Planter box and planter box systems

Abstract

A planter box (2) is disclosed. The planter box comprises, preferably at a rear side of the planter box, a mount system for mounting the planter box at an elevation. The planter box further comprises, at a front side of the planter box, a front wall structure that is configured to keep vegetation in the planter box. The front wall structure comprises a plurality of fingers (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e), wherein each finger extends upwards and outwards.

Description

[0001] Planter box and planter box systems

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This disclosure relates to a planter box, planter box assembly and planter box system.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Green walls, which are structures, typically vertical structures, intentionally accommodating vegetation, are built more and more as they bring numerous advantages apart from their visual appeal. Green walls can be used to improve the air quality, because the vegetation absorbs pollutants and, of course, carbon dioxide. They aid to improve biodiversity and provide natural insulation reducing the need for heating in winter and cooling in summer. Green walls may also be used as sound barriers.

[0006] Green walls may be constructed by mounting vegetation holding planter boxes one below the other and next to each other. GB2534411 discloses such a system.

[0007] However, especially if such planter boxes are to be used at high elevations, for example when the planter boxes are to be mounted on a wall of a tall building, it is essential that the planter boxes can withstand the harsh weather conditions at such elevations and remain firmly secured. Vegetation or, even worse, planter boxes or parts thereof coming loose and falling down should be prevented at all times. At the same time, the plants that are in the planter boxes should be able to grow unhindered as much as possible in order to achieve the above-mentioned advantages.

[0008] Hence, there is a need in the art for planter boxes that are safe for use at high elevations and that support the healthy growth and development of plants.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] To that end, a planter box is disclosed. The planter box comprises, preferably at a rear side of the planter box, a mount system for mounting the planter box at an elevation. The planter box further comprises, at a front side of the planter box, a front wall structure that is configured to keep vegetation in the planter box. The front wall structure comprises a plurality of fingers, wherein each finger extends upwards and outwards.

[0011] The fingers are advantageous in that they prevent the plants in the planter box from falling out and at the same aid to provide good growing conditions for the plants. Plants can freely grow through the opening(s) between the fingers and receive sunlight therethrough. Further, because the fingers extend upwards and outwards from the planter box they create additional space in the planter box for the plants to grow. In addition, due to their orientation, the fingers can guide rainfall into the planter box herewith watering the plants in the planter box and easing irrigation requirements. As said, the fingers block the vegetation in the planter box from falling out. This is especially true if the vegetation, in particular the vegetation’s root structure, is entangled to some extent. Such an entangled vegetation plaque is typically too large to pass through the opening(s) between the fingers.

[0012] The rear side of the planter box may be understood as the part of the planter box that is opposite the front side. If the planter box would be mounted on a wall, then the rear side would be the part of the planter box that would be close to the wall, and the front side would be further away from the wall. The left resp. right side of the planter box may be understood as a lateral part of the planter box that is situated on the left resp. right in a front view, i.e. when viewed in a direction from the front side to the rear side. At a bottom side of the planter box, the planter box typically comprises a bottom portion for supporting soil.

[0013] As referred to herein, a length direction may be understood as a direction from a left side to a right side of the planter box or vice versa. Such length direction may also be referred to as a sideways direction. As referred to herein, a depth direction may be understood as the direction from the front side of the planter box to the rear side of the planter box or vice versa. As referred to herein, the length direction and the depth direction may be understood as perpendicular to each other.

[0014] Each finger may be, as viewed in the length direction, straight. Each finger may be, as viewed in the length direction, curved. In an embodiment, as viewed in the length direction, one or more fingers are straight and one or more fingers are curved.

[0015] In an embodiment, the front wall structure comprises, at a bottom part of the front wall structure, a strip portion extending in a length direction of the planter box. The length direction of the planter box is a direction from a left side of the planter box to a right side of the planter. Each finger out of the plurality of fingers may extend upwards from the strip portion.

[0016] Such strip portion is advantageous in that it provides a continuous barrier at the bottom part of the front wall structure. Typically, soil is present at the bottom of the planter box and such continuous barrier may be more suitable for keeping soil in the planter box than fingers with openings in between.

[0017] The strip portion preferably has a constant height. This constant height is for example at least 3 cm.

[0018] In an embodiment, the plurality of fingers comprises a first finger and a second finger, wherein the first and second finger are separated by at least 5 cm, preferably by at least 10 cm. This embodiment provides significant space for the vegetation in the planter box to grow. Preferably any two fingers that are positioned next to each other, are separated by at least 5 cm, preferably by at least 10 cm.

[0019] In an embodiment, each finger comprises a bottom part and an upper part, wherein, in a front view, the bottom part is wider than the upper part.

[0020] This embodiment is advantageous in that the one or more openings between the plurality of fingers are wider at the top of the front wall structure than at the bottom. Herewith, more space is provided for the plants between the ends of the fingers to grow and develop. At the top of the front wall structure, the vegetation retaining function of the front wall structure is typically less important than at the bottom of the front wall structure.

[0021] Each finger may have, as viewed in the depth direction, a tapered shape. Additionally or alternatively, each finger may have at its tip a horizontal edge. This horizontal edge may be at least 3 cm wide, in a front view. The bottom part of each finger may be, in a front view, at least 10 cm wide.

[0022] In an embodiment, the planter box is monolithic. This embodiment allows for easy manufacturing and renders the planter box very solid. In this disclosure, when an element is said to be monolithic it may be understood that it has been cast as a single piece, for example in that the element has been manufactured by performing single-shot injection molding which involves inserting a plastic in a fluid state into a mold and letting it harden.

[0023] If the planter box is monolithic, then all its components, such as its mount systems, front wall structure, fingers, strip portion, first lip (if present, see below), second lip (if present, see below), reinforcement ribs (if present, see below), overflow elements (if present, see below), tongues (if present, see below), et cetera, are monolithic with each other.

[0024] In an embodiment, the planter box essentially consists of polyvinyl chloride, PVC, preferably recycled PVC.

[0025] If the planter box essentially consists of recycled PVC, the ecological footprint of the planter box is strongly reduced. Alternatively, the planter box essentially consists of another plastic material or of a mixture of plastic materials.

[0026] In an embodiment, the planter box has a length extending in the length direction. The length direction of the planter box is a direction from a left side of the planter box to a right side of the planter box. In this embodiment, the mount system comprises a first lip. The first lip extends along at least half of the length of the planter box, preferably along at least 75% of the length of the planter box.

[0027] In an embodiment, the mount system also comprises a second lip. The first lip and second lip are then positioned one below the other. Then, each of the first lip and the second lip extends along at least half of the length of the planter box, preferably along at least 75% of the length of the planter box.

