IP Library Granted Patent US 10,602,673
Granted Patent B2
US 10,602,673 · App. 14/379,116 · Granted Mar 31, 2020

Plant growing system and methods of using the same

Inventors: Mark Gerard Prinster (Marysville, OH); Bradley Alan Schultz (Powell, OH); Kimberly Ann Rygielski (Powell, OH); Matthew L. Phillips (Litchfield, CT); Robert H. Bruno (Avon, CT); Philip J. Nathan (Royal Oak, MI); Tara Marie Zasadzinski (Marysville, OH); Ashley E. Alexander (Dublin, OH); Sara Ann Gordon (Powell, OH)
Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.
A01G9/021A01G9/0291
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,602,673
App. No.
14/379,116
Granted
Mar 31, 2020
Kind
B2
Abstract

Exemplary embodiments relate to a seed planting system that incorporates an outer shell, a plant growing or rooting media, seed(s), fertilizer, and a lid, as well as methods of using this planting system. Exemplary embodiments also relate to an indoor growing unit which is configured for use with the seed planting system.

Claims (25)

1. A plant growing system comprising a biodegradable outer shell, a rooting material, a fertilizer or nutrient, seeds, and a removable lid, wherein:

said outer shell comprises a molded material, a formed material, a composted material, a shaped material, or combinations thereof;

said rooting material comprises soil, coir, vermiculite, compost, perlite, bark fines, peat, wood shavings, mulch, or combinations thereof; and

wherein said rooting material is formed or molded and comprises external ribbing, the external ribbing forming gaps between the outer shell and the rooting material; and

wherein the outer shell and the rooting material form a water reservoir, the water reservoir in communication with the gaps and, prior to the plant growing system being watered, comprising the fertilizer or nutrient.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said outer shell is a formed, molded, and/or composted material.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein said outer shell is in the form of a triangular acorn.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein said outer shell comprises a reinforced apex aiding penetration into a surface.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein said outer shell further comprises a flange disposed at the top of said outer shell.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein said flange is adapted to act as a guide for proper planting depth.

7. The system of claim 5 , wherein said flange includes a surface area for attachment of the removable lid.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein said outer shell has a thickness in the range of about 0.025-0.25 inches.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein said lid comprises a biodegradable material.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein said rooting material comprises dibbles, recesses, concavities, or holes for positioning, housing, or receiving seeds.

11. The system of claim 10 , further covered by a biodegradable plug, a biodegradable lid, a water permeable adhesive, coir, coir dust, vermiculite, compost, perlite bark fines, peat, wood shavings, mulch or combinations thereof, overlaying or filling said dibbles, recesses, concavities, or holes.

12. The system of claim 10 , wherein said dibbles include a biodegradable plug and seed, wherein said biodegradable plug is held in place by friction or adhesives.

13. The system of claim 11 , wherein said biodegradable lid comprises cornstarch, a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl acetate, or combinations thereof.

14. The system of claim 11 , wherein said biodegradable lid comprises coir dust, non-compressed coir, or screened coconut coir pith.

15. The system of claim 1 , wherein said rooting material comprises 1-3 dibbles for positioning, housing, or receiving seeds.

16. The system of claim 1 , wherein the external ribbing of the rooting material is adapted to frictionally engage the outer shell.

17. The system of claim 1 , wherein the external ribbing of the rooting material is adapted to permit the migration of water to the bottom of the outer shell.

18. The system of claim 1 , wherein the water reservoir is located beneath a truncated and formed rooting material.

19. A tray comprising the plant growing system of claim 1 .

20. A method of growing a garden comprising planting the plant growing system of claim 1 and watering said plant growing system.

21. The system of claim 1 , wherein said rooting material is tapered.

Assignments (2)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 31, 2023
From: OMS INVESTMENTS, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 064432/0744 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 15, 2014
From: PRINSTER, MARK GERARD; SCHULTZ, BRADLEY ALAN; GORDON, SARA ANN; RYGIELSKI, KIMBERLY ANN; PHILLIPS, MATTHEW L.; BRUNO, ROBERT H.; NATHAN, PHILIP J.; ZASADZINSKI, TARA MARIE; ALEXANDER, ASHLEY E.
To: OMS INVESTMENTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 033546/0443 →
Continuity (5)
Provisional Application 61600565 · Feb 17, 2012
Provisional Application 61637193 · Apr 23, 2012
Provisional Application 61648982 · May 18, 2012
Provisional Application 61715088 · Oct 17, 2012
Related Publication 20150156973A1 · Jun 11, 2015