WO1988003360A1

WO1988003360A1 - Enclosed growing plant device

Info

Publication number: WO1988003360A1
Application number: PCT/US1987/002969
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert W. Snyder
Original assignee: Snyder Robert W
Priority date: 1986-11-12
Filing date: 1987-11-09
Publication date: 1988-05-19

Abstract

An enclosed growing plant device (10) is formed including a hollow base portion (12) including an interior nutrient chamber (24) for containing a growth medium for living plants. An intermediate portion or insert (14), including a plurality of grow tubes (38), is adapted to slidably fit into the base portion (12) such that the grow tubes (38) extend into the nutrient chamber (24). Seeds or cuttings are placed into the grow tubes (38) and allowed to root in the nutrient chamber (24). A cap portion (16) is placed over the open top (44) of the insert (14) to enclose the environment to a great degree, although drainage apertures (20) formed in the base floor (18) and aeration apertures (16) formed in the cap (16) permit flow. The device (10) is primarily adapted for growing small numbers of plants in a portable and easily adjustable environment for display and research purposes.

Description

ENCLOSED GROWING PLANT DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to devices for housing growing plants and more particularly to devices which may

--- be completely enclosed while retaining the living plant material therein. The primary expected usage of the enclosed growing _v plant device of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is for growing living plants for display purposes.

BACKGROUND ART

10 It is a common desirable goal to attempt to grow various types of plants for aesthetic display purposes. The presence of a plant in a situation is often thought to add substantially to the beauty of the area. Furthermore, plants are widely regarded as evidence that the persons responsible for the situation care

15 about those that are brought into the area. Consequently, indoor and office plants are very common.

Difficulties are often faced when it is desirable to utilize living growing plants in a given situation. Frequently, the environmental conditions which are optimal for the plant are not 0 readily available. For example, the temperature and air movement requirements of a plant may be incompatable with the specific selected environment. Furthermore, the inherent mess created by the growth medium and the dropping leaves can often be a maintenance problem. It is also sometimes difficult to find

²⁵ sufficient room to grow the type of plant desired. Various attempts have been made in a prior art to overcome these problems. Flower pots and plant pots aref^among the most common methods of containing the

pleasing manner. Terraria are also popular. 30 Numerous plant enclosing devices, usually referred to terraria, have been the subject of prior United States patents.

These contain the common elements of transparent^plant enclosing covers which allow the passage of light but do not allow free-

;- flow of air currents and the like. This makes it possible to

35 maintain different environmental conditions within the terrarium than would exist in the surrounding environment.

Some examples of the prior U.S. patents which have issued on portable greenhouses or small scale terraria are U.S. patent 4,316,3467 issued to &_ __ Smith; U.S. patent RE.30,531, issued to _D_- Spector; and U.S. patent 4,304,068, issued to S_ __ Beder. These references describe devices which are intended to enclose one or more plants therein, each of the plants being in its own separate container. In this repsect, these devices are essentially smaller variations of greenhouses.

Other references, if utilized structures in which the growth container for the plant is an integral portion of the overall structure. In these instances the display and growth devices are integrated. Examples of this concept in the prior art are found in U.S. patent 4,236,353, issued to G_ __ Sorenson and U. S. patent 3,848,358, issued to _ __ Ij. Messmer. These devices are not merely enclosures for existing potted plants but actually provide a total environment including the growth medium. Another aspect of ornamental plant growth and study devices is that it is often desirable to have all of the components necessary for growth of the plants, with the exception of moisture, already present in the device when prepared for shipment or storage. The growth cycle may then be initiated at whatever time desired by the user by .the mechanism of causing the seeds to come directly into contact with the growth medium and providing moisture. An example of this sort of structure is found in U.S. patent .3,961,444, issued to __ Skaife. This structure shows a prepackaged complete growth medium which is available to expand as the plant grows and which needs only minor activity by the user to initiate the growth cycle. The Skaife device, as well as the Sorenson device, also provide self contained moisture transfer structures.

None of the prior art devices completely solves the problems inherent in growing small numbers of petite plants. Portability, ease of use and manufacture, adaptability to different space requirements and environmental conditions and ready visibility for research purposes or aesthetic display are all areas in which there is much room for improvement in the prior art. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a compact enclosure for growing plants which may be utilized in a wide variety of situations. --,5 It is another object of the present invention to provide a pocket size terrarium which may be easily carried from place to * place.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a self-contained device in which a small number of aesthetically 10 visually pleasing plants may be grown.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an efficient means of preventing contact between the seed and the growth medium until such time as the initiation of growth is desired. 15 . It is an additional object of the invention to provide a terrarium type device which may be mounted on a vertical surface or a hanging cord and does not require floor, table or counter space.

