Patent Publication Number: US-2006005466-A1

Title: Suspended plant growing system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates to a plant container, and more particularly, to a plant container that provides the most optimum exposure to air for air-pruning of a plant&#39;s roots.  
      A common problem experienced by commercial ornamental horticultural nurseries is circling and kinking of a plant&#39;s root system due to the plant developing its root system in a container not designed to reduce the chances for the roots to circle and/or kink. One form of kinking is when a taproot reaches the base of a container and then curves upward, thus forming a “J” root. This “J” root could kill a plant.  
      Another issue faced by nurseries is insuring that plants grow as vertical as possible. This becomes a more significant issue when nurseries are established on ground that is not level or when a nursery is in an area that experiences significant wind gusts. Either of these environmental conditions can result in a plant not growing vertical. The direction a plant&#39;s roots grow is particularly important. Tree roots are established early and do not change direction once they are established. Tree roots generally grow out from the center of the tree and down to the depth of the environment provided for the roots to grow. The more roots developed, the healthier the circulatory system and ability to uptake nutrients and moisture. The goal in growing the plant is to develop as many fibrous, hair-like roots as possible before the tree reaches a 1 to 2 inch caliper size. Additionally, the fibrous roots should be well branched and as straight as possible for a successful transplant into the next container size or a landscape project.  
      Air-root pruning is one approached used to reduce J-root formation. By using air-root pruning, ends of a root are exposed to air. Typically, a plastic container is used where a plurality of openings are formed through the container&#39;s sidewall and/or base. Because a container is still needed to properly hold the root ball of a plant, the surface area of the container is comprised more of the plastic, or some other material, than openings to allow air-root pruning.  
      Plant growers would benefit from a growing container that is able to provide for pruning plant roots while also being able to optimally function in various environmental conditions.  
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for improving root development of a plant where air-root pruning is possible around all outer surfaces of a container. In a preferred embodiment a plant growing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a plurality of legs extending upward from a surface, such as the ground. Connectors are provided for holding the plurality of legs stationary. A holding mechanism is also provided and is connected to at least one of the plurality of legs and the connectors. A mesh-like bag is used and is secured in place by the connectors. The mesh-like bag is held between the plurality of legs and elevated over the surface. A given distance between the surface and the container is maintained to insure adequate airflow across the entirety of the container to insure complete air pruning of all emerging root tips.  
      A method for air-root pruning and insuring a vertical growing plant is also disclosed. The method comprises providing a container that has more surface area with no material than actual material comprising the container.  
      Providing support legs that connect to the container near a top of said container is also disclosed. The method further discloses suspending the container above a surface that the support legs are rest upon. The container and plant are allowed to move from a vertical starting position and to sway when wind is applied against the container and plant. The container and plant then return to their starting position when the wind has ceased. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numbers represent like parts throughout the drawings, and in which:  
       FIG. 1  is an elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is an elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention connected to a ground surface and encountering wind;  
       FIG. 3  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 4  is an exemplary embodiment of a net bag;  
       FIG. 5  is an exemplary embodiment of another net bag;  
       FIG. 6  is an elevation view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention with an insert bag support ring;  
       FIG. 7  is an elevational view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a removable locking ring;  
       FIG. 8  is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention having a net bag fastened with eight fasteners;  
       FIG. 9  is an elevational view of a rectangular frame assembly; and  
       FIG. 10  is an exemplary block diagram of a method of the present invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      With reference to the figures, exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described. The scope of the invention disclosed is applicable to a plurality of containers used for growing and transporting plants, such as trees. Thus, even though embodiments are described specific to using a cylindrical mesh-like bag, one skilled in the art will recognize how the invention is also applicable to other containment devices.  
       FIGS. 1 &amp; 2  illustrate elevational views of exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, a mesh-like bag  10  is suspended from a frame  12 . The frame  12  has a minimum of three base legs  13 . As illustrated, rings  15  are connected to the base legs  13 , which give the frame  12  a circular configuration. In one exemplary embodiment, two rings  15  are provided where both rings  15  are of equal diameter and thickness. In another exemplary embodiment, the rings  15  are wider in diameter the further the rings are placed down the base legs  13  as the base legs  13  reach the ground  20 , as further illustrated in  FIG. 3 .  
      The ring  15  positioned a furthest distance from the ground  20 , or the end of the leg  13  that is placed upon or in a ground surface, may be located at a plurality of locations. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a first ring  16  is near the top of the invention  5 . Whereas in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the base legs  13  extend a considerable distance above the highest ring  17 . Though two rings are illustrated, more or fewer rings may be used, where even half rings connecting certain legs together may be used (not illustrated). The number of rings may be determined based on the structural strength of the material being used for the present invention  5  as well as the estimated weight of the soil, root-ball, and plant, when all are dry as well as when all are wet. In another exemplary embodiment, the rings  15  possess a thickness where the thickness of the rings  15  is tapered at an angle resulting in the diameter of the ring  15  increasing at a lower position when compared to a high position on the ring  15 .  
      The legs  13  and rings  15  can be made of a plurality of materials, such as but not limited to, PVC pipe to metal wire, rods or tubing. The thickness or material determination will be based upon the estimate weight of the plant to be held suspended above the ground. In preferred embodiments, heavier channel frames can be used to suspend much larger root balls that weigh between 250 to 600 pounds. When metal wire, rods or tubing is used, the pieces can be welded together and assembled at the point of manufacture or can be configured for assembly at a place of usage.  
