A device for suppressing weed growth in pots.

Abstract

A device (10) for suppressing the growth of weeds in a pot (12), the pot (12) defining a rim around an opening. The device (10) includes a body (14) configured to cover at least a portion of the opening and connect to the periphery of the rim. The body (14) defines a centrally located gap (16) for receiving a plant (18) disposed within the pot (12) and is shaped to form a concave top region (20) surrounding the gap (16). The concave top region (20) is arranged to direct liquid received in the top region (20) to flow toward and through the outlet (17) and into the pot. At least the concave top region (20) is configured such that when positioned across the opening of the pot (12) in use, the body (14) is opaque to inhibit light transmission through the opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a weed control device, and more particularly to a device for suppressing the growth of weeds in plant pots.

Background Art

[0002] Many plants are grown and / or stored in pots, such as in commercial plant nurseries, before being transplanted to the ground, typically in a garden. While a plant is contained within a pot, spores or seeds from other plants, commonly referred to as weeds, can enter the pot by various approaches such as being carried by the wind, enabling the weeds to grow around the plant. Weeds can have an adverse effect on the growth of the plant, consuming available water and nutrients and potentially blocking light from reaching the plant.

[0003] To address this problem, weeds are typically removed manually from the pot or killed by the application of herbicides. However, both approaches often require frequent repetition and are thus time-consuming and costly, particularly in large-scale commercial nurseries that may have thousands of potted plants. This problem is particularly acute for slow-growing plant types such as conifers that need to be contained within a pot for more than two years.

[0004] Another approach to addressing this problem is to place a weed mat or loose mulch in the pot to surround the plant and substantially cover the soil. A weed mat is typically configured as a flexible disk that defines a central hole or radial slits from a point to the outer edge to enable the disk to be placed around the base of the plant. The disk is generally formed from a dense, fluid-permeable fabric or material such as COIR (coconut fiber). Such mats and mulches may limit the growth of weeds, but some weeds may remain and often grow along the radial slits and / or around the edges of the mat, meaning that periodic manual removal of the weeds is required.

[0005] The consideration of documents, actions, materials, devices, articles, etc., contained herein shall not be construed as an admission that any or all of these matters were common general knowledge in the art relevant to this disclosure that existed prior to the priority date of each of the attached claims. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] A device for inhibiting weed growth in a pot by defining a rim around the opening. The device includes a body configured to cover at least a portion of the opening and connect around the rim. The body is shaped to define a centrally located gap for receiving a plant placed in the pot and to form a concave upper region surrounding the gap. The concave upper region is positioned to direct any liquid received on the concave upper region toward and through the outlet into the pot. At least the concave upper region is configured to be opaque so that the body is opaque when positioned over at least a portion of the pot opening in use, thereby inhibiting light transmission through the opening.

[0007] The main body may be configured to cover only a portion of the opening. When the main body is connected to a rim adjacent to further devices as described in the above section, it may be configured to cover half of the opening so that the devices cover the opening of the pot when in use.

[0008] The device may include a connector structure configured to interconnect with the body of a further device. The connector structure may include at least one tab, the at least one tab extending away from the body, and in use, the tab or each tab is positioned to overlap under or over the body of the further device. The tab or each tab may be positioned and molded so that in use, the tab or each tab extends under a concave upper region of the further device. The connector structure may be configured to engage with the further device in a releasable manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The centrally located gap may have an outlet, and the concave upper region may be positioned to direct the liquid received in the concave upper region toward and through the centrally located gap.

[0010] The outlet is located on one side of the centrally located gap and may be separated from the centrally located gap, and the concave upper region includes a groove arranged to direct the liquid received in the concave upper region toward and through the outlet.

[0011] The outlet is located on one side of the centrally located gap, adjacent to the connector structure, and may be separated from the centrally located gap. The concave upper region includes a groove positioned to direct the liquid received in the concave upper region toward and through the outlet, so that when in use, the liquid flows over the connector structure into the bowl.

[0012] The main body may define a ventilation recess adjacent to the outlet, and the recess may be positioned to allow ventilation inside the pot when in use.

[0013] The device may include a dome portion that extends around a centrally located gap and is positioned to direct the liquid received in the dome portion to flow away from the centrally located gap and toward a groove.