Briefly, a prefered embodiment of the present invention is a

20 compact, self-enclosed device adapted for growing a small number of plants for display purposes. The device includes a generally tubular base portion, open to the top, which includes a nutrient chamber in which an appropriate plant growth medium, such as dirt, is contained. A base portion includes drainage apertures

25 in its floor to allow drainage of excess moisture from the nutrient medium and thus prevent root rot. The device further includes an intermediate portion, known as an insert, which is adapted to slidably fit into the base portion. The insert has the same cross-sectional shape as the base portion and includes a

30 floor having a plurality of growth tubes descending therefrom.

The growth tubes are adapted to extend from the insert portion down within the base into the nutrient medium. The cavity formed by the walls of the insert portion above the growth tubes is in the nature of a growth chamber in which the plants' leaves and

}35 flowers may grow and develop and a watering housing to prevent spillage and provide a method for determined measured amounts of water. A cap portion, which may be attached to the upper portion of the insert, extends the growth chamber and completes an enclosed volume. The cap portion is provided with aeration apertures to allow free flow of gases into and out of the growth chamber. The insert portion and the cap portion, at least, are constructed of transparent materials so as to allow sunlight to reach the plant and also to allow visual inspection. The base portion may or may not be transparent, depending upon the desired usage. The device may be optionally equipped with attachment elements such as suction cups or clips so that i .may be hung on a wall or placed on or in a pocket with ease. Also, in some plant varieties, a small trellis may be provided as a climbing medium.

An advantage of the present invention is that small but visually pleasing plants may be easily grown and displayed.

Another advantage of the present invention is that physically separated growth tubes provide for optimal plant spacing.

A further advantage of the invention is that the entire plant growth medium may be easily transported from one location to another.

An additional advantage of the present invention is that individual plants may be grown in a display or research fashion with distinct separation of stems and vertical growth paths.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the device may be easily placed in sunlight or other radiation for a desired time and then readily moved to a different location, depending on the needs of the particular plants involved.

A still further advantage of the invention is that the plants may be readily displayed in situations where space considerations would have precluded prior art display devices.

Still another advantage of the invention is that it is economically manufacturable and readily assemblable.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become clear to those skilled in the art in view of the description of the best presently known mode of carrying- out the invention and the industrial applicability of the preferred embodiment, as described herein and as illustrated in the several figures of the drawing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a compact plant enclosing device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the base portion of the present invention.

BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT INVENTION The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a compact plant enclosing device which is particularly adapted for complete growth and display of a limited number of plants which are small in stature and require minimal volume, although this design, if enlarged in scale to any size, would accomodate any plant size or number of plants. The preferred compact plant enclosing device is illustrated in an exploded perspective view in Fig. 1 and is designated by the general reference character 10.

As illustrated in Fig, 1, the plant enclosing device 10 includes three major components. The first and largest component is a base portion 12, which will be the bottom portion of the device 10 in most usable orientations. Above the base portion 12 is an intermediate portion which will be referred to herein as an insert 14. The insert 14 is adapted to mate with, and fit into, the base portion 12. Completing the structure of the plant enclosing device 10 is a cap portion 16 which fits over the top surface of the insert portion 14 to form an enclosed volume.

The base portion 12 is a generally tubular element, shown to have a substantially rectangular cross section in Fig. 1, which is closed at the bottom and open to the top. The lowermost component of the base portion 12 is a base floor 18, which is a substantially planar element which is provided with a plurality of drainage apertures 20. Integrally formed with the base floor 18 is a vertical enclosing base wall 22 which is open to the top by way of a top opening 23. The base floor 18 and the vertical enclosing base wall 22 define a substantially enclosed nutrient chamber, 24. The nutrient chamber 24, the interior of the base portion 12, provides a receptacle in which nutrient material, such as dirt or compost, may be placed within the base portion 12. The drainage apertures 20 provide a means for excess moisture to exit the nutrient chamber 24 and thus helps to prevent overwatering and undesirable decay. The structure of the vertical enclosing base wall 22 includes a front base wall 25, a left base wall 26, a rear base wall 28 and a right base wall 30. Each of these vertical wall portions is substantially planar and the interface between adjacent base wall portions is in the form of a curved corner 32. A restraining ridge 34 is formed on the interior surface of the vertical enclosing base wall 22 to serve the dual purposes of preventing excess sliding of the insert 14 into the base portion 12, and further to provide a guide to the user as to the amount of nutrient to place within the base 12. It is noted that in Fig. 1 the components of the base portion 12 are illustrated as being transparent. This is the preferred embodiment of the invention but the transparency is not a necessary element of the base portion 12. However, it may be desirable for the user to view the condition of the nutrient and root system of the plants involved in ^' order to provide appropriate maintenance. It may also be desirable to utilize a transparent base portion for educational purposes.

