DE2625498A1 - CONTAINER ARRANGEMENT FOR GROWING PLANTS - Google Patents

Description

DIIINa DIPL-INO M. SC DIPU-CH '. ·. LR. D ^- PL.-PHVS. HÖGER - LEGAL RIGHTS - GRIESSBACH - HAECKER PATENT LAWYERS IN STUTTGART

Λ 41 764 b

k - 163

June 1, 19 76

Mr

Henry Anderson Spencer

8005 - 137 Street

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Container arrangement for growing plants

The invention relates to a container arrangement for growing plants with at least one container in which a row provided by separate cells.

In the field of horticulture and forestry, modern methods are increasingly being used in recent times. In these areas almost industrial processes have actually been introduced in order to achieve greater efficiency than in the past.

709850/0449

Λ 41 764 b Τ

k - 163 T

June 1, 1376 V * ~

aim. The products have been standardized, systems for handling them created large quantities of plants and the like and organized the cultivation of plants in an almost engineering manner. One of the newly introduced processes is the so-called "container planting" according to which a plant is raised in a standard container during the first critical phases of its cultivation which is not unlike a flower pot. The standard container is used during all growth stages up to Final planting used, the plants being raised from seeds and / or parts of plants (cuttings) can.

It has long been recognized that it is necessary to reforest the forest and that afforestation has been in many cases Areas operated on a large scale. As is well known, afforestation can be carried out in a number of ways, including:

(1) the natural process in which a forest area is given the opportunity to regenerate itself and

(2) replanting.

The natural process of reforestation is natural afflicted with numerous coincidences.

Nurseries were the first step in meeting some of the need for new trees. For growing in tree nurseries First, seeds are collected, prepared, sown as densely as possible in long, narrow beds and covered with straw or the like covered. The beds are then watered and the

709850 / 0U9

A 41 764 b Q

k - 163 O

June 1, 19 76 ~ S ~

Seedlings or plants are cared for while they germinate, kick out and begin to grow. Two years later, when the plants are between about 90 and 150 cm tall, they will excavated and the inferior specimens separated, while the rest with the help of machines in new beds be implemented where they are spaced apart to allow further growth. Holds after another two years consider the plants strong enough to survive transplantation in their final location. The plants are again excavated and brought to the afforestation area. This method is still in use, but in part already is replaced by the newer method of container planting.

Mainly due to the need for reforestation programs, a lot of work has been done in the last few years to develop new methods and equipment for growing and planting young plants. A promising one Method, with which the invention is also concerned, has become known as container planting and this method has been found to be a useful addition to the process by which the plants are raised in tree nurseries. That namely, time-consuming methods of growing the young plants in a seed bed have some disadvantages, particularly with regard to the possibilities of monitoring diseases and preventing damage to young plants from pests and weather influences. In addition, some tree species have that Tendency to develop very deep roots which must be cut off before a young tree can be transplanted. This pruning or cutting back of the roots often means a setback for the growth of the young plant and /

709850/0449

Λ 41 764 b
k - 163

or deformation and weakening of the root system.

When planting in containers, a large number of containers is required be present with cells which are filled with a nutrient medium, for example with peat waste, with one in each cell Seed is inserted. After covering with gravel or straw, the seeds are allowed to germinate and the plants are then kept while they begin to grow for periods of four weeks to eight months in a greenhouse, whichever is the actual duration depends on the type of plant and the possibilities of controlling the climate in the greenhouse. Then the young ones can Put plants outdoors in a shady place where they can acclimate to normal weather conditions, before they are transplanted. In some cases it is desirable for the plants to be in a dormant state for transplanting the young plants can be subjected to a special treatment with fertilizer or additionally cooled slowly can be. In the planting season, the plants are then brought directly in their containers to the place where they are planted should be left in the containers as long as possible. Planting itself is usually done by a three-man team, one member of the team transporting the containers and passing them on to the other two Team members distributed. These two, the planters, make holes in the ground with a dibble stick and pull them Remove the plants with the attached root balls from the cells and place them in the holes.