[0014] The groove can be shaped to form an arc that extends across the concave upper region and around the centrally located gap.

[0015] The main body may have outlets defined at each end of the groove, and the groove may be molded to slope downward from a higher point toward each outlet.

[0016] The body may include an outer rim region that is continuously joined around a concave upper region and configured to connect to the rim of the pot. The outer rim region may define a channel molded to receive at least a portion of the rim. The channel may define a depth dimensionally determined to be less than the depth of the rim. At least a portion of the outer rim region may define a retaining structure that allows the outer rim region to be clipped to the rim. The outer rim region may define one or more perforations arranged to transport air through the body to allow ventilation inside the pot.

[0017] The main body may be configured to cover only a portion of the opening, and the outer edge region may include elastically deformable tabs positioned to clip onto the outer edge region of another device, as described in the preceding paragraph, which is placed on the rim of the pot, when in use.

[0018] The concave upper region may include one or more ventilation structures molded to transport air through the body. Each ventilation structure may include at least one hole defined within the concave upper region and a shroud extending over the at least one hole and positioned to define a slot arranged to allow air to flow into the at least one hole from a single direction. Each ventilation structure may be positioned to extend radially away from the gap.

[0019] The main body may be configured to completely cover the opening, receive the rim, and define an outer edge and an elongated slit extending from the central gap to the outer edge.

[0020] An assembly for inhibiting weed growth in a pot, defining a rim around the opening. The assembly includes a pair of devices as described in the section above. Each device has a body configured to cover only a portion of the opening, so that when in use, the devices can be attached to the rim of the pot and placed adjacent to each other to cover the opening.

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

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

[0023] Throughout this specification, the term "comprise", or variations such as "comprise" or "comprising", is understood to mean including the stated element, integer or step or group of elements, integers or steps, but not to mean excluding any other element, integer or step or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0024] It will be understood that embodiments can include steps, features and / or integers disclosed herein or shown individually or collectively in the specification of this application, and any and all combinations of two or more of said steps or features.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Here, embodiments are described only as examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a device for suppressing the growth of weeds in a pot. [Figure 2] It is a side perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a top view of the device shown in the aforementioned figure. [Figure 4] It is a detailed view of the device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of an assembly including a pair of devices for suppressing the growth of weeds in a pot with each device attached to the rim of the pot to surround the plant. [Figure 6]This is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a device for suppressing weed growth in a pot. [Figure 7] This is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a device for suppressing weed growth in a pot. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a top view of the device shown. [Figure 9] This is a side cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figures 7 and 8, taken along line FF in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the assembly, including the pair of devices shown in Figures 7-9, which are attached to the rim of the pot. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally refers to a device 10 for inhibiting weed growth in a pot 12 (Figure 4), the pot 12 defining a rim around an opening. The device 10 includes a body 14 configured to cover at least a portion of the opening and connect to the perimeter of the rim. The body 14 is shaped to define a centrally located gap 16 for receiving a plant 18 placed in the pot 12 and to form a concave upper region 20 surrounding the gap 16. The concave upper region 20 is positioned to direct any liquid received on the upper region 20 toward and through an outlet 17 into the pot 12. At least the concave upper region 20 is configured to be opaque so that, when positioned across the opening of the pot 12 during use, the body 14 inhibits light transmission through the opening.

[0028] Figures 1-4 show a first embodiment 100 of device 10. Figures 1-3 show device 100 alone. Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the ventilation structure 30 of device 100. Figure 5 shows an assembly 40 including a pair of devices 10 attached to a pot 12 to cover an opening and surround a plant 18.

[0029] In illustrated embodiment 100, the body 14 is molded to cover half of the circular opening defined by the pot 12. This configuration of the body 14 is illustrative, and it will be understood that in other embodiments (not illustrated), the body 14 may be molded to cover different portions of the opening, such as more than half or less than half. In some embodiments (Figure 6), the body 14 is configured to completely cover the opening. In other embodiments (not illustrated), the body 14 is configured to completely or partially cover different opening profiles defined by the pot 12, such as a square or rectangular opening.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, device 100 can be configured to be used with similar (identical) devices 100 to form assembly 40. This allows one device 100 of the pair to be connected around the rim of the pot 12 to cover half of the opening, and the other device 100 of the pair to be connected around the rim to cover the other half of the opening. In other embodiments, such as when device 100 is configured to be used with a square or rectangular opening pot (not illustrated), one device 100 may be configured to be used with different devices 100 such that one device 100 is sized to cover more than half or less than half of the opening, and the other device 100 is sized to cover the rest of the opening.

