Patent Publication Number: US-2009223126-A1

Title: Vertical plant supporting system

Description:
This application is a continuation of PCT/CA2007/00357 filed on Mar. 6, 2007 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/778,842 filed Mar. 6, 2006. The disclosures of PCT/CA2007/000357 and 60/778,842 are incorporated herein, in their entirety, by this reference to them 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of vertical plant supports, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for living walls. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A living wall is a vertical garden. Vertical gardens can be mounted against a wall, or can be used independently as a privacy barrier. A single or multi-sided vertical garden can also be used as a freestanding architectural feature. Living walls may be located both indoors and out, and offer many functional, environmental and aesthetic benefits. 
     In exterior applications, living walls provide a form of urban agriculture or urban gardening, providing good use of otherwise unutilized vertical surface areas. They may be built as a work of art for their own sake, or they may be incorporated into roadside advertising or other commercial display applications. Functionally, a living wall can clad an existing structural wall thereby extending the lifespan of traditional exterior wall materials and reducing heating and cooling energy costs. 
     Indoors, living walls can provide a pleasing natural feature for building occupants. They can also improve the quality of re-circulated air with the photosynthetic production of Oxygen and by providing bacteria on the roots of the plants that metabolize air impurities such as volatile organic compounds. So called active walls may be joined to a building&#39;s air circulation system where fans blow air through the wall and then re-circulate the air throughout the building. Some active walls are kept behind glass to create more predictable airflow effects. Inactive walls have no mechanized air circulation. Instead, they are kept open to promote as much free air circulation as possible. 
     Living walls, both indoor and outdoor, also provide a means for water reuse, at least as utility water. The plants of a living wall may purify slightly polluted water (such as greywater) by digesting the dissolved nutrients, with Bacteria mineralizing the organic components to make them available to the plants. 
     Typically, a living wall will be either freestanding or installed directly on an existing wall surface. Many systems use a lightweight mineral substrate of different sizes with pockets of growing medium, alternative rainwater, drip or mist watering systems, and planting selected for the particular microclimatic conditions at its installed location. 
     The vegetation of living walls is typically grown from seed after the other components of the living wall are installed. This growing period results in increased maintenance costs, loss of growth medium from wind erosion in exterior applications and other natural forces, and delays the realization of benefits from the living wall. Living walls installed in this fashion are also typically permanent or semi-permanent fixtures and, as such, render repairs to the underlying wall difficult and expensive. 
     In cases where living walls are installed on existing structural walls, significant alterations may be required to the existing wall surface to accommodate a permanent or semi-permanent installation. Existing cladding may not be capable of suitable attachment, or sustaining long-term direct contact with water and growth media. Permanent and semi-permanent installations are also typically static in their design, with the structure and site-grown plant selection being established at the time of installation. Any desired structural or planting changes, for either functional, commercial or aesthetic reasons, would require disrupting or replacing the established living wall, thereby incurring more maintenance costs and delays in benefit from the new living wall design. 
     Thus, there is a need for an improved vertical plant support for use in a living wall application that overcomes some or all of the disadvantages evident in current living wall designs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the accompanying drawings, 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front isometric view of a vertical plant supporting system in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a back isometric view of the vertical plant supporting system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the vertical plant supporting system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the vertical plant supporting system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a back view of the vertical plant supporting system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the vertical plant supporting system of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the vertical plant supporting system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the vertical plant support; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the vertical plant support; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the vertical plant support; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a living wall comprising a plurality of vertical plant supports; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective and detail illustration of an example means of connecting adjacent vertical plant supports for use in a living wall application; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view and detail of an example method of mounting vertical plant supports to a vertical surface; 
         FIG. 14  is perspective view and detail of other methods of hanging a vertical plant support; 
         FIG. 15  is a rear perspective view of a vertical plant support with one form of irrigation; 
         FIG. 16  is a partial side view of a vertical plant support and trough; 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of a vertical plant support with misting irrigation; 
         FIG. 18  is another embodiment of a vertical plant support for use in cleaning greywater; 
         FIG. 19  is a partial perspective view of a vertical plan support with additional rooting holes; 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of another irrigation system comprising a pump to recycle liquid; 
