Abstract:
A container for growing plants includes a side wall defining an open top, an open bottom, and a cavity for receiving a plant and a plant growth medium. The side wall may be composed of a biodegradable material and may be flexible, yet rigid enough to be self-supporting. The side wall may also be smooth on its outer surface for receiving selected printed indicia, such as product information and growth instructions. In certain embodiments, the side wall may be laminated, contain openings, or have a handle disposed thereon. The container is used by placing a plant and a plant growth medium in the container, then exposing the resulting potted plant to selected conditions of temperature, moisture, and light. The potted plant may also be placed in soil or in a larger container without the need to remove the biodegradable container.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/962,122, filed Jul. 25, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, including but not limited to those portions that specifically appear hereinafter, the incorporation by reference being made with the following exception: In the event that any portion of the above-referenced provisional application is inconsistent with this application, this application supercedes the above-referenced provisional application. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    This invention relates to containers for growing, holding, transporting, and planting plants. More particularly, illustrative embodiments of this invention relate to plant containers lacking a bottom wall. Other illustrative embodiments of this invention relate to similar plant containers made of biodegradable materials; having a smooth side wall; and having a flexible, self-supporting side wall. 
         [0004]    Numerous containers and pots for growing, holding, transporting, and planting plants have been developed over the years. Illustrative containers and related articles of manufacture include the following. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,785,088 describes a nursery pot having two series of openings in the side wall thereof. Both series of openings permit drainage of excess water from the pot and entry of air into the pot to promote root growth. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,939,865 discloses containers for growing transplantable plants. The container is made by laterally joining a selected number of identical side panels. The side panels are bendable to accommodate the various arcs that are needed for containers of different sizes. Each side panel includes holes in it such that roots growing in the container are air-pruned when they reach the vicinity of the holes. When it is time to transplant the plant, the sides are removed, thus exposing the growth medium and the plant. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,607 describes a container for growing plants. The container is made of a strip of flexible material with an inner surface having truncated conical recesses and an outer surface having protuberances in a relative positional arrangement similar to that of the recesses. When the strip is arranged in a cylindrical configuration with opposite ends overlapping, the protuberances in the outer surface of one end nest in the recesses of the inner surface of the other end. Fasteners hold the strip in overlapping, nested engagement. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,908 discloses a method of growing perennial plants. The method involves growing a plant in a bottomless container wherein the container is placed on a support surface. The plant is then grown until the root system is sufficiently developed to hold the soil in the container. Then the plant and container are planted as a unit in soil in a field, where growth continues. The plant is harvested by undercutting the roots and removing the container and plant as a unit from the soil. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,403 describes packing sphagnum into a paper casing and then cutting the resulting tubular structure into blocks of a selected length. These blocks are mounted in a cutting tray containing pockets for receiving the blocks. Plants are grown in the mounted blocks until they are transferred to plant pots having a larger substrate volume. The casing material gradually decomposes, such that the plant can then freely extend its roots in the plant pot. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,308 discloses a growth substrate packed in a casing formed of a dual material comprising a durable open web portion and a disintegrable web-filling or web-covering portion. The web-filling or web-covering portion disintegrates either in the manufacturing process or consequent to exposure to moisture. Thereafter, the open web portion holds the block together while permitting root penetration. 
         [0011]    U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060241216 discloses an adjustably biodegradable container for plants and overpackaging for containers. This container is made of a printable materials such that indicia can be printed thereon. Such indicia may include the age of the plant, information relating to the producer, information on the conditions of planting, suggestions for growth, and the like. The biodegradable material comprises a mixture of polycaprolactone, polystyrene, and a vegetable load, such as corn flour, wheat flour, and/or cellulose. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,306 describes a paper seeding container having a rim, a seam along a vertical dimension, and an overlap in the seam. The bottom end of the container has a twisted and flattened tuft of paper. A fold is provided around the rim for enclosing the overlap crosswise for retaining the shape of the container. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,011,778 discloses placing a loose substrate in a paper casing to form an endless tube, moistening the substrate, and cutting the endless tube into blocks. The blocks are placed into trays, holes are formed in the blocks for receiving cuttings, and the cuttings are placed in the blocks. The trays are then transferred to greenhouse tables in a greenhouse. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,473 describes a recyclable corrugated beverage container holder. The holder consists of a tubular liner to which a fluted outer layer adheres. The fluted layer provides insulating air pockets for thermally spacing the hands of the user from the harsh temperatures of the contents of the container. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,497 discloses a cup holder defined by a band for mounting on and encircling a cup, the band having an open top and an open bottom through which the cup may extend. The band contains an inner surface that is immediately adjacent to the cup when the cup is received by the band, and this inner surface includes semi-spherically shaped depressions distributed thereon so that each depression defines a non-contacting region of the band, thus creating an air gap between the band and the cup that reduces the rate of heat transfer through the cup holder. 
