Tree Frame and Grate System with a Liner and Method to Improve Growth of Vegetation in an Urban Environment

Abstract

A tree frame and grate system having a liner and growing method for the purposes of encouraging healthy and abundant root growth and permitting optimal development and growth of a tree or other plant material within an urban or otherwise primarily paved environment. The system is comprised of a preformed supporting frame to contain an engineered growing media and plant material. A liner is provided to create a barrier between the system and the media within and/or surrounding the system and that of native or adjoining soils. The frame may also support a manufactured grate or other partial enclosure. The system may be adapted for electrical service connection for aesthetic lighting, and piping to provide supplement irrigation.

Claims

1. A plant frame system comprising an open-bottomed frame comprising four walls and a partially-opened top wall capable of allowing vegetation to grow outward thereof and said vegetation's attended root system extends downward beyond the bottom edge of said frame further comprising an impermeable or semi-permeable subsurface membrane liner.

2. The plant frame system according to claim 1, further comprising a grate or plate.

3. The plant frame system according to claim 2, wherein said grate or plate is a polymer or metal-based fabricated grate or plate.

4. The plant frame system according to claim 3, wherein said grate or plate partially exposes the interior of the system to the atmosphere; wherein when vegetation is planted within said system and said grate or plate is installed, said vegetation can grow upward vertically out of said system.

5-6. (canceled)

7. The plant frame system according to claim 1, wherein said plant frame system is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer, metal and concrete or a combination thereof.

8. (canceled)

9. The plant frame system according to claim 1, wherein said plant frame system is installed into or adjacent to an impervious surface, a pedestrian walking surface ora paved area.

10. (canceled)

11. The plant frame system according to claim 9, wherein said walking surface is a sidewalk.

12. The plant frame system according to claim 9, further comprising an opening that is in close proximity to an impervious surface, a pedestrian walking surface or a paved area wherein said opening allows rain water to enter said plant frame system.

13. The plant frame system according to claim 12, wherein said opening is integrated or situated next to a curb of a road or street.

14. The plant frame system according to claim 9, wherein said paved area is a road or street.

15. The plant frame system according to claim 1, wherein said system is circular in shape.

16. The plant frame system according to claim 2, wherein said grate or plate covers the entire top surface of said plant frame system.

17. The plant frame system according to claim 2, wherein said plant frame system further comprises a notch, supporting beams affixed to the interior of the frame or lateral cross members.

18. The plant frame system according to claim 17, wherein said grate or said plate is positioned in said notch or upon said supporting beams or lateral cross members.

19. The plant frame system according to claim 18, wherein said grate or plate is even with the top surface of said frame wherein when said grate or plate is installed in said notch, said plate and said frame create a flat, even surface.

20-45. (canceled)

46. The plant frame system according to claim 1, wherein said liner is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, polyethylene, a synthetic material, or a combination thereof.

47. The plant frame system according to claim 46, wherein said liner surrounds part of the system.

48. The plant frame system according to claim 47, wherein said liner surrounds at least 25-95% of the system.

49. The plant frame system according to claim 46, further comprising one or more inlet and outlet pipes that traverse said liner.

50. The plant frame system according to claim 46, wherein said liner extends beyond one or more vertical sidewalls of the system into the surrounding soil.

51-56. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a cutaway perspective view of a tree frame and grate system of the present invention;

[0027] FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) is a cutaway perspective view and a cutaway cross sectional view respectively, of an embodiment of the tree frame and grate system of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a cutaway perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a cutaway perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIGS. 5(a), 5(b), 5(c), and 5(d) are plan view renderings of some of the many design configurations of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a cutaway perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) is a cutaway perspective view and a plan view of the tree frame and grate system with an impermeable or substantially impermeable subsurface liner;

[0033] FIGS. 8(a), 8(b), 8(c), 8(d), and 8(e) are plan view renderings of representations of various dimensions of organic and non-organic aggregate particles;

[0034] FIG. 9 is an image of a ceramic product with a plethora of interstitial openings.

[0035] These renderings and images are included for illustrative and interpretive purposes relative to specific embodiments and applications and should not be construed as the sole positioning, configurations, or singular use of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

[0036] The following terms are defined to aid the reader in fully understanding the operation, function, and utility of the present invention.