[0031] The main body 14 is continuously joined around a concave upper region 20 and includes an outer edge region 22 formed to connect to the rim of the pot 12, typically configured to receive at least a portion of the rim. In some embodiments, the outer edge region 22 is dimensioned to reliably abut against the rim to frictionally engage with it. In other embodiments, the outer edge region 22 is configured to releasably engage with the rim of the pot 12. In the illustrated embodiment best shown in Figure 1, the outer edge region 22 defines a continuous channel 24 dimensioned to receive a portion of the rim. The channel 24 is typically molded and dimensioned to allow the device 10 to be positioned on the rim to prevent the main body 14 from coming off, such as during transport of the pot 12. This also benefits the device 100 from functioning as a lid for the pot 12, allowing it to retain soil in the pot 12 if, for example, the pot 12 is knocked over by wind. In some embodiments, the channel 24 defines a depth less than the depth of the rim. This can prevent, for example, the device 10 from being inadvertently removed from the pot 12 as a result of the user lifting the pot 12 by its rim and interfering with the device 10.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the outer edge region 22 defines a retaining structure, in this embodiment, a rim 25. At least the rim 25 is elastically deformable to allow deformation by the rim and to clip onto the rim. In other embodiments (not illustrated), the outer edge region 22 includes, instead of or in addition to, a plurality of spaced-out separate clipping mechanisms, hooks, or other receiving or engaging structures to allow connection of the body 14 around the rim. Generally, the outer edge region 22 is configured to be continuous around the concave upper region 20 to suppress light transmission between the concave upper region 20 and the rim of the pot 12, which may support weed growth around the outer edge of the pot 12. Furthermore, configuring the outer edge region 22 to be continuous is advantageous in that it enhances the connection between the body 14 and the rim, preventing the device 10 from being dislodged from the pot 12 by wind, adjacent pots, or user.

[0033] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1-4, as best shown in Figure 2, the concave upper region 20 is shaped to gradually slope toward a centrally located gap 16, directing the liquid received on the region 20 to flow toward and through the gap 16. In this embodiment, the gap 16 includes an outlet 17. The upper region 20 defines a continuous, smooth conical surface to enhance the liquid flow toward the gap 16. In some embodiments, the region 20 is polished or coated to reduce surface friction in order to further enhance the liquid flow toward the gap 16. In yet other embodiments (not illustrated), the upper region 20 defines ribs and recesses to control the direction of the collected liquid flow and / or to increase the rigidity of the upper region 20. Thus, the configuration of the upper region 20 enhances the water supply to the plant 18 placed in the pot 12.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the entire body 14 is formed from an opaque material, such as a colored or black polymer. Typically, the material is configured to be resistant to ultraviolet (UV) light in order to suppress sunlight that would affect the structure of the body 14. In other embodiments (not illustrated), only the upper region 20 is formed from an opaque material, or carries ink or other pigment to color the upper region 20. Configuring the body 14 in this way can suppress light from passing through the body 14 to the pot 12, thereby suppressing weed growth in the pot 12.

[0035] In some embodiments, the body 14, or at least the upper region 20, is formed from a light-colored and / or reflective material to thermally insulate the pot 12. For example, if the device 10 is specified for use in very hot environments, the body 14 may be light gray or green to reflect light and consequently reduce the heat inside the pot 12. Conversely, if the device 10 is specified for use in tropical or cool environments, the body 14 may be colored black and / or configured to prevent heat from escaping from the pot 12, such as by defining one or more air pockets that can help the growth of some plants and / or extend the growing season of the plants.

[0036] As best shown in Figure 3, the body 14 defines the central gap 16 as a semicircle. This means that when device 100 is positioned adjacent to a similar device 100 and installed in a pot 12, the gap 16 aligns to form a circular profile hole surrounding the plant 18. The semicircular shape is illustrative, and in other embodiments, it would be understood that the central gap 16 may have an alternative shape, such as defining an elliptical profile. In some embodiments (not illustrated), one or more portions of fabric, such as a koir mat, are positioned around the gap 16 to deform the fabric with the plant 18 when device 100 is attached to pot 12, further restricting light from passing through device 100 into pot 12. In other embodiments (not illustrated), the body 14 includes or carries a flexible portion, such as an overmolded silicone flange or plate, positioned around the gap 16 to allow deformation with respect to the plant 18 during use. In yet another embodiment (not illustrated), the gap 16 includes a plurality of adjacent, flexible tabs extending toward the center of the gap 16 to allow deformation relative to the plant 18 during use.

