Abstract:
A plant containing vessel that is modular in construction and attaches to narrow horizontal surfaces such as office partitions, movable walls, narrow ledges and window sills. It is a low profile design with a relatively small cross section that conforms to the approximate width and length of the surface to which it is mounted. The planter can accommodate a variety of organic or inorganic mediums. Active growing systems utilizing an air pump or water pump may be used as dictated by the oxygen requirements of the plants. The planter can exist as a stand-alone unit or be connected together to comprise a continuous network that extends across adjacent walls. Various means are described for securing the planter to the mounting surface. Various means are described for providing structural support to the plants. The support structures serves to raise the line of sight to promote privacy for the office occupants.

Description:
REFERENCES CITED 
     U.S. Patent Documents 
       [0001]    Provisional Patent, Appl No. 60/851,397—Filing Date Oct. 14, 2006, Martin D. Maier 
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         [0002]    The present invention relates plant containing vessels, and more particularly to a plant containing vessels mountable to wall end surfaces. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Plant containing vessels or “planters” are generally known. Planters that are visually appealing and non-obstructive are desirable in an office environment, particularly when they can be mounted to previously unutilized surfaces such as office partitions, moveable walls, narrow ledges and window sills, as office space is often limited. A low profile planter design with a small cross sectional area satisfies this need. A consequence, however, of a small cross sectional area is that there is less growth medium and oxygen to support plant growth. In general, roots require oxygen whereas the stem and leaves require carbon dioxide. As some root systems requires more oxygen than what a simple passive system can provide, an active system may be used which facilitates the transfer of oxygen and nutrients to the roots which offsets this deficiency and promotes vigorous plant growth in the reduced area afforded by the subject invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In one aspect, the present invention is a planter device mountable on a wall having an upper, generally horizontal end surface, the wall end surface having a width. The container comprises a generally tubular main body disposeable generally upon the wall end surface, the body having an interior chamber configured to contain at least a portion of a plant and at least one access opening extending into the chamber. The access opening is configured to provide access to the interior chamber and clearance for the plant. Further, the main body has a width substantially equal to the width of the wall end surface. 
         [0005]    In another aspect, the present invention is a planter device mountable on a wall having an upper, generally horizontal end surface, the wall end wall surface having a width. The planter device comprises first and second generally tubular main bodies each disposeable upon the wall end surface, each body having an interior chamber configured to contain at least a portion of a separate plant and at least one access opening extending into the chamber. The access opening is configured to provide access to the interior chamber and clearance for the plant and the body has a width substantially equal to the width of the wall end surface. Further, at least one coupler assembly is configured to connect the first and second main bodies and to fluidly couple the interior chambers of the two bodies. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The foregoing summary, as well as the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, which are diagrammatic, embodiments that are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a planter device in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a partly cut-away, side plan view of the planter device; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is an end view of the planter device; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a broken-away, side plan view of coupler assembly; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is another top plan view of the planter device; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a cut-away side plan view of the planter device, showing an air pump and air dispensing system; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of an alternate construction of a main tubular body having an elongated access opening; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a cut-away side plan view of the planter device of  FIG. 7 , showing an air pump and air dispensing system; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is more diagrammatic, cut-away end view of the planter device, depicting the flow of air through the vessel interior chamber; 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is an end plan view of the planter device, showing an alternative main body structure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the planter device of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  is another perspective view of the planter device of  FIG. 11 , showing an alternative shape and location of the access opening; 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  is perspective view of another alternative construction of the planter device main body, the body being formed of two sections; 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  is another perspective view of the alternative construction of  FIG. 13 , depicting an alternative structure of the access opening; 
