Device for inhibiting weed growth in a pot

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for inhibiting the growth of weeds in a pot (12), wherein the pot (12) defines a rim around an opening. The device (10) comprises a body (14) configured to cover at least a portion of the opening and to connect around the rim. The body (14) defines a centrally arranged aperture (16) to receive a plant (18) arranged in the pot (12) and is shaped to form a concave upper region (20) around the aperture (16). The concave upper region (20) is arranged to direct a flow of liquid received on the upper region (20) towards and through an outlet (17) to enter the pot. At least the concave upper region (20) is configured to be opaque such that, when arranged in use across the opening of the pot (12), the body (14) inhibits the transmission of light through the opening.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to weed control apparatus, and in particular to a device for inhibiting the growth of weeds in a plant pot. BACKGROUND

[0002] Many plants are grown and / or stored in pots prior to being transplanted to the ground, typically in a garden, such as at a commercial plant nursery. During the period in which the plants are housed in the pots, spores or seeds of other plants, commonly referred to as weeds, enter the pots by various means, such as being carried by the wind, causing weeds to grow around the plants. Weeds can have a negative impact on the growth of the plants, consuming available moisture and nutrients, and impeding light from reaching the plants.

[0003] To address this problem, weeds are typically manually removed from the pots, or killed by the application of herbicides. However, both of these approaches typically need to be repeated frequently, which means that they are both time consuming and expensive, particularly at large commercial nurseries where there can be thousands of plants in pots. This problem is exacerbated by slow growing plant types, such as conifers, which need to be placed in pots for two years or more.

[0004] Another approach to address the problem is to place a weed mat or loose mulch in the pot to surround the plant and substantially cover the soil. Weed mats are typically configured as a flexible disc that defines a radial slit from a central hole or point to the periphery to allow the disc to be placed around the base of the plant. The disc is typically formed from a dense, fluid permeable fabric or material, such as coir (coconut fibre). While such mats and mulches can limit weed growth, some weeds still exist, typically growing along the radial slit and / or around the edges of the mat, which means that weeds need to be manually removed on a regular basis.

[0005] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these are prior art to the present disclosure, irrespective of SUMMARY

[0006] An apparatus for inhibiting the growth of weeds in a pot, the pot defining a rim around an opening. The apparatus includes a body configured to cover at least a portion of the opening and connect around the rim. The body defines a centrally disposed aperture to receive a plant disposed in the pot and is shaped to form a concave upper region around the aperture. The concave upper region is disposed to direct liquid received on the concave upper region to and through an outlet to enter the pot. At least the concave upper region is configured to be opaque such that, when disposed in use across the at least a portion of the opening of the pot, the body inhibits the transmission of light through the opening.

[0007] The body can be configured to cover only a portion of the opening. The body can be configured to cover half of the opening such that, in use, when connected to a rim adjacent a further apparatus as described in the paragraphs above, the apparatus covers the opening of the pot.

[0008] The apparatus can include a connector structure configured to interconnect with a body of a further apparatus. The connector structure can include at least one tab extending away from the body and disposed such that, in use, the or each tab projects or overlaps beneath the body of the further apparatus. The or each tab can be disposed and shaped such that, in use, the or each tab extends beneath the concave upper region of the further apparatus. The connector structure can be configured to releasably engage with the further apparatus.

[0009] The centrally disposed aperture can comprise the outlet and the concave upper region is disposed to direct liquid received on the concave upper region to and through the centrally disposed aperture.

[0010] The outlet can be disposed at a side of and spaced apart from the centrally disposed aperture and the concave upper region includes a channel disposed to direct liquid received on the concave upper region to and through the outlet.

[0011] The outlet can be disposed at a side of and spaced apart from the centrally disposed aperture to be adjacent the connector structure and the concave upper region includes a channel disposed to direct liquid received on the concave upper region to and through the outlet such that, in use, the liquid flows through the connector structure and into the pot.

[0012] The body can define a vent recess adjacent the outlet, the recess disposed to allow ventilation of an interior of the pot in use.

[0013] The device can include a dome-shaped portion extending around the centrally-arranged aperture and arranged to direct liquid received on the dome-shaped portion to flow out of the centrally-arranged aperture and towards the trench.

[0014] The trench can be shaped to form an arc extending across the concave upper region and around the centrally-arranged aperture.