[0028] Embodiments having such first lip, and optionally such second lip, can be securely mounted because the lips allow the planter box to be supported along a substantial part of its length.

[0029] The first and second lip preferably extend downwards and away from the planter box. Preferably, each of the first lip and second lip (if present) extends over at least 90% of the length of the planter box. Further, the first lip and the second lip (if present) are preferably at a rear side of the planter box.

[0030] In an embodiment, the planter box comprises a thickening at the first and / or second lip for strengthening the mount system.

[0031] This embodiment provides for a solid mount system because the thickening strengthens the mount system. For example, a rear wall of the planter box may be thicker at the first and / or second lip.

[0032] Preferably, the planter box comprises one or more reinforcement ribs, each reinforcement rib extending on a bottom of the planter box between a rear wall of the planter box and the front wall structure.

[0033] In an embodiment, as viewed in the length direction, each finger of the plurality of fingers extends along a first line, and, as viewed in the length direction, the first extends along a second line and the second lip (if present) extends along a third line that is parallel to the second line. In this embodiment, as viewed in the length direction, the first line and second line make an angle with each other that is less than 20 degrees, preferably less than 15 degrees, more preferably less than 10 degrees. Preferably, the first line and second line are parallel to each other. This embodiment is advantageous in that it can be manufactured with a two-part mold in a single-shot injection molding process. The direction of mold opening would then substantially be a direction parallel to the first and / or second line.

[0034] In an embodiment, the planter box is obtainable by performing a single-shot injection molding process that comprises injecting recycled PVC into a two-part mold.

[0035] A second aspect of this disclosure relates to a planter box comprising a mount system for mounting the planter box at an elevation. In this aspect, the planter box has a length extending in the length direction. The length direction of the planter box is a direction from a left side of the planter box to a right side of the planter box. In this aspect, the mount system comprises a first lip. The first lip extends along at least half of the length of the planter box, preferably along at least 75% of the length of the planter box.

[0036] In this second aspect, the mount system may also comprise a second lip. The, the first lip is positioned below the second lip. Each of the first lip and the second lip extends along at least half of the length of the planter box, preferably along at least 75% of the length of the planter box.

[0037] Such first lip, and optionally such second lip, can be securely mounted because the lips allow the planter box to be supported along a substantial part of its length. The first and second lip preferably extend downwards and away from the planter box.

[0038] Thus, in this second aspect, the planter box does not necessarily comprise a front wall structure comprising a plurality of fingers as described above. However, the planter box may comprise any of the features of any of the planter boxes disclosed herein. To illustrate, in this second aspect, the planter box may indeed comprise a front wall structure as disclosed herein and / or may be monolithic and / or may essentially consist of PVC, preferably recycled PVC. In particular, the mount system may be any of the mount systems disclosed herein.

[0039] In this second aspect, in an embodiment, the planter box comprises a front wall structure (not necessarily comprising fingers) that extends, as viewed in the length direction, along a first line and the first lip extends along a second line and the second lip (if present) extend along a third line that is parallel to the second line, wherein, as viewed in the length direction, the first and second line make an angle with each other that is less than 20 degrees, preferably less than 15 degrees, more preferably less than 10 degrees. Preferably, the first line and second line are parallel.

[0040] A third aspect of this disclosure relates to a planter box assembly. The planter box assembly comprises a planter box. The planter box comprises a mount system for mounting the planter box at an elevation. Further, the planter box has a length extending in a length direction, wherein the length direction of the planter box is a direction from a left side of the planter box to a right side of the planter box or vice versa. In this third aspect, the mount system comprises a first lip. Preferably, the first lip extends along at least half of the length of the planter box, more preferably along at least 75% of the length of the planter box. The planter box assembly further comprises a first support profile having a length that is larger than a length of the planter box. The first lip and the first support profile are configured to make a first form-fit connection that restricts a horizontal movement perpendicular to the length direction of the planter box away from the first support profile. In this third aspect, in an embodiment, the planter box comprises a second lip, wherein the first lip and second lip are positioned one below the other. Preferably, each of the first lip and the second lip extends along at least half of the length of the planter box, more preferably along at least 75% of the length of the planter box. In this embodiment, the planter box assembly comprises a second support profile having a length that is larger than a length of the planter box. The second lip and the second support profile are configured to make a second form-fit connection with each other that restricts a horizontal movement perpendicular to the length direction of the planter box away from the second support profile.

[0041] Due to the first and, if present, second lip, the planter box can be very securely mounted.

[0042] In an embodiment of the planter box assembly, the first profile and, if present, also the second profile, is at least twice the length of the planter box. This allows for convenient mounting, because only a limited number of support profiles are needed for mounting a plurality of planter boxes.

[0043] In this third aspect, the planter box does not necessarily comprise a front wall structure comprising a plurality of fingers as described above. However, the planter box may comprise any of the features of any of the planter boxes disclosed herein. To illustrate, in this third aspect, the planter box may indeed comprise a front wall structure as disclosed herein and / or may be monolithic and / or may essentially consist of PVC, preferably recycled PVC. In particular, the mount system may be any of the mount systems disclosed herein.

[0044] In an embodiment of the planter box assembly, the first support profile is mounted at an elevation and comprises a first support lip extending upwards, preferably obliquely upwards. Further, the first support lip comprises a shoulder. In this embodiment, the planter box is mounted on the first support profile, wherein the first lip of the planter box is supported by, and makes the first form-fit connection with, the first support lip. The planter box extends below the shoulder. In this embodiment, the planter box assembly further comprises a fastening element that is attached to a rear wall of the planter box. The shoulder restricts upward movement of the fastening element relative to the shoulder.

[0045] This embodiment is advantageous in that the planter box is securely mounted. The first form-fit connection namely prevents horizontal movement perpendicular to the length direction of the planter box away from the first profile, and the fastening element and shoulder cooperate to block upward movement of the planter box relative to the first support profile. Hence, the planter box cannot come loose from the first support profile. As long as the first support profile properly carries the planter box and remains attached to for example a wall, then the planter box cannot come loose from the wall.

[0046] In this embodiment, optionally, the second profile (if present) is also mounted at an elevation and comprises a second support lip extending upwards, preferably obliquely upwards. Further, the second support lip comprises a second shoulder. In this embodiment, the planter box is mounted on the second support profile, wherein the second lip of the planter box is supported by, and makes the first form-fit connection with, the second support lip. The planter box extends below the second shoulder. In this embodiment, the planter box assembly further comprises a second fastening element that is attached to the rear wall of the planter box. The second shoulder restricts upward movement of the second fastening element relative to the second shoulder. In an embodiment, the fastening element is a screw, preferably a self-tapping screw, that has been screwed through the rear wall from inside to outside of the planter box.