         [0016]    While prior plant containers and methods of use thereof are known and are generally suitable for their limited purposes, they possess certain inherent deficiencies that detract from their overall utility in horticulture. 
         [0017]    In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that providing a bottomless pot for plants would be a significant advancement in the art. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    An illustrative embodiment of a plant container according to the present invention comprises a flexible side wall that is sufficiently rigid to be self supporting, the side wall defining an open top, an open bottom, and a cavity for receiving a plant growth medium and a plant. The side wall may be comprised of a biodegradable material. Further, the side wall may be laminated and/or comprise a smooth outer surface adapted for being printed with selected indicia, such as product information, growing instructions, trademarks, decorative designs, and the like. Still further, the side wall may comprise at least one opening therein. Another illustrative embodiment of the invention may comprise a handle disposed thereon. The side wall may be folded to permit the container to be stored in a substantially flattened configuration. 
         [0019]    In another illustrative embodiment of the invention, the container comprises a biodegradable material, for example about 10-100% by weight of polylactic acid and, optionally, about 0-90% by weight of a vegetable load. The vegetable load may comprise a starch, a flour, or a cellulose, or a mixture thereof. In another illustrative embodiment of the invention, the biodegradable material comprises about 10-100% by weight of polyhydroxyalkanoate and, optionally, about 0-90% by weight of a vegetable load. In still another illustrative embodiment of the invention, the biodegradable material comprises about 10-100% by weight of calcium carbonate and, optionally, about 0-90% by weight of a vegetable load. In yet another illustrative embodiment of the invention, the biodegradable material comprises a cellulosic material. The cellulosic material may further comprise a water-resistant material. The biodegradable material may further comprise a plant nutrient or a pesticide. 
         [0020]    An illustrative method of growing a plant according to the present invention comprises 
         [0021]    (a) placing a plant and a first plant growth medium in a container comprising a flexible side wall that is sufficiently rigid to be self supporting, the side wall defining an open top, an open bottom, and a cavity for receiving the first plant growth medium and the plant; and 
         [0022]    (b) exposing the plant, first plant growth medium, and biodegradable container to selected conditions of temperature, moisture, and light. The method may further comprise placing the combined plant, first plant growth medium, and biodegradable container in a second plant growth medium, such as soil in a field, bed, or larger container, without the need for removing the biodegradable container. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention in an opened configuration. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  shows a top view of embodiment of  FIG. 1  in a partially opened configuration. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  shows a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , opened further than the position shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  shows a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in a flat position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  shows a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in a completely opened configuration. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  shows a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in a completely opened configuration. 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  shows the side wall of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , wherein the seam was opened such that the side wall lies in one plane. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 8-10  show top views of other illustrative embodiments of the present invention, wherein the side wall of each embodiment is in an open configuration lying in one plane. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  shows a top view of another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, wherein the side wall is in an open configuration lying in one plane. 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, wherein a handle is disposed on the side wall. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]    Before the present bottomless plant container and methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. 
         [0035]    The publications and other reference materials referred to herein to describe the background of the invention and to provide additional detail regarding its practice are hereby incorporated by reference. The references discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. 
         [0036]    It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to“a plant” includes two or more plants, reference to “a biodegradable material” includes reference to a mixture of two or more biodegradable materials, and reference to “a plant growth medium” includes reference to a mixture of two or more plant growth media. 
         [0037]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. 
         [0038]    In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below. 
         [0039]    As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.” As used herein, “consisting of” and grammatical equivalents thereof exclude any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. As used herein, “consisting essentially of” and grammatical equivalents thereof limit the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic or characteristics of the claimed invention. 
         [0040]    As used herein, “plant” includes a propagule thereof. Thus, reference to a plant container according to the present invention for receiving “a plant” includes reference to a seed, a spore, a cutting, and any other part of the vegetative body capable of independent growth if detached from the parent. 