[0015] The body can define an outlet at each end of the trench, and the trench can be shaped to slope downwardly from a high point towards each outlet.

[0016] The body can include a peripheral region continuously joined around the concave upper region and configured to connect to the rim of the basin. The peripheral region can define a channel shaped to receive at least a portion of the rim. The channel can define a depth dimensioned to be less than a depth of the rim. At least a portion of the peripheral region can define a retention structure to allow clamping of the peripheral region to the rim. The peripheral region can define one or more perforations arranged to deliver air through the body to allow ventilation inside the basin.

[0017] The body can be configured to cover only a portion of the opening, and the peripheral region includes an elastically deformable tab arranged to clamp, in use, to the peripheral region of another device according to any of the preceding paragraphs arranged on the rim of the basin.

[0018] The concave upper region can include one or more vent structures shaped to deliver air through the body. The or each vent structure can include at least one hole defined in the concave upper region, and a shroud arranged to extend over the at least one hole to define a slot arranged to allow air to flow towards the at least one hole from a single direction. The or each vent structure can be arranged to extend radially away from the aperture.

[0019] The body can be configured to cover the opening completely and receive the rim, and define a peripheral and an elongate slit extending from the central aperture to the peripheral.

[0020] An assembly for inhibiting the growth of weeds in a pot, the assembly defining a rim around an opening. The assembly includes a pair of devices as described in the preceding paragraphs. Each of the devices has a body configured to cover only a portion of the opening, such that, in use, connecting the devices to the rim of the pot and adjacent to each other allows the opening to be covered.

[0021] Each device of the assembly can have a body configured to cover half of the opening.

[0022] A first of the devices of the assembly can be configured to have a body shaped to cover more than half of the opening, and a second of the devices can be configured to have a body shaped to cover less than half of the opening, to complement the body of the first device.

[0023] Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0024] It is understood that embodiments can include steps, features and / or integers disclosed herein or in the specification of the application, either individually or in any combination, and any and all combinations of two or more of said steps or features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a device for inhibiting the growth of weeds in a pot;

[0027] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a side perspective view of the device shown;

[0028] Figure 3 is a top view of the device shown in the preceding figures; and

[0029] Figure 4 is a detailed view of the device as Figure 1 shown;

[0030] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an assembly including a pair of devices for inhibiting the growth of weeds in a pot, wherein each device fits to a rim of the pot to surround a plant;

[0031] Figure 6is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a device for inhibiting weed growth in a pot;

[0032] Figure 7 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a device for inhibiting weed growth in a pot;

[0033] Figure 8 is Figure 7 is a top view of the device shown in

[0034] Figure 9 is Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 8 along line F-F; and

[0035] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an assembly including Figures 7 to 9 a pair of devices shown in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates a device 10 for inhibiting weed growth in a pot 12 (shown in Figure 4 ), wherein the pot 12 defines a rim around an opening. The device 10 includes a body 14 configured to cover at least a portion of the opening and connect around the rim. The body 14 defines a centrally disposed aperture 16 to receive a plant 18 disposed in the pot 12, and is shaped to form a concave upper region 20 around the aperture 16. The concave upper region 20 is arranged to direct flow of liquid received on the upper region 20 and into the pot 12 through an outlet 17. At least the concave upper region 20 is configured to be opaque such that, when disposed in use across the opening of the pot 12, the body 14 inhibits transmission of light through the opening.

[0037] Figures 1 to 4 A first embodiment 100 of the device 10 is shown. Figures 1 to 3 The device 100 is shown in an isolated state. Figure 4 A detailed view of the vent structure 30 of the device 100 is shown. Figure 5 An assembly 40 is shown, including a pair of devices 10 fitted to a pot 12 to cover the opening and around the plant 18.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment 100, the body 14 can be shaped to cover half of a circular opening defined by the pot 12. It will be appreciated that this configuration of the body 14 is exemplary, and in other embodiments (not illustrated) the body 14 is shaped to cover a different portion of the opening, such as more or less than half. In some embodiments ( Figure 6In this embodiment, the body 14 is configured to completely cover the opening. In other embodiments (not shown), the body 14 is configured to completely or partially cover different opening profiles defined by the basin 12, such as square or rectangular openings.

