Biodegradable horticulture container

The containment of plants and seedlings as such plants or seedlings are grown, transported, displayed and planted is provided. Containers are comprised of biodegradable materials that have the advantage of being formed into containers with various features, such as by an injection molding process, but that can be buried within the soil along with a plant's roots. Such containers allow for plant or seedling transplanting without having to separate the container from the plant's root system. More preferably, biodegradable plastics utilized in accordance with the present invention have properties such that the plastic can be injection molded and yet provide a stable structural container that will last in accordance with predetermined set needs, which needs may include environmental aspects, timing aspects and decompositional aspects. By utilizing injection molding, containers can be formed with many advantageous features.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to pots or containers suitable for the containment of the roots of plant seedlings or the like and by which such plants can be transported, displayed, and sold to consumers for replanting in the ground by the consumer. More particularly, the present invention is directed to plant containers that also can be buried in the ground and that facilitate plant root growth.

BACKGROUND

Horticulture pots have long been provided for transport and the start of growth for plants of any number of varieties. Typically, small or seedling plants are started from seed within such pots so that the plants can be transported, displayed and sold to consumers. Plastic pots are common from which a gardener will remove the plant, its root ball and a quantity of potting soil comprising germination mix from the container just prior to transplanting within a prepared soil hole or depression. The removal or separation process can cause damage to the plants root system. Such plastic planting pots are often ganged together for easy transport of multiple plants. These plastic pots provide basic containment of the plant's root and potting soil and are not meant to be buried in the ground or to provide further purpose. Plastic pots can be easily formed in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be formed with integral features such as drainage openings, handling features, and connective portions for connecting ganged multiple pots.

An issue with the provision and usage of typical plastic pots for plant starting and transporting is that such plastic pots are discarded after plant transplant. In large scale growing operations, such as at commercial growing fields, seasonal planting of new plants can create a huge volume of discarded plastic pots. One example of such a seasonal operation is the coffee growing business. Such larger planting operations can require a significant effort in collection of the discarded pots for recycling or to be otherwise disposed of. If such effort is not provided, the pots are instead left as trash after transplanting, which can be unsightly and attract vermin.

Degradable pots have also been known for a long time, such as comprising a biological material like compressed peat moss. By known techniques, such pots can be formed from the compressed peat moss into the shape of a container. The frailness of the material itself does not, however, lend these pots to having many features that can be integrated with plastic pots. The pots can advantageously be deposited in the soil along with the plant roots so that no step of removing the plant roots from the container is needed. These peat pots biodegrade rather quickly and also have a nutritive effect. The decomposing biological material adds plant nutrients into the soil surrounding the plant roots during at least early grown after replanting of the plants.

More recently, other materials have been developed for seed planting and the transport and use of plant seedlings that are also capable of being buried into the ground with plant roots.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0272033 describes biodegradable germinating pods for seedlings. The body of the tubular pods consists of 20 to 70% cellulose, 5 to 20% calcium carbonate, 30 to 70% calcium sulfate, and micronutrients.

European Patent No. 0 716 804 discloses soil decomposing seedling pots wherein coconut shell powder is mixed into a biodegradable plastic made of carboxylic acid-based compounds such as an aliphatic acid or lactic acid. The pot is made by injection molding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The use of biodegradable containers for transplanting plants and seedlings provides significant benefits because the plants do not need to be separated from the containers prior to planting. This avoids damage to the root system of the plant. Since the containers break down in the soil, they permit the gardener to allow the container to remain in the soil. This simplifies the planting process, and eliminates the need to remove the container and deliver it to a recycling or disposal facility. In an embodiment, the container is compostable as discussed below. This embodiment is particularly advantageous, because it allows the plant to grow completely unhindered by structure left behind if the container was a non-compostable but open structure.

Because the container provides structural protection for a determinable period to the roots and soil provided in the container relative to the rest of the soil, plants provided in the container have the benefit of aeration and retention of the original germination mix for a longer period of time as compared to plants that are removed from conventional containers and planted directly into the soil. By controlling formation parameters of pots of the present invention, the period of structural protection can be controlled. The thickness of the material overall or material thickness selectively at any number of specific zones can predictably control the degradation timing, and thus of the structural protection.

The present horticulture containers additionally provide benefit in providing plant-beneficial nutrients to the soil as the container biodegrades. In the embodiment wherein the horticulture container is compostable, this nutritional benefit is delivered more quickly, preferably within critical times of growth of the plant being transplanted.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a horticulture container that can be buried in soil along with a transplanted plant and that will decompose and provide plant nutrients into the soil as the container decomposes, wherein the container comprises a wall defining an enclosure that is open at a first end and closed at a second end by a bottom portion, the enclosure defining a containment volume within which soil and plant roots can be contained, wherein the enclosure is tapered so as to decrease the containment volume from the open first end toward the second end, and the wall includes a plurality of openings provided through a thickness of the wall for allowing root growth from the container. The container preferably comprises an injection moldable Biodegradable Plastic

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to method of transplanting a plant into soil, wherein the method comprises a step of selecting a plant as such plant is provided within a horticulture container wherein the container comprises a wall defining an enclosure that is open at a first end and closed at a second end by a bottom portion, the enclosure defining a containment volume within which soil and plant roots are contained, wherein the enclosure is tapered so as to decrease the containment volume from the open first end toward the second end, and the wall includes a plurality of openings provided through a thickness of the wall for allowing root growth from the container, and further wherein the container comprises an injection moldable Biodegradable Plastic; and a step of placing the container within soil with the openings of the container below a soil surface to permit root growth from within the containment volume into the soil. As such, the container can degrade by microorganisms within the soil and provide nutrients to the plant roots.