[0037] Device 100 includes a connector structure configured to interconnect with the bodies 14 of similar or different devices 100 when both are placed adjacent to each other and connected to the pot 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector structure includes tabs 28, or at least one tab 28, which extends away from the body 14 and, when in use, is positioned so that each tab 28 overlaps with the body 14 of a further device 100.

[0038] As best shown in Figure 3, the upper region 20 defines a pair of aligned linear side walls 26 extending radially from the gap 16. The tabs 28 extend from one of the side walls 26 so as to be positioned on one side of the gap 16. The tabs 28 are positioned adjacent to each other and are molded to overlap the bodies 14 of similar devices 100 when mounted on the bowl 12. As best shown in Figure 2, the tabs 28 are operably separated below the concave upper region 20. This arrangement means that, in use, the tabs 28 extend below the upper region 20 of the adjacently positioned devices 100. The tabs 28 are typically configured to abut against or rest on the bodies 100 of the adjacent devices 100. In some embodiments (not illustrated), the tabs 28 include an engagement structure molded to connect with a complementary engagement structure defined by the adjacently positioned devices 100. This allows the pair of devices 100 to be releasably engaged.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in Figure 4, the upper region 20 includes a ventilation structure 30 molded to transport air through the body 14. The ventilation structure 30 includes elongated holes 32 extending through the body 14. It will be understood that the holes 32 may be embodied in other forms suitable for transporting air through the body 14, such as arrays of multiple smaller holes and / or mesh portions. In other embodiments, it will be understood that the ventilation structure 30 may not be present.

[0040] The shroud 34 extends across the hole 32 and is positioned to surround the hole 32 from above on three sides, so that the hole 32 is accessible from only one side. Thus, the shroud is substantially parallel to the upper region 20 and defines a slot 36, indicated by arrow A, which is positioned to allow air to flow into the hole 32 from a single direction. The shroud 34 is configured to block light from passing through the hole 32. If weeds grow from inside the pot 12 and through the hole 32, the body 14 is made manually rotatable relative to the pot 12 to cut and / or capture the weeds beneath the body 14, and in either case, typically kill the weeds.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the ventilation structure 30 is positioned to extend radially away from the central gap 16. In other embodiments (not illustrated), the body 14 includes multiple ventilation structures 30, for example, to enhance aeration of the pot 12. Each structure 30 may be positioned radially relative to the gap 16.

[0042] Figure 6 shows a second embodiment 200 of device 10, thereby indicating that common reference numbers indicate common features. Device 200 has a body 201 molded to substantially completely cover the circular opening defined by the pot 12. It will be understood that other embodiments may be adapted to cover openings of different pot opening profiles, such as square or rectangular. The body 200 is formed from an opaque material, such as a colored or black polymer, or otherwise carries ink or pigment to suppress light transmission through the body 200 into the pot 12.

[0043] The main body 201 defines an outer rim region 202 molded to receive the rim of the pot 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer rim region 202 defines a continuous annular sleeve 203 that extends axially with respect to the pot 12, overlaps the rim, and is positioned to suppress light entering the opening. In some embodiments, the outer rim region 202 additionally or alternatively includes one or more engagement mechanisms and / or clip or hook mechanisms for releasably engaging with the rim, such as the edge structure 25 of the device 100.

[0044] The outer edge region 202 surrounds the central gap 16 and encloses the concave upper region 20 that slopes toward the central gap 16.

[0045] The main body 201 defines an elongated slit 204 between the central gap 16 and the outer edge region 201 and is formed at least partially from an elastically deformable material. This configuration allows the main body 201 to be manually bent to widen the slit 204 and position the main body 201 around the plant 18 so that the plant 18 is positioned within the gap 16.