[0039] like Figure 5 As shown, device 100 can be configured for use with similar (identical) devices 100 to form assembly 40. This allows one device 100 of the pair to connect around the edge of basin 12 to cover half of the opening, and the other device 100 of the pair to connect around the edge to cover the other half of the opening. In other embodiments, such as where device 100 is configured for use with a square or rectangular opening basin (not shown), device 100 can be configured for use with different devices 100, such that one device 100 is sized to cover more or less half of the opening, and the other device 100 is sized to cover the remaining portion of the opening.

[0040] The body 14 includes a peripheral region 22 continuously connected around the concave upper region 20 and shaped to connect to the edge of the basin 12. Typically, the peripheral region 22 is configured to receive at least a portion of the edge. In some embodiments, the peripheral region 22 is sized to firmly abut the edge for frictional engagement. In other embodiments, the peripheral region 22 is configured to releasably engage with the edge of the basin 12. In the illustrated embodiments, and as... Figure 1 As best shown, the outer region 22 defines a continuous channel 24, the dimensions of which are set to accommodate a portion of the edge. The channel 24 is generally shaped and sized to allow the device 10 to be positioned on the edge to prevent displacement of the body 14, such as during transport of the pot 12. This also usefully allows the device 100 to act as a lid for the pot 12 to retain soil in the pot 12 if the pot 12 is tipped over (e.g., blown over by wind). In some embodiments, the channel 24 defines a depth less than the depth of the edge. This can prevent the device 10 from being accidentally removed from the pot 12, for example, by a user picking up the pot 12 along the edge and disturbing the device 10.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the peripheral region 22 defines a retention structure, in this embodiment a lip 25. At least the lip 25 is elastically deformable to allow deformation by the rim and induce a grip on the rim. In other embodiments (not illustrated), instead of or in addition to the channel 24, the peripheral region 22 includes a plurality of spaced apart, separate gripping mechanisms, hooks, or other receiving or engaging structures to allow connection of the body 14 around the rim. Generally, the peripheral region 22 is configured to be continuous around the concave upper region 20 to inhibit light transmission between the concave upper region 20 and the rim of the basin 12, which light transmission can facilitate weed growth around the periphery of the basin 12. Further, configuring the peripheral region 22 to be continuous can advantageously enhance the connection between the body 14 and the rim to inhibit the device 10 from being blown, bumped by a neighboring basin, or removed from the basin 12 by a user.

[0042] In embodiments as Figures 1 to 4 illustrated, and as Figure 2 best shown, the concave upper region 20 is sloped with the aperture 16 shaped to be progressively disposed toward the center to direct liquid received on the region 20 toward and through the aperture 16. In this embodiment, the aperture 16 includes an outlet 17. The upper region 20 defines a continuous, smooth tapered surface to enhance liquid flow toward the aperture 16. In some embodiments, the region 20 is polished or coated to reduce surface friction to further enhance liquid flow toward the aperture 16. In other embodiments (not illustrated), the upper region 20 defines ribs and valleys to control the direction of flow of collected liquid and / or to enhance the rigidity of the upper region 20. Thus, the configuration of the upper region 20 enhances the supply of water to the plants 18 disposed in the basin 12.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the entire body 14 is formed of an opaque material, such as a colored or black polymer. Generally, the material is configured to be resistant to ultraviolet (UV) light to inhibit sunlight from affecting the structure of the body 14. In other embodiments (not illustrated), only the upper region 20 is formed of an opaque material, or carries ink or other pigments to color the upper region 20. Configuring the body 14 in this manner can inhibit light from passing through the body 14 and into the basin 12, which can inhibit weed growth in the basin 12.

[0044] In some embodiments, the body 14, or at least the upper region 20, is formed of a light-colored and / or reflective material to insulate the basin 12. For example, where the device 10 is designated for use in very hot environments, the body 14 can be light gray or green to reflect light and thus reduce heat within the basin 12. Conversely, where the device 10 is designated for use in tropical or cool environments, the body 14 can be configured to inhibit heat from escaping from the basin 12, which can aid in the growth of some plants and / or extend the growing season of the plants, such as by being colored black and / or defining insulating structures, such as defining one or more air pockets.