In another aspect the present invention is directed to a system for growing a plant, wherein the system comprises a horticulture container that comprises a wall defining an enclosure that is open at a first end and closed at a second end by a bottom portion, the enclosure defining a containment volume within which soil and plant roots can be contained, wherein the enclosure is tapered so as to decrease the containment volume from the open first end toward the second end, and further wherein the container comprises an injection moldable Biodegradable Plastic; and a planter that is sized and shaped to receive the horticulture container. By such a system, plant roots and soil can be provided within the containment volume of the horticulture container and the horticulture container can be positioned within the planter so that the horticulture container can degrade by microorganisms within the soil and provide nutrients to the plant roots.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to the containment of plants and seedlings as such plants or seedlings are grown, transported, displayed and planted. Preferably, containers of the present invention are comprised of biodegradable materials that have the advantage of being formed into containers with various features, such as by an injection molding process, but that can be buried within the soil along with a plant's roots. Such containers allow for plant or seedling transplanting without having to separate the container from the plant's root system. More preferably, biodegradable plastics utilized in accordance with the present invention have properties such that the plastic can be injection molded (forcing molten plastic into a prefabricated mold by pressure) and yet provide a stable structural container that will last in accordance with predetermined set needs, which needs may include environmental aspects, timing aspects and decompositional aspects. By utilizing injection molding, containers can be formed with many advantageous features as described below. Containers of the present invention can be manufactured by other plastic forming techniques than injection molding. Any plastic forming technique can be utilized, such as vacuum forming, thermoforming, molding, cast molding, blow molding, and other well-known molding techniques. An advantage of injection molding is the ability to easily and cheaply create containers with advantageous features for the present invention.

For purposes of the present invention, a “Biodegradable Plastic” is a degradable plastic in which the degradation results from the action of naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae.

For purposes of the present invention, an “Industrially Compostable Plastic” is a plastic that undergoes degradation by biological processes during composting in a municipal or industrial aerobic composting facility to yield CO2, water, inorganic compounds and biomass at a rate consistent with other compostable materials and leaves no visible, distinguishable or toxic residue as set forth in ASTM D6400.

For purposes of the present invention, a “{number} Day Garden Compostable Plastic” is a plastic that undergoes degradation by biological processes to yield CO2, water, inorganic compounds and biomass and leaves no visible, distinguishable or toxic residue within an identified number of days after placement in conventional garden soil at temperatures of from about 65° to 75° F. A “360 Day Garden Compostable Plastic” is a plastic wherein the degradation takes place within 360 days. A “180 Day Garden Compostable Plastic” is a plastic wherein the degradation takes place within 180 days. A “90 Day Garden Compostable Plastic” is a plastic wherein the degradation takes place within 90 days. A “45 Day Garden Compostable Plastic” is a plastic wherein the degradation takes place within 45 days.

In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic is an Industrially Compostable Plastic. In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic is a 360 Day Garden Compostable Plastic. In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic is a 180 Day Garden Compostable Plastic. In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic is a 90 Day Garden Compostable Plastic. In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic is a 45 Day Garden Compostable Plastic. In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic is a 30 Day Garden Compostable Plastic. In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic is a 20 Day Garden Compostable Plastic. In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic is a 15 Day Garden Compostable Plastic.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, any of the various embodiments of Biodegradable Plastic described above are formulated as injection moldable Biodegradable Plastic. In an embodiment of the present invention, any of the various embodiments of Biodegradable Plastic described above are formulated as a reaction injection moldable Biodegradable Plastic. In an embodiment of the present invention, any of the various embodiments of Biodegradable Plastic described above are formulated as a thermoforming Biodegradable Plastic. In an embodiment of the present invention, any of the various embodiments of Biodegradable Plastic described above are formulated as a vacuum forming Biodegradable Plastic. In an embodiment of the present invention, any of the various embodiments of Biodegradable Plastic described above are formulated as a blow molding Biodegradable Plastic. In an embodiment of the present invention, any of the various embodiments of Biodegradable Plastic described above are formulated as a cast molding Biodegradable Plastic. In an embodiment of the present invention, any of the various embodiments of Biodegradable Plastic described above are formulated as a rotational molding Biodegradable Plastic. In an embodiment of the present invention, any of the various embodiments of Biodegradable Plastic described above are formulated as a spin casting Biodegradable Plastic. In an embodiment of the present invention, any of the various embodiments of Biodegradable Plastic described above are formulated as a compression moldable Biodegradable Plastic. In an embodiment of the present invention, any of the various embodiments of Biodegradable Plastic described above are formulated as a machinable Biodegradable Plastic.

In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid polymer, polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer, starch based resin, polyesters, cellulose esters, biobased polyethylene compounds, and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic comprises polylactic acid polymer. Polylactic acid polymer (or “PLA”) is derived from a sugar source such as corn, cellulosic raw materials, agricultural wastes and non-food plants. PLA polymers are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,436, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. A PLA is sold under the brand name Ingeo™ by NatureWorks LLC. In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic is a blend of co-polyester and PLA, optionally with additional natural fillers and the like. Such blends are commercially available under the name BIO-FLEX® from FKuR Kunststoff GmbH, Willich, Germany.

In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic comprises polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers (PHAs) such as those sold under the brand Mirel™ resins from Metabolix, Cambridge Mass., and polyhydroxy-butyrate-co-valerate (PHBV) resins from TianAn® Biologic Material Co., Zhejiang, China.

In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic comprises cellulosic resins sold under the brand BIOGRADE® injection moldable cellulosic from FKuR Kunststoff GmbH, Willich, Germany.

In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic comprises co-polymerizable components, such as soy proteins. Suitable soy proteins include soy protein concentrates (SPCs) and soy protein isolates (SPCs), which are commercially available from Solae Company, St. Louis, Mo.