      As further illustrated in  FIG. 1 , to insure that a plant grows vertically when the invention is placed on uneven ground, the legs  13  are configured to extend or retract to an acceptable distance. A release device  25  is provided on each individual leg  13  to extend and/or retract the respective leg  13 . To further insure that the plant is growing vertically, levels  27 , such as spirit levels, are built into or connected to the invention, such as to a ring. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a single level or a plurality of levels may be placed on or constructed into the present invention, at a plurality of locations upon the frame. Thus, when placing the present invention upon a surface, a user can view the level and adjust respective legs accordingly to insure the plant is hanging vertically. In another exemplary embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the legs  13  of the assembly may be inserted directly into a ground surface  20 .  
       FIGS. 4 and 5  are exemplary embodiments of cylindrically shaped containers  10 , such as mesh-like bags. These bags may be biodegradable or reusable synthetic materials. As illustrated, cylindrically shaped containers, constructed of a biodegradable or reusable synthetic mesh or net, is provided. In a preferred use, natural materials are used for lager plants and can be transplanted directly into the landscape without any detrimental effect to a plant that may result from having to remove it from a bag.  
      The top half of the mesh-like bag has a reinforced band  30  with handles  32  that extend from the band  30 . As further illustrated by  FIG. 5 , the base  34  of the mesh-like bag may comprise a plurality of shapes with or without a reinforced bottom. As further illustrated in  FIG. 2 , an interior lining  40  may also be provided. The interior lining  40  may consist of natural fibered materials that re designed to allow roots to penetrate it. Once roots penetrate the interior lining  40 , the roots are exposed to air, wherein air-root pruning may occur.  
      As one skilled in the art will readily recognize, a plurality of methods are available for holding the mesh-like bag  10  in place upon the assembly  7 . The examples provided below are for illustrational purposes only and are not to be considered the only ways to hold the mesh-like bag  10  to the assembly  7 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the handles or locking mechanisms on the net or mesh-like bag are placed around the top ends of the legs. As further illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the handles  32 , or locking mechanisms, may also be double looped  33 ,  35  wherein the outer loop  33  is provided as a lifting strap. In another exemplary embodiment, further illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the net or mesh-like bag  10  does not have handles, but has a top seam  50  and an opening  42  to allow a support ring  55  to be slipped through the seam  50 . The support ring  55  inside the seam  50  is fashioned and fitted onto connectors  57  extending from the top end of the legs  13 , allowing it to rest on the legs  13  or, in another exemplary embodiment, upon a top stationary ring  17 . In another exemplary embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the net or mesh bag  10  is draped over a side of a top removable ring  60 . With the draped material being placed around the removable bag support ring  60 , it is then inserted inside a top fixed ring  65 , which wedges the material  62  between the fixed  65  and removable top ring  60 .  
      The bag  10  is constructed to a specific length so that a specific distance is available between the ground  20  and the bottom of the net bag. Depending on the construction of the bag  10  and the type of plant being grown, the specific distance can vary from less than an inch to over twelve inches. The reason for the specific distance is to insure airflow along the bottom of the bag  10  without structure directing airflow to the bottom of the bag  10 .  
       FIG. 8  is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention having a net bag  10  fastened with eight fasteners  69  and  FIG. 9  is an elevational view of a cubical frame assembly  7 . As illustrated, the present invention  5  can be configured for other shapes other than cylindrical. As further illustrated, more than three connectors for securing the mesh-like bag  10  are also available.  
      As further illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 9 , base feet  70  are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the base feet  70  are perforated, or posses holes  71  to allow a staking rod or anchoring device  72  to secure the frame  7  to a ground surface  20 . For example when a channel frame is used, which cannot be inserted into the ground  30 , anchoring devices  72  are used. In another preferred embodiment, the base feet  70  provide a wider base (not illustrated) which provides a greater surface area that contacts the ground  20 .  
      In an exemplary operation, illustrated in  FIG. 10 , when a plant is initially planted, the mesh bag  10  is secured to the assembly  7  using the fasteners  69  connected to the assembly Steps  82  and  84 . The fasteners  69  can be a top end of base legs  12 . A soil mix is poured into the mesh-like bag  10 , to a suitable depth to support bottom root ball growth. The plant and root ball are then placed into the bag  10  and held upright in place until additional soil mix can be added around the sides Step  80 . The plant and soil mix is then sufficiently wetted to remove any internal air spaces that may have developed during the planting process. Once in place, because of its elevated position, proper air-root pruning is made possible around sides of the root ball with no reduction of air flow due to the ground or limited air flow because of a greater amount of container surface area Step  90 . When windy weather conditions are encountered, the mesh-like bag is able to sway in the wind and is then able to return to a vertical condition once the wind ceases Steps  86  and  88 .  
      When a plurality of the present invention is used in a nursery, each frame  12  can be placed at a given distance from the next frame. After plants are sold, the bag  10  and plant are removed from the frame  12 , leaving the frame stationary. Furthermore, being suspended allows a tree  100  to move in unison with a wind gust while not disturbing the plant&#39;s root ball, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . A healthy root ball benefits from the least amount of movement.  
      While the invention has been described in what is presently considered to be a preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the specific illustrative embodiment, but be interpreted within the full spirit and scope of the appended claims.