[0046] Figures 7–10 show a third embodiment 300 of device 10 that shares features with the embodiments described above. Common reference numerals will be understood to indicate common features unless otherwise noted. Figures 7–9 show device 300 alone. Figure 10 shows an assembly 350 including a pair of devices 300 attached to a pot 12 to cover an opening.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment 300, the body 304 is molded to cover half of the circular opening defined by the pot 12. This configuration of the body 304 is illustrative, and it will be understood that in other embodiments (not illustrated), the body 304 may be molded to cover different portions of the opening, or differently molded opening profiles, such as square or rectangular profiles.

[0048] As shown in Figure 10, device 300 can be configured to be used with similar (identical) devices 300 to form an assembly 350. This allows one device 300 of the pair to be connected around the rim of the bowl 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.

[0049] The main body 304 includes an outer edge region 306 that is continuously joined around a concave upper region 308, and the outer edge region 306 is molded to connect to the rim of the pot 12. As best shown in Figure 9, the outer edge region 306 defines a channel 310 for receiving at least a portion of the rim. In this embodiment, the channel 310 is slightly widened and dimensionally determined to have a depth less than the depth of the rim in order to prevent objects that come into contact with the rim, such as other pots or users, from inadvertently displacing the device 300 from the pot 12.

[0050] The concave upper region 308 is movably recessed below the outer edge region 306 such that the outer edge region 306 defines a raised boundary around the concave upper region 308. In this embodiment, the concave upper region 308 includes a groove 312 positioned around a centrally located gap 16. The upper region 308 is movably sloping downwards gradually and is shaped to move away from the outer edge region 306 toward the groove 312. The groove 312 is shaped to allow liquid received in the groove 312 to flow toward one of a pair of outlets 17 and through one of the pair of outlets 17 into the bowl 12. In this embodiment, the outlets 17 are positioned at each end of the groove 312 such that each outlet 17 is separated from the centrally located gap 16 and along the side surface 305 of the body 304.

[0051] The groove 312 defines an arc around the central gap 16, which slopes continuously downward from a high point located along a central line 313 (Figure 8) extending radially toward both outlets 17, allowing the liquid to flow into either outlet 17 and the bowl 12. It will be understood that the body 304 may define more or fewer outlets 17 to adjust the liquid distribution across the medium in the bowl. Similarly, the outlets 17 or each outlet 17 may be alternatively located within a concave upper region 308 or the groove 312, and the groove 312 may alternatively slope toward the outlets 17 to encourage drainage through the outlets 17. For example, in some embodiments (not illustrated), the outlet 17 is defined along the central line 313 and constitutes a single opening substantially equally spaced between the central gap 16 and the outer edge region 308, and the groove 312 is shaped to define a pair of opposing sloping surfaces traversing from the side surface 305 of the body 304 toward the outlets 17. In yet another embodiment, only one end of the groove 312 is configured as the outlet 17, and the groove is arranged to be continuously inclined toward the end of the outlet 17.

[0052] Device 300 includes a connector structure configured as a tab 28 extending from and along the side 305 of the main body 304. The tab 28 is configured to allow connection to another device 300 when placed on the pot 12.

[0053] Tab 28 defines a ventilation recess 310 positioned on Tab 28 to increase airflow to the pot 12 and vice versa when device 300 is connected to another device 300 in the assembly (Figure 10). One of the outlets 17 in this embodiment is formed by the ventilation recess 310 adjacent to the connector structure which is Tab 28. The groove 312 is positioned to direct liquids such as weed seeds and / or fertilizer, as well as any particles carried by the liquid, received on the concave upper region 308, toward and through the outlet 17, so that when in use, the liquid flows over Tab 28 into the pot 12. This arrangement allows water to enter the pot 12 at a location away from the central gap 16 and to distribute the water into the pot 12 away from light that could reach a medium such as soil through the central gap 16. This can be advantageous in that it can suppress the growth of weeds directly adjacent to the gap 16 and / or improve the distribution of water across their root structure, thereby enhancing plant growth.

[0054] The ventilation recess 310 is positioned to recess a portion of the tab 28 to increase the clearance between the tab 28 and the body 304 of another similar device 300 when it is placed within the assembly 350 on the rim of the pot 12. In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figure 7, the ventilation recess 310 defines a width greater than the width of the groove 312. This configuration can increase the ability to receive portions of the groove 312 protruding from adjacent devices 300 attached to the pot 12 within the assembly 350, which can increase the ability to form a secure connection between the devices 300 and further enlarge the frame for water distributed across the medium in the pot 12 and for gases flowing between the outside and inside of the pot 12. In other embodiments, such as those shown in Figure 8, the ventilation recess defines a width equal to or less than the width of the groove 312.