[0045] As Figure 3 As best shown, the body 14 defines the central aperture 16 as semi-circular. This means that when the device 100 is arranged adjacent a similar device 100 and attached to the pot 12, the apertures 16 align to form a circular profile hole around the plant 18. It will be appreciated that the semi-circular shape is exemplary and in other embodiments the central aperture 16 is alternatively shaped to define an elliptical profile. In some embodiments (not shown), one or more sections of fabric, such as coir matting, are arranged around the aperture 16 to deform the fabric by the plant 18 when the device 100 is fitted to the pot 12, thereby further inhibiting light from passing through the device 100 and into the pot 12. In other embodiments (not shown), the body 14 comprises or carries a flexible section, such as an overmoulded silicone flange or plate, arranged around the aperture 16 to allow deformation against the plant 18 in use. In other embodiments (not shown), the aperture 16 comprises a plurality of flexible, adjacently arranged tabs which extend towards the centre of the aperture 16 to allow deformation against the plant 18 during use.

[0046] The device 100 comprises a connector structure configured to interconnect with the body 14 of a similar or different device 100 when arranged adjacent and both connected to the pot 12. In the embodiment shown, the connector structure comprises at least one tab 28 which extends away from the body 14 and is arranged such that, in use, the tab 28 or each tab overlaps with the body 14 of a further device 100.

[0047] As Figure 3 As best shown, the upper region 20 defines a pair of aligned straight side walls 26 which extend radially from the aperture 16. The tab 28 extends from one of the side walls 26 to be arranged at one side of the aperture 16. The tab 28 is shaped to overlap with the body 14 of a similar device 100 when arranged adjacent and fitted to the pot 12. As Figure 2 As best shown, the tabs 28 are operatively spaced below the concave upper region 20. This arrangement means that, in use, the tabs 28 extend below the upper region 20 of an adjacently arranged device 100. The tabs 28 are generally configured to abut or rest against the body 100 of an adjacent device 100. In some embodiments (not shown), the tab 28 comprises an engagement structure shaped to interlock with a complementary engagement structure defined by an adjacently arranged device 100. This allows releasable engagement with a pair of devices 100.

[0048] As Figure 4As best shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper region 20 includes a vent structure 30 shaped to deliver air through the body 14. The vent structure 30 includes an elongated aperture 32 extending through the body 14. It should be appreciated that the aperture 32 can be implemented in other forms suitable for delivering air through the body 14, such as an array of smaller apertures and / or a mesh portion. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the vent structure 30 can be absent.

[0049] The shroud 34 is arranged to extend across the aperture 32 to enclose the aperture 32 from above and on three sides, such that the aperture 32 is accessible only from one side. The shroud thus defines a slot 36 arranged to allow air to flow to the aperture 32 from a single direction, which is substantially parallel to the upper region 20 and indicated by arrow A. The shroud 34 is configured to inhibit light from passing through the aperture 32. If weeds grow from within the pot 12 and through the aperture 32, the body 14 can be manually rotated relative to the pot 12 to cut the weeds and / or trap the weeds below the body 14, in either case typically killing the weeds.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the vent structure 30 is arranged to extend radially away from the central aperture 16. In other embodiments (not illustrated), the body 14 includes multiple vent structures 30, for example, to enhance ventilation of the pot 12. Each structure 30 can be arranged radially relative to the aperture 16.

[0051] Figure 6 A second embodiment 200 of the device 10 is shown, in which common reference numerals indicate common features. The device 200 has a body 201 shaped to substantially completely cover a circular opening defined by the pot 12. It should be appreciated that other embodiments can be adapted to cover openings of different pot opening profiles, such as square or rectangular. The body 200 is formed of an opaque material, such as a colored or black polymer, or otherwise carries ink or pigment, to inhibit transmission of light through the body 200 and into the pot 12.

[0052] The body 201 defines a peripheral region 202 shaped to receive the rim of the pot 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral region 202 defines a continuous annular sleeve 203 arranged to extend axially relative to the pot 12 to overlap the rim and inhibit light from entering the opening. In some embodiments, the peripheral region 202 additionally or alternatively includes one or more engagement mechanisms to releasably engage with the rim, such as the lip 25 structure of the device 100, and / or a clip or hook mechanism.

[0053] The peripheral region 202 encircles a concave upper region 20 that surrounds and slopes toward the central aperture 16.

[0054] The body 201 defines an elongated slit 204 between the central aperture 16 and the peripheral region 201, and is formed at least in part from a resiliently deformable material. This configuration allows the body 201 to be manually bent to widen the slit 204 and arrange the body 201 around the plant 18, such that the plant 18 is positioned within the aperture 16.

