Root-pruning container
US4442628A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 1983 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01G9/021
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A root-pruning container involving a series of vertical pyramid like staircase stepped surfaces essentially parallel to the sidewall of said container and displaced to the inside of said container, wherein the vertical and horizontal surfaces forming the steps between the inner pyramid like surface and the outer container sidewall are intentionally sloped behind said pyramidal surface such as to form an acute angle of intersection with the container's sidewall. Because of the acute angle of the step, the root tips of a growing plant are directed into and trapped at the toe position of each individual step resulting in termination of the root growth (root-pruning). Such a container inhibits spiral growth, promotes root branching and results in more even root distribution as well as increased root growth in the growing medium.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.