           [0021]      FIG. 15  is an end plan view of an alternative construction of the planter device including an upper dome; 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  is an end plan view of an alternative construction of the planter device main body having integral ridges providing distribution passages; 
           [0023]      FIG. 17  is partly broken away side plan view of the planter device shown mounted on a wall end surface; 
           [0024]      FIG. 18  is an end cross-sectional view of the planter device of  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 19  is bottom plan view of an end cap of the planter device, showing the mounting holes engageable by headed fasteners; 
           [0026]      FIG. 20  is another view of the end cap of  FIG. 19 , showing an alternative arrangement of the mounting holes; 
           [0027]      FIG. 21  is partly broken away side plan view of the planter device shown connected on a wall end surface by means of a mounting bracket; 
           [0028]      FIG. 22  is an enlarged side plan view of the bracket of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 23  is an end cross-sectional view of the planter device of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 24  is bottom plan view of the bracket, showing the mounting holes engageable by headed fasteners; 
           [0031]      FIG. 25  is another view of the bracket of  FIG. 24 , showing an alternative arrangement of the mounting holes; 
           [0032]      FIG. 26  is an end plan view of an alternative, two-piece construction of the mounting bracket; 
           [0033]      FIG. 27  is a broken-away a top plan view of the bracket of  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the mounting bracket of  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 29  is an end plan view of an alternative construction of an end cap; 
           [0036]      FIG. 30  is a partly broken-away side plan view of the alternative end cap of  FIG. 29  shown coupled with a tubular main body and a connecting tube; 
           [0037]      FIG. 31  is an end plan view of a mounting band that envelopes the tubular body and secures it to the mounting surface; 
           [0038]      FIG. 32  is a bottom, enlarged view of a portion of the mounting band of  FIG. 31 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 33  is an end plan view of a yet another alternative construction of an end cap and means to secure it to the mounting surface; 
           [0040]      FIG. 34  is a partly broken-away side plan view of the alternative end cap of  FIG. 33  shown coupled with a tubular main body and a connecting tube; 
           [0041]      FIG. 35  is a side plan view of an alternative means for connecting an end cap to the wall; 
           [0042]      FIG. 36  is an end view of the alternative connection means of  FIG. 35 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 37  is a reduced, perspective view of the connection means of  FIG. 35 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 38  is a side plan view of another alternative means for mounting the planter device to the wall; 
           [0045]      FIG. 39  is an end plan view of the connection means of  FIG. 38 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 40  is an end plan view of another alternative means for connecting an end cap with the wall; 
           [0047]      FIG. 41  is an end plan view of a means for connecting the tubular body directly to the wall; 
           [0048]      FIG. 42  is an end plan view of an alternative mounting bracket for connecting the planter device to the wall; 
           [0049]      FIG. 43  is a side plan view of the planter device, showing components of a nutrient dispenser system; 
           [0050]      FIG. 44  is a top plan view of the nutrient system configured to supply a network of tubular main bodies; 
           [0051]      FIG. 45  another side plan view of the planter device, showing a drainage means for a passive system; 
           [0052]      FIG. 46  is a top plan view of a plant support member; 
           [0053]      FIG. 47  is a side plan view of the plant support member, shown coupled with the tubular main body; 
           [0054]      FIG. 48  is side plan view of the plant support member, shown in a first, lowermost position with respect to the main body; 
           [0055]      FIG. 49  is side plan view of the plant support member, shown in a second, middle position with respect to the main body; 
           [0056]      FIG. 50  is side plan view of the plant support member, shown in a third, uppermost position with respect to the main body; 
           [0057]      FIG. 51  is a side plan view of the planter device shown with three plant support members; 
           [0058]      FIG. 52  is an unwrapped view of a plant support member 
           [0059]      FIG. 53  is a side plan view of the planter device of  FIG. 52 ; and 
           [0060]      FIG. 54  is side plan view of the planter device with a plurality of alternative plant support members. 
           [0061]      FIG. 55  is perspective plan view of a plant support member that is installed between the pot and opening in the tubular body 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0062]    Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, left”, “lower”, “upper”, “upward”, “down” and “downward” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inner”, “inwardly” and “outer”, “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated centerline or a geometric center of an element being described, the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description. Further, as used herein, the word “connected” is intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween and indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. 