         [0041]    As used herein, “polyhydroxyalkanoate” means any of a family of biodegradable linear polyesters produced by bacterial fermentation of sugars or lipids. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are polymers of 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-hydroxyalkanoic acids. PHAs are classified into two types, short chain length PHAs with C 3 -C 5  hydroxyacids and medium chain length PHAs with C 6 -C 16  hydroxyacids. The composition of the polymers is governed by the bacterial strain being used and the carbon source upon which the bacteria grow. Thus, their physical properties and rate of degradation can be altered by changing the bacterial source of the polymer and the corresponding fermentation conditions used. They can include thermoplastic or elastomeric materials with melting points ranging from about 40° C. to 180° C. The mechanical properties and biocompatibility of PHAs can also be changed by blending, modifying the surface, or combining PHAs with other polymers, enzymes, and inorganic materials. 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , there is shown a bottomless container, indicated generally at  10 . The container  10  may be formed of a strip of biodegradable material joined at a seam  12  to form a loop or sleeve with openings at both the top and bottom. Thus, the container  10  comprises a side wall  14  having a top edge  16  and a bottom edge  18 . The side wall  14  defines a top opening  20  and a bottom opening  22 . The side wall  14  may be tapered to assist in maintaining contents in the container  10 . The container  10  may optionally include folds  24  on opposite sides of the container  10  so that the container  10  may be placed in a flat configuration, as shown in the side view of the container  10  in  FIG. 4 . Accordingly, several containers  10  may be stacked together in a compact arrangement. When the container resides in a flat configuration, a side view of the container  10  shows that the top edge  16  and a bottom edge  18  may appear curved, as shown in  FIG. 4 . When the container resides in an opened configuration, such as is illustrated in  FIG. 5 , then a side view of the container  10  shows that the top edge  16  and the bottom edge  18  may appear flat, as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a strip  26  of material prior to its being formed into a container  10 . The strip  26  contains two generally arcuate edges that will form the top edge  16  and the bottom edge  18  of the container  10 . The strip also contains a first end  28  and a second end  30 . The container  10  is made by bringing the first end  28  and the second end  30  adjacent to each other with a first portion  32  of the side wall  14  adjacent to first end  28  overlapping a second portion  34  of the side wall  14  adjacent to second end  30 . The dashed lines  36 ,  38  show the extent of the areas of overlap. Illustratively, an adhesive may be used to cause the first portion  32  and the second portion  34  to adhere to each other, thus forming the container  10 . Alternatively, the first portion  32  and the second portion  34  may be caused to adhere to each other by heat sealing according to methods well known in the art. Overlapping of the first portion  32  and the second portion  34  forms the seam  12 . Alternatively, one or more fasteners may be used to fasten the first portion  32  and second portion  34  to each other.  FIGS. 5 and 6  also illustrate the overlap of the first portion  32  and the second portion  34 , with the first end  28  shown in phantom in  FIG. 5  and the second end  30  shown in phantom in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  shows another illustrative embodiment of the invention wherein a strip  26   a  of material prior to its being formed into a container  10 a is shown. The strip  26   a  contains two generally arcuate edges that will form the top edge  16   a  and the bottom edge  18   a  of the container  10   a . The strip also contains a first end  28   a  and a second end  30   a . A cut or slit  35  and  37  is made in the first end  28   a  and the second end  30   a , respectively, to form tabs  32   a  and  34   a . The container  10   a  is made by bringing the first end  28   a  and the second end  30   a  adjacent to each other and sliding tab  32   a  into slit  37  and tab  34   a  into slit  35  to form an interlocking joint that fastens the first end  28   a  and the second end  30   a  to each other. 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  shows another illustrative embodiment of the invention wherein a strip  26   b  of material prior to its being formed into a container  10   b  is shown. The strip  26   b  contains two generally arcuate edges that will form the top edge  16   b  and the bottom edge  18   b  of the container  10   b . The strip  26   b  also contains a first end  28   b  and a second end  30   b . A cut or slit  35   a  is made in the first end  28   a , and a tab  37   a  is formed in the second end  30   b . The container  10   b  is made by bringing the first end  28   b  and the second end  30   b  adjacent to each other and inserting tab  37   a  into slit  35   a , which fastens the first end  28   b  and the second end  30   b  to each other. Alternatively, a strip  16  as shown in  FIG. 7  can be formed into a container  10  by using a fastener wherein a first portion of the fastener, which may be disposed on first end  28 , comprises a tab, and a second portion of the fastener, which may be disposed on second end  30 , comprises a slot. The fastener is used by inserting the tab on the first portion of the fastener into the slot in the second portion of the fastener. Alternatively,  FIG. 12  shows a strip  26   d  that can be formed into a container  10   d  by using a fastener. Strip  26   d  contains a first end  28   d  and a second end  30   d , wherein the first end  28   d  comprises a slit  35   b . The fastener comprises a tab portion that may be inserted into slit  35   b  and an adhesive portion that may be disposed on the second end  30   d , thus effectively joining the first end  28   d  and the second end  30   d  and resulting in the container  10   d.    
         [0046]      FIG. 10  shows still another illustrative embodiment of the invention wherein a strip  26   c  of material prior to its being formed into a container  10   c  is shown. The strip  26   c  contains two generally arcuate edges that will form the top edge  16   c  and the bottom edge  18   c  of the container  10   c . The strip  26   c  also contains a first end  28   c  and a second end  30   c . The container is made by bringing the first end  28   c  and the second end  30   c  adjacent to each other and fastening them to each other, such as with an adhesive, one or more fasteners, tab-in-slit fastening, or the like. 