In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic comprises an organic filler material, such as polyethylene glycol, glycerol, zein, corn starch, distillers dry grains with solubles, and mixtures thereof. In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic comprises an organic filler material that is distillers dry grains with solubles (“DDGS”), such as a DDGS sold under the brand BioRes™ by Laurel Biocomposite LLC.

In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic comprises an inorganic filler material, such as nanoclays.

It will be appreciated that the skilled artisan is capable of adjusting the length of time required for biodegradation of containers of the present invention by selection of the dimensions of the container (e.g. including relative thickness of zones or portions of the container), as further discussed below, and/or incorporating varying amounts or organic filler, reactive species and enzymes that hasten the biodegradation of the material.

In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic is further augmented with plant-beneficial nutrients. In an embodiment, fertilizing components such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) may be added to the Biodegradable Plastic, and will be released to the seedling and later in the soil. In addition, as the Biodegradable Plastic becomes soluble after planting, they release part of the fertilizing components or micronutrients that are part of their structure.

In an embodiment, the Biodegradable Plastic is further augmented with micronutrients to promote plant grown of plants to be provided in the present horticulture containers. Examples of such micronutrients include Calcium (Ca), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Magnesium (Mg), Iron (Fe), Sulfur (S), Boron (B), Sodium (Na), Manganese (Mn), and Molybdenum (Mo). Examples of amounts of such micronutrients to be incorporated include 0.001 to 15% Copper (Cu), 0.001 to 15% Zinc (Zn), 0.001 to 15% Magnesium (MG), 0.001 to 15% Iron (Fe), 0.001 to 15% Sulfur (S), 0.001 to 10% Boron (B), 0.001 to 10% Sodium (Na), 0.001 to 10% Manganese (Mn), 0.001 to 5% Molybdenum (Mo), and 0.001 to 5% Cobalt (Co). In an embodiment, micronutrients are added in the proportion of up to 5% for vegetable seedlings, up to 10% for fruit tree seedlings, and up to 15% for reforestation seedlings.

In an embodiment, the nutrients and/or micronutrients are distributed through the Biodegradable Plastic such that the Biodegradable Plastic has a visually homogeneous appearance. In an embodiment, the nutrients and micronutrients are distributed through the Biodegradable Plastic such that separate regions of nutrient and/or micronutrient components are visually identifiable in the Biodegradable Plastic.

Referring toFIG. 1, a specific embodiment of a horticultural container10of the present invention is shown that preferably comprises Biodegradable Plastic, as described above. More preferably, the container10is an injection moldable Biodegradable Plastic.

The illustrated container10includes structure defining a containment volume12within which potting soil (not shown), such as comprising a germination mix of soil and plant nutrients, can be contained and within which one or more plant seeds can be planted or a plant seedling or otherwise can be transplanted. In this embodiment, a front wall portion14, a rear wall portion16, first side portion18and second side portion20together define the containment volume, which volume is further closed at one end by a bottom portion22. An opening24provides access to the containment volume12for soil, seed, and/or plant access. This illustrated embodiment creates a substantially rectangular opening24with a similarly shaped containment volume12, which containment volume12is also preferably tapered from the opening24toward the bottom22. This tapered containment volume12is a result of creating an injection mold with tapered wall defining volumes for each of the four wall portions so that an integral container10is created. The tapered volume is suitable for containment of a plant's root system but is also preferably from an injection molding standpoint in that mold separation and product separation are facilitated.

Preferably, each of the front, rear and first and second side portions14,16,18, and20, respectively, comprise one or more slots26. Slots26provide multiple functional aspects of the container10, including allowing of water passage from the container10, and permitting root system growth that can extend from the containment volume especially after planting.

Also importantly, the slots26can be designed and shaped to accommodate biodegradation. Slots26create open spaces within the structural design of the container10, which not only reduce the quantity of material that is to degrade, but also to create additional surface area that is subject to degradation by contact with naturally occurring microorganisms, as discussed above. By utilizing any number of sized and shaped slots, openings or zones of reduced thickness, biodegradation can be effectively predicted and controlled. The slots26are illustrative of a preferred design that provides sufficient structural support of the container wall and side portions14,16,18, and20from the top opening24to the bottom portion22. The divergence of the illustrated slots26from the top opening24toward the bottom portion22provides for adequate containment while allowing increasingly greater root system growth at a lower portion of the container10for deeper root development after transplant. Also, the diverging slot design of slots26facilitate injection molding by providing for easier product separation from the injection molds.

It is contemplated that any number of slots, openings, reduced thickness zones, or other surface features can be utilized with variations to configurations provided to any one or more wall portions of a container10. As above, such features can be utilized in the design of a controlled biodegradable container. With the use of injection moldable Biodegradable Plastic, any features capable of injection molding can be provided to containers of the present invention.

The bottom portion22of the container10, as illustrated inFIGS. 1-7, preferably includes a spike portion28that is more preferably made up plural blade portions30that extend from the bottom portion22and converge at a point. The spike portion as made up of the blade portions30provide a container10that is designed for easier ground insertion during a transplanting operation. The spike portion28also contributes to an overall preferable design with a generally tapering effect from bottom to top that facilitates injection molding of the container10. The blade portions30also facilitate ground penetration.

Interior surface portions32and34of the bottom portion22adjacent to the front/rear and side wall portions, respectively, preferably create a reservoir36at the bottom of the containment volume12, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. This reservoir36provides a capability to retain a quantity of fluid, e.g. water, when a plant is planted within the container10and orientated upright, such as when the container10and plant roots are buried in the ground. Although the reservoir36would be filled with soil as well, the shape and size can be defined for fluid retention as available to the plant's root system. Advantageously also, the reservoir36is preferably created by sloping interior surface portions32and34so that injection molding is better facilitated.