         [0063]    Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numbers are used to indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in  FIGS. 1-55 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the present invention most generally consists of a planter device P mountable on a wall W having an upper, generally horizontal end surface SE and opposing generally vertical surfaces SV, the wall end surface SE having a width WW. The planter device basically comprises a generally tubular main body  1  disposeable generally upon the wall end surface SE. The body  1  has an interior chamber C configured to contain at least a portion of a plant, at least one access opening  3  extending into the chamber C, and opposing side surfaces SB. The access opening  3  is configured to provide access to the interior chamber C and clearance for the plant. Further, the main body  1  has a width WB substantially equal to the width WW of the wall end surface SE and the main body  1  is sized such that each body side surface SB is generally flush with a separate one of the wall vertical surfaces SV when the body  1  is disposed on the wall end surface SE. 
         [0064]    Preferably, the planter device is an active hydroponic growing system utilizing a continuous supply of pressurized air. Two such planter designs are disclosed. The first design utilizes growth medium which is contained in pots which are suspended in the tubular vessel. The nutrient solution into which the pots extend is aerated by the pressurized air. The second design utilizes growth medium that is inserted directly in the vessel and placed on top of a mesh or perforated panel. Pressurized air is introduced into the cavity beneath the mesh or perforated panel and permeates the growth medium with oxygen. 
       Basic Construction of Planter 
       [0065]    For the purpose of conveying the basic design concepts and specific features of the subject invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the sketches contained herein using a consistent numbering scheme. To promote clarity, some features have been omitted from the figures so that focus can be given to the specific features that are being described. 
         [0066]    The figures generally depict planters mounted on office partitions although the designs described herein are equally applicable to any horizontal mounting surface including office partitions, movable walls, narrow ledges and window sills. 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 , the tubular main body  1  is preferably of uniform cross section and contains access openings  3  in the top surface which accommodate a plurality of small containers or pots  5  which contain growth medium  9 . The pots  5  have an outer rim or lip  6  which is slightly larger than the opening into which they fit that suspends them above the bottom of the tubular body  1 . End caps  2  enclose the tubular body  1  at each end. They may be integral with the tubular body  1  or separable and affix to the tubular body  1  through use of an adhesive/sealant or gasket  7 . 
         [0068]      FIGS. 3 &amp; 4  shows a separable end cap  2  including of a wall  10  that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, an interior extension  11  and an exterior extension  12 . The interior extension  11  includes a first generally enclosed wall disposeable within the tubular body  1  and the exterior extension  12  includes a second, generally enclosed wall connected with and spaced radially outwardly from the first wall and configured to receive a portion of a connecting tube  15  which has the same cross sectional profile as the tubular body  1 . The interior extension  11  and exterior extension  12  of the end cap  2  are laterally offset  80  such that the interior extension  11  fits inside the tubular body  1  and the exterior extension  12  fits outside the connecting tube  15 . The interior extension  11  contains an inward oriented beveled edge  13  to aid in alignment during assembly. The beveled edge  13  also collects the adhesive/sealant  7  during assembly and spreads it uniformly between the contact surfaces. 
         [0069]    The connecting tube  15  fits snugly into the end caps  2  to connect adjoining units to provide continuity in appearance. Construction of the connecting tube  15  can take the form of a straight connector, elbow or ‘T’ section positioned at corners and junction points of the mounting surfaces. 
         [0070]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the vessel is partially filled with a nutrient solution  8  that supports plant growth. The planter  35  is fastened to the mounting surface  36  at each end. The modular construction enables this planter to be one of many in a continuous network. 
         [0071]      FIGS. 5 &amp; 6  shows an active hydroponic system with an air pump to aerate the nutrient solution. It consists of the basic design previously described with the following additional features. The pots  5  used are called “net pots” which are commonly used in hydroponic systems. Net pots contain large gaps in the side(s) and bottom through which roots can pass to access the nutrient solution  8 . Round, square or rectangular pots  5  may also be used which require correspondingly shaped openings  3  in the tubular body  1 . A water level indicator  16  is placed in the solution to provide an external means of visually determining water level. 