         [0047]      FIG. 11  shows another illustrative embodiment of the invention, wherein the side wall  14  contains holes  40  formed therein. The holes permit water and air to flow more freely to the plant growth medium contained in the container, and thus to the roots of the plant. If the plant, plant growth medium, and container are placed as a unit in another plant growth medium, such as soil in a field, bed, or larger container, then the roots of the plant may grow and extend through the holes  40  in the side wall. 
         [0048]      FIG. 13  shows still another illustrative embodiment of the invention, wherein the container  10   e  further comprises a handle  42  disposed on the side wall  14   e  at or adjacent to the top edge  16   e . The handle  42  can be attached to the side wall  14   e  with adhesives or fasteners, according to methods well known in the art. Alternatively, each end of the handle  42  can comprise a tab  44  that can be inserted through a slit  46  in the side wall  14   e.    
         [0049]    As shown in  FIGS. 7-10  and  12 - 13 , the container  10 - 10   e  may have a sidewall  14 - 14   e  having a smooth surface for receiving any of a variety of indicia, such as decorations, instructions, advertisements, and the like. The container  10 - 10   e  may be formed of a flexible material so the container  10 - 10   e  may be opened to form a substantially tubular configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  5 , and  6 . The top opening may be larger than the bottom opening such that the container has the appearance of a truncated cone. Also, the container  10 - 10   e  may have sufficient rigidity to maintain a shape whether or not soil is placed in the container  10 - 10   e . That is, the container  10 - 10   e  may be sufficiently rigid to be self-supporting. The container  10 - 10   e  may optionally be constructed as a single layer, as multiple layers, or having a laminated structure. 
         [0050]    The container  10 - 10   e  may be made of a biodegradable material such that plants may be planted in soil in the container, and the container will degrade over time such that roots may pass through the side of the container  10 - 10   e  into surrounding soil. Also, since the bottom of the container  10 - 10   e  is open, roots may pass through the bottom of the container  10 - 10   e . The container  10 - 10   e  can be planted directly into a larger pot or in soil, such as in a flower bed or a field. 
         [0051]    The biodegradable material that is used for making the biodegradable pot according to the present invention may be of any of several types. A first illustrative material comprises about 10-100% by weight ofthe polyester, polylactic acid (PLA). Optionally, this first material may also comprise about 0-90% by weight of a vegetable load mixed with the PLA. Illustrative compositions that may comprise the vegetable load include starches, flours, celluloses, or the like, or mixtures thereof. The starches, flours, and celluloses can be from any plant. For example, starches that can be used according to the present invention can include cornstarch, rice starch, wheat starch, or the like. Similarly, flours and celluloses that can be used according to the present invention include flours and celluloses from a variety of plant sources, such as corn, wheat, rice, barley, oats, or the like. 
         [0052]    A second illustrative material that can be used for making the biodegradable container according to the present invention comprises about 10-100% by weight of a polyhydroxyalkanoate polyester (PHA). As in the first material, the second material may also optionally comprise about 0-90% by weight of a vegetable load mixed with the PHA, wherein the vegetable load may comprise starches, flours, celluloses, or the like, or mixtures thereof, as described above in connection with the first material. 
         [0053]    A third illustrative material that can be used for making the biodegradable container according to the present invention comprises about 10-100% by weight of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ). As in the first and second materials, the third material may also optionally comprise about 0-90% by weight of a vegetable load mixed with the calcium carbonate, wherein the vegetable load may comprise starches, flours, celluloses, or the like, or mixtures thereof, as described above. 
         [0054]    A fourth illustrative material that an be used for making the biodegradable container according to the present invention comprises a cellulosic material, typically incorporating a water-resistant material therein, or at least on the surface thereof. 
         [0055]    In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the side wall of the container may be constructed of any of the suitable biodegradable materials, and the side wall may be laminated with a biodegradable plastic, such as PHA. 
         [0056]    The biodegradable material can also include nutrients, pesticides, and similar ingredients to stimulate growth and control fungi, insects, and other pests or disease agents. Upon wetting and degradation of the material, these amendments can leach into the plant growth medium to carry out their beneficial effects. 
         [0057]    Biodegradable papers can be made of these biodegradable materials according to methods well known in the art of paper making. The resulting biodegradable papers can be printed with indicia of any selected type, such as with decorative indicia, trademarks, product information, watering instructions, and the like. The biodegradable papers can also be cut, folded, and fastened to result in the plant container. 
         [0058]    The bottomless container of the present invention can be used for growing plants by placing a selected plant growth medium, such as soil or potting mix, into the pot and placing one or more seeds or other propagules in the plant growth medium. Similarly, a seedling may be transplanted or a cutting may be rooted in the plant growth medium. The plant can be exposed to selected environmental conditions of temperature, moisture, and light to permit the plants to grow. At a selected time, the pot and the plant it contains can be planted as a unit in a field, flowerbed, larger pot, or other selected location.