The volume capacity of the reservoir36is preferably at least partially defined by the lowermost edge (as viewed in the Figs.) of one or more of the slots26. Preferably, one or more of the slots26extend at least partially into the bottom portion22of the container10from one or more of the front/rear or side wall portions. As the volume of liquid exceeds the reservoir volume, the liquid would flow through the slots26into the surrounding soil.

The container10also preferably includes a top rim flange38that surrounds the top opening24. More preferably, the rim flange38further includes push portions40that allow a gardener to push the container10into the soil as part of a plant transplanting operation. The container10, itself, as above, is preferably of sufficient structural strength to permit pushing to a desired force level as may be varied depending on soil considerations. Strength can be added to the structure of the push portions40by gussets42extending from the push portions40to the side wall portions18and20.

It is contemplated that other structural features can be added along interior or exterior surface portions along the container front/read, bottom, and side wall portions,14,16,22,18, and20, respectively. Such features can include reinforcing elements like ribs, gussets, bosses and the like to create strength features or to create zones of weakness as may also be desired.

Another embodiment in accordance with the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 8 through 13. Similar components of this embodiment as in the first embodiment are labeled with similar numbers but with a 1 as the hundredth digit. Specifically, a horticultural container110of the present invention is shown that also preferably comprises an injection moldable Biodegradable Plastic, as described above.

The illustrated container110includes structure defining a containment volume112within which potting soil (not shown), can be contained and within which one or more plant seeds can be planted or a plant seedling or otherwise can be transplanted. In this embodiment, a generally circular opening124provides access to the containment volume112for soil, seed, and/or plant access. A tapered cylindrical side wall114defines a substantially truncated conical containment volume112. The containment volume is further closed at the smaller end by a bottom portion122. This tapered containment volume112is a result of creating an injection mold with a tapered wall defining volume for the tapered cylindrical wall so that an integral container110is created. The tapered volume is suitable for containment of a plant's root system but is also preferably from an injection molding standpoint in that mold separation and product separation are facilitated.

Preferably, the tapered cylindrical wall comprises one or more slots126. More preferably, the slots are arranged at a regular interval about the circumference of the side wall114, although not necessarily. Slots126provide multiple functional aspects of the container110, including allowing of water passage from the container110, and permitting root system growth that can extend from the containment volume especially after planting and prior to degradation of the container110structure.

As above, the slots126can be designed and shaped to accommodate biodegradation. Slots126create open spaces within the structural design of the container110, which not only reduce the quantity of material that is to degrade, but also to create additional surface area that is subject to degradation by contact with naturally occurring microorganisms, as discussed above. By utilizing any number of sized and shaped slots, openings or zones of reduced thickness, biodegradation can be effectively predicted and controlled. The slots126are illustrative of a preferred design that provides sufficient structural support of the container side wall114from the top opening124to the bottom portion122. The divergence of the illustrated slots126from the top opening124toward the bottom portion122provides for adequate containment while allowing increasingly greater root system growth at a lower portion of the container110for deeper root development after transplant. Also, the diverging slot design of slots126facilitate injection molding by providing for easier product separation from the injection molds.

It is contemplated that any number of slots, openings, reduced thickness zones, or other surface features can be utilized with variations to configurations provided to any one or more wall portions of a container110. As above, such features can be utilized in the design of a controlled biodegradable container. With the use of injection moldable Biodegradable Plastic, any features capable of injection molding can be provided to containers of the present invention.

The bottom portion122of the container110, as illustrated inFIGS. 8-13, preferably includes a spike portion128that is more preferably made up plural blade portions130that extend from the bottom portion122and converge at a point. The spike portion128, as made up of the blade portions130, provide a container110that is designed for easier ground insertion during a transplanting operation. The spike portion128also contributes to an overall preferable design with a generally tapering effect from bottom to top that facilitates injection molding of the container110. The blade portions130also facilitate ground penetration.

An interior surface portion134of the bottom portion122adjacent to the side wall114preferably creates a reservoir136at the bottom of the containment volume112, as shown inFIG. 9. This reservoir136provides a capability to retain a quantity of fluid, e.g. water, when a plant is planted within the container110and orientated upright, such as when the container110and plant roots are buried in the ground. Although the reservoir136would be filled with soil as well, the shape and size can be defined for fluid retention as available to the plant's root system. Advantageously also, the reservoir136is preferably created by sloping the interior surface portion134so that injection molding is better facilitated.

The volume capacity of the reservoir136is preferably at least partially defined by the lowermost edge (as viewed in the Figs.) of one or more of the slots126. Preferably, one or more of the slots126extend at least partially into the bottom portion122of the container110from the side wall114. As the volume of liquid exceeds the reservoir volume, the liquid would flow through the slots126into the surrounding soil.

The container110also preferably includes a top rim flange138that surrounds the top opening124. More preferably, the rim flange138further includes push portions140that allow a gardener to push the container110into the soil as part of a plant transplanting operation. The container110, itself, as above, is preferably of sufficient structural strength to permit pushing to a desired force level as may be varied depending on soil considerations. Strength can be added to the structure of the push portions140by gussets142extending from the push portions140to the side wall114.

It is contemplated that other structural features can be added along interior or exterior surface portions along the container side wall114. Such features can include reinforcing elements like ribs, gussets, bosses and the like to create strength features or to create zones of weakness as may also be desired.

Referring toFIGS. 14 through 19, yet another specific embodiment of a horticultural container210of the present invention is shown that preferably comprises an injection moldable Biodegradable Plastic, as described above. Similar components of this embodiment as in the above embodiments are labeled with similar numbers but with a 2 as the hundredth digit.