         [0072]    Preferably, an air pump  23  is used to provide pressurized air to the unit. At least one air line  17  extends from the air pump  23  and through a hole  14  in the end cap  2  and branches off in two directions through a ‘T’ connector  18 . One branch, termed ‘through-flow air line’  19  extends through the length of the tubular body  1  and passes through the end cap  2  at the far end. It provides pressurized air to successive planters in the network thus allowing a single source of pressurized air to supply multiple planters. The second branch connects, through means of an elbow, to the aeration tube  20 . The aeration tube  20  is positioned at the bottom of the planter and traverses the length of the tubular body  1 . It consists of perforated or porous tubing or a series of air stones typically used in aquariums. The purpose of the aeration tube  20  is to generate air bubbles to oxygenate the solution. It is desirable to select an aeration tube  20  that generates very fine air bubbles so that a greatest amount of oxygen can be imparted to the solution with the smallest possible air supply. A flow control valve  21  is placed between the ‘T’ connector  18  and aeration tube  20 . It is adjusted to regulate the flow rate of air passing through the aeration tube  20  and, indirectly, through the through-flow air line  19  that connects to the downstream units in the network. A check valve  22  is placed between the air pump  23  and air supply line  17  to prevent the migration of water into the air pump  23 . For units with integral air supplies, the air pump  23  is contained in a separate section of tube adjacent to the planter termed ‘air pump retaining tube’  24 . It consists of a length of tube with the same cross sectional profile as the plant containing vessel and fits snugly inside the end cap  2 . An end cover  25  is placed on the free end of the air pump retaining tube  24  which contains large passages in the side wall that provide an unobstructed flow of cool air to the air pump. The electrical cord of the air pump passes through a grommet placed in a hole in the wall of the retaining tube and is connected to an electrical outlet. If the noise of the air pump becomes bothersome to the occupants, the pump can be connected to a timer which activates the pump during hours when the room is not occupied. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 7 &amp; 8  shows an active hydroponic system similar to the potted design shown in  FIGS. 5 &amp; 6  but with the following differences. The tubular body  1  contains one or more elongated openings  4  in the top surface into which growth medium  9  is placed. Growth medium  9  is placed on a perforated panel or mesh  26  which sets on the bottom of the vessel. The perforated panel or mesh  26  sets above the bottom surface of the vessel forming a cavity  27  beneath the growth medium  9  sufficiently wide to accommodate the aeration tube  20 . End seals  28  are positioned at each end of the cavity  27  to trap the air inside the cavity  27 .  FIG. 9  illustrates the way in which air accumulates in the cavity  27  forming an air pocket which imparts oxygen to the boundary layer and forces air through the perforated panel or mesh  26  and into the nutrient solution  8  and growth medium  9 . A variation of this scheme involves connecting the air pump  23  to a timer which activates at regular time intervals. As air is introduced into the cavity  27  formed by the perforated panel or mesh  26 , it displaces nutrient solution  8  into the upper regions of the planter. When the pump turns off and the air pocket within the cavity  27  dissipates, the nutrient solution  8  drains into the cavity  27  in the low region of the planter and fresh air is drawn into the growth medium  9  from the top surface. 
         [0074]    The cross section of the tubular body may be take the form of any enclosed shape. For example,  FIGS. 10 &amp; 11  shows a tubular body  1  with a trapazoidal cross section with pots  5  suspended from the top surface.  FIG. 12  shows a tubular body  1  with a trapazoidal cross section with openings  4  for the plants extending out from both sides. This design is particularly suited for plants with hanging vines. 
         [0075]    The tubular body  1  can be constructed of two parts as shown in  FIG. 13 . The lower portion  29  forms the bottom and sides and a top portion  30  contains the openings  3  that accommodate the plants. The two portions are joined by an interlocking slot arrangement  31  which requires the parts to be assembled longitudinally. 