[0055] Figures 7 to 10 A third embodiment 300 of the device 10 is shown, which shares features with the aforementioned embodiments. It will be understood that common reference numerals indicate common features, unless otherwise described. Figures 7 to 9 The device 300 is shown in an isolated state. Figure 10 An assembly 350 is shown, which includes a pair of devices 300 mounted to a pot 12 to cover an opening.

[0056] In the shown embodiment 300, the body 304 can be shaped to cover half of a circular opening defined by the pot 12. It will be understood that this configuration of the body 304 is exemplary, and in other embodiments (not shown) the body 304 is shaped to cover different portions of the opening, or a different shaped opening profile, such as a square or rectangular profile.

[0057] As Figure 10 The device 300 can be configured to be used with a similar (identical) device 300 to form the assembly 350, as shown. This allows one device 300 of the pair to be connected around the rim of the pot 12 to cover half of the opening, and the other device 300 of the pair to be connected around the rim to cover the other half of the opening.

[0058] The body 304 includes a peripheral region 306 continuously joined around a concave upper region 308, the peripheral region 306 shaped to connect to the rim of the pot 12. As Figure 9 Best shown, the peripheral region 306 defines a channel 310 for receiving at least a portion of the rim. In this embodiment, the channel 310 is slightly flared, and dimensioned to have a depth less than the depth of the rim, to avoid objects such as other pots or users abutting the rim, thereby inadvertently removing the device 300 from the pot 12.

[0059] The concave upper region 308 is operatively recessed below the peripheral region 306, such that the peripheral region 306 defines a raised boundary surrounding the concave region 308. In this embodiment, the concave upper region 308 includes a groove 312 arranged around a centrally arranged aperture 16. The upper region 308 is operatively sloping downwards and away from the peripheral region 306 toward the groove 312. The groove 312 is shaped such that liquid contained in the groove 312 flows toward and through one of a pair of outlets 17 into the basin 12. In this embodiment, the outlets 17 are located at each end of the groove 312, such that each outlet 17 is spaced apart from the centrally arranged aperture 16 and runs along the side 305 of the body 304.

[0060] Groove 312 defines an arcuate shape around central aperture 16, the arcuate shape extending radially from centerline 313 ( Figure 8 The high point of the positioning slopes continuously downward toward both outlets 17 to allow liquid to flow toward either outlet 17 and into the basin 12. It should be understood that the body 304 may define more or fewer outlets 17 to regulate the distribution of liquid across the medium within the basin. Similarly, the outlets 17, or each outlet, may alternatively be positioned, such as within a concave upper region 308 or a groove 312, and the groove 312 may alternatively be shaped to slope toward the outlet 17 to facilitate drainage through the outlet 17. For example, in some embodiments (not shown), the outlet 17 is configured as a single orifice defined along a centerline 313 and substantially equidistant between the central orifice 16 and the peripheral region 308, and the groove 312 is shaped to define a pair of opposing inclined surfaces that traverse from the side 305 of the body 304 toward the outlet 17. In yet other embodiments, only one end of the groove 312 is configured as an outlet 17, and the groove is arranged to slope continuously toward the end of the outlet 17.

[0061] Device 300 includes a connector structure configured with a tab 28 extending from and along a side 305 of body 304. Tab 28 is configured to allow connection to another device 300 when positioned on basin 12.

[0062] When device 300 is connected to another device 300 in the assembly, tab 28 defines a ventilation recess 310, which is arranged to enhance the airflow from outside device 300 through tab 28 into basin 12, and vice versa. Figure 10). In this embodiment, one of the outlets 17 is formed by a vented recess 310 to be adjacent to the connector structure (i.e. the tab 28). A channel 312 is arranged to direct liquid and any particles carried by the liquid (such as weed seeds and / or fertiliser in the air), received on the concave upper region 308, to flow towards and through the outlet 17, such that in use, the liquid flows through the tab 28 and into the pot 12. This arrangement causes water to enter the pot 12 at a location spaced apart from the central aperture 16 to distribute water into the pot 12 away from light that can reach the medium (such as soil) through the central aperture 16. This can advantageously inhibit weed growth immediately adjacent to the aperture 16 and / or enhance plant growth by improving water distribution across its root structure.