The insert 14 is adapted to fit within the base 12. The nature of the interface is best understood in the cross sectional view of Fig. 2. The shape of the insert 14 has a cross section similar to that of the base 12 but of slightly smaller dimensions so that it slidably fits within the base 12.

The insert 14 includes an insert floor 36 which is substantially planar but includes, as integrally molded portions thereof, a plurality of grow tubes 38 each of which ends at a grow tube aperture 40 flush with the insert floor 36 and extends downward therefrom. In the preferred embodiment, four distinct circular cross-section grow tubes 38 are provided. The remainder of the structure of the insert 14 is provided by a vertical enclosing insert wall 42 which has an upper opening 44. Together, the vertical enclosing insert wall 42 and the insert floor 36 enclose a growth chamber 46 which is open to the top. In use, the growth chamber 46 will not have any material placed therein but will provide a volume in which the plants can grow and expand.

The structure of the vertical enclosing insert wall 42 includes a front insert wall 48, a left insert wall 50, a rear insert wall 52 and a right insert wall 54. Each of these walls is a substantially planar element which integrally mates with the insert floor 36. The intefaces between of the insert walls 48, 50, 52 and 54 are in the form of tapered corners 55. The upper edges of the insert walls, adjacent to the upper opening 44, are provided with a rim 56 which extends outward beyond the walls 48, 50, 52 and 54. The rim 56 is adapted to abut against the upper edges of the base walls 25, 26, 28 and 30 when the insert 14 is inserted within the base 12. The rim 56 and the restraining ridge 34 provide means for appropriately spacing the elements. The cap portion 16 of the device 10 provides the final enclosing element. The cap portion, in the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 is shaped substantially like a loaf of bread and has a hollow interior. Its structure includes a cap roof 58 which is substantially planar and a vertical enclosing cap wall 60 which terminates at its lower end at a cap opening 62. Together, the cap roof 58 and the vertical enclosing cap wall 60 define a hollow cap chamber 64. The structure of the vertical enclosing cap wall 60 includes a front cap wall, a left cap wall 68, a rear cap wall 70 and a right cap wall 72, all of which adjoin with each other and with the cap roof 58 at curved interfaces 74. In the preferred embodiment, the cap walls 66, 68, 70 and 72 are provided with aeration apertures 76. These provide avenues for the free flow of gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen into and out of the growth chamber 46 and moderate humidity levels in the cap chamber 64 when the cap portion 16 is in place. The interior of the vertical enclosing cap wall 60 is also provided with a circumferential stop ridge 78 which prevents the cap 16 from being forced too far over the top of the insert 14. The stop ridge 78 will mate with the rim 56 to prevent excess sliding.

Since the aperature holes are placed away from the bottom of the cap, the water will have a space to occupy without leaking out - at least until it gets to the level of the holes. It is also conceived by me that this cap - on the bottom - can and could not only act as a water "catch" and aeration device but also with the addition of small tubes down in the water from the interior of the container - it would act also as a root watering method by capilary perculation. Some holes in the base would have these tiny tubes in them, some would be open for drainage and aeration.

