Seed Panel

Abstract

A composite article comprises a substrate element with a first cover element spaced from the substrate element. A second cover element is disposed between the first cover element and the substrate element. A first adhesive layer is disposed between the first and second cover elements, where the first adhesive layer is configured to adhere the first cover element to the second cover element. A second adhesive layer is disposed between the second cover element and the substrate element, where the second adhesive layer is configured to adhere the second cover element to the substrate element. At least one seed abuts the first adhesive layer. The first cover layer is configured to be separated from the first adhesive layer thereby exposing at least a portion of the seed(s). Also disclosed are a method of forming a composite article, and a method of planting a seed with a composite article.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A composite article comprising:
 a substrate element;   a first cover element spaced from said substrate element;   a second cover element disposed between said first cover element and said substrate element;   a first adhesive layer disposed between said first and second cover elements, said first adhesive layer configured to adhere said first cover element to said second cover element;   a second adhesive layer disposed between said second cover element and said substrate element, said second adhesive layer configured to adhere the second cover element to said substrate element; and   at least one seed abutting said first adhesive layer;   wherein said first cover element is removable from said first adhesive layer to expose at least a portion of said at least one seed.   
     
     
         2 . The composite article as set forth in  claim 1  wherein at least one of said first and second adhesive layers comprise a pressure-sensitive adhesive. 
     
     
         3 . The composite article as set forth in  claim 1  wherein at least one of said first and second adhesive layers comprise a biodegradable adhesive material. 
     
     
         4 . The composite article as set forth in  claim 1  wherein at least one of said substrate element, said first cover layer, and said second cover layer comprise a biodegradable material. 
     
     
         5 . The composite article as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said first adhesive layer is configured to couple said at least one seed to said second cover element. 
     
     
         6 . The composite article as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said first cover layer is separable from said second cover layer to expose said at least one seed. 
     
     
         7 . The composite article as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said second cover element comprises a release coating for removal of said second cover element from said second adhesive layer and said substrate element. 
     
     
         8 . The composite article as set forth in  claim 7  wherein said substrate element is reusable after said second cover element is removed. 
     
     
         9 . The composite article as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said second cover element and said first adhesive layer remain coupled to said at least one seed when said first cover element is removed. 
     
     
         10 . The composite article as set forth in  claim 9  wherein said substrate element, said second cover element, said first adhesive layer, said second adhesive layer, and said at least one seed are plantable for germinating said at least one seed. 
     
     
         11 . The composite article as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the substrate element is flat and comprises a plurality of creases forming a plurality of wings, and wherein the substrate element is configured to be folded along the creases to form a three-dimensional structure. 
     
     
         12 . A method of forming a composite article, said method comprising the steps of:
 applying a first adhesive layer to a second cover element;   applying at least one seed to the first adhesive layer;   applying a first cover element to the first adhesive layer with the at least one seed disposed between the first adhesive layer and the first cover element;   applying a second adhesive layer to the second cover element; and   applying the second cover element to a substrate element.   
     
     
         13 . The method as set forth in  claim 12  further comprising the step of applying pressure to adhere the first cover element to the second cover element for securing the at least one seed therebetween. 
     
     
         14 . The method as set forth in  claim 12  further comprising the step of cutting the composite article for forming a seed panel. 
     
     
         15 . A method of planting a seed with a composite article, the composite article comprising a substrate element, a first cover element spaced from the substrate element, a second cover element disposed between the first cover element and the substrate, a first adhesive layer disposed between the first and second cover elements, a second adhesive layer disposed between the second cover element and the substrate element, and at least one seed abutting the first adhesive layer, with the composite article removably coupled to a secondary structure, said method comprising the steps of:
 removing the composite article from the secondary structure;   removing the first cover element from the composite article to expose the at least one seed; and   disposing a remaining portion of the composite article in or on a growing medium to plant the at least one seed.   
     
     
         16 . The method as set forth in  claim 15  further comprising the step of applying water to the at least one seed for germinating the at least one seed. 
     
     
         17 . The method as set forth in  claim 15  further comprising the step of soaking the composite article for facilitating separation of the first cover element from the second cover element, for separation of the second cover element from the substrate, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The method as set forth in  claim 15  wherein the growing medium is soil or dirt. 
     
     
         19 . A composite article comprising:
 a substrate element;   a release layer spaced from said substrate element;   an adhesive layer disposed between said substrate element and said release layer; and   at least one seed abutting said adhesive layer;   wherein said at least one seed is coupled to said substrate element through said adhesive layer;   and wherein said release layer is separable from said adhesive layer to expose at least a portion of said at least one seed.   
     
     
         20 . The composite article as set forth in  claim 19  wherein said composite article is configured to be affixed to a secondary article upon separating said release layer from said adhesive layer. 
     
     
         21 . The composite article as set forth in  claim 19  wherein said substrate element is biodegradable. 
     
     
         22 . The composite article as set forth in  claim 19  wherein said adhesive layer comprises one or more silicones. 
     
     
         23 . The composite article as set forth in  claim 19  wherein said release layer is peelable from said adhesive layer. 
     
     
         24 . A method of forming a composite article, said method comprising the steps of:
 providing a substrate element;   applying an adhesive layer to the substrate element;   applying at least one seed to the adhesive layer, the at least one seed coupling to the substrate element through the adhesive layer; and   applying a release layer to the adhesive layer with the at least one seed disposed between the release layer and the adhesive layer, wherein the release layer is separable from the adhesive layer to expose a portion of the at least one seed.   
     
     
         25 . The method as set forth in  claim 24  further comprising the step of applying pressure to adhere the release layer to the substrate element for securing the at least one seed therebetween. 
     
     
         26 . The method as set forth in  claim 24  further comprising the step of cutting the composite article for forming a seed panel.