[0063] The vented recess 310 is arranged to be a recessed portion of the tab 28 to enhance the clearance between the tab 28 and the body 304 of another similar device 300 when arranged in the assembly 350 on the rim of the pot 12. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7 The vented recess 310 defines a width that is greater than the width of the channel 312. This arrangement can enhance the receipt of the portion of the channel 312 that protrudes from the adjacent device 300 fitted to the pot 12 of the assembly 350, which can enhance the formation of a secure connection between the devices 300 and further expand the envelope for distributing water inside the pot 12 across the medium and for gas to flow between the outside and inside of the pot 12. In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 8 The vented recess defines a width that is the same as or less than the width of the channel 312.

[0064] The vented recess 310 is arranged to collect weed seeds that can fall on the body 304 and be directed by wind and gravity, or be washed by liquid, through the concave upper region 308 into the channel 312 and to the outlet 17. This arrangement can assist in retaining the weed seeds in the vented recess 310 or depositing the weed seeds into the pot 12 away from any light that enters the pot 12 through the central aperture 16 that can cause the seeds to germinate.

[0065] The centrally arranged aperture 16 is surrounded by a domed portion 314 of the body 304. The domed portion 314 is shaped such that liquid received on the domed portion 314 flows out from the central aperture 16 and into the channel 312. As Figure 9 best shown, the domed portion 314 comprises a substantially flat inclined surface and a step that descends into the channel 312. In other embodiments (not shown), the domed portion defines a curved surface arranged to cause liquid to flow into the channel 312. The domed portion 314 can inhibit water from entering the pot 12 through the central aperture 16 and therefore inhibit weeds from growing from inside the pot 12 and through the aperture 16.

[0066] AsFigure 7 As best shown, the peripheral region 306 includes an elastically deformable tab 316. The tab 316 is arranged so that, in use, the tab 316 can be clipped onto the peripheral region 306 of another device 300, the other device being arranged on the rim of the basin 12, as Figure 10 shown. Typically, a protrusion (not shown) is arranged on the opposite side of the peripheral region 306, the protrusion being shaped to be at least partially received by the tab 316 to enhance retention of a pair of devices 300 together on the rim of the basin 12.

[0067] In some embodiments, as Figure 7 shown, the body 304 defines a watering aperture 318, the watering aperture being sized to receive a dripper or sprinkler. In some embodiments, as Figure 10 shown, the watering aperture 318 is covered by an insert 320, the insert being coupled to the body 304 by a frangible joint, the insert being arranged to be manually pressed out of the body 304 to expose the aperture 318.

[0068] Figure 10 A pair of devices 300 are shown connected together and around the rim of the basin 12 to cover the opening. The central apertures 16 defined by each body 304 are aligned to form a continuous elliptical opening for the plant to grow through. The elliptical shape of the apertures 16 also allows for the accommodation of a stake secured to the plant. The outlets 17 are arranged on opposite sides of the central aperture 16 to define two locations through which liquid is directed by the channel 312 into the basin 12.

[0069] Use of the devices 100, 200, 300 involves connecting the devices 100, 200, 300 around the rim of the basin 12 so that the plant 18 is arranged to extend through the aperture 16. The devices 100, 300 are typically arranged adjacent to another device 100, 300 connected to the rim to allow for covering of the opening of the basin 18, and most typically are arranged adjacent to a similar device 100, 300 to form an assembly 40, 350.

[0070] The devices 100, 200, 300 and assemblies 40 allow the opening of the pot 12 to be substantially closed with an opaque, continuous cover configured to allow the plants 18 to extend out of the pot 12. This arrangement substantially inhibits light penetration into the pot 12 and thus can inhibit weed growth in the pot 12. The devices 100, 200, 300 and assemblies 40, 350 are further configured to collect water and direct the water through the outlet 17, such as through the centrally arranged aperture 16, and / or through the junction between devices 300, and to the plants 18, which can promote the growth of the plants. In the case where the devices 300 are configured to direct fluid flow through the outlet 17 spaced apart from the central aperture 16, this can flush weed seeds through the outlet 17 to inhibit weed growth adjacent to the plants.

[0071] The devices 100, 300 are configured to cover only a portion of the opening of the pot 12, and are arranged adjacent to further devices 100, 300 to cover the opening. This arrangement enhances the ease of fitting the devices 100, 300 around the plants 18 to cover the opening.