         FIG. 21  is a collection of views of another embodiment of a vertical plant support; 
         FIG. 22  is a collection of views of an alternate embodiment of a vertical plant support of  FIG. 21 ; and 
         FIG. 23  are isometric views of the vertical plant support of  FIG. 21 ; and 
         FIG. 24  is a photograph of a vertical plant support with vegetation supported therein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 7 , there is generally illustrated one embodiment of a vertical plant support  10  in accordance with the present invention having a wall  20  and a matrix of tubes  30 . Wall  20  comprises a panel  22  and an anchor layer  24  oriented so that the anchor layer  24  is positioned intermediate the panel  22  and the matrix of tubes  30 . The matrix of tubes  30  can be arranged as any regular or irregular array or arrangement of tubes. Each tube is open at the front portion to provide an aperture through which plants grow, and at the rear portion adjacent the anchor layer  24  so that the plant roots may grow into the anchor layer  24 . Preferably, anchor layer  24  is exposed along an upper edge  26  and a lower edge  28  while intermediate the panel  22  and matrix of tubes  30 . Also preferably, vertical plant support  10  is provided with at least one means for attaching the vertical plant support  10  to a vertical structure or support. In the illustrated embodiment, an advantageous hanging element  50  is shown connected to the upper portion of the wall  20  and extending rearward therefrom. Hanging element  50  defines a hanging surface  52  adapted to mate with a cooperating portion of a vertical structure or support (not shown). Vertical plant support  10  may also include one or more feet  54  sized to space the vertical plant support  10  from its supporting structure. Feet  54  can be sized to project rearward a distance similar to the hanging supports  50 , or they may be longer or shorter thereby causing to vertical plant support  10  to deviate from a vertical orientation. 
     Vertical plant support  10  may be manufactured from several individual components that are fastened together by welding, adhesives or other bonding or fastening methods, or it may be moulded to form one or more pieces that are then connected together. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 to 7 , wall  20  is shown to be generally rectangular, and the volume of the matrix of tubes  30  is defined by a parallelepiped. With consideration of the discussion below, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art, that the perimeter shape and volume defined by vertical plant support  10  may be modified and still be within the scope of the invention disclosed herein, all of which is intended to be included in this description. 
     Typically, anchor layer  24  is a porous sheet of regular or irregular three-dimensional mesh or screen. For example, anchor layer  24  may be a sheet of intertwined fibers, wire, or coated wire. Anchor layer  24  can be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, plastics such as such as polyester, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene, wires made of metals such as steel and copper, organic materials such as hemp, rockwool, wood fibers, and coconut fibers, and combinations thereof. It has been found particularly advantageous to use a combination of natural and synthetic fibres. Natural fibres have a natural wicking ability that helps transport water add nutrients to the plants. Synthetic fibres offer a stable, long-lasting structure to support root growth. 
     Panel  22  and the matrix of tunes  30  can be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, wood, metal, and plastics such as polyester, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and combinations thereof. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 to 7 , panel  22  is square having first sides  40  approximately two feet in length and second sides  42  also approximately two feet in length. In this embodiment, the matrix of tubes  30  are arranged to define 2 columns and 12 rows of cavities adapted to accept plantings. In this example, each tube will have an open end that measures approximately 2 inches by 12 inches, and have a depth of approximately 4 inches. Anchor layer  24  may have any dimensions suitable for a particular embodiment. In one embodiment, anchor layer  24  is between 0.125 and 1 inch thick. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the precise dimensions of the vertical plant support  10  will be governed by many factors, including the location of the installation, the types of plants grown, the weight-bearing capacity of any underlying support wall. Modifications of this nature are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. 
     A further aspect illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 7  in respect to the vertical plant support  10  is the acute angle at which each tube in the matrix of tubes  30  extends outwardly from the anchor layer  24 . In the depicted embodiment, each tube forms an approximately 60-degree angle with the anchor layer  24 . Angles greater or less than 60 degrees may be employed as determined by the circumstances of the installation. The purpose of the angle is to facilitate the retention of water and growth media that may be added to the closed cavity defined by each tube in the matrix of tubes  30 . 
     In use, anchor layer  24  provides a means for supporting the growth of vegetation. Typically, the roots of vegetation propagate into, and become entangled in, anchor layer  24 . In this way, anchor layer  24  provides physical support to the vegetation. Anchor layer  24  also retains water and nutrients that are supplied to it and in turn supplies the water and nutrients to the vegetation. Anchor layer  24  may also be impregnated with a growth medium or growth medium may be added to the cavity defined by each tube in the matrix of tubes  30 . Growth medium may be chosen from a variety of materials. For example, many soils, sands, and gravels may be used. As well, clay, gravel, fertilizer, peat, compost, super-absorbent polymers, and combinations thereof may be used in other embodiments, for example. 