The illustrated container210includes structure defining a containment volume212within which potting soil (not shown) can be contained and within which one or more plant seeds can be planted or a plant seedling or otherwise can be transplanted. In this embodiment, a front wall portion214, a rear wall portion216, first side portion218and second side portion220together define the containment volume, which volume is further closed at one end by a bottom portion222. An opening224provides access to the containment volume212for soil, seed, and/or plant access. This illustrated embodiment creates a substantially square opening224with a similarly shaped containment volume212, which containment volume212is also preferably tapered from the opening224toward the bottom222. This tapered containment volume212is preferably a result of creating an injection mold with tapered wall defining volumes for each of the four wall portions so that an integral container210is created. The tapered volume is suitable for containment of a plant's root system but is also preferably from an injection molding standpoint in that mold separation and product separation are facilitated.

Preferably, each of the front, rear and first and second side portions214,216,218, and220, respectively, comprise one or more slots226. Slots226provide multiple functional aspects of the container210, including allowing of water passage from the container210, and permitting root system growth that can extend from the containment volume especially after planting.

As above, the slots226can be designed and shaped to accommodate biodegradation. Slots226create open spaces within the structural design of the container210, which not only reduce the quantity of material that is to degrade, but also to create additional surface area that is subject to degradation by contact with naturally occurring microorganisms, as discussed above. By utilizing any number of sized and shaped slots, openings or zones of reduced thickness, biodegradation can be effectively predicted and controlled. The slots226are illustrative of a preferred design that provides sufficient structural support of the container wall and side portions214,216,218, and220from the top opening224to the bottom portion222. The divergence of the illustrated slots226from the top opening224toward the bottom portion222provides for adequate containment while allowing increasingly greater root system growth at a lower portion of the container210for deeper root development after transplant. Also, the diverging slot design of slots226facilitate injection molding by providing for easier product separation from the injection molds.

It is contemplated that any number of slots, openings, reduced thickness zones, or other surface features can be utilized with variations to configurations provided to any one or more wall portions of a container210. As above, such features can be utilized in the design of a controlled biodegradable container. With the use of injection moldable Biodegradable Plastic, any features capable of injection molding can be provided to containers of the present invention.

The bottom portion222of the container210, as illustrated inFIGS. 14-19, preferably includes a spike portion228that is more preferably made up plural blade portions230that extend from the bottom portion222and converge at a point. The spike portion as made up of the blade portions230provide a container210that is designed for easier ground insertion during a transplanting operation. The spike portion228also contributes to an overall preferable design with a generally tapering effect from bottom to top that facilitates injection molding of the container210. The blade portions230also facilitate ground penetration.

Interior surface portions234of the bottom portion222adjacent to the front/rear and side wall portions, respectively, preferably create a reservoir236at the bottom of the containment volume212, as shown inFIG. 15. This reservoir236provides a capability to retain a quantity of fluid, e.g. water, when a plant is planted within the container210and orientated upright, such as when the container210and plant roots are buried in the ground. Although the reservoir236would be filled with soil as well, the shape and size can be defined for fluid retention as available to the plant's root system. Advantageously also, the reservoir236is preferably created by sloping interior surface portions232and234so that injection molding is better facilitated.

The volume capacity of the reservoir236is preferably at least partially defined by the lowermost edge (as viewed in the Figs.) of one or more of the slots226. Preferably, one or more of the slots226extend at least partially into the bottom portion222of the container210from one or more of the front/rear or side wall portions. As the volume of liquid exceeds the reservoir volume, the liquid would flow through the slots226into the surrounding soil.

The container210also preferably includes a top rim flange238that surrounds the top opening224. More preferably, the rim flange238further includes push portions240that allow a gardener to push the container210into the soil as part of a plant transplanting operation. The container210, itself, as above, is preferably of sufficient structural strength to permit pushing to a desired force level as may be varied depending on soil considerations. Strength can be added to the structure of the push portions240by gussets242extending from the push portions240to the side wall portions218and220.

It is contemplated that other structural features can be added along interior or exterior surface portions along the container front/read, bottom, and side wall portions,214,216,218, and220, respectively. Such features can include reinforcing elements like ribs, gussets, bosses and the like to create strength features or to create zones of weakness as may also be desired.

The above described multiple embodiments of the present invention show various shapes for containers of the present invention having similar aspects of the present invention. The shape of the container can be virtually any shape that creates a containment volume capable of receiving plant roots along with a quantity of soil. Certain shapes may be more advantageous than others for specific uses, such as including aspects of the present invention described in the following. The above-described embodiments show examples of shapes in accordance with the present invention.

InFIG. 20, another aspect of the present invention is illustrated, wherein an array300of horticultural containers10is provided. Preferably, the array300comprises an arrangement of containers10with the containers10separably connected with one another along at least two edges. Specifically, in the case of a rectangular array300, as shown, the corner containers would be connected to two adjacent containers, on one side edge and one end edge. Other outer row containers would be connected on three edges, at one side and both end edges. Internal containers would be connected on all four edges, both side and both end edges. The array300can be of any size and include any number of containers, which arrangement may be rectangular or otherwise without limitation so long as at least two containers are separably connected on at least one side edge, e.g. at least two containers separably connected together, for purposes of this embodiment.

Preferably, plural containers10are separably connected together along one or more lines of weakening of the plastic material of the containers. That is, the edge connections between adjacent containers10are preferably connected along weakened lines. Such a line of weakening can comprise a reduced thickness line, a line of perforations or partial perforations, structural features like ribs or protrusions, or the like. Most preferably, each edge connection between all adjacent containers comprises such a line of weakening so that each container10is easily and fully separable from the others.

FIG. 21illustrates an array400of containers10without the containers10having a material connection to one another. In the embodiment, containers10are supported in a base tray410having an array of receiving cups412. Preferably, each cup412can receive one container10, although cups412can be designed to receive more than one container. It is contemplated that a single cup or depression can hold all of the containers10of an array400of containers.

