A planter or pot irrigation system and use thereof

Abstract

A planter or pot irrigation system is provided. The system comprises a fluid tank arrangement with at least one tank (1; 2). One or more direct mount irrigation stake (63) is directly mounted to any of the top wall (64), the bottom wall (66) or side walls of the at least one tank. A continuous wick (10) is configured to originate from inside the at least one tank and to extend through the direct mount irrigation stake (63) to at least one fluid outlet (20). One or more direct mount irrigation stake spike (65) is directly mounted to a bottom wall (66) of the at least one tank. The stake spike (65) comprises a fluid outlet (20) in proximity to a tipped end (19) and an optional continuous wick (10). Fluid (8) inside the at least one tank is configured to be conveyed to the plant root base (39) by capillary action by the continuous wick (10) of the one or more direct mount irrigation stake (63); by gravity and capillary action in the event the one or more direct mount irrigation stake spike (65) comprises a continuous wick (10); or by gravity via the fluid outlet (20) of the one or more direct mount irrigation stake spike (65) in the event the direct mount irrigation stake spike (65) comprises no continuous wick (10).

Description

[0001] A PLANTER OR POT IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND USE THEREOF

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention refers to a planter or pot irrigation system and the use thereof.

[0004] TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0005] Today, planters and pots without fluid connectivity are commonplace in indoors and outdoors spaces. For example, such planters and pots are placed in hotels and large commercial or office buildings, softening the hardscape. The planters and pots can have trees with high canopies, and low flowers and shrubs covering the surface planters’ / pots’ plant grow material. Outdoor planters and pots are commonly placed along municipal roadways and commercial and institutional hardscaped buildings.

[0006] Currently, irrigation of indoor planters / pots require frequent manual labour. Plant maintenance crew irrigate indoor planters and pots typically at off hours. The irrigation process is time consuming and can conflict with other off hour building operation. Outdoors, municipalities often employ water tankers to hose planters located on sidewalks. The tankers can adversely impact traffic flow. Hardscape exterior planters and pots can be demanding as not all hardscape terrains are flat, often requiring pulling long irrigation hoses across the hardscaped terrain.

[0007] In addition, the method of fluid delivery to plants can be wasteful. For example, only a portion of irrigation fluid is absorbed by plants’ roots when a planter or a pot is irrigated through hosing the plant from a distance.

[0008] Regardless of the indoor and / or outdoor placement of planters / pots, there is an ongoing need to reduce the amount of labour in delivering irrigation fluid to the planters / pots and to save irrigation fluid.

[0009] The plant material planted in the planters and pots can have a shallow root base (flowers / shrubs) and a deep root base (trees). The plants’ bedding material provides a medium for the plant root base to anchor, retain moisture, and extract nutrients. When shallow and deep-rooted plants are placed in a planter and / or pot, a portion of the bedding material provides little utility for moisture retention and nutrient extraction.

[0010] No matter whether the plant is a tree, a shrub, or a flower, its root base must provide sufficient structural support to protect the plant from overturning and must maintain access to fluid and nourishment to keep the plant alive. The plant’s need for fluid varies throughout the plant’s life. When a plurality of plants is placed inside planters / pots, there can be multiple irrigation needs placed by the plants. Over- irrigation can cause root rot, while under-irrigation stunts plant growth or kills the plant. Further, irrigation that does not fall within an acceptable range weakens the plants, resulting in making the plants more susceptible to attacks by bacteria, viruses, and pests.

[0011] The present innovation, at least in part, substitutes some of the bedding material with fluid containers that can retain an ample volume of irrigation fluid to prolong the frequency of the manual irrigation cycles while providing a good anchoring structure for the roots and delivering the right amount of irrigation fluid and nourishment directly to the plant’s root base.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide an irrigation system that at least partly overcome the drawbacks and issues mentioned above.

[0014] More precisely, the irrigation system should be easily applicable to plants, bushes and trees arranged in a pot or planter.

[0015] The irrigation system should be easily adaptable to the type / size of plants / trees and also to the size and volume of the planter or pot.

[0016] The irrigation system should allow it to be used without any need for any complete re-planting of the plant, bush or tree.

[0017] Further, the irrigation system should be equally applicable, no matter if it is used outdoor or indoor.

[0018] These and other objects are solved by a planter or pot irrigation system where the system comprises: a planter or pot configured to receive at least one plant with a root base embedded in plant bedding material; a fluid tank arrangement comprising at least one tank configured to be embedded in the plant bedding material, and to contain irrigation fluid; the at least one tank having a top wall, a bottom wall and sidewalls connecting the top wall and the bottom wall; one or more of a direct mount irrigation stake and a direct mount irrigation stake spike; wherein the one or more direct mount irrigation stakes is directly mounted to any of the top wall, the bottom wall or side walls of the at least one tank, and the stake comprises a continuous wick and at least one fluid outlet, wherein the continuous wick is configured to originate from inside the at least one tank and to extend through the direct mount irrigation stake to the at least one fluid outlet, and the one or more direct mount irrigation stake spikes is directly mounted to a bottom wall of the at least one tank, and the stake spike comprises a fluid outlet in proximity to a tipped end and an optional continuous wick configured to originate from inside the at least one tank and to extend through the stake spike to the fluid outlet; whereby fluid inside the at least one tank is configured to be conveyed to the plant root base by capillary action by the continuous wick of the one or more direct mount irrigation stakes; by gravity and capillary action in the event the one or more direct mount irrigation stake spike comprises a continuous wick; or by gravity via the fluid outlet of the one or more direct mount irrigation stake spike in the event the direct mount irrigation stake spike comprises no continuous wick.

[0019] Accordingly, the present innovation resolves the issue of supplying plants with the correct amount of irrigation fluid, relying mainly on a capillary fluid migration principle. Capillary action as defined by Wikipedia “is the process of a liquid flowing in a narrow space without the assistance of, or even in opposition to, any external forces like gravity The roots of the plants growing inside the planters / pots extract fluid from the bedding material of the planter / pot. As the bedding material dries up, it creates low moisture content pockets inside the planters / pots.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, the term “direct mount’ is to be understood as that the stake or stake spike via one of its two ends is mounted directly, either fixedly or removably, to a wall of a tank. Hence, the stake or stake spike may be integrally formed with the tank by e.g., injection moulding, welding, or adhesive bonding, but it may also be removably attached by using e.g., threads, a clamp or any other type of fast coupling.

[0021] The wicks of the one or more direct mount irrigation stakes and direct mount irrigation stake spikes provide the fluid conveyance vehicle to deliver irrigation fluid from the fluid tank arrangement embedded inside the planter or the pot to the root base of the plants growing inside the planter or pot. The one or more direct mount irrigation stake spikes which are directly mounted to a bottom wall of the at least one tank will, when the tank arrangement is arranged in a pot or planter be directed in the downward direction and hence provide for an irrigation at a deeper level that the one or more direct mount irrigation stakes that are directly mounted to any of the top wall, the bottom wall or side walls of the at least one tank. The skilled person realizes that the stake spikes may be provided with different lengths to further facilitate irrigation at different levels in the planter or pot, all depending on the type of plant. Further, depending on if the stake spikes are provided with a wick or not, the irrigation provided by the stake spikes may rely on pure gravity fed drip irrigation or irrigation by means of capillary action in combination with gravity.

[0022] The one or more direct mount irrigation stakes rely on capillary action, whereby they may basically have any orientation in view of the walls of the at least one tank. In the event they are mounted to the top wall, they will target plants having a shallow root systems substantially directly above above the tank(s).

[0023] The fluid tank arrangement may couple to a plurality of direct mount irrigation stakes and / or direct mount irrigation stake spikes. The plurality of stakes or stake spikes may be located across the volume of the planter / pot substantially vertically above or vertically below the tanks where best suited and also be arranged at different depths depending on different irrigation needs. Also, the individual irrigation stakes or stake spikes may have different lengths.