[0047] This embodiment enables to securely mount the planter box in a very straightforward manner. The planter box can be simply mounted on the first support profile and the screw can be screwed through the rear wall of the planter box.

[0048] In an embodiment, the fastening element is movable relative to the first support profile in the length direction.

[0049] Because of this movability, the planter box assembly can cope with temperature fluctuations which cause the planter box to vary in length. If for example the planter box would become longer due to high temperatures, then the planter box would need to move relative to the first support profile in order to prevent high stress in the material. The fastening element preferably allows such movement.

[0050] A fourth aspect of this disclosure relates to a planter box system. The planter box system comprises a plurality of planter boxes, wherein each planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes comprises a mount system for mounting the planter box at an elevation. The planter box system further comprises one or more coupling elements. Each coupling element out of the one or more coupling elements is configured to couple a right side of one planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes to a left side of another planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes. Each coupling element is configured to, when it couples the right side of said one planter box to the left side of the other planter box, leave a passage between said one planter box and said other planter box for allowing said one planter box and said other planter box to accommodate a continuous plant bed.

[0051] Such a planter box system is advantageous because the one or more coupling elements allow to connect an arbitrary number of planter boxes to each other in order to form a chain of planter boxes having a length as desired. Further, the passage between any two planter boxes significantly reduces the risk of a plant bed being sucked out of the planter box. Strong winds flowing around a building can produce quite high suction pressures. A continuous plant bed that extends across several planter boxes, especially a plant bed that accommodates an entangled root system across several planter boxes, is less prone to being sucked out (as a whole), than a relatively small plant bed.

[0052] In this fourth aspect, each planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes does not necessarily comprise a front wall structure comprising a plurality of fingers as described above. However, in this fourth aspect, the planter box may comprise any of the features of any of the planter boxes disclosed herein. To illustrate, in this fourth aspect, the planter box may indeed comprise a front wall structure as disclosed herein and / or may be monolithic and / or may essentially consist of PVC, preferably recycled PVC. In particular, the mount system may be any of the mount systems disclosed herein. Further, the planter box system may comprise any of the planter box assemblies disclosed herein.

[0053] In an embodiment of the planter box system, each planter box has integrally formed thereon, at its right side or its left side, a coupling element as described above. In this embodiment, a coupling element and planter box may be monolithic with each other.

[0054] In an embodiment of the planter box system, the planter box system is configured to establish a watertight connection between any two planter boxes out of the plurality of planter boxes. This embodiment is advantageous in that it prevents water from being lost when it flows from said any one planter box to said any other planter box, or vice versa. This is beneficial as it allows raining water to reach said any other planter box, even if this planter box happens to be positioned below a shelter of some sort. To illustrate, one planter box may be positioned such that it does directly receive raining water and this raining water can then flow through the coupling element to another planter box that cannot directly receive raining water.

[0055] In particular, each planter box and / or each coupling element may be configured to establish a watertight coupling between any two planter boxes out of the plurality of planter boxes.

[0056] In an embodiment of the planter box system, each coupling element is configured to form a first tongue and groove connection with any planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes.

[0057] This embodiment enables the planter box system to be easily installed. Each planter box may comprise a tongue and each coupling element may comprise a groove. Alternatively, each planter box may comprise a groove and each coupling element may comprise a tongue.

[0058] The tongue and groove connection may be established by inserting the tongue in the groove by moving the tongue along the length direction.

[0059] In an embodiment of the planter box system, each coupling element out of the one or more coupling elements is configured to couple to a right side of any one planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes and to couple to a left side of any other planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes.

[0060] In this embodiment, the one or more coupling elements are separate elements from the planter boxes, which provides great flexibility in constructing green wall having desired dimensions.

[0061] In an embodiment, each coupling element is configured to form the first tongue and groove connection with any one planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes and to form a second tongue and groove connection with any other planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes.

[0062] For example, each coupling element may have a first groove and and a second groove for respectively receiving a first tongue of a first planter box and a second tongue of a second planter box.

[0063] In an embodiment, the first tongue and groove connection comprises a first tongue and a first groove, an exterior surface of the first tongue and / or an interior surface of the first groove being at least partially covered with a sealing material, such as rubber, for preventing water passing downwards through the first tongue and groove connection.

[0064] Optionally, the second tongue and groove connection (if present) comprises a second tongue and a second groove, an exterior surface of the second tongue and / or an interior surface of the second groove being at least partially covered with a sealing material, such as rubber, for preventing water passing downwards through the second tongue and groove connection.

[0065] This embodiment enables to establish a watertight connection between two planter boxes in a convenient manner.

[0066] In an embodiment, each planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes comprises a plurality of irrigation tube support elements for supporting an irrigation tube extending along a length of the planter box. Each irrigation tube support element out of the plurality of irrigation tube support elements comprises a support recess for receiving the irrigation tube. In this embodiment, each coupling element and / or each planter box comprises a tube fixation element that comprises a fixation recess for receiving the irrigation tube. The fixation recesses are configured to fixate the irrigation tube in the support recesses when the irrigation tube is inserted in the support recesses and in the fixation recesses.

[0067] This embodiment enables to fixate an irrigation tube in a convenient manner that does not, or at least to a lesser extent, require other elements.

[0068] The tube fixation elements may exert a downward force on the tube when the tube is inserted in the support recesses and in the fixation recesses. This downward force may force the tube downwards at the position of the irrigation support elements as well.

[0069] The irrigation tube support elements and the tube fixation elements are preferably distributed along the length direction.

[0070] In an embodiment, the fixation recesses have a different orientation than the support recesses.

[0071] A fifth aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for installing any of the planter box assemblies disclosed herein that comprises the fastening element. The method comprises mounting the first support profile at an elevation, and mounting the planter box on the first support profile, and screwing the fastening memberthrough the rear wall of the planter box from inside to outside of the planter box such that the shoulder of the first support lip restricts upward movement of the fastening element relative to the shoulder.

[0072] Preferably, the fastening element is screwed through the rear wall such that the fastening element remains movable in a length direction of the planter box relative to the first support profile.

[0073] A sixth aspect of this disclosure relates to a road surface drainage system. The road surface drainage system comprises a first basin that extends along a road, e.g. a highway. The first basin is configured to receive and hold runoff water from the road. The road surface drainage system also comprises a second basin that extends along the first basin, wherein the second basin is configured to hold filtered water. The road surface drainage system preferably comprises a filter system for filtering water from the first basin and discharging the filtered water into the second basin. The second basin is covered for preventing rainwater from falling into the second basin.