As above, the array400can be of any size and include any number of cups412and/or containers10, which arrangement may be rectangular or otherwise without limitation. Similar to the array300where plural containers10are separably connected to one another along edge connections, the containers10of the array400are separable from one another and positioned or indirectly connected with one another by way of the base tray410.FIG. 22shows the separation of one container10from the others.

The receiving cups412are preferably shaped similarly to the outer shape of the containers10, as illustrated. However, it contemplated that the cup shape can be any shape that is merely capable of receiving one or more cups. The cup depth need not be sufficient to fully receive the containers. The containers may or may not have a spike portion30, as discussed above and the cups412may or may not have a receiving portion that corresponds with the spike portion30, whether or not the spike portion is provided. It is also contemplated that the array400can accommodate different containers10,110,210, and the like as may be mixed or not by a tray410design.

FIG. 23illustrates another optional aspect that can be utilized in containers of the present invention. Shown is a container10, such as illustrated inFIGS. 1-7, that includes slots26, as described above. In order to better temporarily contain soil and/or plant roots within the container10, a separable sleeve50can be provided. The sleeve50can be provided as a label that adheres to the surface of the container to cover one or more slots26, or can be a non-adherent sleeve, for example of paper or cardboard, or the like. The sleeve50can be a layer that is wrapped about at least a portion of the periphery of the container10or may be provided in the form of a preformed sleeve that can be slipped over the smaller end of the container10into place. Such a preformed sleeve could preferably be tapered in shape to match a taper of the container10. In any case, the sleeve50is separable from the container10as desired, such as a step in the process of planting a plant and container10in the soil.

Yet another container510of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 24 and 25in combination with a planter512, which combination is similar to the container10and base tray410combination described above, but limited to one container510and planter512combination. In this embodiment, the planter512can be sized for longer term plant growth, such as common for houseplants and the like. An advantage of this system is the feeding aspect of the container510, whereby nutrients are provided to the soil as the container510decomposes within soil and as subject to water and microorganisms within the soil It is contemplated that such a container510can be provided with a plant or the plant planted into the container510and then the plant/container combination can be set into the planter512with or without additional soil. After a period of time, preferably based upon the expected decomposition of the container510, the plant can be transplanted into a new container510and replaced in the planter512, for example. Alternatively, the plant can be transplanted elsewhere and the planter512can be used to contain a new plant, such as may have its own new container510to provide nutrients to it over an expected length of time. The planter512can thus be used over and over, and as such, can be made of a long term more durable material such as well-known plastic planters. The main purpose of a container510of this aspect is more for feeding as compared to transplant and planting. The container510may or may not extend the entire depth of the planter512.

As shown inFIG. 25, the container510can also include one or more series of holes514to permit water drainage from within the container510into the planter512bottom area518. As shown, a raised floor portion516can facilitate the creation of this bottom area518. By this construction, a simple replaceable container510is created that feeds the plants root system and that can be replaced for continued feeding over a long term plant growth.

A system as shown inFIGS. 24 and 25can advantageously be provided as a kit, for example, for plant starting purposes. The system can include a planter512made of plastic material that will last for any desired length of time. One or more containers510can be provided along with the planter512. A plant, seedling, or seek can be potted in a container510and placed into the planter512while it grow as nourished from decomposition of the container510. At a time down the road, such as after the container510is decomposed, the plant can be transplanted into the ground or another planter. The planter512could thus be utilized over and over with a new container510provided with a new starting plant.

Other horticulture containers of the present invention are designed for use, in particular, for large scale planting operations, such as where automated equipment is utilized. For example, with large seasonal planting, containers are preferably sized and shaped for automated equipment for transport and handling prior to planting. Automated equipment typically are designed for trays or other handling components of specific size. For such operations, many containers are usually grouped together within a tray for transport and delivery to a point of planting. The planting equipment or a worker can then selectively pick a plant within a container of the present invention to be planted automatically or manually without having to remove the plant from the container. As with other embodiments of the present invention, the containers preferably will be comprised of a Biodegradable Plastic that is more preferably further augmented with plant-beneficial nutrients so that the container will degrade and feed the plant within the soil after planting.

By utilizing injection molding, containers can be formed with many advantageous features as described below. Containers of the present invention can be manufactured by other plastic forming techniques than injection molding. Any plastic forming technique can be utilized, such as vacuum forming, thermoforming, 3D printing, molding, cast molding, blow molding, and other well-known molding techniques. An advantage of injection molding is the ability to easily and cheaply create containers with advantageous features for the present invention.

InFIGS. 26-29, an embodiment of another container610of the present invention is illustrated that is designed for large scale planting operations in particular. The container610, of course can otherwise be usable in any other small or large scale planting situation as discussed or suggested above with respect to the present invention. For a large scale operation, in particular where automated equipment is used, it is preferable that the containers610be shaped and sized to maximize the number of such containers610that can be arranged within a typical sized tray for such equipment. For example, it has been found that a four inch by four inch square container610will permit a determinable number of such containers610within a typical tray that is dimensioned as a multiple of 4 inches in length and width.

The illustrated container610, similar to container10described above, includes structure defining a containment volume612within which potting soil (not shown), such as comprising a germination mix of soil and plant nutrients, can be contained and within which one or more plant seeds can be planted or a plant seedling or otherwise can be transplanted. In this embodiment, a front wall portion614, a rear wall portion616, first side portion618and second side portion620together define the containment volume, which volume is further closed at one end by a bottom portion622. An opening624provides access to the containment volume612for soil, seed, and/or plant access. This illustrated embodiment creates a substantially rectangular opening624with a similarly shaped containment volume612, which containment volume612is also preferably tapered from the opening624toward the bottom622. This tapered containment volume612is a result of creating an injection mold with tapered wall defining volumes for each of the four wall portions so that an integral container610is created. The tapered volume is suitable for containment of a plant's root system but is also preferably from an injection molding standpoint in that mold separation and product separation are facilitated.

