Patent · US Expired

Unitized mat to facilitate growing woody plants

US6997402B2 · kind B2 · utility

34Cited by
16References
28Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 24, 2004
Grant dateFeb 14, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 24, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T156/1036
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A unitized mat to facilitate growing woody plants includes at least two polymeric material layers, an inlet for delivery of fluid, and at least one outlet for dispensing fluid into an area covered by at least one layer. There is an opening in the layers through which the plant extends along with an installation seam with overlapping ends. The mat includes perforations, aligned or off-set, for fluid outlets and may be used in a container, such that a polymeric material layer covers the surface thereof. Flexible extension flaps adjust for container size and shape. The mat is removably affixed to a container and/or can be fed by a water-filled container with a polymeric material layer integral with the container. The mat may be used for woody plants in a row, such as orchard applications. Extension flaps provide continuous cover around and between plants, and perforations provide anchors for fixable positioning.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.