[0074] A problem with roads, especially highways, is that they are quite polluting. Not only is the air quality near roads, especially highways, quite low due to the vehicles producing fine dust and carbon dioxide, runoff water from the roads can also be polluted with for example oil, heavy metals, rubber, as well as organic materials. It is undesirable that such polluted runoff water ends up in the surface water near the road. Preferably, rainwater that falls on the road is captured as much as possible so that it can be filtered before it is discharged to the surroundings.

[0075] The road surface drainage system disclosed herein is advantageous because it enables to accumulate very clean water in the second basin, not only because the water that is discharged into the second basin has been filtered by a filter system, but also because the second basin is covered such that rainwater does not fall into the second basin. The rainwater that falls near a road namely also contains pollutants. Thus, preventing that such polluted rainwater falls into the second basin prevents contamination of the waterthat is already in the second basin. Hence, the system enables to ensure that almost no pollutants end up in the surface water of the area surrounding the road.

[0076] The clean water may remain in the second basin for longer periods of time. The first basin may be larger than the second basin. The first basin may be suitable for holding, per meter that it extends along the road, 6000 liter water. The second basin may be suitable for holding, per meter that it extends along the road, 4000 liter water.

[0077] In an embodiment, the first and second basin extend along the road for at least 100 meters.

[0078] In an embodiment, the road surface drainage system comprises one or more cover elements that cover at least part of the second basin, wherein each cover element of the one or more cover elements is configured to guide rainwater into the first basin. This embodiment is convenient, because potentially polluted rainwater is guided into the first basin from which it can enter the filter system so that it is filtered as well.

[0079] In an embodiment, the cover element extends over the first basin and comprises one or more openings above the first basin for allowing rainwater to enter the first basin. Thus a single cover element may be used that is closed above the second basin and comprises one or more openings above the first basin. This embodiments eases construction of the road surface drainage system because it reduces the number of cover elements that need to be placed.

[0080] In an embodiment, one of the one or more openings in the cover element is a manhole. This is convenient, because this way a person can easily enter the first basin for inspection. Also, such manhole is convenient if there is for example a fire on the road. The fire brigade can then simply lower a pump system though the manhole into the first basin to pump up the water from the first basin and use it to extinguish a fire.

[0081] In an embodiment of the road surface drainage system, the first and / or second basin support a plurality of stands that supports a vegetated wall system. A vegetated wall system absorbs volatile pollutants and / or volatile pollutants deposit on the vegetation. This is, of course, desired as it means that the volatile pollutants are captured and don’t end up somewhere else. In this embodiment, the fact that the second basin is covered is even more advantageous. Rainwater that falls through the vegetated wall system will namely wash down the pollutants that are deposited on the vegetation. Hence, this rainwater will contain relatively large amounts of pollutants which preferably don’t end up in the second basin.

[0082] The vegetated wall system may comprise any of the planter boxes, planter box assemblies, planter box systems disclosed herein.

[0083] Each of the plurality of stand may be at least 3 meters high.

[0084] In an embodiment of the road surface drainage system, the first and second basin are formed by a plurality of modules, preferably concrete modules, coupled to each other. Each module comprises a first part and a second part. The respective first parts of the plurality of coupled modules form the first basin and the respective second parts of the plurality of coupled modules form the second basin.

[0085] Each module may comprise a first outer wall, a second outer wall and an intermediate wall that separates the first basin from the second basin. Herein, the first outer wall and the intermediate wall may then define the first part and the intermediate wall and the second wall may then define the second part of the module.

[0086] The modules may essentially consists of concrete, which makes them very robust. An aspect of this disclosure relates to any of the modules disclosed herein.

[0087] In an embodiment, neither the first basin nor the second basin is connected to a sewer. This is advantageous in that the road surface drainage system does not use the capacity of the sewer system and the pollutants are not discharged in the sewer system.

[0088] In an embodiment of the road surface drainage system, the filter system comprises a pump system for pumping water from the first basin through the filter system to the second basin.

[0089] In an embodiment, the road surface drainage system comprises a plurality of wall modules, wherein each wall module comprises a wall part, and a foot part for keeping the wall part erect when the wall module is positioned on ground. In this embodiment, the first basin (or second basin) is obtainable by:

[0090] -placing a first set of wall modules out of the plurality of wall modules adjacent to each other so that the respective wall parts of the wall modules out of the first set of wall modules form a first wall along the road, and

[0091] -placing a second set of wall modules out of the plurality of wall modules adjacent to each other so that the respective wall parts of the wall modules out of the second set of wall modules form a second wall along the road, wherein the wall modules out of the second set of wall modules are placed relative to the wall modules out of the first set of wall modules so that the foot parts of the wall modules out of the first set are positioned at a distance from the foot parts of the wall modules out of the second set so that the foot parts of the wall modules out of the first and second set define a first channel that extends along the road, and

[0092] -filling the first channel with curable material, preferably with concrete, for connecting the foot parts of the first set of wall modules to the foot parts of the second set of wall modules thus forming the first (or second) basin.

[0093] The first (or second) basin in this embodiment is formed by the first wall, second wall, the hardened material that was put in the first channel and the foot parts of the wall modules out of the first and / or second set.

[0094] In addition, in this embodiment, the second (or first basin) may be obtainable by

[0095] - placing a third set of wall modules out of the plurality of wall modules adjacent to each other so that the respective wall parts of the wall modules out of the third set of wall modules form a third wall along the road, wherein the wall modules out of the second set of wall modules are placed relative to the wall modules out of the third set of wall modules so that the foot parts of the wall modules out of the second set are positioned at a distance from the foot parts of the wall modules out of the third set so that the foot parts of the wall modules out of the second and third set define a second channel that extends along the road, and

[0096] -filling the second channel with curable material, preferably with concrete, for connecting the foot parts of the second set of wall modules to the foot parts of the third set of wall modules thus forming the second (or first) basin. The second (or first) basin in this embodiment is formed by the second wall, third wall, the hardened material that was put in the second channel and the foot parts of the wall modules out of the second and / or second third set. This embodiment eases the construction of the road surface drainage system, especially the transportation of the constructional elements to the construction site. The wall modules are namely relatively easy to transport.

[0097] The wall modules preferably have an L-shape. Further, each wall module is preferably a concrete wall module.

[0098] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for constructing a basin for a road surface drainage system referred to herein. This method involves a plurality of wall modules, wherein each wall module comprises a wall part, and a foot part for keeping the wall part erect when the wall module is positioned on ground. The method comprises

[0099] -placing a first set of wall modules out of the plurality of wall modules adjacent to each other so that the respective wall parts of the wall modules out of the first set of wall modules form a first wall along the road, and

[0100] -placing a second set of wall modules out of the plurality of wall modules adjacent to each other so that the respective wall parts of the wall modules out of the second set of wall modules form a second wall along the road, wherein the wall modules out of the second set of wall modules are placed relative to the wall modules out of the first set of wall modules so that the foot parts of the wall modules out of the first set are positioned at a distance from the foot parts of the wall modules out of the second set so that the foot parts of the wall modules out of the first and second set define a first channel that extends along the road, and

[0101] -filling the first channel with curable material, preferably with concrete, for connecting the foot parts of the first set of wall modules to the foot parts of the second set of wall modules thus forming the basin of the road surface drainage system.