Also shown in phantom in Fig. 1 is an alternate cap portion 116. The alternate cap portion 116 is identical to the preferred cap portion 16 except that it does not include any aeration apertures 76. The advantage of the alternate cap portion 116 is that it may be utilized as a moisture trap when it is attached to the bottom of the base portion 12. This attachment will be a sliding mating similar to the manner in which the cap 16 fits over the insert 14. This use as a moisture trap may be desirable in growth or display situations where it would be unacceptable to have any drippage or other leakage of moisture from the nutrient chamber. When attached to the bottom of the base portion 12 the alternate cap portion 116 will capture any liquid or other material which may exit through the drainage apertures 20. It is noted that the cap roof 58 is a flat element so^" that it will be possible to balance the entire device 10 on the alternate cap portion 116, as opposed to the normal balance on the base floor 18, if it is wished to stand the device 10 on a flat surface. Another alternate element which is shown on Fig. 1 is an attachment fixture 80 which is shown as formed on the exterior surface of the rear base wall 28. The attachment fixture 80, which may be of any particular structure but which is shown as a multipurpose slotted fixture, is desirable to allow the device 10 to be placed upon a wall or a window. It is envisioned that well known attachment devices such as hooks or suction cups may be inserted within the attachment fixture 80 and utilized to secure the device 10 to a particular vertical surface or hanging element. The illustration of Fig. 3 shows, in a perspective view similar to that of Fig. 1, an alternate base portion 312. Most of the elements of the alternate base portion 312 are identical to those of the perferred base portion 12 but there are some differences. Elements which retain the same characteristics as in the preferred embodiment will not be assigned different reference numerals and those which serve the same purpose but are slightly different will be assigned numbers which are equivalent to the prior reference numeral but with three hundred added thereto. New elements will be assigned reference numerals beginning with three and having new suffixes.

One primary difference between the alternate base portion 312 and the preferred base portion 12 is that the alternate base floor 318 is solid and does not have any apertures formed therethrough. Instead, a plurality of fluid passage apertures 382 are provided on the alternate front base wall 325 near the bottom thereof. In addition, a fluid trough 384 is attached to the lower front portion of the alternate front base wall 325. The fluid trough 384 includes a trough floor 386 which is coplanar with the base floor 318. The structure of the trough further includes a front trough wall 388, a left trough wall 390 and a right trough wall 392, which together with the lower portion of the alternate front base wall 325 and the trough floor 386 define a trough cavity 394 which is accessible from above through a trough opening 396.

The trough 384 is a water tight container which may serve either of two purposes. The trough 384 may be utilized to contain fluid which is then delivered into the nutrient chamber 324 through the fluid passage apertures 382. In this manner the nutrients contained in the alternate nutrient chamber 324 may absorb water and additional solable nutrients from the trough 384 and by wicking action deliver these to the roots of the plant. Alternatively, in plants particularly susceptible to root rot, the trough 384 may start out in an empty state and serve as a receptacle for excess fluid in the nutrient chamber which will drain into the trough 384 through the fluid passage apertures 382. In this situation, the trough 384 serves a purpose similar to that of the alternate cap portion 116 when it is placed below the drainage apertures 20 on the preferred embodiment 10. The trough 384 also serves as an additional buttress to balance the device 10 when set upon a flat surface.

Although the alternate cap portion 116 is illustrated without aeration aperatures 76 it is readily understood that the preferred cap 26 will also function effectively for essentially the same purposes. When using the original cap 16 it is only necessary to make certain that the seepage water level does not reach the level of the apertures 76. This usage may even have advantages in that it permits air flow into the nutrient aperture from the bottom, through the drainage apertures 20.

Another possible application which might be adopted in circumstances when either the cap 16 or the alternate cap 116 is utilized on the bottom of the base portion 12 is to provide for capillary watering. One or more of the drainage apertures might be provided with a narrow tube, serving the purpose of a dranking straw, which extends downward into the liquid setting in the cap portion 16. Capillary percolation action would then draw the liquid up into the nutrient chamber and provide a root watering system. IN this case only some of the drainage apertures 20 could be provided with tubes in order to allow the parallel air flow that permits the capillairy action to occur.

Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown as having a generally rectangular lateral cross section with rounded corners, this shape is not critical to the function. Almost any shape which provides a viable chamber for the nutrients and an additional viable chamber for the growth of the plant will be appropriate. The slidability is a natural result of having the shapes of the base portion 12 and the insert 14 be congruent. The particular shape selected is desirable because of its balance and stability and because it allows a broad visual perspective of both the nutrient chamber and the growth chamber.