A good container is one of the essential requirements for running this system. During the greenhouse phase,

709850/0449

Λ 41 764 b. _

k - 163 j ήΐΓ

June 1, 19 76 ~ / ~

the cells should be such that the development of a strong root system is promoted. Without a good root system, a plant cannot normally be outdoors survive. When planting, however, the container should be as compact as possible so that it is easy for the planter to handle is. In addition, the container should be designed in such a way that the small plants with their root balls can be safely removed from the cells can be pulled out without damaging them.

The container planting method offers the following advantages:

(1) Each seed or each plantlet receives its own controlled environment in which it can grow and itself can develop without having to fight for survival with other plants.

(2) The rearing of the little plants, namely the sowing, the warping, the weeding, the control of the atmosphere, the fertilization, the lighting, and the temperature control and especially the handling largely mechanized.

(3) The plants are not shocked when they are transplanted because they are in individual "pots" and their roots are not damaged during this process.

(4) Since the plants are not shocked when transplanted, they can also be used during the summer months continuously transplanted, in a weekly or daily rhythm. In this way

709850/0449

Λ 41 764 b

k - 16 3 / j Sl

June 1, 19 76 - -J / '-

an effective use of workers and equipment is achieved while at the same time regarding the young Plants a high survival rate is achieved.

Previously known containers used in reforestation projects can be divided into two groups. One group includes containers in the form of plastic troughs or blocks in which rows of separate frustoconical cells are formed. To take out the plant with With this type of container, the plantlet is captured from its root ball from its cell at a point in time at which the peat is held together by the roots to form a root ball and simply pulls the plant out. With this one Type of container, it is a problem that the time at which a solid root ball is present, the time of possible transplantation. Another disadvantage is that the known containers are quite large and that for Their production requires large quantities of plastic.

In the second group of containers, each container is a single cell, such as a paper or plastic cylinder. Most containers of this type are buried in the ground with the plant and root ball. There the only exit for the roots is the open lower end of the container, this only arises when transplanting a weak lateral growth of the roots. The plant is therefore only bad during its first stage of development anchored, which leads to poor growth and high failure rates, for example when frost breaks out. Another The disadvantage of this type of container is that the work involved in handling the large number of single

709850/0449

Λ 41 764 b

k - 163

June 1, 1976

individual "pots" with only one plant each is higher than in the case of the containers with several cells.

Another decisive disadvantage in using the type of plant container under consideration, which rot in the ground should and should therefore be planted together with the plant, consists in the fact that the soil bacteria, the temperature and the general climate must be just right, otherwise the rotting of the container will be too slow, what about that leads to the fact that the roots cannot develop freely and that deformations of the transplanted seedlings can occur.

With container planting, the environmental conditions become accurate during germination and the early stage of growth monitored so that healthy plants are obtained that have a good chance of survival after transplantation, the possibility of growing the individual plants in separate cells is particularly advantageous. With many Types of plant containers, however, there is a problem that they must have long and deep cells to enable taproot plants to be grown or to enable that the transplanted plants reach a low-lying groundwater table. Ordinary pots or deep Cells of this type make it difficult to remove the young plants for transplantation before that Has volume filled with roots. Since, on the other hand, such a root bond is undesirable from the side of plant breeding, it is desirable to develop a simple method of pulling out the young plants in which it is possible to use the to be able to handle whole root ball with the nutrient medium without damaging the plant and it without an awkward covering to be planted at the destination.

709850/0449

A 41 764 b

k - 163 y / 3

June 1, 1976 - A -

The invention is based on the object of creating a container arrangement of the type described at the outset in which it it is possible to safely and gently remove the plants from their cells at the most favorable time.

This object is achieved by a container arrangement of the type described at the outset, which according to the invention thereby is characterized in that the container has a first and a second wall element on v / e, both of which are made of relatively thin, flexible, Substantially non-porous plastic sheets are made that each wall element has a number of spaced apart arranged, to the interior of the container v / ironing, elongated shoulders, which by connecting pieces in such a way are connected to one another so that a series of parallel half-shells open to the interior of the container results extend downward from the upper edge of the wall elements so that the shoulders on the wall elements lie opposite one another in pairs and are configured to form substantially tight seams and open upwards and over the largest part of their length of closed cells from the half-shells can be brought into engagement with one another that the lower End areas of a cell delimiting shoulders and connecting pieces are designed so that in the area of the Cell bottom results in at least one opening, and that the connecting pieces have downwardly extending root grooves on their inside in the longitudinal direction of the cell.