[0102] Elements and aspects discussed for or in relation with a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Embodiments of the present invention will be further illustrated with reference to the attached drawings, which schematically will show embodiments according to the invention. It will be understood that the present invention is not in any way restricted to these specific embodiments.

[0103] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0104] Aspects of the invention will be explained in greater detail by reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

[0105] FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of a planter box according to an embodiment,

[0106] FIG. 1 B is a perspective view of a planter box according to an embodiment accommodating an irrigation tube,

[0107] FIG. 2 is another perspective view from a viewpoint on the side of the embodiment shown in figure 1A,

[0108] FIG. 3 is a perspective view from a viewpoint below the embodiment shown in figure 1 A, FIG. 4 shows a top view, front view, bottom view, rear view and two side views of the embodiment of figure 1A,

[0109] FIG. 5A is a side view of a coupling element according to an embodiment,

[0110] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a coupling element according to an embodiment,

[0111] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a coupling element according to an embodiment,

[0112] FIG. 6A is a side view of a planter box according to an embodiment,

[0113] FIG. 6B is a side view of coupling element according to an embodiment,

[0114] FIG. 7 illustrates two respective support profiles according to an embodiment,

[0115] FIG. 8 is side view of a mounted planter box assembly according to an embodiment,

[0116] FIG. 9 is a planter box that may be used in a planter box assembly or planter box system according to an embodiment,

[0117] FIG. 10 is a closed corner element that may be used in a planter box system according to an embodiment,

[0118] FIG. 11 is an open corner element that may be used in a planter box system according to an embodiment,

[0119] FIG. 12 shows a closed end element according to an embodiment,

[0120] FIG. 13 shows a semi-closed end element according to an embodiment,

[0121] FIG. 14 illustrates a road surface drainage system according to an embodiment,

[0122] FIG. 15 shows a view of the road surface drainage system along the direction of the road,

[0123] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a module of the road surface drainage system according to an embodiment,

[0124] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a module of the road surface drainage system according to an embodiment,

[0125] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a module of the road surface drainage system according to an embodiment,

[0126] FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a module of the road surface drainage system according to an embodiment,

[0127] FIG. 20 shows an exploded view of a module of the road surface drainage system according to an embodiment,

[0128] FIG. 21 shows an exploded view of a module of the road surface drainage system according to an embodiment,

[0129] FIG. 22A shows a perspective view of a cover element according to an embodiment,

[0130] FIG. 22B shows a perspective view of a cover element according to an embodiment,

[0131] FIG. 22C shows a perspective view of a cover element according to an embodiment,

[0132] FIG. 23A shows a perspective view of a cross element according to an embodiment,

[0133] FIG. 23B shows a perspective view of a cross element according to an embodiment,

[0134] FIG. 24A shows a perspective view of a bottom structure of a module according to an embodiment,

[0135] FIG. 24B shows a perspective view of a bottom structure of a module according to an embodiment, FIG. 24C shows a perspective view of a bottom structure of a module according to an embodiment.

[0136] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0137] In the figures, identical reference numbers indicate identical or similar elements.

[0138] Figures 1 - 4 show a planter box 2 according to an embodiment. Figure 1 A and 1 B, 2 and 3 show perspective views of this planter, while figure 4 respectively shows (from top to bottom of figure 4) a top view, front view, bottom view, rear view, left side view (on the left side of figure 4) and right side view (on the right side of figure 4) of this planter box.

[0139] As indicated in figure 1 , the planter box extends in a length direction L’, in a depth direction D’, and in a height direction H’. The planter box, as indicated in figure 4 has a length L, a depth D, and a heigh H.

[0140] The planter box 2 comprises a mount system for mounting the planter box at an elevation. In the depicted embodiment, the mount system comprises a lip 12a and a lip 12b (best seen in figure 3) that are positioned one below the other. Both lips 12a and 12b extend along a substantial part of the length of the planter box. The mount system allows the planter box to be supported along a substantial part of its length so that the planter box can be securely mounted at an elevation. At lip 12a, the planter box comprises thickening 14 that strengthens the mount system. As will be explained with reference to figure 8, lip 12a may carry most of the weight of the planter box, while lip 12b’s function may mainly be to secure the planter box.

[0141] The planter box comprises, see for example figure 1 A, at a front side of the planter box, a front wall structure that is configured to keep vegetation in the planter box. The front wall structure comprises fingers 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, each of which extends upwards and outwards. As referred to herein, outwards may be understood as a direction away from a rear wall of the planter box.

[0142] In the depicted embodiment, the fingers make an angle a with a bottom surface of the planter box of approximately 120 degrees. Preferably, this angle a is somewhere between 100 and 130 degrees. At such angle, the fingers can perform well their functions of keeping vegetation inside of the planter box, providing space for healthy growth of the vegetation, and capturing rainfall and guiding it into the planter box.

[0143] The length L, indicated in figure 4 is around 1 meter. Further, in this embodiment, the fingers are separated by more than 10 cm or, in other words, distance I2 indicated in figure 4 is more than 10 cm. The bottom part of each finger is wider than the upper part. The front view of figure 4 indeed shows that distance 11 is larger than distance I3. Distance 11 is more than 10 cm in this embodiment, while distance I3 is less than 8 cm. Further, in this embodiment, distance I4, which is the distance between the upper parts of two fingers is more than 15 cm. The height h2 of each fingers is more than 5 cm.

[0144] The front wall structure comprises, at a bottom part of the front wall structure, a strip portion 5 extending in the length direction of the planter box. This strip portion 5 has a height hi of more than 3 cm. The planter box 2 further comprises a plurality of irrigation tube support elements 9a - 9i (indicated in figure 2) for supporting an irrigation tube 8 extending along a length of the planter box as shown in figure 1 B. Each tube support element 9 comprises a support recess 11 for receiving the irrigation tube.

[0145] The depicted planter box also comprises a plurality of reinforcement ribs 13a - 13i extending along a bottom surface 7 of the planter box between a rear wall of the planter box and the front wall structure. In this embodiment, the irrigation tube support elements are part of the reinforcement ribs, however this is not strictly required. This reinforcement ribs provide structural rigidity to the planter box.