[0072] The devices 100, 200, 300 and assemblies 40, 350 are generally configured to receive the rim of the pot 12 to securely mount the devices 100, 200, 300 and assemblies 40, 350 around the rim. This means that the devices 100, 200, 300 and assemblies 40, 350 can provide a lid to retain the plants 18 and associated soil or other medium in the pot 12. This can prevent the plants 18 and / or soil from being accidentally removed from the pot 12, such as by being knocked over or blown over during transport.

[0073] The concave upper region 20 of the device 10 is shaped to collect liquid and to flow the liquid towards and through the outlet 17, such as through the central aperture of the device 100, or past the connector structure of the device 300, to the interior of the pot 12. As a result, the liquid is dripped onto the soil directly above the root system of the plants at one or both locations. This delivers moisture on the surface soil contained in the pot at a defined location that can inhibit weed germination and growth. In the case where the outlet 17 is spaced apart from the plants 18, this distributes water away from the stems of the plants 18, which can reduce the incidence of fungal rot.

[0074] The concave upper region 20 of the device 10 can be shaped to inhibit evaporation of moisture from the soil contained in the pot 12, and to return the evaporated moisture to the soil, as the evaporated vapour is collected on the underside of the region 20 and is caused to flow operatively downwardly, dripping back into the soil. This can therefore limit the irrigation requirements of the plants. Preliminary experiments have shown that the water required to irrigate plants grown in a pot 12 covered with a device 10 is reduced by about 20% when compared to control plants grown in an uncovered pot.

[0075] It is common to attempt to limit weed growth in a pot by applying herbicide to the plant or medium in the pot. The use of the device 10 can significantly reduce the volume of herbicide consumed during the growth of the pot. Preliminary experiments have shown that the volume of herbicide used to plant a single plant can be reduced by approximately 90%.

[0076] The installation of the device 10 to the pot 12 can provide coverage across the medium in the pot 12. This arrangement can inhibit the transfer of the medium between pots, thereby reducing the transfer of fungal plant pathogens between pots.

[0077] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and / or modifications can be made to the above described embodiments without departing from the broader general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. An apparatus for inhibiting weed growth in a pot, the pot defining a rim around an opening, the apparatus comprising: a body configured to cover half of the opening and connect around the rim of the pot, the body defining a centrally disposed aperture to receive a plant disposed in the pot, and the body defining an outlet to allow liquid to flow into the pot, the body shaped to form a concave upper region around the aperture, the concave upper region disposed to direct liquid received on the concave upper region to and through the outlet to enter the pot, the body configured to be opaque such that, in use, the body inhibits light transmission through the opening, and a connector structure configured to interconnect with a further identical apparatus to allow covering of the opening of the pot, the connector structure comprising a tab extending away from the body and disposed such that, in use, the tab projects from under the body of the further apparatus, wherein the outlet is disposed on one side of the centrally disposed aperture and spaced therefrom to be adjacent the connector structure, and the concave upper region comprises a channel disposed to direct liquid received on the concave upper region to and through the outlet such that, in use, fluid flows through the tab and into the pot.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tab is disposed and shaped such that, in use, the tab extends under the concave upper region of the further apparatus.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector structure is configured to releasably engage with the further apparatus.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channel is shaped as an arc extending past the concave upper region and around the aperture.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body defines two outlets along one side of the body, and the channel is shaped to slope downwardly from a high point towards each of the outlets.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body defines a vent recess adjacent the or each outlet, the recess disposed to allow ventilation inside the pot in use.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a dome shaped portion extending around the centrally disposed aperture and disposed to direct liquid received on the dome shaped portion to flow from the centrally disposed aperture and to the concave upper region.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a peripheral region continuously joined around the concave upper region and configured to connect to the rim of the pot.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the peripheral region defines a channel shaped to receive the rim.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the channel defines a depth dimensioned to be less than a depth of the rim.

11. The device of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the peripheral region defines a retention structure to allow clamping of the peripheral region to a rim of the basin.

12. The device of claim 8, wherein the peripheral region defines one or more perforations arranged to deliver air through the body to allow ventilation of the interior of the basin.

13. The device of claim 8, wherein the peripheral region includes an elastically deformable tab arranged to clamp, in use, to the peripheral region of the further device.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the concave upper region includes one or more vent structures shaped to deliver air through the body.

15. A combination for inhibiting growth of weeds in a basin, the combination including a pair of devices according to claim 1.

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