[0024] By placing the stake near the root base, the plant does not have to expend energy growing roots to seek water, reducing the root structure clutter inside the planter / pot while minimizing the consumption of irrigation fluid. When moisture content around the root base diminishes, fluid is readily available to replenish the lost fluid by capillary action. In addition, plant nutrients and other plant protective additives can be conveyed to the plant root from inside the fluid tank arrangement. The irrigation cycle will be continuous and proportional to the plant’s needs, no matter what type or growth stage of the plant, delivering fluid when and where needed. This attribute also includes the irrigation system providing the correct amount of fluid and fluid and nutrient / additive, regardless of climatic conditions. In at least one embodiment, a basket containing such nutrients / additives can be submerged in water, having time-released properties to maintain a continuous but non-concentrated nutrient / additive fluid content.

[0025] The tanks may have any shape. They may by way of example be arc shaped, circular, or have a straight-linear elongated shape. The skilled person realizes that other geometries are equally applicable.

[0026] The fluid tank arrangement is configured to be removably arranged in the planter or pot.

[0027] The at least one tank may be provided with at least two irrigation stakes or irrigation stake spikes of the same or different types. The stake or stake spikes may have the same or different lengths; and / or said stakes or stake spikes may be configured to dispense different amounts of fluid to the at least one plant in the vicinity of its root base. By providing the stakes with different lengths, different areas of the root base as seen in the vertical direction of the planter may be efficiently irrigated. Further, the amount of fluid to be dispensed by each wick via each stake or stake spike may be controlled by using different types or different dimensions of the wick material.

[0028] No matter how the at least one tank is formed, the present system can be seen as a modular system where the number of tanks, their volumes, and the number of irrigation stakes or stake spikes, and hence the number of irrigation spots, may be adapted to a specific plant / pot and type of plant or plants. The present innovation prolongs the manual irrigation cycle needed to refill non-connected planters and pots with irrigation fluids. The innovation utilizes irrigation fluid tanks embedded inside planters and pots. The irrigation methodology relies on capillary action, a combination of capillary action and gravity, or gravity alone to convey fluid or fluid and / or nourishment / plant protection additives to the plant root base.

[0029] The system may further comprise one or more piped irrigation stakes, each stake comprising a tipped end and being configured to be embedded in the bedding material in proximity to the root base of the at least one plant, said piped irrigation stake being coupled to any of the top wall, the bottom wall or sidewalls of the at least one tank by an irrigation pipe with a continuous wick, wherein the continuous wick is configured to originate from inside the at least one tank and to extend through the piped irrigation stake to a fluid outlet in proximity to the tipped end of the piped irrigation stake; whereby fluid inside the at least one tank is configured to be conveyed to the plant root base by capillary action by the continuous wick.

[0030] The irrigation pipe, which as such may be flexible, enables placing the one or more piped irrigation stakes in the nearest location to the plant’s root base. Hence, the piped irrigation stakes can be better distributed across the planters full cross sectional area at the user’s choice depending on the positions of the plants therein.

[0031] The piped irrigation stake is preferably an elongated structure with a sharp tip at its end, configured to be embedded in the plant bedding material in the vicinity of a root base. The irrigation stake is coupled to the irrigation pipe that draws irrigation fluid from a master and / or a slave tank, delivering the fluid to a precise location and depth. For this reason, in any planter / pot, a plurality of irrigation stakes can be used drawing fluid from nearby fluid retaining tanks. The irrigation stakes can vary in depth and fluid flow rate.

[0032] The one or more direct mount irrigation stakes may be directly mounted to the top wall of the at least one tank.

[0033] The irrigation pipe of the one or more piped irrigation stakes may be mounted to the top wall of the at least one tank.

[0034] The one or more direct mount irrigation stakes may each comprise a plurality of fluid outlets distributed along a longitudinal extension of the irrigation stake.

[0035] The one or more direct mount irrigation stakes and / or the one or more direct mount irrigation stake spikes may be made of a rigid material. Especially the stake spikes should be rigid enough to be substantially form-stable to thereby not deform by bending when pushing the tank arrangement into the bedding material. They should also be able to withstand the root systems.

[0036] The fluid tank arrangement may comprise at least one master tank and at least one slave tank, and wherein the at least one master tank couples to the at least one slave tank by a fluid jumper pipe. The fluid tank arrangement may accordingly, either be one single tank, or comprise two or more tanks that are arranged in fluid communication via a fluid jumper pipe. In the event of several tanks, at least one of them serve as a master tank and at least one of them serve as a slave tank. The tanks may have the same volume, or have different volumes. Each tank, no matter if it is a master tank or a slave tank, may couple to one or more irrigation stakes of different types. The number of irrigation stakes coupled to each tank and their positions may differ.

[0037] The fluid jumper pipe coupling the at least one master tank to the at least one slave tank may be located in proximity to a bottom end of the respective tanks. The fluid jumper pipe is typically configured to be placed at the same elevation inside the planter / pot, and fluid from the at least one master tank is configured to flow to the at least one slave tank, maintaining the same fluid level elevation between all tanks. The foremost reason to maintain equal fluid levels among all tanks is to obtain accurate level depth by a gauge / sensor. Also, a fluid transfer between the individual tanks will be allowed even though the fluid level should be low.

[0038] The system may further comprise a detachable fluid infill pipe coupled to the top wall or side wall of the fluid tank arrangement. The at least one tank, no matter if it is a master tank or a slave tank may be completely embedded in the bedding material. However, an infill opening must be accessible from the plant’s bedding material top surface. This may be achieved by the infill opening being part of an infill pipe and where the infill opening is closed by a removable cap which projects above the top surface.

[0039] The filling cap may be coupled to the top of the fluid infill pipe, and the filling cap may be coupled to at least one of, a fluid depth gauge / sensor, an air breather, a power source, a communication device, a microprocessor, and a photovoltaic panel. The fluid depth gauge / sensor may couple to the fluid infill pipe and / or the filling cap. The fluid depth gauge / sensor may provide real time information about the fluid level inside the fluid tank arrangement. In addition, the gauge / sensor can alert a caretaker when the fluid level inside the tank reaches a threshold requiring a refill. The gauge / sensor can be manual, such as a mechanical flow type and / or electronic, employing ultrasonic sound waves. In addition, the gauge / sensor may have a microprocessor, code, and can provide other functionalities, including sensing ambient light levels and interacting with lighting and / or audio devices. The fluid level gauge / sensor can provide at least one additional input such as the rate of fluid depletion, pH level of the fluid, mineral content, and fluid temperature. The gauge / sensor can be coupled to the filling cap and may be a visual indicator and / or a communication device. The fluid depth gauge / sensor may be coupled to a wireless communication device. The communication device can be wired or wireless, powered by at least one of: a battery and / or a photovoltaic panel. The communication device may be configured to communicate by using Bluetooth. The fluid depth gauge / sensor and / or the communication device may be configured to draw power from a power source coupled to the filling cap.

[0040] The provision of an air breather allows air to enter the master tank’s interior. Additionally, an air equalizing pipe may couple the at least one master tank to the at least one slave tank. The air equalizing pipe can be coupled to the at least one master tank and to the at least one slave tank in proximity to the top vertical walls of the tanks. This also applies to air equalizing pipes interconnecting slave tanks. The air equalizing pipe’s purpose is to equalize the pressure between the tanks, wherein a breather built into the cap of the master tank or built into the master tank’s top surface passes air throughout the network of the irrigation tanks, enabling the fluid level to remain equal. Without equalizing the air, the rate in which fluid is drawn from any one tank may vary and can potentially result in a vacuum effect, interfering with fluid migration into the external plant root base.

[0041] At least one through fluid coupling nipple may extend outwardly from an exterior surface of the at least one tank; and / or at least one through fluid threaded bore may be disposed on an exterior surface of the at least one tank. The nipples may be used to direct mount irrigation stakes and irrigation stake spikes to the at least one tank. The nipples may also be used to connect the irrigation pipes of the piped irrigation stakes to the at least one tank.

[0042] A detachable through fluid nipple cover may cover a nipple that is not used. Equally, a detachable through fluid threaded bore cover may cover a threaded bore that is disposed on / in an exterior wall of the at least one tank.