     For greater certainty, examples of alternate embodiments of the vertical plant support are shown in  FIGS. 8 to 10 .  FIG. 8  shows vertical plant support  10 ′ having a matrix of tubes  30 ′ arranged as a single array of one column and 8 rows of tubes, with the open end of each tube measuring approximately 8 inches by 3 inches.  FIG. 9  shows a vertical plant support  10 ″ similar to vertical plant support  10  with two columns and 9 rows of tubes in the matrix  30 ″. Similarly,  FIG. 10  shows an expanded vertical plant support  10 ′″ having a matrix of tubes arranged into 9 rows and 8 columns. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , installations of a living wall  100  in accordance with the present invention may be accomplished by combining one or more individual vertical plant supports  10 . In the illustrated example, 12 vertical plant supports  10  are arranged in a four-by-three grid. Preferably, vertical plant supports  10  are shaped so as to abut with adjacent vertical plant supports so that little or no gaps are present, thereby enhancing the appearance of the living wall  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , vertical plant support may optionally be adapted to interconnect with adjacent vertical wall supports  10  in a living wall  100  application. Integral connectors may take on many different forms.  FIG. 12  illustrates one such method, where at least one dovetail slot  110  is defined on an exterior surface  112  of the matrix of tubes  30 . The opposite exterior surface of the matrix of tubes  30  contains a similar number of dovetail ribs  120  positioned so as to align with the correspondingly sized dovetail slots  110  of an adjacent vertical plant support  10 . 
     Individual vertical plant supports  10  can be located in indoor or outdoor environments, and may be connected to any number of different vertical support structures by numerous means within the skill of an ordinary worker. A first example is illustrated in  FIG. 13 , whereby one or more vertical plant supports can be hung from one or more beveled horizontal rails  130 . Horizontal rails  130  may optionally be attached to vertical rails  132  to provide adequate clearance with the underlying support structure. The horizontal rails  130  may also be connected directly to the surface of a structural wall  140 . The blow-up detail of  FIG. 13  shows a side view of a vertical plant support  10  mounted on a horizontal rail  130 . Horizontal rail  130  is advantageously configured to have a beveled top surface  134  that extends outwardly and upwardly with respect to the structural wall  140 . Horizontal rails  130  may be connected to the structural wall  140  by many means commonly understood in the art. The illustrated embodiment shows bolt  142  and spacers  138  located intermediate the horizontal rail  130  and the structural wall  140  The beveled angle on the horizontal rail  130  is adapted to match the angle of the hanging surface  52  of the example hanging element  50 . 
     Preferably, the angle of the matrix of tubes  30 , the angle of the hanging surface  52 , and the angle of the beveled upper surface of the horizontal are substantially equal with respect to the supporting structure such as structural wall  140 . This allows an individual vertical plant support  10  that is a part of a larger living wall  100  installation, with adjacent vertical plant supports  10  abutting each other, to be slidably removed from living wall  100  for replacement with a new vertical plant support  10 , or repair of the supporting structure such as the structural wall  140 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates yet another example of a means for attaching vertical plant support  10  to its support structure. One or more hooks  150  may be connected to a ceiling, bracket or other weight-bearing structure (not shown). One or more of the tubes in the matrix of tubes  30  may optionally define apertures  152  sized to accommodate hooks  150 . Similarly, one or more of the tubes in the matrix of tubes  30  may optionally have a strap  154  connected thereto and of sufficient length to engage one or more hooks  150 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 15 , there is shown an embodiment of an irrigation system for a vertical plant support  10 . Water supply  160  is positioned along the upper surface of the matrix of tubes  30  and connected to a supply of water that may contain additional plant nutrients (not shown). The illustration shows water supply  160  as a soaker hose, but it will be appreciated that water supply  160  may include many other water distribution means such as drip irrigation or storm water runoff from a exterior roof. Preferable, water supply  160  is positioned so that the supplied water contacts the upper surface  32  of the matrix of tubes  30  at or above upper edge  26 . Water and/or nutrients may then flow downward under the influence of gravity, either directly onto the upper edge  26  of porous anchor layer  24  or down the inclined upper surface  32  of the matrix of tubes  30 . Preferably, water supply  160  delivers the water to the vertical plant support  10  substantially as a sheet so that the volume of water entering the anchor layer  24  at its upper edge  26  is substantially uniform. Optionally, panel  22  my be extended upwardly or an additional barrier (not shown) may be attached to the upper edge of panel  22  to ensure that water or nutrients do not flow down the rear exterior surface of the panel  22 , possibly causing damage to any supporting structural surfaces. Water and nutrients then flow downward through anchor layer  24  in main flow direction A. Optionally, a trough  170  may be positioned adjacent lower edge  28  to collect any discharge of excess water. 