Preferably, each of the front, rear and first and second side portions614,616,618, and620, respectively, comprise one or more reduced thickness zones626. Reduced thickness zones626provide multiple functional aspects of the container610. Specifically, the reduced thickness zones626preferably comprise a very thin portion of similar material as is used in making up the container610. As such container610can be injection molded, and preferably the reduced thickness zones626are molded along with the remainder of the container610where the mold defines the thin zones626as distinct from the thickness of the container wall portions614,616,618, and620.

As shown inFIGS. 26 and 27, the reduced thickness zones626are preferably shaped as an arch portion adjacent to the bottom622of the container610. The arch portion shape is one example of a reduced thickness zone626, with the understanding that any shape can be contemplated in accordance with the preferred functionality of the reduced thickness zones626of the present invention. It is preferred that the reduced thickness zones626be closer to the bottom622than the top624so as to facilitate root growth from the container610.

Root growth from the container610is facilitated by one of two changes to the container, specifically at the reduced thickness zones626. If the reduced thickness zones626are made thin enough (which thickness can be determined based upon the material empirically by the ability to do so) the reduced thickness zones626can be broken from the remainder of the container by the application of pressure from a planters hand or with the assistance of a tool or implement. In this case, the reduced thickness zones626would comprise break-away zones that allow access from the containment volume612to outside of the container610. A planter could break out these reduced thickness zones626at any time, such as just prior to planting or after the plants have matured to a predetermined degree. Once the reduced thickness zones626become openings, such opening would allow water passage from the container610and permit root system growth that can extend from the containment volume612especially after planting.

Alternatively and based upon a preferred composition of the container610of a Biodegradable Plastic, the reduced thickness zones626can be designed to biodegrade after a desired period after a plant and container610combination are planted together within soil. In other words, a controlled degradation can be effected by selecting the thickness of the reduced thickness zones626as compared with the thickness of the remainder of the container610. For example, the container610can be designed with reduced thickness zones626that degrade (and preferably provide nutrients) within a couple of days after planting. That would allow root growth from the container610nearly after planting in the soil followed by continued degradation of the remainder of the container610, again preferably while providing nutrients to the plant roots for a predetermined time. A container610of the present invention can thus provide a two stage degradation and nutrient supply to the plant roots and also allow for a controlled opening of the reduced thickness zones626for enhanced root system growth from the container as the plant and container are planted together in soil.

FIG. 27Ashows a cross-section through the front wall614of the container610crossing through a reduced thickness zone626with container wall614at both sides thereof. This figure illustrates a preferred relative thickness differential for purposes of the present invention. A top portion628of the arch-shaped reduced thickness zone626is illustrated surrounding the reduced thickness zone626at the top. Typical plant containers of the present invention are provided with wall portion thicknesses in the range of approximately 10-60 thousandths of an inch to provide a desired structural stability to the container for transport and handling while also allowing for a controlled degradation while more preferably also providing nutrients to the soil over a predetermined time. Preferably, the thickness of the reduced thickness zones626is in the order of 1-20 thousandths of an inch to permit break out and/or for faster degradation after planting as discussed above. It has been found that a ratio of the wall thickness to the reduced thickness zone can be between about 8:1. These thicknesses can also be varied based upon the plant type to be accommodated and transported. Different plants have different needs for water, feeding, and the like. And as such, variations to thicknesses and to the ease of breaking out or timing of degradation can be utilized based upon the type of plant and its needs. For example, plants with more root size that develop quickly will need to open quicker than slower growing roots to extend from the container after planting.

Also, the size and shape of the reduced thickness zones626can be designed and shaped to accommodate biodegradation. Reduced thickness zones626can be opened manually or by degradation so as to create open spaces within the structural design of the container610for root growth from the container610. By utilizing any number of sized and shaped reduced thickness zones626, biodegradation can be effectively predicted and controlled. The reduced thickness zones626are illustrative of a preferred design that provides sufficient structural support of the container wall and side portions614,616,618, and620from the top opening624to the bottom portion622if and when they are opened prior to planting.

It is contemplated that any number of reduced thickness zones626, or other surface features can be utilized with variations to configurations provided to any one or more wall portions of a container610. As above, such features can be utilized in the design of a controlled biodegradable container. With the use of injection moldable Biodegradable Plastic, any features capable of injection molding can be provided to containers of the present invention.

The bottom portion622of the container610, as illustrated from the top and bottom inFIGS. 28 and 29, respectively, preferably includes a cross pattern of grooves630that intersect to provide a container bottom of raised grooves630from bottom flat portions632. The bottom flat portions632advantageously provide reservoir zones at the bottom of the containment volume612so as to provide a capability to retain a quantity of fluid, e.g. water, when a plant is planted within the container610and orientated upright, such as when the container610and plant roots are buried in the ground. Although the reservoir zones would be filled with soil as well, the shape and size can be defined for fluid retention as available to the plant's root system.

The volume capacity of the reservoir zones is preferably at least partially defined by the lowermost edge (as viewed in the Figs.) of one or more of the reduced thickness zones626, whether open or not. Preferably, one or more of the reduced thickness zones626extend at least partially into the bottom portion622of the container610from one or more of the front/rear or side wall portions. As the volume of liquid exceeds the reservoir volume, the liquid could flow through open zones626into the surrounding soil.

It is further contemplated that any portion of the bottom622can be formed as a reduced thickness zone that is similar to those described as626for the wall portions of the container610. For example, one or more of the bottom flat portions632can be formed as reduced thickness zones so that they can either be broken out, as above, or allowed to quickly degrade as compared to other container portions, as also above, which reduced thickness portions in the bottom622can allow for controlled early openings from the container610to accommodate root growth.