[0146] The planter box 2 also comprises overflow elements 10a, 10b, 10c for preventing too much water from accumulating in the planter box which can drown plants in the planter box. Each overflow element is an elevation relative to bottom surface 7 which elevation comprises one or more through- holes. If the water in the planter box rises to above this elevation, then it will flow through the through- holes and exit the planter box. If the planter box is part of a planter box system described herein, then the water may fall into another planter box that is mounted below the present planter box. The overflow elements 10 may have a height of at least 2 cm, preferably approximately 4 cm. In a preferred embodiment, as shown, each overflow element is positioned at a reinforcement rib 13. In principle, when the water level is lower than the height of the overflow elements, the water will stay in the planter box. A water reservoir is thus established, which eases irrigation requirements during dry periods.

[0147] The planter box is preferably monolithic. The planter box may essentially consists of polyvinyl chloride, PVC, preferably recycled PVC. PVC is a plastic material that expels chlorides and dioxides when it is burnt. However, unfortunately, PVC is rather difficult to re-use. Preferably, the planter boxes disclosed herein are suitable for being essentially made out of recycled PVC. When recycled PVC is injected in a mold during an injection molding process, its temperature is typically kept relatively low, which makes the recycled PVC quite viscous. Therefore, it is typically not possible to produce fine, e.g. thin, features with recycled PVC. Thus, preferably, the planter box referred to herein only comprises robust features that can indeed be manufactured by injecting recycled PVC into a mold.

[0148] Once the planter box has been used for some time, e.g. for around 15 years, it can be grinded into smaller particles, cleaned and re-used again in an injection molding process to fabricate a new planter box.

[0149] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a coupling element 16 as may be used in a planter box system disclosed herein that comprises a plurality of planter boxes, for example a plurality of planter boxes as shown in figures 1 - 4. Figure 5A is a side view, and figures 5B and 5C are respective perspective views. The coupling element 16 is configured to couple a right side of one planter box out to a left side of another planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes.

[0150] The coupling element comprises groove 20a and groove 20b into which at least part of a tongue 6a or 6b (see figure 1A and the top view of figure 4) can be inserted in order to form a first and second tongue and groove connection. . As such, the coupling elements is configured to couple to a right side of any one planter box and to a left side of any other planter box. The coupling elements can be used to chain planter boxes to each other to form a long row of planter boxes. If a green wall is to be constructed, then a plurality of rows would be mounted below each other.

[0151] Advantageously, the coupling element 16 is configured to, when it couples two planter boxes to each other, leave a passage between these two planter boxes for allowing these planter boxes to accommodate a continuous plant bed. Of course, if many planter boxes are coupled together using such coupling elements to form a row of planter boxes, then such row may accommodate a single continuous plant bed. Such continuous plant bed is advantageous in that it significantly reduces the risk of the plant bed exiting the planter box between the fingers.

[0152] The depicted coupling element 16 comprises a tube fixation element 17 that comprises a fixation recess 18 for receiving the irrigation tube. The fixation recesses are configured to fixate the irrigation tube in the support recesses 11 when the irrigation tube is inserted in the support recesses and fixation recesses.

[0153] Preferably, the planter box system is configured to establish a watertight connection between any two planter boxes out of the plurality of planter boxes. To illustrate, an exterior surface of the tongues 6 and / or an interior surface of the grooves 20 may be at least partially covered with a sealing material, such as rubber, for preventing water passing downwards through the tongue and groove connection that is formed when the tongues 6 are inserted in the grooves 20.

[0154] In principle, the tongues 6 can be fully inserted in grooves 20. However, preferably, when the planter box system is installed, the tongues are inserted only halfway into the grooves. Then, there is enough space so that the planter box can lengthen due to thermal expansion without causing high stress in the system, which may damage the planter box and which may create dangerous situation. In an embodiment, when the outside temperature is 60 degrees Celsius, then each tongue is inserted for 95% into its groove. A further advantage of only inserting the tongues halfway in the grooves is that it allows to create space for taking out one planter box from a row of planter boxes if that is required.

[0155] Preferably, although not shown in the figures, each coupling element 16 comprises a mount system for mounting the coupling element at an elevation. Each coupling element for example comprises one or more lips similar to lips 12a and / or 12b.

[0156] The coupling element comprises a reinforcement rib 21 that extends from a rear wall of the coupling element 16 to a front wall of the coupling element 16. As is visible in figures 6A and 6B, a height h4 of the coupling element’s reinforcement rib 21 is less than a height h3 of the planter box’s reinforcement rib 13. This allows a free water flow between two coupled planter boxes.

[0157] Figure 6A is a side view of the planter box of figure 1 - 4 while figure 6B is a side view of the coupling element that is shown in figure 5.

[0158] As can be seen in figure 6A, the fingers extend along line 28, and lip 12a extends along line 24 and lip 12b extends along line 22 that is parallel to line 24. Further, line 28 and line 22 make an angle with each other that is less than 10 degrees. This configuration allows the planter box to be produced with a two-part mold (in an injection molding process).

[0159] In the depicted embodiment, the irrigation support elements 9 comprise and edge that, as viewed in the length direction, extend along line 26 which is parallel to lines 22 and 24. Figure 6A shows irrigation tube support element 9 and its support recess 11 , while figure 6B shows the tube fixation element 17 with its fixation recess 18. When an irrigation tube is inserted in the support recesses 11 of the planter box and in two fixation recesses 18 of two respective coupling elements that are coupled at the left side and right side of that planter box, then the irrigation tube is fixated in the support recesses 11 . To this end, in the depicted embodiment, the fixation recesses have a different orientation than the support recesses. In particular, the fixation recesses are oriented 100 degrees relative to the support recesses.

[0160] Figure 7 illustrates two embodiments of a support profile onto which a planter box as disclosed herein can be mounted. Preferably, the support profile is longer than the planter box so that a support profile can support more than one planter box. A typical length of the support profile is 4 meters.

[0161] Support profile 32 can be attached to a wall. Typically, this support profile comprises through- holes distributed along its length so that it can be easily attached to a wall or any other closed surface.

[0162] Support profile 34 is stronger than support profile 32. Support profile only needs to be attached to a surface at its ends.

[0163] Each of the support profiles 32 and 34 comprise a support lip 40 that extends upwards, preferably obliquely upwards. In this case, the support lip 40 comprises a shoulder 42 that is configured to block a fastening element 36, such as screw, from moving upwards as shown in figure 8.

[0164] Figure 8 illustrates how, according to an embodiment, a planter box as disclosed herein that is mounted on support profiles 32a and 32a. Lip 12a of planter box 2 and support profile 32a make a form-fit connection with each other that restricts a horizontal movement perpendicular to the length direction of the planter box away from support profile 32a. At the same time, lip 12b and support profile 32a make a form-fit connection with each other that restricts a horizontal movement perpendicular to the length direction of the planter box away from the support profile 12b.