     When vertical plant supports  10  are hung as part of a living wall  100  and at least one vertical plant support is mounted above another, it has been found to be advantageous if the lower edge  28  of the anchor layer  24  is positioned adjacent the upper surface  32  so that water and/or nutrients that drain from the upper vertical wall support  10  flow downward on the upper surface in a manner similar to that described above. This positioning can be accomplished selectively sizing feet  54  or by any other means understood in the art. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates that in additional to the main flow direction A, water and nutrients are able to drawn in wicking direction B by plants, either through wicking action or by saturating growth media that may be located in the cavities defined by each tube in the matrix of tubes  30  (not shown). Optionally,  FIG. 17  shows that mist irrigation systems may also be affixed to the front portion of the matrix of tubes, and arranges and operated as generally understood in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , there is shown an alternate embodiment of a vertical plant support  10 ″″ for cleaning grey water. Preferably, defined in the horizontal surfaces of each tube in the matrix of tubes  30  there are flow holes  180  defined, spaced apart so as to form a boustrophedonic course C for the flow of grey water downward through the matrix of tubes  30 . In this embodiment, vertical plant support  10 ″″ may optionally contain one or more anchor layers  24  or other growth media as understood in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , optionally, a plurality of rooting holes  200  may be defined in the horizontal or vertical surfaces of each of the tubes in the matrix of tubes  30  to allow roots to grow between adjacent tubes in the matrix of tubes  30 . 
       FIG. 20  illustrates another optional irrigation system wherein a pump  190  may be connected in fluid connection with trough  170 . The outlet of pump  190  is then connected to conduit  192  for delivering water to the upper surface  32  of the matrix of tubes  30 , above the upper edge  26 , thereby creating a loop that recycles at least a portion of the water and/or nutrients. 
     Vertical plant support  10  can be easily installed on-site without requiring significant or permanent modification to the support structure or wall. They may be hung from an existing structural wall or a support structure may be erected to support the vertical plant supports  10 . This design feature advantageously allows each vertical plant support  10  to be populated with plants off-site and in controlled conditions such as a plant nursery, and then transported to the installation location. Typically, one of the major risks and expense to installing a vertical plant support  10  or larger living wall  100  installations is the growing of the plants in what are sometimes marginal growing conditions. By growing and establishing the plants in controlled conditions, they are thereby better able to adapt to their installed environment with increased chance for successful growth. This also reduces expenses related to tending to the plants during the growing phase. In this regard, the present invention also allows the vertical plant support  10  to be oriented horizontally while the plants are being established, which also facilitates the maintenance and increases the chances of successful growth during the initial phase. 
     This modularity also allows for individual vertical plant supports  10  to be exchanged as desired. Adjustments can therefore be made if the microclimate changes or if different plants are desired for a particular location. One is also able to incorporate designs in a living wall  100  application by choosing plants desirable texture or colour characteristics in adjacent vertical plant supports  10 . The design can then be changed later if desired. 
     Optionally, vertical plant supports  10  may be used as part of a bio-filtration system. In this case, panel  22  would be gas permeable, thereby allowing air to be forced through the vertical plant support  10  by establishing a pressure differential between the front and rear of the vertical plant supports  10  to draw air through the structure, thereby removing impurities from the air. 
       FIGS. 21 to 23  illustrate an alternate embodiment wherein the matrix of tubes  30  are manufactured using injection moulding, while panels  22  are stamped from sheets of suitable material. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will appreciate that various other adaptations and modifications may be made to the method and apparatus of the present invention, and that all such modifications and adaptations are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.