Similarly, the dimensions of the device 10 may be adjusted as desired for the particular types of plants to be utilized and the space considerations. The depth of width-thickness of the nutrient chamber will be adjustable depending on the root requirements of the plants and the size of the growth chamber may be adjusted dependent on the leaf and bloom size. The preferred embodiment described is adapted for use of a very small plant such as a pygmy violet and is sized so as to fit within an ordinary shirt pocket. For this embodiment the dimensions are as follows: The base element 12 will have a height of 11.6 cm (4.6 in), a width of 7.5 cm (3.0 in), and a depth of 3.6 cm (1.3 in) with the stop ridge 78 being situated 1.6 cm (0.6 in) below the upper opening 44. The insert has a height of 1.8 cm (0.7 in), a width

*5 of 7.2 cm (2.8 in) and a depth of 3.2 cm (1.3 in), with each of the grow tubes 38 having an inside diameter of 1.0 cm (0.4 in) and a height of 2.5 cm (1.0 in). The cap portion 16 has a height of 2.5 cm (1.0 in), a width of 7.8 cm (3.1 in), and a depth of 4.0 cm (1.6 in). The aeration apertures 76 each have a

10 diameter of 0.2 cm (0.1 in) in the preferred embodiment. In the alternate embodiment the fluid trough 384 has a height of 5.0 cm

(2.0 in), a width of 7.5 cm (3.0 in), and a depth of 3.6 cm (1.3 in) . In all of the preferred embodiments the structural material is plexiglass or acrylic having a thickness of 0.3 cm

15 (0.1 in) .

The preferred embodiment 10 is shown as having four distinct grow tubes 38 but the number and spacing are a matter of choice. When four grow tubes 28 are utilized, as shown in the preferred embodiment 10, the separation between the central 20 axes of each of the tubes 38 is 1.7 cm (0.7 in) . Other numbers, diameters and depths of grow tubes 38 may be utilized depending on the plants to be planted in the device 10.

Although the entire device 10 has been illustrated as being constructed of transparent plastic, this is not necessarily 25 required. It is generally desirable that the upper portion of the base 12, the insert 14 and the cap portion 16 be transparent to allow proper passage of sunlight or ultraviolet light for plant growth. It may also be desirable to have the remainder of the base portion 12 be transparent for observation of the root 30 system, to the extent that the nutrient medium makes this possible. Alternate materials, other than the transparent plastics shown in the preferred embodiment 10, may also be utilized. Glass or resinous materials may be substituted although they are not as desirable as they tend to be more

Λ * 35 brittle.

Various types of fastening elements 80 may be substituted if it is desired to attach the device 10 to any sort of structure. Numerous possibilities should be clear to the user. Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the present device may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure is not intended as limiting. The appended claims are therefore to be interpreted as encompassing the entire spirit and scope of the invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The compact plant enclosing device 10 of the present invention will be useful both as a display, educational and a 0 research device. It is particularly useful for growing and displaying specified numbers of discrete plants, particularly those of small size, under controlled and observable conditions. It is also extremely desirable for use where space is at a premium.

15 The device 10 will be utilized as follows. Once it has been determined which size and version of the device 10 is to be utilized for a given application the nutrient chamber 24 is filled with nutrients (such as ordinary soil) to a height of approximately 1.0 cm (0.4 in) below the level of the stop ridge

2.0 78. Tape or other blocking material is ordinarily present over the drainage apertures 20 during the fill and shipping prior to use stage to prevent leakage. The insert 14 is then inserted into the base portion 12 such that the grow tubes 38 extend partially into the nutrient chamber and will be partially filled

25 with nutrient. The tape will then be removed to allow drainage, if desired. Individual seeds, or in some cases, cuttings, will then be placed into each of the grow tubes 38 and inserted to a desired depth in the nutrient. Water or other liquid is then added by pouring into the grow tubes 38, as needed. The cap

30 portion 16 is then placed over the top of the insert 14, the device 10 is placed in sunlight or ultraviolet light, and the growth of the plant is awaited.

When the plant begins to sprout it will, according to gravitational tropisms, send its root system down the grow tubes

35 38 into the nutrient medium and its stems and leaves upward within the grow tube 38 within the growth chamber 46. The leaves will then receive sunlight or ultraviolet light through the sides of the insert 14 and the transparent cap 16 and will continue to grow. In the case of flowering plants, the blooms will appear within the growth chamber 46 and will provide an aesthetically pleasing display. With larger blooms the cap portion will be

-* removed and the largest part of the plants including the blooms

5 will occur above the growth chamber 46. i The transportability of the device 10 permits the growth conditions to be readily and frequently modified, depending on the desire of the user. For example, if the attachment fixture 80 is provided with a suction cup, the entire device 10 may be

10 placed on the interior surface of a window in direct sunlight, if this is desirable for the particular plants involved. If desired, the device may also be balanced on its base floor 18 or, in the alternate embodiment 312, on the trough floor 386 and the base floor 318. Additional water may be provided by removing the

15 cap 16 and pouring it into the insert 14. Alternatively, in the case of the alternate embodiment 312 the water may be placed in the fluid trough 384 for absorbtion into the nutrient.