[0043] Reinforcement fins may extend radially outwardly about a longitudinal axis of the one or more direct mount irrigation stake spikes.

[0044] The at least one tank may have a circular arc shape, wherein the circular arc is 180 degrees or less than 180 degrees, or wherein the circular arc is preferably any of 120 degrees, 90 degrees or 45 degrees. By a circular arc shape, a plurality of tanks, at least one of them being a master tank, may be interconnected in series by jumper pipes to form a substantially circular chain of tanks.

[0045] According to another aspect, the invention refers to the use of a planter or pot irrigation system according to claim 1 in a pot or planter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing disclosures of the invention. The figures are provided to illustrate the general structures of disclosures of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective of an assembly comprising two crescent shaped irrigation tanks’ arrangement according to the invention.

[0048] FIG. 2 shows a bottom perspective of an assembly comprising two crescent shaped irrigation tanks’ arrangement according to the invention.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a schematical cross section of a planter containing a tank arrangement of the type disclosed in FIGs. 1 and 2.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a top view of the assembly comprising two crescent shaped irrigation tanks’ arrangement according to the invention.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a view from below of the assembly comprising two crescent shaped irrigation tanks’ arrangement according to the invention.

[0052] FIGs 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d show elevations of three types of direct mount stakes and one type of an irrigation piped stake respectively.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a computer-based controller on which embodiments of the present system may be implemented.

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred disclosures of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the disclosures set forth herein; rather, these disclosures are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and to fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.

[0056] The terms pot and planter will be used interchangeably throughout the description. While a pot generally is round and small and usually is meant to contain one plant, a planter is generally meant for outdoors, has an irregular size and can contain many plants. The system according to the invention is equally applicable, no matter if it used in a planter or a pot and no matter number or types of plants. Now turning to FIGs. 1, 2 and 3, one disclosure of the planter or pot irrigation system 1000 according to the invention is disclosed. FIG. 1 discloses a perspective top view the system without any plant and without any plant bedding material. FIG. 2 discloses a perspective bottom view the system without any plant and without any plant bedding material. FIG. 3 discloses the system in operation with pot 13 provided with two types of plants and the pot filled with plant bedding material 14.

[0057] Starting with Fig. 3, the pot 13 is disclosed as having a generally circular cross section and an envelope wall merging with a bottom wall. A fluid tank arrangement 100 is removably arranged in the upper portion of the pot 13.

[0058] The fluid tank arrangement 100 comprises a first tank 1 , constituting a master tank which in turn is connected with a second tank 2, constituting a slave tank. The tanks 1, 2 are interconnected by jumper pipes 16.

[0059] As is best seen in FIGs. 1 and 2, the two tanks 1, 2 are crescent formed and are arranged side by side to form a ring shaped tank arrangement 100. The two tanks 1, 2 thereby share a common central vertical axis. The tanks 1 , 2 are configured to be embedded inside plant bedding material 14 of a round formed planter. While the present embodiment shows crescent formed tanks 1 , 2, other embodiments (not shown) can have different tank forms generally following the geometry of the planter.

[0060] The first tank 1 is configured to share irrigation fluid with the second tank 2 via the jumper pipes 16. The tanks 1 , 2 may have the same volume, or have different volumes. Although only one master tank 1 is shown, the skilled person realizes that more than one master tank 1 may be arranged. The fluid jumper pipes 16 are located in proximity to a bottom end of the respective tanks 1 , 2. A fluid transfer between the individual tanks 1, 2 will thereby be allowed even though the fluid level should be low. The tanks 1 , 2 are preferably arranged at the same or substantially the same level in the pot 13.

[0061] The fluid jumper pipes 16 couple the tanks 1 , 2 at both ends to enable irrigation fluid 8 to flow from one tank 1, 2 to another. The fluid jumper pipe 16 can be coupled to the tanks 1 , 2 by an external coupler 11 as shown, or can be an internal threaded bore (not shown) in the body of the respective tank 1 , 2. The coupler 11 can be common to at least one of, the fluid jumper pipe 16, a direct mount stake 63 (to be described below), a piped irrigation stake 28 (to be described below), and a direct mount stake spike (to be described below).

[0062] The respective tanks have a top wall 64, a bottom wall 66 and sidewalls 75 interconnecting the top wall and the bottom wall.

[0063] Now turning specifically to FIGs. 1 , 3 and 4, a plurality of openings 60 are disposed on the tanks’ 1, 2 top walls. The openings 60 are disclosed as being arranged in two concentric rings, one ring arranged in proximity to the exterior perimeter of the crescent shaped tanks 1 , 2, and the other in proximity to the interior perimeter of the tanks.

[0064] The openings 60 are disclosed as being provided with through fluid coupling nipples 57 that extend outwardly from the top wall 64. The nipples 57 may be used to direct mount irrigation stakes 63 to the top wall 64 of the tanks 1 , 2. The nipples 57 may also be used to connect one or more piped irrigation stakes 28. The irrigation stakes 28, 63 of the different types will be described below. The nipples 57 that are not used are provided with a detachable through fluid nipple cover 52. As an alternative to using nipples, threaded bores may be disposed on / in the exterior walls 64, 66, 75 of the tanks 1 , 2. Bores that are not used may be provided by a detachable through fluid threaded bore cover 69.

[0065] As is exemplified in FIGs 4 and 3, the nipples 57 that are distributed along the inner perimeter are provided with piped irrigation stakes 28 whereas the nipples 57 that are distributed along the outer perimeter are provided with direct mount irrigation stakes 63. The skilled person realises that the nipples 57 that are distributed along the outer perimeter with remained functionality may be provided with piped irrigation stakes 28 whereas the nipples 57 that are distributed along the inner perimeter may be provided with direct mount irrigation stakes 63. Alternatively, only one stake type 28; 63 may be used or two stake types 28; 63 may be mixed.

[0066] Now turning specifically to FIGs. 2, 3 and 5, the bottom wall 66 of the respective tank 1, 2 comprise openings 60. The openings 60 are distributed across the bottom wall 66 of the respective tank 1 , 2. The openings 60 are disclosed as threaded bores 68 that are used to direct mount irrigation stake spikes 65 to the bottom wall 66. Bores 68 that are not used may be provided by a detachable through fluid threaded bore covers 69. Alternatively, the openings 60 may be provided with through fluid coupling nipples that extend outwardly from the bottom wall 66. The nipples may be used to direct mount irrigation stake spikes 65 to the bottom wall 66. Nipples that are not used may be provided with a detachable through fluid nipple covers in the same manner as has been described above in view of the top wall 64.

[0067] Although not disclosed, also the sidewalls 75 connecting the top wall 64 and the bottom wall may be provided with nipples or threaded bores for the connection of direct mount irrigation stakes 63 or piped irrigation stakes 28.

[0068] The connection between the nipples or threaded bores and the direct mount irrigation stakes 63, the piped irrigation stakes 28 or the direct mount irrigation stake spike 65 may be made by the use of couplers 11. The couplers 11 will be further described below.

[0069] A user can remove the nipple covers 52 and couple at least one of, a direct mount irrigation stake 63, a piped irrigation stake 28 and a direct mount stake spike 65 to any of the top wall 64, the bottom wall 66, and sidewalls 75 of the tanks 1 , 2 to a nipple 57. Similarly, a user can remove the threaded bore covers 69 and couple at least one of, a direct mount irrigation stake 63, a piped irrigation stake 28, and a direct mount stake spike to a top surface 64, the bottom surface 66 and side wall 21 of the tank / s 1, 2.

[0070] As is best seen in FIGs. 1 , 3 and 4, each of the tanks 1 , 2 comprises a fluid infill opening 6 with a detachable cap 3 on top. It is to be understood that it is sufficient with one infill opening 6, even though two or more tanks are used.