The container610also preferably includes a top rim flange638that surrounds the top opening624. The container610, itself, as above, is preferably of sufficient structural strength to permit transporting and planting into the soil under desired conditions.

It is contemplated that other structural features can be added along interior or exterior surface portions along the container front, back, bottom, and side wall portions,614,616,622,618, and620, respectively. Such features can include reinforcing elements like ribs, gussets, bosses and the like to create strength features or to create zones of weakness as may also be desired.

InFIGS. 30-33, another embodiment of a plant container in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment ofFIGS. 26-28except that the container710and its internal containment volume712are based upon a circular opening724and a circular bottom722along with a tapered cylindrical side wall714. This illustrated embodiment is shown with four reduced thickness portions726spaced around a lower portion of the container710around its circumference. The reduced thickness portions727and other features are similar to those described above with respect to the plant container ofFIGS. 26-28.

Yet another horticulture container variation is shown withinFIGS. 34-41. This plant container810is designed for similar uses as noted above for the containers610and710, but can be utilized in any way disclosed or suggested within this specification.

The illustrated container810is similar in construction and shape to containers10and610described above. Preferably, the container includes structure defining a containment volume812within which potting soil (not shown), such as comprising a germination mix of soil and plant nutrients, can be contained and within which one or more plant seeds can be planted or a plant seedling or otherwise can be transplanted. In this embodiment, a front wall portion814, a rear wall portion816, a first side portion818and second side portion820together define the containment volume812, which volume is further closed at one end by a bottom portion822. An opening824provides access to the containment volume812for soil, seed, and/or plant access. This illustrated embodiment creates a substantially rectangular opening824with a similarly shaped containment volume812, which containment volume812is also preferably tapered from the opening824toward the bottom822. This tapered containment volume812is a result of creating an injection mold with tapered wall defining volumes for each of the four wall portions so that an integral container810is created. The tapered volume is suitable for containment of a plant's root system but is also preferably from an injection molding standpoint in that mold separation and product separation are facilitated.

Preferably, each of the front, rear and first and second side portions814,816,818, and820, respectively, comprise at least a portion of one or more removable zones826. The removable zones826preferably extend in each case partially within the bottom822. More preferably, the removable zones826are also reduced thickness zones (as compared to the thickness of the walls) so that they are easier to remove in the manner described below. The removable thickness zones826, like the reduced thickness zones626described above, provide multiple functional aspects of the container810. Specifically, the removable zones826preferably comprise a thin portion of similar material as is used in making up the container810but that are only attached to the front, rear, side walls and bottom by connection tabs827. As such container810can be injection molded, and preferably the removable zones826are molded along with the remainder of the container810where the mold defines the removable zones826as distinct from the container wall portions814,816,818, and820.

The removable zones826are preferably mostly disconnected with the walls814,816,818, and820and bottom822, but partially still attached by way of the connection tabs827. The connection tabs827can be small connection zones of the same material as the walls814,816,818, and820and removable zones826that maintain the removable zones826in position relative to the walls814,816,818, and820. Preferably, the tabs827are of a thickness similar to the removable zones826, but need not be. The connection tabs827are preferably sized so as to allow easy separation or removal of the removable zones826from the container810. In general, the less material or small size of each tab827, the easier the removal. Moreover, the less amount of tabs827, the easier the removal. It is preferable, however, that enough tabs827be provided as spaced along the edge interfaces between the removable zones826and the walls814,816,818, and820and bottom822so that the removable zones826are maintained in position until it is desired to specifically remove them.

As best shown inFIGS. 36 and 40, the tabs827are preferably arranged at symmetrical spaced locations along the edge interface between each removable zone and the respective wall814,816,818, or820and a portion of the bottom822.FIGS. 37 and 41show the container810with the removable zones826removed leaving a portion of the tabs827where the tabs827are broken to allow the removal of the zones826. Breakage of the tabs827can be further facilitated by modifications that can be made to the tabs827to make it easier to break them. The tabs827can be created thinner than the removable zones826and walls814,816,818, and820, and/or they can be rendered weaker by perforations, or other line weakening techniques. In any case, it is preferable that the removable zones826are separable from the container810by breaking each of the tabs827between each removable zone826and the container810.

In order to further facilitate removal of the removable zones826from the container810, each removable zone826preferably also is created with an access opening828. As shown inFIGS. 34 and 35, the access openings828can be provided at a convenient location to allow for finger or tool access to grasp an edge of each removable zone826for separation of the removable zones826from the container810. Such access openings828can be provided anywhere along the edge interface between the removable zones826and the walls814,816,818, and820and bottom822.

With this container810design, a user can remove one or more of the removable zones826from the container810at any time. It is contemplated that in one example, a user would separate one or more removable zones826just prior to planting. This would open up the container for root growth from the container immediately after planting. According to the preferred example ofFIGS. 34-41, the user would insert a finger or tool into one or more of the openings828and pull one or more of the removable zones828so as to gradually separate the removable zone826from the rest of the container810. During the separation or removal, the tabs827would be broken in sequence until complete separation is accomplished. A user could instead leave a removable zone826partially connected to the container810. Such could still allow root growth from the container810after planting.FIGS. 37, 38, 39 and 41shown the container810having each of the removable zones826separated from the container810leaving root openings830. With the removable zones826gone, the container810can be planted with the plant roots immediately able to extend and grow from the planted container810into surrounding soil.

Other variations for horticulture containers are contemplated in accordance with the present invention. As above, other container shapes are contemplated, such as circular or otherwise. Removable zones826can be of any shape and can otherwise be removably connected to the container810. The container810and zones826are preferably formed together and of the same material, but need not be. Adhesives, other bonding techniques or mechanical connectors can alternatively be utilized to provide a separable connection between removable zones826and containers.