[0055] The ventilation recess 310 is positioned to fall onto the main body 304 and collect weed seeds that may be guided by wind and gravity or washed away by liquid into the groove 312 and outlet 17 on the concave upper region 308. This arrangement is useful in keeping weed seeds in the ventilation recess 310 or allowing weed seeds to accumulate in the pot 12, away from any light that may enter the pot 12 through the central gap 16 that could cause seed germination.

[0056] The centrally located gap 16 is surrounded by a dome portion 314 of the main body 304. The dome portion 314 is shaped to allow liquid received on the dome portion 314 to flow away from the central gap 16 into the groove 312. As best shown in Figure 9, the dome portion 314 includes a substantially flat, sloping surface and a step that descends into the groove 312. In other embodiments (not illustrated), the dome portion defines a curved surface positioned to allow liquid to flow into the groove 312. The dome portion 314 can prevent water from entering the pot 12 through the central gap 16, and consequently, can prevent weeds from growing from inside the pot 12 through the gap 16.

[0057] As best shown in Figure 7, the outer edge region 306 includes an elastically deformable tab 316. The tab 316 is positioned so that, in use, it can clip onto the outer edge region 306 of another device 300 positioned on the rim of the pot 12, as illustrated in Figure 10. Typically, a projection (not shown) is positioned on the opposite side of the outer edge region 306 and is molded to be at least partially received by the tab 316 to enhance the holding of the pair of devices 300 together on the rim of the pot 12.

[0058] In some embodiments illustrated in Figure 7, the body 304 defines a water supply gap 318 sized to receive a dripper or sprinkler. In some embodiments illustrated in Figure 10, the water supply gap 318 is covered by an insert 320 joined to the body 304 by a fragile seam, and the insert is positioned to be manually pushed out from the body 304 to expose the opening 318.

[0059] Figure 10 shows a pair of devices 300 connected together around the rim of the pot 12 to cover the opening. The central gap 16 defined by each body 304 is positioned to form a continuous elliptical opening for the plant to grow. The elliptical shape of the gap 16 also allows for the accommodation of stakes fixed to the plant. The outlet 17 is located on the opposite side of the central gap 16 and defines two locations where the liquid is directed into the pot 12 by a groove 312.

[0060] The use of devices 100, 200, and 300 involves connecting them around the rim of the pot 12 so that the plant 18 extends through the gap 16. Devices 100 and 300 are typically positioned adjacent to other devices 100 and 300 connected to the rim to allow covering the opening of the pot 18, and most typically adjacent to similar devices 100 and 300 to form assemblies 40 and 350.

[0061] Devices 100, 200, 300, and assembly 40 allow the opening of the pot 12 to be substantially enclosed with an opaque, continuous cover configured to allow the plant 18 to extend from the pot 12. This arrangement substantially suppresses the amount of light transmitted to the pot 12, and as a result, can suppress weed growth within the pot 12. Devices 100, 200, 300, and assemblies 40, 350 are further configured to collect and direct water through outlets 17, such as through a centrally located gap 16 and / or through joints between devices 300, which can enhance plant growth. If device 300 is configured to direct the flow of fluid through an outlet 17 spaced away from the central gap 16, this can push away weed seeds through the outlet 17, thereby suppressing weed growth adjacent to the plant.

[0062] Devices 100 and 300 are configured to cover only a portion of the opening of the pot 12 and are positioned adjacent to additional devices 100 and 300 to cover the opening. This arrangement enhances the convenience of attaching devices 100 and 300 around the plant 18 to cover the opening.

[0063] Devices 100, 200, 300, and assemblies 40, 350 are typically configured to receive the rim of the pot 12 and to securely mount the devices 100, 200, 300, and assemblies 40, 350 around the rim. This means that devices 100, 200, 300, and assemblies 40, 350 may provide a lid for holding the plant 18 and associated soil or other medium inside the pot 12. This can prevent accidental removal of the plant 18 and / or soil from the pot 12, such as during transport or by being knocked over by wind.

