Horticultural cell system

Claim 2

A horticultural cell system, comprising: a belt of sheet material folded along a fold line longitudinally into two layers, with the free edges of the sheet material substantially parallel, said layers being sealed to one another along lines of seals extending only partially across the width of said belt toward said fold line, said lines of seals being spaced apart longitudinally of said belt to form a series of cells; said cells having an approximately oval cross-section when filled with soil and each having an open mouth formed between the edges of said layers; portions of said layers adjacent to said fold line forming a continuous tube portion common to and in communication with each of said cells, whereby the root systems of plants disposed in said cells may extend into said tube portion said tube portion having a greater cross-sectional area than said cells, and forming a supporting base to hold the system upright, said seals serving to maintain the cross-sectional form of the system against lateral pressure of soil contained therein.

Claim 3

The cell system of claim 1, said lines of seals defining a series of contiguous web portions in said layers, alternating longitudinally of said belt with said series of cells.

Claim 4

The cell system of claim 1, wherein each of said lines of seals is disposed intermediate said fold line and said free edges of said layers; and portions of said layers adjacent to said free edges, lying beyond said lines of seals aNd forming parts of said cells, provide closure elements for said cells.

Claim 5

The cell system of claim 3, wherein the edges of said layers are sealed together to provide an enclosed tent-like structure.

Claim 6

The cell system of claim 3, wherein said portions of said layers adjacent to said free edges are formed with a plurality of vent holes.

Claim 7

The cell system of claim 1, wherein each of said lines of seals is formed by a continuous linear seal between said layers.

Claim 8

The cell system of claim 1, wherein each of said lines of seals is formed by a series of spaced-apart localized spot seals.

Claim 9

The cell system of claim 1, wherein said lines of seals extend to said free edges of said sheet.

Claim 10

A horticultural cell system comprising a belt of sheet material folded along a first fold line longitudinally into two layers, with the free edges of the sheet material substantially parallel; each of said two layers being folded in half longitudinally along second fold lines to form two inner and two outer layers, the free edges of said outer layers being substantially parallel to said first fold line, said inner and outer layers being sealed to one another along lines of seals extending only partially across the width of said belt toward second fold lines; said lines of seals being spaced apart longitudinally of said belt to form a first series of cells on one side of said belt and a second series of cells on a second side of said belt, portions of said inner and outer layers which lie beyond said lines of seals on either side of said belt and adjacent to said second fold lines forming two parallel continuous tube portions including a first tube portion common to and in communication with each of the cells of said first series and a second tube portion common to and in communication with each of the cells of said second series.

Claim 11

A horticultural cell system comprising a belt of sheet material folded along a first fold line longitudinally into two layers, with the free edges of the sheet material substantially parallel; each of said two layers being folded in half longitudinally along second fold lines to form two inner and two outer layers, the free edges of said outer layers being substantially parallel to said first fold line, said inner and outer layers being sealed to one another along lines of seals extending only partially across the width of said belt toward second fold lines; said lines of seals being spaced apart longitudinally of said belt to form a first series of cells on one side of said belt and a second series of cells on a second side of said belt, portions of said inner and outer layers which lie beyond said lines of seals on either side of said belt and adjacent to said second fold lines forming two parallel continuous tube portions including a first tube portion common to and in communication with each of the cells of said first series and a second tube portion common to and in communication with each of the cells of said second series.

Claim 12

The cell system of claim 9, said lines of seals defining a series of contiguous web portions in said layers, alternating longitudinally of said belt with said series of cells.

Claim 13

The cell system of claim 9, said lines of seals extending to said free edges of said sheet.