[0037] 5% as used herein, refers to the possibility that the stated amount may vary by 5%. For instance, 1005%, indicates that the claimed value may range from 95 to 105.

[0038] And/or as used herein, refers to the possibility that both items or one or the other are claimed. For instance, A and/or B refers to the possibility of A only, B only or both A and B are present in the claimed invention.

[0039] Aggregate as used herein, refers to a sum, mass, or assemblage of various loose particles of inorganic and/or organic matter of various size and dimension. Furthermore, an aggregate matrix layer would represent a distinct or discreet layer of the sum of one or more aggregates.

[0040] ASTM as used herein, refers to American Society for Testing Materials.

[0041] Bioavailable as used herein, refers to the extent to which a nutrient or other substance is taken up by a plant's root system to be metabolized and therefore provide growth enhancement to the plant, (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, fertilizer, etc.).

[0042] Bulk density as used herein, is the weight of aggregates in a given volume. Aggregates with greater bulk densities tend to restrict root growth when compacted, particularly in greater concentrations of finer particles are present.

[0043] Canopy as used herein with respect to trees, refers to the extent of the outer layer of leaves of an individual tree or group of trees.

[0044] Engineered media as used herein, refers to a growing media specifically formulated, blended, and designed to provide enhanced growing characteristics such as moisture and oxygen retention, nutrient sorption, infiltration capacity, and other attributes to enable the plant material to reach its fullest potential for establishment and growth.

[0045] Impervious/impermeable as used herein, collectively are terms to describe surfaces that are mainly artificial structuressuch as pavements (roads, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots) that are covered by impenetrable materials such as asphalt, concrete, brick, stone. Compacted soils may also be termed, impervious or impermeable.

[0046] Impermeable subsurface membrane liner as used herein, refers to a synthetic, flexible material which acts as a barrier to separate and maintain segregation between two discrete layers of inorganic and/or organic materials thus preventing the infiltration of water between the two layers.

[0047] Notch as used herein, is a slightly lower level or recessed surface within the top sidewall of the frame of the present invention which allows for the setting and support of a grate or plate while maintaining equal elevation of both the top surface of the grate or plate and the surface of the top sidewall.

[0048] Porosity as used herein, refers to the quantity of pores, or open space between aggregate particles. Pore spaces may be a function of the size and shape of various aggregate particles, and how they integrate or connect as a mass, or can be formed or expanded due to the movement of roots. The differences in the size and shape of the aggregates influence the way they fit together, and thus their porosity.

[0049] Plants or vegetation as used herein, is a collective term for a living organism of the kind exemplified by trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, ferns, and mosses, typically growing in a permanent site, absorbing water, oxygen, and nutrients through its roots.

[0050] Semi-impermeable subsurface membrane liner as used herein, refers to a synthetic, flexible material which acts as a porous barrier to separate and maintain segregation between two discrete layers of inorganic and/or organic materials thus allowing for the controlled flow of water between the two layers.

[0051] Sorption as used herein, is a collective term for both absorption and adsorption considered as a single process.

[0052] Streetscape as used herein, refers to the visual elements of a street, including the road, adjoining buildings, sidewalks, street furniture, trees and open spaces, etc., that combine to form the street's character.

[0053] Sump as used herein, refers to a pit or hollow in which liquid collects.

[0054] Tree pit as used herein, refers to the hole in the ground in which a tree is planted. In the urban context, the pit may represent the areal dimension of open non-impervious space within an otherwise impervious pavement surface.

[0055] Urban as used herein, relates to, or is characteristic of a city or town particularly that where the ground surface is primarily paved and impervious.

[0056] As used herein, the terms comprises, comprising, includes, including, has, having or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0057] Also, use of the a or an are employed to describe elements and components of the invention. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0058] Reference throughout this specification to plant(s), tree(s), vegetation, or roots is used. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the invention should not be limited to these terms and that the terms herein are interchangeable or in general association for any tree, plant, root, or other vegetation that would benefit from the described invention.