[0071] The infill opening 6 is formed by a fluid infill pipe 56 that couples to the top wall 64 of the tank 1, 2. The fluid infill pipes 56 can be detachable. “O” rings 27 coupled at the ends of the fluid infill pipe 56 are configured to form a moisture / airtight connectivity by being compressed from above by securing the cap 3 and from below by a threaded bore 68 at the top surface 64 of the fluid tank 1 , 2.

[0072] As is best seen in FIG. 4, the cap 3 shown has a fluid depth gauge / sensor with a plurality of air breather 59 openings shown between the gauge / sensor 40 and the exterior perimeter of the cap 3. The plurality of air breather openings 59 shown are configured to deliver air to the tanks 1 , 2 interior and equalize the air pressure inside.

[0073] As is best seen in FIG. 3, the tanks 1, 2 are configured to be disposed below a top surface of the plant bedding material 14. The only part that extends above the top surface of the plant bedding material 14 is the infill opening 6 an the cap 3 that is arranged at a free end of an infill pipe 56. If only one infill pipe is used in a tank arrangement with several tanks 1, 2, such single infill pipe 56 is advantageous arranged in the master tank 1.

[0074] The irrigation fluid 8 is configured to enter the fluid tanks 1, 2 through the infill pipe 56. By removing the cap 3 irrigation fluid 8 can be poured with or without a mix of plant nutrient and / or anti-pest / virus / bacteria additive / s. The irrigation is allowed to transfer between the tanks 1, 2 via the jumper pipes 16. Having a plurality of tanks 1, 2 allows for logical placement of tanks inside a planter 13, without having to pass through at least one of, a tree canopy 22 and / or a tree trunk. In addition, there are several benefits to having a plurality of interconnected fluid tanks 1 , 2 with individual fluid infill pipes 56 and infill openings 6:

[0075] A. The irrigation of a planter 13 can be done by accessing a more convenient fluid infill pipe 56 location.

[0076] B. An infill cap 3 that is communicatively coupled to a photo voltaic panel can be placed at the most conducive location for direct solar radiation.

[0077] C. A plurality of air breathers 59 allows for more air to enter each of the fluid tanks 1, 2, preventing formation of air pockets and back suction.

[0078] D. At least through and / or in one of the infill openings 6, a mix of plant nutrient and / or anti-pest / virus / bacteria additive / s (not shown) can be immersed in the irrigation fluid 8.

[0079] The cap 3 may by way of example be a threaded cap 3 coupled to a moisture-tight O-ring gasket 27. In another (non-shown) embodiment, the cap 3 can be clipped on the irrigation infill opening 6 or can have any other means of securing the cap 3 to said opening 6.

[0080] The cap 3 can be coupled to other devices (highly schematically illustrated) including a fluid depth gauge / sensor 40, a processor 32 with code 37, a communication device 33, a power source 31 , a power generating source 34, an audio device 35, a visual indicator 36, a disinfecting light source 51, and other devices including temperature, air pressure and fluid pH level sensors. The skilled person realizes that a more rudimentary cap can be used without a power source, employing only a mechanical fluid depth gauge such as a float gauge or a cap without any depth gauge. Such cap may include an air breather 59, a visual indicator panel, and an optional antenna coupled to a communication device. No matter configuration of the cap 3, the air breather 59 is coupled to or is disposed in the vicinity the filling cap 3. Thereby it will be arranged above the top surface of the bedding material 14 during operation of the system.

[0081] The fluid depth gauge / sensor 40 is configured to provide real time information about the fluid level inside the fluid tank arrangement 100. In addition, the gauge / sensor 40 can alert a caretaker when the fluid level inside the tank arrangement 100 reaches a threshold requiring a refill. The gauge / sensor 40 can be manual, such as a mechanical flow type and / or electronic, employing ultrasonic sound waves. In addition, the gauge / sensor 40 may have a microprocessor, code, and can provide other functionalities, including sensing ambient light levels and interacting with lighting and / or audio devices. The fluid depth gauge / sensor 40 can provide at least one additional input such as the rate of fluid depletion, pH level of the fluid, mineral content, and fluid temperature. The gauge / sensor 40 can be coupled to the filling cap 3 and may be a visual indicator and / or a communication device. The fluid depth gauge / sensor 40 may be coupled to the communication device 33. The communication device 33 can be wired or wireless, powered by at least one of: a battery and / or a photovoltaic panel 34. The communication device 33 may be configured to communicate by using Bluetooth. The fluid depth gauge / sensor 40 and / or the communication device 33 may be configured to draw power from a power source coupled to the fluid irrigation cap 3.

[0082] As given above, the system comprises up to four different types of irrigation stakes. The one or more direct mount irrigation stakes 63 and the one or more piped irrigation stakes 28 are configured to be directly mounted to any of the top wall 64, the bottom wall 66 or side walls 75 of the at least one tank 1, 2. In the disclosed embodiments, the direct mount irrigation stakes 63 and the piped irrigation stakes 28 are all disclosed as being mounted to the top wall 64 only. However, the principle with couplers 11 to be described below is equally applicable no matter which wall is used. The one or more direct mount irrigation stake spikes 65 are configured to be directly mounted to the bottom wall 66 of the at least one tank 1, 2.

[0083] Starting with FIG 6a, one embodiment of a direct mount irrigation stake 63 is shown. The stake 63 comprises a continuous wick 10 that along a portion of its longitudinal extension is encircled by a longitudinally extending housing 80. The housing 80 is provided with a plurality of fluid outlets 20 that are distributed along a longitudinal extension of the housing 80. A fluid flow from the outlets is disclosed highly schematically. The lower end of the housing 80 is provided with a coupler 11. The coupler 11 allows the direct mount irrigation stake 63 to be directly mounted to a respective nipple 57 or threaded bore in the top wall 64 of the tank 1 , 2. The skilled person realizes that the direct mount irrigation stake 63 with remained functionality may be arranged to any suitable wall 64, 66, 75 of the tank. The stake 63 may by way of example be arranged in one of the side walls 75 of the tank and thereby have a substantially horizontal extension when the system is arranged in a planter.

[0084] When mounted to the top wall 64, the direct mount irrigation stakes 63 are vertically oriented and configured to primarily irrigate plants with a shallow root base. By the direct mounting, the stakes 63 will be stationary.

[0085] The coupler 11 joining the direct mount irrigation stake 63 to a nipple 57 or a threaded bore 68 can have an “O” ring (not shown). In at least one embodiment, the coupler 11 is threaded. The direct mount irrigation stake 63 will in a coupled condition compress the “O” ring, thereby forming a moisture / airtight connection.

[0086] The free end of the wick 10 is provided with a weight 9. The weight 9 ensures that the free end of the wick extends towards the bottom wall of the tank 1 , 2 in a condition when the direct mount irrigation stake 63 is mounted to the tank. Fluid inside the at least one tank is thereby allowed to be conveyed to the plant root base by capillary action by the continuous wick 10. The fluid will be allowed to leave the housing via the plurality of fluid outlets 20 and thereby be distributed in the bedding material 14 in the planter 13, see FIG. 3.

[0087] The conveyance of the irrigation fluid 8 to a plant root is based on the relative humidity of the bedding material in the vicinity of a stake 63. The plant roots in the vicinity of the stake 63 continuously absorb irrigation fluid 8, reducing the moisture content in the bedding material surrounding the direct mount irrigation stake 63. In so doing, irrigation fluid 8 is drawn from inside the direct mount irrigation stake 63 to replenish the moisture content in the bedding material, thus maintaining moisture levels in the vicinity surrounding the direct mount irrigation stake 63.

[0088] Now turning to FIGS. 6b and 6c, two embodiments of a direct mount irrigation stake spike 65 are disclosed. The stake spikes 65, no matter embodiment, are configured to be directly coupled to the bottom wall 66 of the tanks 1 , 2. FIG. 6b shows a direct mount stake spike 65 that is configured to convey irrigation fluid from inside the tank to the bedding material by gravity force only. Hence, it contains no internal wick. FIG. 6c shows a direct mount stake spike 65 that is configured to convey irrigation fluid from inside the tank by gravity force and by capillary action. For this purpose, the stake spike in FIG. 6c contains a wick 10. Both stake types 65 can extend from at least the bottom wall 66 of the tank towards the inner bottom wall of the planter.

