Improvements in and connected with Flower Pots and Seed Pans.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 16th Apr., 1890-Accepted, 24th May, 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and connected with Flower Pots and Seed Pans.
I, EDWARD MARTIN, of St. Michael Caerhays, St. Austell in the County of Corn-
wall, Gardener, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement :-
This Invention relates to flower, plant and seed pots and pans and these Improve-
ments have for their object to prevent the access to the seedlings plants and flowers
contained in the pots and pans, of slugs, snails, insects, rodents, birds, and other
destructive creatures.
When it is desired to prevent the access of slugs, snails and creeping or crawling
things only, I form the pot or pan with an annular trough around it and supply the
trough with a solution of salt and water, with tobacco dust, salt, or with soot, or any
material substance or solution which is poisonous or offensive to the creatures, or
over which they can not or will not pass."
When it is desired to prevent the access of birds winged insects and rodents or
such creatures as might be able to overcome the obstacle of the annular trough and
its contents, I cover the top of the pot or pan with a perforated or reticulated cage
or cover preferably resting in a groove formed in the top edge of the pot and
supported and strengthened by cross wires passing through and secured behind holes
formed in the top edge of the pot or pan.
I will more particularly describe my Improvements with reference to the accom-
panying drawings in which Fig. 1 represents a flower pot with an annular trough;
Fig. 2 a vertical section of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 an elevation of a flower pot provided with
both the annular trough and with the cage or cover; and Fig. 4 a vertical section
of Fig. 3.
In each of the Figures similar parts are indicated by similar letters of reference.
The annular trough A is formed of the same material and at the same time as the
pot or pan, and it is generally glazed inside so as to prevent any solution in the
trough entering the pot or pan, and conversely, to prevent the water in the pot or
pan from entering the trough. The outside of the trough may also be glazed, particu-
larly when it is desired to prevent wood-lice gaining access to the pots. In some
exceptional cases, as for example when a material is used in the trough which would
not filter through the substance of the pot or pan and which would not be deteriorated
by any water which might filter into it therefrom, the glazing may be omitted. The
trough may be formed near the bottom of the pot or pan as indicated in the drawing
or near the top or in an intermediate position but I generally prefer to construct it at
the bottom.
In all other respects the flower pot or pan may be constructed in the ordinary
manner, but when the ravages of birds, rats, mice, and the like creatures are to be
prevented, I arrange to cover the top of the pot or pan by means of the cage or
guard B as indicated by Figures 3 and 4.
This cage or guard is preferably secured to and supported by two or more compara-
tively strong arched cross wires C C, the ends of which pass through holes formed in
or near to the top edge of the pot outside which the ends may be turned upwards or
to one side to secure them. Above or immediately under the cross wires I secure
the dome-shaped or otherwise suitably shaped cage B which may be constructed of
metallic gauze or network and which is tied wired or otherwise secured to the cross
wires.
In the top edge of the pot or pan I also prefer to form a groove or annular recess E
as shewn in the drawings and which acts as a seating for the bottom edge of the
cage, and serves to make a close joint between the top of the pan or pot and the
bottom of the cage. The bottom of the cage may however rest upon or fall within

page_text: or overlap the top edge of the pot in which case the annular groove will be
unnecessary.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed,, I declare that what
I claim is,―
-
(1) A flower pot or seed pan having an external annular trough, constructed.as.and
for the purpose herein before. described.
(2) In combination with a.flower pot or seed pan, a cover or cage secured to, two
or more cross wires the ends of which pass through holes formed in or near the top
of the pot or pan substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore described.
(3) In combination with a flower pot or seed pan, two or more cross wires. the
ends of which pass through holes in the top edge of the pot or pan, a cage or cover
secured to the cross wires, and an annular trough; substantially as and for the purpose
herein before described.
Dated this 12th day of Anril A D 1890
WILLIAM E. HEYS,
Agent for the Applicant.