[0059] The present invention is intended to be a combined tree frame and grate system whereby plant material such as trees can better survive and thrive in a primarily impervious surface environment. More particularly, the invention is intended to allow for the flexibility in utilizing multiple shapes and dimensions of manufactured tree grates. Attention is also given to a system which is comprised of an engineered media that provides greater moisture holding capacity and nutrient sorption, while providing structural support for pavement systems.

[0060] Referring now to the drawings, and specifically to FIG. 1, a tree frame and grate system 10 of the present invention is comprised of a concrete, metal, plastic frame or other primarily impermeable substance fabrication with four connecting vertical side walls 2, 3, 4, 5, of various height and enclosure which conform to form a horizontal top sidewall 7, at least partially open to the environment with a corresponding open bottom. The exterior side walls of the frame are anticipated to be in partial or full communication with surrounding paved or primarily impervious surfaces.

[0061] While continuing to reference FIG. 1, and also FIG. 2a-2b, the frame encloses a mixture and/or discreet layer(s) of both organic and inorganic materials (media) 11. A preferred embodiment would be that the media would be engineered and blended in proportions that would allow for structural support of the adjoining pavement 12, and provide sufficient moisture and oxygen storage capabilities to provide for healthy tree growth. The media within the frame's enclosure may reside at various depths and elevation below the adjacent paved or primarily impervious surface 12 thereby forming a sump within the interior of the frame allowing for the collection of rainwater emanating from the surrounding surface pavement, providing additional irrigation for the plant material. The media may or may not extend beyond the outside perimeter of the frame. The varying dimensions and heights of the vertical sidewalls 2, 3, 4, 5 allows for the redirecting of tree roots in both vertical and horizontal direction to minimize potential sidewalk upheaval and/or encountering subsurface utilities at shallow depths. The frame maintains vegetative plant(s) 9 whose roots 8 are resident in the media and can communicate unrestricted with the surrounding introduced or existing soils 13. An embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a grate or plate 15 fabricated of metal, plastic, or the like at least partially enclosing the top surface of the frame while allowing for the full expression of any plant material. This enclosure may reside on top of the frame surface forming a near seamless transition with the surrounding pavement, within a notched ledge, suspended upon supporting beams affixed to the interior of the frame, or upon lateral cross members. The frame may integrate with or otherwise be connected to curbing 16 associated with an adjoining paved street 17. An additional embodiment would include the ability to install and connect lighting fixtures 18 and/or electrical outlets 19 or otherwise point(s) of electric power service to provide lighting, ambient sound and other accents for the plant material, 9, particularly if the system was installed in a promenade or in close proximity to a store front, or other location where such accents were deemed desirable or necessary. This embodiment also includes waterproof conduits in which the electrical elements are contained. The conduits should be embedded into one or more walls of the present invention. One or more conduits will allow for access to the electrical source so that the aesthetic electrical device may be connected to the electrical power source and be installed into the surface of the grate or frame or onto the vegetation growing out of the system. A series of conduits can be installed to provide electrical power to the system from a remote power source such as an electrical outlet in a commercial building or domicile. Means to secure the installed electrical outlets installed into the system, such as a lock box or other security device, are also an element of this embodiment. Still another embodiment would include holes or ports 20 within one or more sides 2, 3, 4, 5 of the frame to allow for the installation of tubing or piping 21 to provide supplemental irrigation to the plant material.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 3, which depicts another embodiment of the present invention that incorporates a throat or opening 31 in one or more side walls 30 of the frame to allow for the collection of rainwater runoff emanating from adjacent paved surfaces, such as a street 32. The frame may integrate with and form an extension of a street curb 33, or about the curbing.

[0063] Now referring to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the invention would be that the frame 41 would be of a round configuration of varying height with a round grate or plate 42 fabricated of metal, plastic, or the like that at least partially encloses the top surface of the frame 41 while allowing for the full expression of any plant material 43 and associated roots 44 as similarly identified in FIGS. 1, 2a-2b.