[0165] Lip 12b is supported by, and makes a form-fit connection with, support lips 40b. As shown, the planter box 2 extends below the shoulder 42a. Also visible is fastening element 36 that is attached to a rear wall of the planter box 2. The shoulder 42a restricts upward movement of the fastening element 36 relative to the shoulder. Thus, the planter box cannot move upwards due to the fastening element 36 being blocked by shoulder 42, cannot move horizontally away (not downwards of course) from the wall 38 due to the form-fit connections between lip 12a and support lip 40a and between lip 12b and support lip 40. The fastening element 36 may be a screw, preferably a self-tapping screw, that has been screwed through the rear wall from inside to outside of the planter box 2.

[0166] It is highly preferred that the fastening element 36 is movable in the length direction relative to the support profile 32b so that planter box can lengthen due to thermal expansion without causing high material stress in the planter box. Thus, if a screw is used as fastening element 36, then it is preferably screwed such that it can still move in the length direction relative to the support profile, thus not tightly screwed against support profile 32b.

[0167] The lips 12 and support lips 40 are preferably configured such that when the planter box is mounted on the support profiles, its weight pushes the planter box against wall 38.

[0168] Figure 9 illustrates a planter box that does not comprise a plurality of fingers. An advantage of this planter box is that it can be sawn to have a length as desired. Figures 10 and 11 show respective corner elements that can also be coupled to coupling elements disclosed herein. Such corner elements are useful if a row of planter boxes is to continue around a 90 degrees corner. Figure 10 shows a corner element having a front wall structure without fingers, and figure 11 shows a corner element having a front wall structure comprising a plurality of fingers similar to the plurality of fingers of the planter boxes disclosed herein.

[0169] Figures 12 and 13 respectively show end elements that can be used to end a row of planter boxes. The end element is similar to the coupling element. However, the end element is completely closed (figure 12) or semi-closed (figure 13). The semi-closed version allows plants to grow out of the side of a row of planter boxes.

[0170] The end elements comprise a though-hole through which the irrigation tube can be inserted.

[0171] Figure 14 schematically shows a road surface drainage system 58 according to an embodiment. The first basin 62 and the second basin 64 extend along road 50, which would typically be a highway. The road 50 is inclined so that water runs off of it towards either the gullies 54a and 54b. A tube system 56 may then discharge the water into the first basin 62. If there is very heavy rainfall such that the gullies overflow, then the excess water can also enter into the first basin through openings 66. These opening have a very high capacity. This way, water runoff can end up in the first basin 62.

[0172] The system preferably comprises a filter system (not shown) that filters water from the first basin 62 and discharges it in the second basin 64. The filter system may comprise pump system for pumping water from the first basin 62 through the filter system to the second basin 64. The filter system would typically be positioned behind the road surface drainage system, i.e. not on the same side as the road 50.

[0173] The filter system may receive water from the first basis through a tube or hose that has an end in the first basin. This hose may enterthe first basin for example through one of the manholes. Alternatively, the hose may enter through opening 74 (see figure 17) and pass over intermediate wall 70 (see figure 18) to reach the first basin.

[0174] Likewise, the filter system may comprise a second tube or hose that discharges filtered water into the second basin. The second tube or hose may be inserted into the second basin via opening 74, for example.

[0175] In the depicted embodiment, the first and second basin are formed by a plurality of modules, preferably concrete modules, coupled to each other. Each module comprises a first part and a second part. The first part may be defined by a first outer wall 68 and an intermediate wall 70 (see figure 16) and the second part may be defined by the intermediate wall 70 and a second outer wall 70. By coupling the modules together, the first parts may form a very large first basin and the second part may form a very large second basin, as can be clearly seen in figure 15.

[0176] The modules may essentially consists of concrete, which makes them very robust.

[0177] In the depicted embodiment, each module comprises (see figures 16 and 18) a bottom structure comprising said first part and second part, cross elements 78a and 78b with the remark that each pair of adjacent modules shares a cross element 78 and cover element 76. In the depicted embodiment, each cross element comprises a stand 60 that is approximately 5 meters high, so that the first 62 and second 64 basin support a plurality of stands 60a - 60f (see figure 14) that supports a vegetated wall system (not shown).

[0178] In particular, the support profile 34 shown in figure 7 may be mounted between the stands so that planter boxes can be mounted on them. Preferably, planter boxes are mounted on both sides of the stands 60, referring to the side facing the road 50 and the side facing away from the road.

[0179] Figures 20 and 21 show an exploded view of an module, clearly showing the bottom structure, cover element and cross elements.

[0180] Figures 22A, 22B and 22C show different views of the cover element. The depicted cover element is approximately 15 cm thick. In the depicted embodiment, the one or more openings in the cover element that sit above the first basin are slots. Figures 22A and 22B show that above area 82, which is the part of the cover elements that sits above the second basin, the slots are less deep. In this embodiment, the slots are only 5 cm deep. These slots are advantageous as they are configured to guide water to the one or more openings and thus into the first basin.

[0181] Figures 23A and 23B show two views of a cross element. Herein, the stand 60 is integral part of the cross element.

[0182] Figures 24A, 24B and 24C shows a bottom structure of a module for forming the first and second basin. Each module comprises a tongue 90 and a groove 92 for forming two tongue and groove connections with adjacent modules. When constructing the basins, they can be closed off at the end by methods known in the art, for example by pouring a concrete wall at the end.

[0183] Figures 25A, 25B and 25C illustrate a road drainage system that comprises a plurality of wall modules. Figure 25A shows the system as viewed in a direction along the road, figure 25B shows a perspective view of the system, and figure 25C shows an exploded view of the system. The plurality of wall modules comprises (see figure 25C) a first set of wall modules 94a, 94b, 94c, a second set of wall modules 96a, 96b, 96c, and a third set of wall modules 98a, 98b, 98c. Each wall modules comprises wall part and a foot part for keeping the wall part erect when the wall module is positioned on ground. As indicated in figure 25A, wall module 94 out of the first set of wall modules comprises a foot part 102 and wall part 100, wall module 96 out of the second set of wall modules comprises a foot part 106 and wall part 104, and wall module 98 out of the third set of wall modules comprises a foot part 110 and wall part 108.

[0184] As can be seen in figures 25B and 25C, the first set of wall modules 94a, 94b, 94c are placed adjacent to each other so that the wall parts 100a, 100b, 100c form a first wall along the road. Likewise, the second set of wall modules 96a, 96b, 96c are placed adjacent to each other so that the respective wall parts of modules 96a, 96b, 96c form a second wall along the road. Further, the third set of wall modules 98a, 98b, 98c are placed adjacent to each other so that the respective wall parts of module 98a, 98b, 98c form a third wall along the road.

