Unitized mat to facilitate growing plants
US6996932B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01G13/32
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A unitized mat to facilitate growing plants includes at least two polymeric material layers defining fluid-conveying passageways forming distribution headers and a flow restrictor, an inlet for delivery of a fluid into the distribution headers, and an outlet for dispensing fluid into a root zone area covered by at least one layer of the polymeric material layers. The polymeric layers are sized and shaped to cover an area immediately around at least one plant. The flow restrictor, for metering the fluid, is in fluid connection with the distribution header and a multi-dimensional array of outlets. The present invention combines a fluid distribution device and artificial mulching. The method of manufacturing and using the unitized mat to enhance the growth of plants is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.