[0089] By the direct mounting, the irrigation stake spikes 65 are stationary when embedded in the bedding material (not shown) in proximity to a plant root inside the planter.

[0090] The two direct mount stake spike 65 embodiments both show an elongated tubular central body with fins 67 extending at 90° to one another, from the longitudinal axis of the stake 65. Hence, the fins 67 extend radially outwardly from each other. The stake’s fins 67 taper down from the top end that is coupled to the fluid tank (not shown) to a tipped end 19 at the stake’s opposite end. The tipped end 19 comprises at least one fluid outlet 20.

[0091] Both types of the direct mount stake spikes 65 have a top mounting pressure disk 70 that the fins 67 can couple to. At the opposite side, a threaded pipe nipple 4 extends outwardly surrounded by an “O” ring 27. The direct mount stake spikes 65 shown can be coupled to the fluid tank (not shown) by engaging the threaded pipe nipple 4 in a threaded bore 68 disposed in the bottom wall 66 of a tank 1 , 2 with the “O” ring 27 sealing the connection against fluid / air infiltration, see Fig. 2.

[0092] The length and breadth of the direct mount irrigation stake spike 65 is configured to deliver ample fluid to the plant / tree root bulb within the confines of a planter (not shown). The suitable stake prevents the plant / tree roots’ expansion throughout the planter interior by seeking irrigation fluid or destroying the stake’s utility by root penetration and / or engulfing the stake with roots. For this reason, the stakes’ structure needs to be more robust and accommodating the tree growth with minimal root expansion. It is hence preferred that the stake spike is made of a rigid material. The length of the stake spike 65, the stake’s spike diameter, the number of stake spikes, and the number of fluid outlet openings 20 in the stake spikes can vary by at least one of, the size of the plant root bulb / s, the depth of the root bulb / s, and the plant / s’ irrigation needs.

[0093] The direct mount stake spike 65 as shown in FIG. 6b, conveys irrigation fluid to the plant / tree root by gravity flow only, whereas the direct mount stake spike 65 as shown in FIG. 6c conveys fluid to the plant / tree root by a combination of gravity flow and capillary action. The direct mount stake spike 65 of FIG. 6c has a wick 10 that extends from inside the fluid tank (not shown) through at least a portion of the direct mount stake spike 65.

[0094] It is noted that in at least one embodiment (not shown), the direct mount irrigation stake 63 of FIG. 6a can be coupled to the bottom surface of the fluid tank alone, or in conjunction with the direct mount stake spike 65 of FIGs. 6b and / or 6c.

[0095] The conveyance of the irrigation fluid 8 to a plant root is based on the relative humidity of the bedding material in the vicinity of a stake spike 65. The plant roots in the vicinity of the stake spike 65 continuously absorb irrigation fluid 8, reducing the moisture content in the bedding material surrounding the direct mount irrigation stake spike 65. In so doing, irrigation fluid 8 is drawn from inside the direct mount irrigation stake spike 65 to replenish the moisture content in the bedding material, thus maintaining moisture levels in the vicinity surrounding the direct mount irrigation stake spike 65

[0096] Now turning to FIG. 6d which discloses one embodiment of a piped irrigation stake 28 that is configured to be mounted to any of the top wall 64, the bottom wall 66 or sidewalls 75 of the at least one tank 1 , 2. The piped irrigation stake 28 has a tipped end 19 and is configured to be embedded in the bedding material 14 in proximity to a root base 39 of a plant. The piped irrigation stake 28 comprises an irrigation pipe 30 with a continuous wick 10. The continuous wick 10 is configured to originate from inside the at least one tank 1 , 2 and to extend through the piped irrigation stake 28 to a fluid outlet 20 in proximity to the tipped end 19 of the piped irrigation stake 28. A weight 9 is coupled to a free end of the wick 10 and is configured to be disposed inside the fluid tank. The wick 10 extends from the fluid tank through the flexible pipe 30 to at least a portion of the stake 28.

[0097] A coupler 11 joining the nipple 57 in a tank wall to the piped irrigation stake 28 can have an “O” ring 27. In at least one embodiment, the coupler 11 is threaded. The piped irrigation stake 28 coupled to the nipple 57 will compress the “O” ring, thereby forming a moisture / airtight connection.

[0098] Acting as an extender, the pipe 30 enables selective mobility for the placement of the piped irrigation stake 28 where needed. Hence, as a difference to the direct mounted stakes 63, 65 that are stationary, the piped irrigation stakes 28 are movable and can be embedded in the bedding material in proximity to a plant root anywhere inside the planter.

[0099] The stake’s 28 embedment depth is only limited to the depth of the planter. The mechanics of irrigation fluid 8 dispersion from the stake to the surrounding bedding material (not shown) is by capillary action as is with that of the direct top surface mounted stake 63. Both stake 28, 63 types coupled to the top surface of the irrigation tank 9 can disperse irrigation fluid 8 in a symmetrical or an asymmetrical pattern in relation to their respective longitudinal axes.

[0100] Now referring to FIG 3. Inside the round opening formed by the two coupled fluid tanks 1, 2, a plurality of top wall coupled piped irrigation stakes 28 are shown extending inwardly toward the axial center of the round opening. The piped irrigation stake 28 length can be longer than the direct mount irrigation stakes 63. However, the piped irrigation stake 63 is generally shorter than the direct mount stake spike 65. The direct mount stake spike 65 is configured to irrigate deep set plant / tree roots (not shown).

[0101] Accordingly, as is best seen in FIG. 1 , each tank 1 , 2 may be provided with a number of piped irrigation stakes 28, direct mount irrigation stakes 63 and direct mount irrigation stake spikes 65 of the types described above. The stakes 28, 63, 65, no matter type and position, may have the same or different lengths to allow different irrigation depths. This also applies to stakes of one and the same type. Further, the irrigation pipes 30 among a plurality of piped irrigation stakes 28 may have different lengths to allow a full coverage of the cross-sectional area of the pot 13.

[0102] The length of the piped irrigation stakes 28 may be shorter than the bottom mounted direct mount stake spikes 65 that are configured to irrigate deep set plant / tree roots.

[0103] The key difference between the top surface 64 mounted piped irrigation stakes 28 and the top surface mounted 64 direct mount irrigation stake 63 is that the latter is vertically and stationary disposed and is configured to irrigate plants 15 above and in the vicinity of the inner perimeter of the planter 13, wherein the piped irrigation stake’s 28 placement can be selected based on the plant’s root 39 location and the stake can be embedded in either the inner or outer surface of the tank 1 , 2.

[0104] Further, the piped irrigation stake 28 height can vary, whereas the direct mount irrigation stake 63 height is limited to the height between the top surface of the bedding material 55 and the top surface 64 of the fluid tank 100. The piped irrigation stake 28 depth can be anywhere between the distance from the top of the bedding material 55 to the inner bottom surface of the planter 13.

[0105] In the following, the commissioning of a pot 13 using the system 1000 according to the invention will be briefly explained. Reference will be made to FIG. 3.

[0106] The pot 13 is partly filled with plant bedding material 14 and one or more plants 22 with a relatively deep root system is planted. The plant is exemplified in FIG. 3 as a tree. The surface of the bedding material 14 is levelled to form a levelled surface. The tanks 1 , 2 are arranged on top of the thus formed support surface with the direct mount irrigation stake spikes 65 extending downwardly in the vertical direction into the bedding material 14. Also, if not already made, jumper pipes 16 are arranged to interconnect the two tanks 1, 2.

[0107] One or more infill pipes 56, if not already pre-mounted, are mounted to the tanks 1, 2. The piped irrigation stakes 28 with their weights 9 and wicks 10 are mounted to their respective tanks 1 ,2, if not already pre-mounted. In the exemplified embodiment, the piped irrigation stakes 28 are mounted to the top wall 64 of the respective tanks 1, 2.