         [0076]      FIG. 14  shows similar construction as  FIG. 14  but containing one or more longitudinal slots into which growth medium and plants are placed. 
         [0077]      FIG. 15  shows longitudinal ridges  69  placed along the top edges of the tubular body  1  which form a barrier to prevent spillage when filling and to contain the nutrient solution  8  in the event the planter is overfilled. A dome  71  constructed from a transparent material such as clear plastic or plexiglass may be placed on top of the planter to retain moisture. The longitudinal ridges  69  that run along top edges of the tubular body  1  contain slots  72  which retain the dome. 
         [0078]      FIG. 16  shows these longitudinal ridges  69  placed along the top edges of the tubular body  1  containing hollow  70  passages that accommodate distribution tubing  19  that pass through the planter. 
       Mounting Methods 
       [0079]      FIGS. 17-42  depicts various means to attach the planter  35  to the mounting surface  36 . 
         [0080]      FIGS. 17-25  depicts a means of attachment that is accomplished through the use of rivets  37  with exposed heads  38  which extend out from the top of the mounting surface  36  and engage mating holes  87  and slots  39  in the planter as illustrated in these figures. Riveted connections are positioned at each end of the planter  35  to fully constrain it.  FIGS. 17-20  shows this arrangement where the holes  87  and slots  39  are incorporated into the lower portion of the end cap  2 .  FIGS. 21-25  shows a separable bracket  40  with a “snap on” fit  87  that is retained by the end cap  2 . The separable bracket contains holes  87  slots  39  that engage the rivets. In both instances, the slots  39  can be oriented either laterally or longitudinally with respect to the mounting surface. Longitudinally oriented slots makes the unit less likely to disengage when accidentally bumped although it is more difficult to mount as compared with slots that are oriented laterally. A similar arrangement can be used where the slots are incorporated into the mounting surface and rivets are incorporated into the planter or a separable bracket. 
         [0081]      FIGS. 26-28  depicts a similar means of attachment that employs a mounting bracket  80  having rivets  37  with exposed heads  38  which engage mating holes  87  and slots  39  in the end cap. The mounting bracket  80  consists of two parts  81  &amp;  83  that have an engaging mating connection  82  &amp;  84  that serve to preclude rotation in the installed condition. A threaded fastener  85  is positioned in one of the brackets and engages a threaded hole in the mating bracket. The end cap contains two holes  87  and slots  39  which engage the rivets in the bracket. The diameter of the holes  87  is slightly larger than the rivet heads  38  and the width of the slots  39  is slightly wider than the width of the stem of the rivet  37 . Assembly consists of placing the planter  35  onto the mounting bracket  80  such that the rivets  37  pass through the holes  87  in the end cap. As the fastener  85  is tightened, the rivets  37  advance through the slots  39  and draws the planter down on to the mounting bracket  80 , while at the same time, the bracket  80  clamps to the partition  36 . A similar arrangement can be used where the slots are incorporated into the mounting bracket  80  and rivets  37  are incorporated into the planter  35 . 
         [0082]    When no special means of attachment are provided by the partition, attachment can be achieved by utilizing features that commonly exist in commercially available office partitions.  FIGS. 29 &amp; 30  show one such means of attachment which utilizes mounting tabs  41  which extend vertically downward from the end caps and are secured to the mounting surface  36  by fasteners  43 . An optional shim  42  may be used to accommodate any difference in width between the mounting tabs and mounting surface. The mounting tabs  41  can either be made integral with the end cap  2  or separable and affixed to the end caps  2 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 31  shows mounting tabs  41  incorporated into a mounting band  44 . The mounting band  44  envelopes the tubular body  1  and has interlocking tabs  45  that fasten the ends together.  FIG. 32  shows a bottom, expanded view of the interlocking tabs where line of contact of the tabs is inclined a small negative angle  46  to promote locking after the tabs snap together. The mounting band  44  conforms to the outer surface of the tubular body  1  and forms a snug fit with the tubular body  1 . The mounting bands  44  has the advantage that it can be placed at designated locations along the length of the tubular bodies  1  whereas mounting tabs that are incorporated into the end caps  2  require that the mounting tabs at the ends of the planter align with designated points of attachment on the mounting structure. 