[0185] The wall modules 96a, 96b, 96c, 98a, 98b, 98c, 100a, 100b, 100c are placed relative to each other so that the foot parts of wall modules 96a, 96b, 96c are positioned at a distance from the foot parts of the wall modules 98a, 98b, 98c so that the foot parts define a channel 112 that extends along the road, and so that the foot parts of wall modules 100a, 100b, 100c are positioned at a distance from the foot parts of the wall modules 98a, 98b, 98c so that the foot parts define a channel 114 that extends along the road.

[0186] The channels 112 and 114 may then be filled with curable material, preferably concrete for connecting the foot parts. Herewith, the first and second basin of the road surface drainage system is formed. Of course, it is not strictly necessary that the constructions of the road surface drainage system involves filling two channels with curable material. For example, in figure 25A, wall module 96 and wall module 98 may already be connected to each other and form a module, as a result of which only channel 112 needs to be filled for forming the first basin.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A planter box comprising a mount system for mounting the planter box at an elevation, and at a front side of the planter box, a front wall structure that is configured to keep vegetation in the planter box, wherein the front wall structure comprises a plurality of fingers, wherein each finger extends upwards and outwards.

2. The planter box according to claim 1 , wherein the front wall structure comprises, at a bottom part of the front wall structure, a strip portion extending in a length direction of the planter box, wherein the length direction of the planter box is a direction from a left side of the planter box to a right side of the planter box.

3. The planter box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of fingers comprises a first finger and a second finger, wherein the first and second finger are separated by at least 5 cm, preferably by at least 10 cm.

4. The planter box according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each finger comprises a bottom part and an upper part, wherein, in a front view, the bottom part is wider than the upper part.

5. The planter box according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the planter box is monolithic.

6. The planter box according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the planter box essentially consists of polyvinyl chloride, PVC, preferably recycled PVC.

7. The planter box according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the planter box has a length extending in a or the length direction, wherein the length direction of the planter box is a direction from a left side of the planter box to a right side of the planter box, and wherein the mount system comprises a first lip and a second lip, wherein the first lip and second lip are positioned one below the other, wherein each of the first lip and the second lip extends along at least half of the length of the planter box, preferably along at least 75% of the length of the planter box.

8. The planter box according to the preceding claim, further comprising a thickening at the first lip for strengthening the mount system.

9. The planter box according to claim 7 or 8, wherein as viewed in the length direction, each finger of the plurality of fingers extends along a first line, wherein as viewed in the length direction, the first lip extends along a second line and the second lip extends along a third line that is parallel to the second line, wherein as viewed in the length direction, the first line and second line make an angle with each other that is smaller than 10 degrees.

10. A planter box assembly comprising a planter box according to any of the preceding claims 7 - 9, and a first support profile having a length that is larger than a length of the planter box, and a second support profile having a length that is larger than a length of the planter box, wherein the first lip and the first support profile are configured to make a first form-fit connection with each other that restricts a horizontal movement perpendicular to the length direction of the planter box away from the first support profile, the second lip and the second support profile are configured to make a second form-fit connection with each other that restricts a horizontal movement perpendicular to the length direction of the planter box away from the second support profile.11 . The planter box assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the first support profile is mounted at an elevation and comprises a first support lip extending upwards, wherein the first support lip comprises a shoulder, and wherein the planter box is mounted on the first support profile, wherein the first lip of the planter box is supported by, and makes the first form-fit connection with, the first support lip, wherein the planter box extends below the shoulder, the planter box assembly further comprising a fastening element that is attached to a rear wall of the planter box, wherein the shoulder restricts upward movement of the fastening element relative to the shoulder.

12. The planter box assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the fastening element is a screw, preferably a self-tapping screw, that has been screwed through the rear wall from inside to outside of the planter box.

13. The planter box assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the fastening element is movable relative to the first support profile in the length direction.

14. A planter box system comprising a plurality of planter boxes, wherein each planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes is a planter box according to any of claims 1 - 9,wherein the planter box system comprises one or more coupling elements, wherein each coupling element out of the one or more coupling elements is configured to couple a right side of one planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes to a left side of another planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes, wherein each coupling element is configured to, when it couples the right side of said one planter box to the left side of the other planter box, leave a passage between said one planter box and said other planter box for allowing said one planter box and said other planter box to accommodate a continuous plant bed.

15. The planter box system according to claim 14, wherein the planter box system is configured to establish a watertight connection between any two planter boxes out of the plurality of planter boxes.

16. The planter box system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein each coupling element is configured to form a first tongue and groove connection with any planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes.

17. The planter box system according to any of claims 14 - 16, wherein each coupling element out of the one or more coupling elements is configured to couple to a right side of any one planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes and to couple to a left side of any other planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes.

18. The planter box system according to claims 16 and 17, wherein each coupling element is configured to form the first tongue and groove connection with said any one planter box and to form a second tongue and groove connection with said any other planter box.

19. The planter box system according to claims 15 and 16 and optionally also according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the first tongue and groove connection comprises a first tongue and a first groove, an exterior surface of the first tongue and / or an interior surface of the first groove being at least partially covered with a sealing material, such as rubber, for preventing water passing downwards through the first tongue and groove connection, and, optionally, wherein the second tongue and groove connection comprises a second tongue and a second groove, an exterior surface of the second tongue and / or an interior surface of the second groove being at least partially covered with a sealing material, such as rubber, for preventing water passing downwards through the second tongue and groove connection.

20. The planter box system according to any of claims 14 - 19, wherein each planter box out of the plurality of planter boxes comprises a plurality of irrigation tube support elements for supporting an irrigation tube extending along a length of the planter box, whereineach irrigation tube support element out of the plurality of irrigation tube support elements comprises a support recess for receiving the irrigation tube, wherein each coupling element and / or each planter box comprises a tube fixation element that comprises a fixation recess for receiving the irrigation tube, wherein the fixation recesses are configured to fixate the irrigation tube in the support recesses when the irrigation tube is inserted in the support recesses and fixation recesses.21 . The planter box system according to claim 20, wherein the fixation recesses have a different orientation than the support recesses.

22. A method for installing a planter box assembly according to any of the claims 11 - 13, comprising mounting the first support profile at an elevation, mounting the planter box on the first support profile, and screwing the fastening element through the rear wall of the planter box from inside to outside of the planter box such that the shoulder of the first support lip restricts upward movement of the fastening element relative to the shoulder.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the fastening element is screwed through the rear wall such that the fastening element remains movable in a length direction of the planter box.

Images