesses64of the drainage member64, thereby allowing water communication therebetween. Further, the recesses64of the drainage member54are arranged so as to align the recesses64of adjacent drainage members54within the overall grid work of planter modules14cwhen placed upon the roof12of the associated building, thereby allowing proper fluid communication between all adjacent planter modules14c. Preferably, the drainage member54is comprised of a deformable foam material that allows the bottom wall60to be easily deformed when placed upon an uneven roof surface thereby eliminating the need for blocking or altering any of the planters16c. The foam material also provides insulative properties between the planters16cand associated roof12.

The reference numeral14d(FIGS. 10 and 11) generally designates another alternative embodiment of the green roof planter modules. Since the planter module14dis similar to the previously-described planter module14, similar parts appearing inFIGS. 2-4andFIGS. 10 and 11, respectively, are represented by the same corresponding reference numerals, except for the suffix “d” in the numerals of the latter. In the illustrated example, the planter module14dcomprises a planter16dand a biodegradable insert18dinserted into the planter16dsuch that the insert18dextends upwardly from an uppermost edge of the planter16d, thereby allowing the retention of plant matter that extends above an upper edge of the planter16.

Each planter16dincludes a bottom wall20d, a plurality of walls that include sidewalls22d, and end walls24dthat cooperate with the bottom wall20dto form an interior space26d. Each of the sidewalls22dand end walls24dinclude a top edge25d. The planter16dis preferably integrally molded by press forming, and the like, and is constructed of a material such as plastic. In the illustrated example, the planter16dis providing a rectangularly-shaped overall plan form, however, other configurations may also be utilized. As illustrated, one of the sidewalls22dand one of the end walls24deach include an outwardly-extending overlap tab29dthat overlaps a respective sidewall or end wall of an adjacent planter16d.

The insert18dincludes a plurality of sidewalls30deach having a bottom edge32dand a top edge34d, and a bottom wall35dextending between and cooperating with the sidewalls30dto form an interior space37d. In the illustrated example, the insert18dis sized so as to be received within the planter16dand is shaped similarly to the planter16d. Preferably, the insert18dcomprises a biodegradable material, such as cellulose, biodegradable plastic, a wood product such as coconut fiber or bamboo fiber, cardboard, and/or paper. Further, the base material of which the insert18dis constructed may be coated with a material that retards biodegradation, such as paraffin. The coating may also be applied selectively, thereby allowing select portions of the insert18dto degrade more quickly than others.

In operation, the insert18dis inserted into the interior space26dof planter16d, such that the sidewalls30dand bottom wall35dof the insert18dabut the sidewalls22dand bottom wall20dof the planter16d, respectively. A plant matter that comprises grown plants, plant seedlings, plant seeds and the like, and soil and/or aggregate is then inserted into the interior space37dof the planter insert18d. Subsequently, plants are grown within the interior space18duntil such plant matter extends upwardly above the top edge25dof the sidewalls and end walls22d,24dof the planter16d. The planter module14dis then placed in rows or a grid work-like pattern upon a roof12(FIG. 1). The insert18dthen biodegrades such that the plant matter within the interior space26dof the planter16dabuts similar plant matter in adjacent planter modules14d, thereby providing a connected roof system that will quickly provide an interconnected and aesthetically-pleasing planted surface. It is also noted that the walls30dof the insert18dangles outwardly from the sidewalls and end walls22d,24dof the planter16d, thereby promoting a tight abutment of the plant matter extending above the top edge25dof the sidewalls and end walls22d,24dbetween adjacent planter modules14d.

The present inventive green roof system provides coverage of an entire roof area quickly and economically by allowing the associated modules to be grown off-sight in a manner that allows the plant matter to extend upwardly from an associated planter and plant matter within adjacent modules to abut more quickly subsequent to installation. Further, the roof system is easy to install at a relatively low cost. Moreover, the system provides improved water communication and drainage between adjacent modules, allows easy maintenance of the overall system, can be installed easily and quickly by even unskilled personnel, is capable of a long-operating life, and is particularly well adapted for the proposed use.