[0108] The direct mounted irrigation stakes 63 with their weights and wicks 10 and weights 9 are mounted to their respective tanks 1, 2, if not already pre-mounted to the tanks. In the exemplified embodiment, the direct mounted irrigation stakes 63 are mounted to the top wall 64 of the respective tanks 1 , 2.

[0109] Additional bedding material 14 is added and any additional plants 15 are planted in the pot. The bedding material 14 is added to such extent that the direct mounted irrigation stakes 63 are fully buried. While doing so, care should be taken, not to bury the irrigation stakes 28. Further, care should be taken to make sure that there is free access to the infill opening(s) 6 of the infill pipe(s) 56 and their cap(s) 3. When finished, the irrigation stakes 28 are inserted into the bedding material 14. The shorter irrigation stakes 28 are preferably arranged in the vicinity of the root bases 39 of plants having a shallow root system, whereas the longer irrigation stakes 28 are arranged in the vicinity of the root bases of plants having a deep root system. When finished, the cap 3 is removed and the tank(s) 1 , 2 having an infill pipe 56 are filled with irrigation fluid. The irrigation fluid will transfer between the tanks 1 , 2 via the jumper pipes 16, whereby all tanks 1 , 2 will receive a uniform a fluid level. The fluid level in the tank arrangement 100 can be monitored via the gauge / sensor 40. The irrigation system 1000 is now operating.

[0110] It is preferred that the irrigation pipes 30 have a length that allows the respective stake 28 to be freely accessible above the top surface of the bedding material 14. The user can thereby easy move around the stakes across the area of the pot 13 to reach the different plants 15.

[0111] It is noted that irrigation fluid from inside the tanks can flow up, sideways, and downward toward the plant root base 39 by capillary action.

[0112] The capillary action of the present self-irrigating system is enabled by the wicks 10 that originate inside the tanks 1 , 2. The wicks 10 immersed in the irrigation fluid inside the tanks 1 , 2 extend upwardly through at least a portion of the direct mount irrigation stake 63 and / or extends upwardly through a piped portion of the piped irrigation stake 28 that is portably embedded in the bedding medium (not shown). Also, the wicks 10 (if any) of the direct mount irrigation stakes 65 extend downwardly through the substantially vertically arranged stake spikes.

[0113] Untapped nipples 57 and / or threaded bores 68 can remain enclosed by the nipple cover 52 and / or the threaded bore cover 69 respectively.

[0114] In other words, and in attempt of summing up - FIG. 3 shows a vertical section across a planter 13 with two crescent shaped fluid tanks 1, 2 embedded inside. Aside from the fluid tanks 1, 2, the figure shows a partial tree 22 with a root bulb 39 embedded in the bedding material 14. The root bulb 39 of the tree 22 is shown at the lower section of the planter 13, and the shallow root base 39 of the plants 15, such as flowers / shrubs 23, are shown growing from the top surface 55 of the bedding material 14 inside the planter 13. At the left side of the present section, a fluid infill pipe 56 with a cap 3 is shown extending outwardly from the top surface 64 of the fluid tank 1, 2, through the bedding material 14 and terminating just below the top surface of the planter 13.

[0115] The tanks 1 , 2 are configured at least in part, to deliver irrigation fluid 8 from inside the fluid tank / s 1, 2 to at least one plant root base / bulb 39 by capillary action. For this reason, when capillary action is used, the bottom wall 66 of the tanks 1, 2 cannot be embedded in the bedding material 14 deeper than 350 mm under one atmosphere at 15° C. The optimal embedment depth for capillary action varies as at least one of, the temperatures and the altitude of the planter 13 varies.

[0116] As given above, the present figure shows three types of stakes 28, 63, 65 that can be configured to deliver fluid to a plant 15 root’s base / bulb 39 by capillary action. Two of the stake types 28, 63 couple to the top wall 64 of the tanks 1 , 2 and one type 65 couples to the bottom wall 66 of the tanks 1 , 2. A direct mount irrigation stake 63 is shown vertically disposed in the outer top wall 64 perimeter of the tank 1 , 2. A piped irrigation stake 28 is shown coupled to the inner side of the tank’s 1 , 2 top wall 64. The piped irrigation stake 28 can be embedded inside the inner and / or outer perimeter of the tanks 1 , 2. A direct mount irrigation stake spike 65 is shown coupled to the bottom wall 66 of the tank 1 , 2. The direct mount irrigation stake spike 65 can convey irrigation fluid 8 to a plant root’s base / bulb 39 by gravity flow, by capillary action, or by both methods. The length of the stakes of the bottom wall 66 mounted direct mount irrigation stake spikes 65 and the top wall piped irrigation stakes 28 can vary, and a plurality of stake lengths can be used in a single planter 13.

[0117] The stake types 28, 63, 65 can couple to the tank / s 1 , 2 by at least one of, a nipple 57 and / or a threaded bore 68 disposed in the exterior surface of the fluid tank / s 1, 2. The stakes 28, 63 can be mounted to any wall, no matter if it is a top wall, a side wall or a bottom wall. The stakes 28,63 employ capillary action to convey irrigation fluid 8 to a plant root’s base 39. Both stakes 28, 63 employ a through wick 10 that originates inside the tanks 1 , 2 and that extends to and through the stakes 28, 63. The stakes 28, 63 can have a plurality of fluid outlet openings 20 configured to control / regulate irrigation fluid 8 flow rate in accordance with at least one plant’s needs.

[0118] At the bottom wall 66 of the tanks 1 , 2, at least one stake 28, 63, 65 can be coupled to a protruding downwardly through fluid nipple 57 or a threaded bore 68 located at the bottom wall 66 of the tanks 1 , 2. Both the nipple 57 and the threaded bore 68 are configured to enable the flow irrigation fluid 8 from inside the fluid tank 100 to a plant root’s base / bulb 39 below. The downwardly oriented direct mount stake spike 65 is particularly suited to convey irrigation fluid 8 to a deep set plant / tree 22 root bulb 39. When using direct mount irrigation stake spikes 65, irrigation fluid 8 flow can be by gravity flow, or by gravity flow and capillary action.

[0119] The diameter, depth, and number of fluid outlet openings 20 of the direct mount stake spike 65 can be configured by the irrigation needs of the plant / tree 15, 22. The direct mount stake 63 and the direct mount stake spike 65 are directly and stationary coupled to the tank 1 , 2 while the piped irrigation stake 28 is coupled to the stake pipe 30 that is coupled to the fluid tank 100.

[0120] When a tree 22 root bulb 39 is embedded in a planter 13, the direct mount stake pipe 65 can be coupled to the bottom wall 66 of the tank 1 , 2 prior to the placement of the fluid tank 100 inside the planter 13.

[0121] It is noted that in other embodiments, the top wall 64 of the tank 1 , 2 can have only one type of irrigation stake or none. Conversely, in other embodiments, no stakes are coupled to the bottom wall 66 of the tank 1, 2. It is also noted that a plurality of different diameter tanks 1, 2 can be embedded in the bedding material 14 side by side, with different stake types coupled to at least one side of the tank 1, 2.

[0122] To summarize the disclosure of FIG. 3, it shows two means of connecting a stake 28, 63 or stake spike 65 to a tank 1 , 2, the first by a coupler that engages a nipple disposed on a surface of the fluid tank, and the other by engaging a threaded pipe nipple coupled to a stake in a threaded bore located inside at least one exterior surface of the tank. The nipples, at least in part, can remain covered by a nipple cover (not shown) based on the plant’ s / tree’s needs. Stakes 28, 63, 65 can employ an “O” ring. When the “O” ring is compressed, a moisture / airtight connectivity between at least one of stakes 28, 63, 65 and the tank is formed. Upon coupling, irrigation fluid 8 flows by at least one of, gravity flow and capillary action from the tank through the stakes to the exterior plant bedding material.

[0123] The direct mount stake 65 coupled to the bottom wall of the tank can vary by at least one of, depth, diameter, number of fluid outlet openings, structural reinforcement, and means of conveying fluid to a plant / tree root base / bulb.