         [0084]      FIGS. 33 &amp; 34  depicts an attachment method which can be used if the mounting surface possesses a horizontal metal rim or lip  47  along side the mounting surface at top edge. A tab insert  48  is tucked between the wall and metal rim  47  until it contacts the inside top edge of the rim  49 . The planter  35  is placed on the partition  36  so that the mounting tab  41  aligns with the tab insert  48  and the two tabs are connected together using a small fastener  43 . The length of the fastener is chosen such that it passes through the mounting tab  41  and tab insert  48  but does not extend a significant distance through the tab insert  48  to preclude damage to the mounting surface  36 . This is a versatile mounting method since the attachment points can exist anywhere along the length of the mounting surface  36 . 
         [0085]      FIGS. 35-37  depicts an attachment method which can be used if an office partition possesses a vertical row of metal slots  50  at each edge of the partition which are commonly provided to fasten bookshelves to the partition. An insert strip  51  is used whose width and height are slightly less than that of the slot  50  and with a length corresponding to the width of the partition wall. The insert strip is tapped into one of the slots  50  at each side of the partition. A fastener  43  is then inserted through an opening  53  in the mounting tab  41  which engages a slightly smaller hole or vertical slit  52  placed through the insert strip  51  and secured into place. As the fastener  43  advances through the slit  52 , it expands the insert strip  51  to securely fasten it inside the slot of the partition  50 . The fastener  43  can be threaded, such as a screw or non-threaded, such as a tapered pin. This method of attachment requires that the planters be of comparable length such that the mounting tabs align with the slots  50  in the edge of the partitions. Horizontal slots  53  can be placed in the mounting tabs to provide a small adjustment capability when aligning the mounting tabs  41  over the insert strips  51  to account for slight manufacturing and assembly variations. 
         [0086]      FIGS. 38 &amp; 39  depicts a general attachment means that is accomplished through the use of common fastening devices  43  such as threaded fasteners, magnets, Velcro, snaps or adhesive strips. In the case of magnets, Velcro, snaps or adhesive strips, they can be attached to the mounting tabs  41  or to the underside surface of the planter  44 . For fabric covered partitions with cardboard or chipboard (interior) frames, staples or tacks may also be used. They must be sufficiently long to engage the inner frame to firmly secure the planter in place. 
         [0087]      FIG. 40  shows the tubular body  1  with longitudinal projections  55  that extend out the bottom surface at each edge. These projections  55  can be used to fasten the planter  35  to the mounting surface  36  with fasteners  43 . 
         [0088]      FIG. 41  shows a mounting bracket  57  which can be used to fasten the planter  35  to the mounting surface  36 . The mounting bracket is secured to the mounting surface through the use of a fastening device  43 . A projection in the mounting bracket engages a slot of corresponding geometry in the planter which joins the two members. The use of mounting brackets allows removal of the planter without disturbing the connection between the mounting bracket  57  and mounting surface  36 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 42  shows the tubular body  1  with a ‘T’ slot  59  incorporated beneath the planter  35 . Mounting brackets  60  with a corresponding ‘T’ slot geometry  61  are inserted into the ‘T’ slot  59  and clocked 90 degrees to them lock them in place. The mounting bracket  60  is secured to the mounting surface  36  through means previously described  43 . Placing a slight taper in the ‘T’ slot profile may facilitate assembly. 
