# US 11,895,957 B2 · Biodegradable planter pots comprising starch and an outer silicon layer > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,895,957 B2 - Document ID: US11895957B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/700,922 - Filed: 2022-03-22 - Published: 2023-09-28 - Granted: 2024-02-13 - Earliest claimed: 2022-03-22 - Applicants: Torkild Benn Vennesland; Ernest D. Whelan; John R. Easom - Inventors: Torkild Benn Vennesland; Ernest D. Whelan; John R. Easom - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11895957B2 ## CPC - A01G 9/021: {Pots formed in one piece; Materials used therefor} - A01G 9/0291: {Planting receptacles specially adapted for remaining in the soil after planting} - A01G: HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING (picking of fruits, vegetables, hops or the like A01D46/00; propagating unicellular algae C12N1/12) ## Abstract Biodegradable planter pots constructed from starch and an outer silicon layer. The starch provides a biodegradable and/or compostable characteristic to the pot, allowing it to be broken down into the soil after the pot has been planted. The outer silicon layer provides durability to the pots, allowing them to retain their shape for an additional period of time and withstand handling, while also retaining the biodegradable characteristics of the pots. Advantageously, the pots allow seedlings and seeds to be directly deposited into the soil, while also providing structure to the plant for the initial growth period. Advantageously, the pots provide a stable structural support that is hardy and/or water-resistant but can also being broken down as the plant grows. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A planter pot comprising: a bottom face joined to a lower face of one of more sidewalls, thereby creating a pot with an open top and an interior compartment; wherein the planter pot bottom face and sidewalls comprise starch; and wherein the planter pot is defined by an outer surface comprising a water-resistant silicon layer coating; and wherein the starch bottom face and sidewalls of the planter pot are biodegradable. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The planter pot of claim 1, further comprising an inner surface comprising a water-resistant silicon layer coating. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The planter pot of claim 1, wherein the planter pot bottom face and one or more sidewalls comprise 100 weight percent starch. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The planter pot of claim 1, wherein the planter pot bottom face and sidewalls comprise about 70-99 weight percent starch and about 1-30 weight percent additives. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The planter pot of claim 1, wherein the starch is cassava starch. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The planter pot of claim 1, further comprising at least one aperture positioned on a surface of the planter pot. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The planter pot of claim 1, wherein the silicon layer is deposited on the outer surface by spraying. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The planter pot of claim 1, wherein the silicon layer comprises elemental silicon, silica, silicate, or combinations thereof. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The planter pot of claim 1, wherein the silicon layer has a thickness of about 0.0001-0.1 inches. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The planter pot of claim 1, wherein the planter pot resists the penetration of water by at least about 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 percent compared to a planter pot that lacks the water-resistant silicon layer. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The planter pot of claim 1, wherein the planter pot is fully compostable. ### Claim 12 A method of growing a plant, the method comprising: positioning a plant and soil in a planter pot, wherein the planter pot is defined by: a bottom face joined to a lower face of one of more sidewalls, thereby creating a pot with an open top and an interior compartment; wherein the planter pot bottom face and sidewalls comprise starch; and wherein the planter pot is defined by an outer surface comprising a water-resistant silicon layer coating; and wherein the planter pot is biodegradable; planting the planter pot in the ground or in the soil; whereby the starch bottom face and sidewalls of the planter pot biodegrade, and the plant grows. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the planter pot is directly planted in soil in the ground or soil in a larger pot. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the silicon layer comprises elemental silicon, silica, silicate, or combinations thereof. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the silicon layer has a thickness of about 0.0001-0.1 inches. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the planter pot has fully degraded about 20-200 days after planting. ### Claim 17 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the planter pot is fully compostable. ### Claim 18 A kit comprising: a plurality of planter pots, each defined by: a bottom face joined to a lower face of one of more sidewalls, thereby creating a pot with an open top and an interior compartment; wherein the planter pot bottom face and sidewalls comprise starch; and wherein the planter pot is defined by an outer surface comprising a water-resistant silicon layer coating; and wherein the starch bottom face and sidewalls of the planter pot are biodegradable; a plurality of plants selected from seeds, seedlings, plants, trees, tubers, or combinations thereof; and one or more different soil types. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The kit of claim 18, wherein the starch is wheat, barley, corn, rye, rice, sorghum, brans, cassava, millet, milo, potato, sweet potato, or tapioca starch. ### Claim 20 (depends on 18) The kit of claim 18, wherein each planter pot bottom face and one or more sidewalls comprise 100 weight percent starch.