[0064] FIGS. 5a-d illustrate some of the multiple design and configuration options and applications of the present invention. Referring specifically now to FIGS. 5a-5b, the combined frame/grate or plate 52 may fully cover the top surface of the frame, and be of similar shape and dimension. FIG. 5c depicts how the grate or plate 52 may be positioned in a recessed area (notch) 53 within the frame 55. It is preferred that the notched area would accept the grate or plate to maintain a similar or contiguous elevation with the top surface of the frame 55. FIG. 5d depicts how the top surface of the combined frame/grate or plate 52 would be sufficiently recessed as to allow for paving stones (pavers) 56 or other component materials to reside to maintain a similar or contiguous elevation with the top surface of the associated frame/grate or plate.

[0065] Referring now to FIG. 6 which depicts another embodiment of a plant frame 61 within a sidewalk 62 or similar primarily impervious surface and whereby one or more plants 63 may be used. The frame would have various shapes and dimensions, and vertical sidewalls of varying heights as depicted in FIGS. 1a, 2a-2b of the present invention. This embodiment may or may not include a grate or plate.

[0066] FIGS. 7a and 7b depicts still another embodiment with similar configuration to previous figures represented of the present invention. In this embodiment, a flexible impermeable or semi-impermeable subsurface membrane liner 55 surrounds a substantial portion of the container 1. The purpose of this liner would be to provide a barrier between the container and media 6 associated with the container, and that of native or adjoining soils 56. Inlet and outlet piping of various diameter would be able to penetrate and otherwise traverse the wall of the liner. Such circumstances which may include this embodiment would be if the tree frame and grate system of the present invention was located proximal to identified sensitive environmental receptors which require protection or segregation. Such examples of these receptors could be water bodies 57, wetlands, drinking water protection areas and other examples. Another instance when the use of a liner and/or barrier with the system of FIG. 1 would be beneficial, would be when contaminated soil or groundwater was present proximal to the tree frame and grate system, whereby infiltrating water associated with the tree frame and grate system could potentially co-mingle with, or otherwise contact, contaminated soil or groundwater, thereby spreading the contamination further. A liner and/or barrier with the system of FIG. 1 can be useful in retaining water for future irrigation of the vegetation or preventing unnecessary water from infiltrating and/or entering the tree frame and grate system. The use of a flexible liner would also allow for the expansion of the collection and treatment area beyond the foot print of the container; the user therefore would not be constrained by the dimensions of the container, thus allowing for the maximization of the infiltrating media area. The flexible impermeable or semi-impermeable subsurface membrane liner is envisioned to be composed of rubber, polyethylene, or other material(s) either unique or in composite and typically designed to be a barrier to separate one physical area from another physical area. The liner does not have to cover the entire system and may only cover between 25-95% of the system for various reasons. The system maty also incorporate one or more inlet and/or outlet pipes that traverse the liner.

[0067] FIGS. 8a-8e illustrate various shapes and comparative sizes of particles of organic and inorganic material 71,72,73, that when combined, comprise an aggregate 74. A greater proportion of larger particle sizes and shapes 75 of a sand aggregate comprised of American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) C-33, or that which is provided by Pacific Aggregates Inc., Lake Elsinore, Calif., at no less than 80% (5) by volume is another embodiment of the present invention. The remaining 20% (5) is to be comprised of a combination of an organic material such as peat moss, compost, coconut fiber (coir), or other organic matter, and/or water absorbing polymers often referred to as polyacrylamides such as SoilMoist. This proportion of materials is expected to provide a porous growing media with greater moisture storage and oxygen holding capacity, and structural support for overlying pavement.

[0068] FIG. 9 is a photographic rendering of a ceramic material or reconstituted rock such as expanded shale which is still another embodiment of the engineered media of the present invention.

[0069] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0070] In the above description, numerous specific details are provided, such as the identification of various system components, to provide an understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In still other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of various embodiments of the invention. Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases in one embodiment or in an embodiment in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0071] The descriptions and drawings should be assumed as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. The invention may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and is not limited by the aforementioned dimensions, construction and operation of the identified parts, materials or embodiments. It is understood that numerous modifications, changes, and substitutions of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be resorted to falling within the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0072] While the previous description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. It is not desired to be limited to the exact details of construction shown and described for obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0073] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.