The container or container arrangements according to the invention have the advantage that the root balls can be easily removed and can be checked - without affecting the root system

709850/0449

Λ 41 764 b tj

k - 163 y Ij

June 1, 1976 ^

or the stem or stem of the plant would be damaged. The individual containers of the container arrangement according to the invention can either be collapsible containers or consist of two halves and can be arranged in a common box from which they can be easily removed and opened and grounded lengthways an axial parting line to the root system for review or to expose for taking out the plant. The plants can just as easily be put back into their cells and the containers can then be closed again and placed back in the box, its outer walls, in particular serve as support surfaces for holding the containers together in the case of the containers consisting of two separate halves. The containers can have securing elements for producing a frictional connection, but this is not necessary is. In any case, it is particularly advantageous if overlapping flange connections between the individual cells bzxv. Overlapping are provided, which between the individual cells to such a complicated and a long way that there is practically no risk of roots getting from one cell to an adjacent cell can.

It is also particularly advantageous that longitudinal root grooves are provided on the wall elements of the container according to the invention, which catch and guide the roots as they develop, preventing the roots from growing in a spiral, which is then a natural tendency when the roots reach a smooth surface. 7 \ m bottom of the container or /. the cells must be supported by the culture medium; on the other hand should be at the bottom of the container

- 10 -

709850/0449

Λ 41 764 b

k - 163

June 1, 19 76

as large an opening as possible, which space for which offers developing roots. In practice, the roots are allowed to enter through the bottom of the container Exiting freely where further growth is prevented by circulating air under the containers. F, s has been shown that the root grooves are suitable for directing outwardly directed roots straight onto this opening, whereby the roots, since they also run straight, they wither very quickly at their ends. Because the plant is a certain natural Has a program for the creation of roots that is disturbed by the withering of the root ends, it develops always new root branches, whereby the processes described are repeated.

It is an advantage of the present invention that the roots of the little plants growing in the container or in its cells be led directly to an opening in the floor, where they wither in the air, as this makes the growth of a vigorous one Root system with relatively straight roots is promoted.

It is a further advantage of the container arrangement according to FIG Invention that the plants with their roots can be easily removed from the container at any time before transplanting can be. Another advantage is that the container according to the invention is relatively compact and easy to use can be handled and still can be made from a relatively small amount of plastic material.

In a preferred embodiment of a container according to the invention is at the bottom of the container or the individual

- 11 -

7O085O / OU9

A 41 76 4 b k - 163

June 1, 1976

J t

Cells of the container provided a relatively large opening, which circumferentially of a number of downward Is surrounded root grooves which are formed on the inside of the wall elements of the container. With this configuration the roots of the plant grow laterally to the side wall of the container and then follow the root grooves to the opening, where they wither due to lack of food with the success that new roots grow back, so that a strong one Developed root system.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention a container with a plurality of cells arranged in a row is used. This container is divided in the longitudinal direction, and its halves are preferably articulated together along the lower end so that the container can be opened can to expose its contents. For removing the plants this is opened from the container so that one now has it in one hand like a book, while one with the others can gently grasp the exposed plants or the root balls of the same. At the same time you can use the thin-walled, Bend a container made of flexible plastic film a little to help release the root ball. In the greenhouse, the containers are packed tightly together in rows in a trough or box, with the walls the box at least to ensure that the individual containers remain closed. The container is designed so that it can be made from a single piece of relatively thin plastic film, thus reducing the consumption of raw material its production is reduced to a minimum.

- 12 -

709850 / OU9

Λ 41 764 b

.1. June 19 76- yt- if

For mass production it is more economical to use containers whose parts are hinged together ' and that can be opened like you and that as well fit in a box and be held by this if necessary in the closed state, the box preferably has a floor with openings, in particular a grid floor. There are several variants of this embodiment of the container according to the invention with and without articulated connections possible. For the sale of individual plants or for those applications in which it is desired that the Keeping individual plants separate from one another can be tubular Containers are used which have at least the majority of the properties indicated above and which thus bring an improvement in container planting. It can also have some additional features be provided, which are especially suitable for individual containers.