The device is particularly appropriate for display of plants in that it may be set on its base, attached to a vertical surface

20 or placed in a person's pocket in such a manner that the leaves and flowers of the plant are readily visible. The device is also particularly appropriate for research purposes in that plants may be grown under carefully controlled conditions and the development and growth of the plants may be readily observed.

25 The transportability of the device enhances the research value as different growth conditions may be tested easily for specified time periods including possible future outer space, earth orbit or extraterrestrial environments, for research or food source and growth possibilities.

30 For all of the above and other reasons, it is expected that the plant enclosing device of the present invention will have widespread industrial applicability. Anyone who wishes may easily grow plants under controlled conditions in this device.

^*. Therefore it is expected that the commercial utility of the

35^: present invention will be very substantial.

Claims

_-_

1. A device for enclosing living plants and growt material therefore, comprising: a hollow base portion open at the top and includin enclosing base vertical wall means and enclosing base floo means; an intermediate portion including enclosin intermediate vertical wall means, enclosing intermediate floo means and one or more hollow tube means extending through an <-> downward from said intermediate floor means; and a cap portion adapted to mate with the top of sai intermediate wall means to form and enclosed volume therewith.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein a plurality o drainage apertures are formed in said base floor means.

5 3. The device of claim 1 wherein a plurality o aeration apertures are formed in the cap portion.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the exterior surfac of said intermediate vertical wall means is adapted to slidabl mate with the interior surface of said base vertical wall means.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein a ridge is formed o the interior surface of said base vertical wall means to engag the bottom edge of said intermediate vertical wall means t prevent sliding therebetween beyond said ridge.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the base portion ha a round-cornered generally rectangular horizontal cross section.

7. The device of claim 1 and further including a attachment fixture affixed to the base portion, said attachmen fixture adapted to allow the device to be supported thereby fro exterior elements.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein- said attachmen fixture includes a suction cup to create a vacuum bond to vertical planar surface.

9. The device of claim 7 wherein said attachmen fixture includes a hook by which the device may be hung in vertical orientation.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein a plurality o drainage apertures are formed in said base floor means; a plurality of aeration apertures are formed in the portion; and the exterior surface of said intermediate vertical wa means is adapted to slidably mate with the interior surface

³ said base vertical wall means and the bottom edge of s intermediate vertical wall means is adapted to engage a rid ₄ formed on the interior surface of said base vertical wall me to prevent sliding therebetween beyond said ridge.

11. An enclosed device adapted for containing a tot ₁₀ environment for growth and display of plants, comprising: a base portion including an upward opening cavity f containing nutrients; an insert portion adapted to slidably mate with sa opening of said cavity, the insert portion including an inse ₁₅ floor having a plurality of tubes depending therefrom to exte into said cavity; and a cap portion adaped to mate with the insert portion form an exclosed volume therewith.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein

20 the base portion includes a plurality of draina apertures to permit fluid drainage therefrom.

13. The device of claim 11 wherein the insert is prevented from sliding excessively wi the base portion by a stop ridge formed on the walls of sa .5 cavity.

14. The device of claim 11 wherein a plurality of aeration apertures are formed in the c portion to permit ventilation.

15. The device of claim 11 wherein apertures a 0 formed on a portion of the lower non floor surface of the ba portion and further including: a trough portion formed on said portion of the low non floor surface so as to surround said apertures and to cau said apertures to be located in the lower interior volume of sa 5^ trough.

16. The device of claim 11 wherein the cap portion is further adapted to mate with th .

17. The device of claim 11 wherein the insert and cap portions are transparent to visibl and ultraviolet electromagnetic energy.

18. The device of claim 11 wherein all enclosing elements of the device are constructed o materials effectively transpartent to visible and untraviole energy.

19. A pocket-sized device for growing and displayin 0 petite plants in a small space such as an ordinary shirt pocke comprising: a hollow base portion in the shape of the interior of pocket, the interior of the base portion forming a nutrien chamber; 5 an insert adapted to fit into the base portion, th insert including a floor, and surrounding growth chamber wall and grow tubes extending downward from said floor into sai nutrient chamber; and a removable cap for forming, with said, growth chambe 0 walls, an enclosable growth chamber.

20. The device of claim 18 wherein the base portion includes a floor provided wit drainage apertures; the cap includes aeration apertures; and 5 the cap and the portions of said growth chamber ar transparent to visible and ultraviolet light.