       Alternate Growing Methods 
       [0090]    The active growing methods describe thus far involved aerating the nutrient solution  8  with pressurized air.  FIG. 43  shows another active growing system wherein nutrient solution  8  is pumped into a distribution line  68  positioned at the top of the growth medium  9  and dispenses nutrient solution which free-drains into a cavity at the bottom of the planter  27  and into a drain line  64  that leads back to a reservoir  63 . The drain system is designed such that the growth medium  9  retains only the amount of solution that is can freely absorb. The drain line in the bottom of the planter  64  has a filter  65  to prevent debris from blocking the line. An optional ‘through-flow’ drain line  66  enters from the opposite end of the planter which contains drain water from other planters in the network. The pump  62  and reservoir  63  for both of these active systems can either be integral with the planter or external to the planter. 
         [0091]    For active growing systems utilizing air pumps or liquid pumps where a number of planters are in close proximity with one another, they may be networked together and share the same pump  23 / 62  and reservoir  63  (if applicable). This is illustrated in  FIG. 44 . 
         [0092]      FIG. 45  depicts a passive system which is simpler in construction than active systems as they do not require pumps, timers, reservoirs or distribution systems. Nutrient solution is manually poured into the top of the planter and free-drains into a drainage cavity  27  positioned in the bottom of the planter. An optional drain line  64  may be used to drain excess solution from the planter into a collection vessel  67 . The drain line in the bottom of the planter has a filter  65  to prevent debris from blocking the line. An optional ‘through-flow’ drain line  66  enters from the opposite end of the planter which contains drain water from other planters in the network. 
       Means of Supporting Plant Stems 
       [0093]      FIGS. 46-55  depict various means to provide structural support to plants  73  with vine-type stems such as ivy, philodendron and pothos. 
         [0094]      FIGS. 46 &amp; 47  shows one such means which consists of a slender member made from such materials as acrylic, plastic, vinyl and wood that is formed in the shape of an arch  70  and secured to the planter  35  at the end points  71 . Arches are highly stable structures and can extend a significant height above the surface with little or no lateral support. Slots  72  are cut partially through the strip in an alternating fashion. The plant stems  73  are inserted into the slots. By alternating the slots  72  along the length of the arch  70 , the plant stems  73  provide lateral support to the arch by constraining it on both sides. In this way, the arch  70  supports the plants  73  and the plants  73 , in turn, stabilize the arch  70 . As the plants  73  grow in length, provision can be made to move the arch end supports  71  closer together to increase the center height as illustrated in  FIGS. 48-50 . 
         [0095]    An alternative is to fix the location of the end supports  71  and use progressively longer strips  69  to increase the height of the arch.  FIG. 51  shows arches  70  on adjoining planters  35  resulting in an aesthetically pleasing appearance, particularly along corridors. 
         [0096]      FIGS. 52 &amp; 53  illustrates a similar support structure  75  wherein the slender member  69  which contains alternating slots possesses a number of bends  74  in the manner shown in the figures with the center section that is aligned parallel with the mounting surface  35 . This support structure  75  is fastened  76  to the planter  35  at each end. 
         [0097]      FIG. 54  shows another means of supporting the plants  73  consisting of an array of strategically spaced slender members  77  made from such material as piano wire, polyfilament or small diameter hollow tubing, formed in the shape of arches, spanning one or more plants  73  and secured to the planter  35  at designated anchor points  78 . The plant stems  73  are intertwined about these structure. 
         [0098]      FIG. 55  shows another means of supporting the plants consisting of a ringed structure  88  that is comprised of a base ring  90  that is installed between the upper rim  6  of the pot  5  and the opening  3  in the tubular body and a vertical member onto which the plant stems are secured. The base ring  90  conforms to the general shape of the rim  6  of the pot  5  with a size slightly larger than the opening  3  into which the pot fits. The base ring  90  may contain a slot  91  to facilitate installation. 
       Aesthetics 
       [0099]    The outer surface of the planter may be painted or covered with fabric, vinyl wall covering, contact paper and other ways to match or compliment the color and texture of the mounting surface and surrounding decor. It is desirable to make it visually blend with the mounting surface so as to accentuate the foliage. 
         [0100]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as generally defined in the appended claims.