[0124] At the inner perimeter of the crescent shaped tank 1 , 2 top wall 64, a plurality of piped irrigation stakes 28 are shown coupled. The piped irrigation stakes 28 are coupled to the fluid tank 1 , 2 by the stake pipes 30 acting as extenders. The stake pipes 30 enable selective embedment of the piped irrigation stakes 28 in the vicinity of a plant root (not shown).

[0125] At the outer perimeter of the fluid tank’s 1, 2 top surface 64 a plurality of direct mount irrigation stakes 63 are shown coupled. The direct mount irrigation stakes 63 can be coupled to the same or substantially the same through fluid nipple 57 type as the nipple used for coupling the piped irrigation stakes 28. The direct mount irrigation stakes 63 are fixed in place (stationary) and are configured to irrigate surrounding plant roots.

[0126] Fluid jumper pipes 16 shown coupling the tanks 1, 2 at both ends enable irrigation fluid to flow from one tank 1 , 2 to another. The fluid jumper pipe 16 can be coupled to the tanks 1 , 2 by an external coupler 11 as shown or by an internal threaded bore in the exterior surface of the tank 1, 2. The threaded bore in the exterior surface of the tank 1 , 2 can replace the protruding fluid through nipples 57, and at least one stake 28, 63, 65 can couple to a surface of the tank 1 , 2 by coupling to the threaded bore.

[0127] The size of the tank 1 , 2 may vary by the size of the planter. At least two tanks 1, 2 may share at least one of, a common fluid infill opening 6, at least one of, a direct mount irrigation stake 63, a piped irrigation stake 28 and a direct mount stake spike 65 and a common means of coupling a stake to the tanks 1 , 2.

[0128] It is noted that the size of the tank arrangement 100 is determined by at least one of, the planter / s’ 13 shape, the number of tanks 1 , 2 embedded, the number of stakes 28, 63, 65 coupled to the fluid tank / s 1, 2, the type and size of the stakes 28, 63, 65 coupled to the tank / s 1 , 2, the number of irrigation fluid openings 20 of each of the stakes 28, 63, 65 used inside the planter 13, the number of plants 15, 22 planted inside the planter 13, and the irrigation needs of each of the plants 15, 22 grown inside the planter 13.

[0129] The invention has been exemplified in the drawings with the use of two crescent shaped tanks, each having an arc shape of approximately 180 degrees to thereby provide a 360 degrees coverage of a circular pot. The skilled person realizes that the invention is equally applicable to other arc shapes. The tanks may by way of example have a 90 degrees arc shape, whereby four tanks may be arranged in series to thereby form a 360 degrees coverage of a circular pot. The same principle is applicable to other angles. If the angle is 120 degrees, three tanks are required to provide a 360 degrees coverage of a circular pot, one of them being a master tank and two of them being slave tanks. Correspondingly, if the angle a is 45 degrees, eight tanks are required to provide a 360 degrees coverage of a circular pot, at least one of them being a master tank and the others being slave tanks. The skilled person realizes that the jumper pipes 16 that interconnect the tanks allow a flexibility to adjust the gap between the individual tanks 1, 2 to thereby allow a flexibility when it comes to different pot dimensions. The skilled person realizes that the tanks may have any other form, such as quadrangular or rectangular. Hence, they must not be arc shaped.

[0130] In at least one embodiment, the one or more tanks 1 , 2 can have a clean out removable plug (not shown) disposed at the bottom of the irrigation tank (not shown).

[0131] FIG. 7 illustrates a functional block diagram of electronic based components, including a programmable processor that serves to control processes of the various embodiments described herein.

[0132] The control and sensor portions of the present disclosure may be embodied as a system, a method, and / or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium on which computer readable program instructions are recorded that may cause one or more processors to carry out aspects of the embodiment.

[0133] The computer readable storage medium may be a tangible device that can store instructions for use by an instruction execution device (processor). The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any appropriate combination of these devices. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes each of the following (and appropriate combinations): flexible disk, hard disk, solid-state drive (SSD), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash), static random access memory (SRAM), compact disc (CD or CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) and memory card or stick. A computer readable storage medium, as used in this disclosure, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

[0134] Computer readable program instructions described in this disclosure can be downloaded to an appropriate computing or processing device from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a global network (i.e. , the Internet), a local area network, a wide area network and / or a wireless network. The network may include copper transmission wires, optical communication fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing or processing device may receive computer readable program instructions from the network and forward the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the computing or processing device.

[0135] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present disclosure may include machine language instructions and / or microcode, which may be compiled or interpreted from source code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including assembly language, Basic, Fortran, Java, Python, R, C, C++, C# or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on a user's personal computer, notebook computer, tablet, or smartphone, entirely on a remote computer or computer server, or any combination of these computing devices. The remote computer or computer server may be connected to the user's device or devices through a computer network, including a local area network or a wide area network, or a global network (i.e., the Internet). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by using information from the computer readable program instructions to configure or customize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present disclosure.

[0136] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flow diagrams and block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that each block of the flow diagrams and block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flow diagrams and block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

[0137] The computer readable program instructions that may implement the systems and methods described in this disclosure may be provided to one or more processors (and / or one or more cores within a processor) of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable apparatus, create a system for implementing the functions specified in the flow diagrams and block diagrams in the present disclosure. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable apparatus, and / or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having stored instructions is an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the functions specified in the flow diagrams and block diagrams in the present disclosure.

[0138] The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions specified in the flow diagrams and block diagrams in the present disclosure.

[0139] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a networked system 800 of one or more networked computers and servers. In an embodiment, the hardware and software environment illustrated in FIG. 7 may provide an exemplary platform for implementation of the software and / or methods according to the present disclosure.

[0140] A networked system 800 may include, but is not limited to, computer 805, network 810, remote computer 815, web server 820, cloud storage server 825 and computer server 830. In some embodiments, multiple instances of one or more of the functional blocks illustrated in FIG. 7 may be employed. 1

[0141] Additional detail of computer 805 is shown in FIG. 7. The functional blocks illustrated within computer 805 are provided only to establish exemplary functionality and are not intended to be exhaustive. And while details are not provided for remote computer 815, web server 820, cloud storage server 825 and computer server 830, these other computers and devices may include similar functionality to that shown for computer 805.

[0142] Computer 805 may be a personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, netbook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, or any other programmable electronic device capable of communicating with other devices on network 810.

[0143] Computer 805 may include processor 835, bus 837, memory 840, nonvolatile storage 845, network interface 850, peripheral interface 855 and display interface 865. Each of these functions may be implemented, in some embodiments, as individual electronic subsystems (integrated circuit chip or combination of chips and associated devices), or, in other embodiments, some combination of functions may be implemented on a single chip (sometimes called a system on chip or SoC).

[0144] Processor 835 may be one or more single or multi-chip microprocessors, such as those designed and / or manufactured by Intel Corporation, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), Arm Holdings (Arm), Apple Computer, etc. Examples of microprocessors include Celeron, Pentium, Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 from Intel Corporation; Opteron, Phenom, Athlon, Turion and Ryzen from AMD; and Cortex-A, Cortex-R and Cortex-M from Arm.

[0145] Bus 837 may be a proprietary or industry standard high-speed parallel or serial peripheral interconnect bus, such as ISA, PCI, PCI Express (PCI-e), AGP, and the like.

[0146] Memory 840 and non-volatile storage 845 may be computer-readable storage media. Memory 840 may include any suitable volatile storage devices such as Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) and Static Random Access Memory (SRAM). Non-volatile storage 845 may include one or more of the following: flexible disk, hard disk, solid-state drive (SSD), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash), compact disc (CD or CD- ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) and memory card or stick. Program 848 may be a collection of machine readable instructions and / or data that is stored in non-volatile storage 845 and is used to create, manage and control certain software functions that are discussed in detail elsewhere in the present disclosure and illustrated in the drawings. In some embodiments, memory 840 may be considerably faster than non-volatile storage 845. In such embodiments, program 848 may be transferred from non-volatile storage 845 to memory 840 prior to execution by processor 835.