[0064] The concave upper region 20 of device 10 is shaped to collect liquid and allow it to flow towards and through outlet 17 into the interior of pot 12, such as by passing through the central gap of device 100 or over the connector structure of device 300. As a result, the liquid drips onto the soil at one or two locations directly above the plant's root system. This restricts the delivery of water across the topsoil contained in the pot to defined locations, which can suppress weed germination and growth. If outlet 17 is separated from the plant 18, water can be distributed away from the stem of the plant 18, reducing the likelihood of fungal rot.

[0065] The concave upper region 20 of the device 10 may be shaped to suppress evaporation of moisture from the soil contained in the pot 12 and return evaporated moisture to the soil, by allowing evaporated vapor to be collected on the lower side of the region 20 and operably flow downward so that it drips onto the soil. This may consequently limit the irrigation requirements of the plants. Preliminary experiments show that plants grown in pots 12 covered with the device 10 require approximately 20% less water to revitalize compared to control plants grown in pots not covered with the device 10.

[0066] Limiting weed growth in pots is often attempted by applying herbicides to the plants or growing medium in the pots. The use of device 10 can significantly reduce the amount of herbicide consumed during the growing season of the pots. Preliminary experiments have shown that the amount of herbicide used to grow a single plant can be reduced by approximately 90%.

[0067] Introducing device 10 into pot 12 can provide coverage over the medium within pot 12. This arrangement can suppress the movement of the culture medium between pots, and consequently reduce the movement of fungal plant pathogens between pots.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will understand that numerous variations and / or modifications can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad general scope of this disclosure. Therefore, these embodiments should be considered illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10 devices 12 pots 14 Main unit 17 Exit 18 pots (plants) 20 Concave upper area 22 Outer region 24 channels 26 side wall 28 tabs 30. Ventilated structure 32 holes 34 Shroud 36 slots 40 assemblies 100 devices (main unit) 200 devices (main unit) 201 Main body (outer edge region) 202 Outer region 203 Ring Sleeve 204 Slit 300 devices 304 Main Unit 305 Side view 306 Outer region 308 Outer edge region (concave upper region) 310 Ventilation recess (channel) 312 Groove 313 Chuo Line 314 Dome section 316 tabs 318 Opening 320 Inserts 350 Assembly

Claims

1. A device for suppressing the growth of weeds in a pot, wherein the pot has a defined rim around the opening, and the device is It includes a body configured to cover half of the opening and to connect to the rim of the pot, The main body defines a central gap for receiving a plant placed in the pot and an outlet for allowing liquid to flow into the pot, the main body is shaped to form a concave upper region surrounding the gap, and the concave upper region is positioned to direct the liquid received on the concave upper region toward the outlet and through the outlet into the pot. The main body is configured to be opaque so as to suppress light transmission through the opening when in use. The connector structure is configured to interconnect with further identical devices so as to cover the opening of the pot. The connector structure includes a tab that extends away from the main body, and when in use, the tab overlaps the main body of the further device. The outlet is positioned above the tab and spaced apart from the centrally located opening, and the concave upper region has a groove positioned to direct the liquid received in the concave upper region to flow across the tab toward the outlet.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the tab is positioned and molded so that, when in use, the tab extends below the concave upper region of the further device.

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

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the groove forms an arc that extends across the concave upper region and around the opening.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the main body is spaced apart on both sides of the centrally located opening and forms two outlets spaced apart from the centrally located opening, and the grooves are formed to be inclined from a high position toward each of the outlets.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the tab defines a recess adjacent to the groove, and the recess is formed to be wider than the groove to allow ventilation inside the pot.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device includes a dome portion extending around the centrally located opening, the dome portion being positioned between the centrally located opening and the concave upper region such that it directs the liquid received in the dome portion to flow away from the centrally located opening and toward the concave upper region.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the main body is continuously joined around the concave upper region and includes an outer edge region configured to connect to the rim of the pot.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the outer edge region defines a channel molded to receive the rim.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the channel defines a depth which is dimensionally determined to be less than the depth of the rim.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the outer edge region defines a retaining structure that allows the outer edge region to be clipped to the rim.

12. An assembly for suppressing the growth of weeds in the pot, wherein the assembly includes a pair of devices according to claim 1.

Images