[0147] Computer 805 may be capable of communicating and interacting with other computers via network 810 through network interface 850. Network 810 may be, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, or a combination of the two, and may include wired, wireless, or fiber optic connections. In general, network 810 can be any combination of connections and protocols that support communications between two or more computers and related devices.

[0148] Peripheral interface 855 may allow for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected locally with computer 805. For example, peripheral interface 855 may provide a connection to external devices 860. External devices 860 may include, for example, 1) user interface devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a keypad, a touch screen, or input devices; 2) portable computer-readable storage media such as, for example, thumb drives, portable optical or magnetic disks, and memory cards; and 3) sensors, including temperature, pressure, fluid PH, and light sensors. Software and data used to practice embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, program 848, may be stored on such portable computer- readable storage media. In such embodiments, software may be loaded onto nonvolatile storage 845 or, alternatively, directly into memory 840 via peripheral interface 855. Peripheral interface 855 may use an industry standard connection, such as RS- 232 or Universal Serial Bus (USB), to connect with external devices 860.

[0149] Display interface 865 may connect computer 805 to display 870. Display 870 may be used, in some embodiments, to present a command line or graphical user interface to a user of computer 805. Display interface 865 may connect to display 870 using one or more proprietary or industry standard connections, such as VGA, DVI, DisplayPort and HDMI. As described above, network interface 850, provides for communications with other computing and storage systems or devices external to computer 805. Software programs and data discussed herein may be downloaded from, for example, remote computer 815, web server 820, cloud storage server 825 and computer server 830 to non-volatile storage 845 through network interface 850 and network 810.

[0150] Furthermore, the systems and methods described in this disclosure may be executed by one or more computers connected to computer 805 through network interface 850 and network 810. For example, in some embodiments the systems and methods described in this disclosure may be executed by remote computer 815, computer server 830, or a combination of the interconnected computers on network 810.

[0151] Power Supply 930 not only provides power for computer 805 but also provides a power source for external devices 860. The power supply 930 may be implemented to draw power from an AC mains when the device is physically connected to an outlet. In this case, the power supply 930 may include an AC / DC converter that provides DC output for external devices, as well as to store charge in a rechargeable battery and / or capacitor. Alternatively, or additionally, the power supply 930 may receive a DC input, such as via a USB port. In this configuration the power supply 930 may provide DC power of various output voltages to external devices as well as AC power provided via a pulse code modulation-based DC to AC inverter.

[0152] Wireless transceiver 950 includes a radio frequency (RF) receiver and a RF transmitter that cooperate, under control of the processor 935 to exchange wireless communication signals with external devices. Non-limiting examples of the wireless communications may be local RF communications, such as by BLUETOOTH or WiFi, or cellular transmission such as via 5G. Moreover, the duplex ability of the wireless transceiver allows for the planter 13 to provide access point functionality, and or mesh network functionality with other devices on a wireless AD HOC network to provide WiFi access to external devices 860 within range of the planter 13. In this way, the planters 13 provide an additional service of WiFi access in regions (e.g., a room in a building) in which the planter 13 is located. In this way, the use of wirelessly networked planters serve to extend RF communication range beyond a region covered by a router alone, or fixed access points. Data, datasets and / or databases employed in embodiments of the systems and methods described in this disclosure may be stored and or downloaded from remote computer 815, web server 820, cloud storage server 825 and computer server 830. Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A planter or pot irrigation system, the system comprising: a planter or pot (13) configured to receive at least one plant (15) with a root base (39) embedded in plant bedding material (14); a fluid tank arrangement (100) comprising at least one tank (1; 2) configured to be embedded in the plant bedding material (14), and to contain irrigation fluid (8); the at least one tank (1; 2) having a top wall (64), a bottom wall (66) and sidewalls (75) connecting the top wall (64) and the bottom wall (66); one or more of a direct mount irrigation stake (63) and a direct mount irrigation stake spike (65); wherein the one or more direct mount irrigation stake (63) is directly mounted to any of the top wall (64), the bottom wall (66) or side walls of the at least one tank (1 ; 2), and the stake (63) comprises a continuous wick (10) and at least one fluid outlet (20), wherein the continuous wick (10) is configured to originate from inside the at least one tank (1; 2) and to extend through the direct mount irrigation stake (63) to the at least one fluid outlet (20), and the one or more direct mount irrigation stake spike (65) is directly mounted to a bottom wall (66) of the at least one tank (1; 2), and the stake spike (65) comprises a fluid outlet (20) in proximity to a tipped end (19) and an optional continuous wick (10) configured to originate from inside the at least one tank (1 ; 2) and to extend through the stake spike (65) to the fluid outlet (20); whereby fluid (8) inside the at least one tank (1; 2) is configured to be conveyed to the plant root base (39) by capillary action by the continuous wick (10) of the one or more direct mount irrigation stake (63); by gravity and capillary action in the event the one or more direct mount irrigation stake spike (65) comprises a continuous wick (10); or by gravity via the fluid outlet (20) of the one or more direct mount irrigation stake spike (65) in the event the direct mount irrigation stake spike (65) comprises no continuous wick (10).

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more piped irrigation stakes (28), each stake comprising a tipped end (19) and being configured to be embedded in the bedding material (14) in proximity to the root base (39) of the atleast one plant (15), said piped irrigation stake (28) being coupled to any of the top wall (64), the bottom wall (66) or sidewalls of the at least one tank (1 ; 2) by an irrigation pipe (30) with a continuous wick (10), wherein the continuous wick (10) is configured to originate from inside the at least one tank (1; 2) and to extend through the piped irrigation stake (28) to a fluid outlet (20) in proximity to the tipped end (19) of the piped irrigation stake (28); whereby fluid (8) inside the at least one tank (1; 2) is configured to be conveyed to the plant root base (39) by capillary action by the continuous wick (10).

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more direct mount irrigation stakes (63) are directly mounted to the top wall (64) of the at least one tank (1 ; 2).

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the irrigation pipe (30) of the one or more piped irrigation stakes (28) is mounted to the top wall (64) of the at least one tank (1; 2).

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more direct mount irrigation stakes (63) each comprises a plurality of fluid outlets (20) distributed along a longitudinal extension of the irrigation stake (63).

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more direct mount irrigation stakes (63) and / or the one or more direct mount irrigation stake spikes (65) are made of a rigid material.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fluid tank arrangement (100) comprises at least one master tank (1) and at least one slave tank (2), and wherein the at least one master tank (1) couples to the at least one slave tank (2) by a fluid jumper pipe (16).

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the fluid jumper pipe (16) coupling the atleast one master tank (1) to the at least one slave tank (2) is located in proximity to a bottom end of the respective tanks (1, 2).

9. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a detachable fluid infill pipe (56) coupled to the top wall (64) of the fluid tank arrangement (100).

10. The system of claim 9, wherein a cap (3) is coupled to the top of the fluid infill pipe (56), and wherein the cap (3) is coupled to at least one of, a fluid depth gauge / sensor (40), an air breather (5), a power source (31), a communication device (33), a microprocessor (32), and a photovoltaic panel (34).

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one through fluid coupling nipple (57) extends outwardly from an exterior surface of the at least one tank (1 ; 2); and / or wherein at least one through fluid threaded bore (68) is disposed on an exterior surface of the at least one tank (1 ; 2).

12. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of, a detachable through fluid nipple cover (52) covers a nipple (57) and a detachable through fluid threaded bore cover (69) covers a threaded bore (68) disposed on / in an exterior wall of the at least one tank (1; 2).

13. The system of claim 1, wherein reinforcement fins (67) extend radially outwardly about a longitudinal axis of the one or more direct mount irrigation stake spikes (65).

14. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one tank (1 ; 2) has a circular arc shape, and wherein the circular arc is 180 degrees or less than 180 degrees, or wherein the circular arc is preferably any of 120 degrees, 90 degrees or 45 degrees.

15. Use of a planter or pot irrigation system according to claim 1 in a pot or planter (13).

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