A feature common to all containers according to the invention is the shape of the side walls, which have several root grooves or Have depressions (more than four) which extend essentially the entire effective length of the container, to direct the roots towards the opening in its bottom. If the container is filled with a nutrient medium and the ones in it Plants form roots, then v / ground them through the root grooves passed directly downwards by inserting them into these Grooves or are caught between the ribs delimiting these grooves. The term "full length" is used in the In the present context, that part of the container is meant which contains the nutrient medium.

- 13 -

709850/0449

A 41 764 b

k - 1G3 /

June 1, 19 76 -> 5 -If

Another common feature of the containers according to the invention is that they are common as a container arrangement can be inserted with a box that holds the containers in the correct position for filling, with the box either has a perforated base, which prevents the nutrient medium from falling out (but prevents it from passing through the root ends), or where the box prevents the containers from opening, or both.

Another essential feature of the container according to the Invention consists in that they have a substantially constant cross-section over their entire effective length, whereby a particularly large volume is provided without obstacles for the roots and, furthermore, a dense one Packing of the containers for filling them with a vibrator or the like is made possible, the box having a holding frame with vertical parallel side walls and wherein the containers are tightly fitted into the crate.

A particularly advantageous feature of the articulated containers is that they can be opened and closed like a book (after taking them out of the box), so that the progress of growth can be examined. During the first phase of development of plants, in the event of climate changes, which lead to higher or lower humidity or higher or lower temperatures, it can happen that the stage of development of the plant does not correspond to the selected fertilizer composition. For example, if a concentration of fertilizer takes place and if salts collect in the containers, the roots can die off,

- 14 -

709850/0449

Λ 41 764 b k - 163

June 1, 13 76 - \ / A / j

if the excess fertilizer is not diluted by adding pure water. Such conditions are difficult to recognize when there is no way to inspect the root ball. With other containers it is difficult to get the Remove the "plugs" formed by the nutrient medium without damaging the root structure. That is why it is advantageous if the container can be opened and closed in an articulated manner without disturbing the growth of the plant. Regarding this it is a particular advantage that the containers according to the invention without locking and securing devices and without frictional locking Locking devices produced and can therefore be opened particularly easily v / ground.

The container arrangement according to the invention advantageously comprises the following combination:

(a) a plurality of containers for growing plants, each having a first and a second wall panel both of thin, flexible, substantially non-porous plastic sheet material are made, each wall element a number of spaced apart, inward protruding elongated shoulders on v / eist, which are connected by connectors, the shoulders and connectors cooperate to form a number of parallel, inwardly opening half-shells to form, which extend from the upper edge of the wall element downwards, with the shoulders of the first wall element each face a corresponding shoulder of the second wall element, the opposing

- 15 -

709850/0449

Λ 41 764 b

k - 163 p

June 1, 1976. - V5 - _ ^

lying shoulders are provided with connecting devices so that when the wall elements are pressed together a number of open-topped cells forms, each through the shoulders and the connectors are limited and which are closed over most of their length, the lower end regions each pair of opposing shoulders and connectors share an opening at the bottom of the cell, with each connecting piece between its side edges several separate, has inwardly opening root grooves which run the length of each cell inside the container down to guide the roots of a small plant growing in the cell to the opening in the floor and wherein hinge pieces connect the wall elements at their lower ends; and

(b) a box with a perforated bottom to hold back the nutrient medium in the cells, wherein the containers are arranged in the box and are supported on one another and on the walls of the box and wherein the containers fill the crate.

Further details and advantages of the invention are provided below explained in more detail with reference to drawings and / or are the subject of the claims for protection. In the drawing show:

1 shows a perspective illustration of a first embodiment of the container in the open state;

- 16 -

709850/0449

A 41 764 b

k - 163

June 1, 19 76

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the container according to FIG. 1;

3 shows an end view of the container according to FIG. 1 in the open state;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the container according to FIG. 1; FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the container according to FIG. 1; 6 shows a view from below of the container according to FIG. 1;

7 shows a plan view of a modified embodiment of an open container according to the invention;

8 shows a plan view of a side wall of the container according to FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side view of one end of the container according to FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective illustration of the container according to FIG. 7 in the closed state, with some parts have broken off;

11 shows a perspective illustration of a modified one Embodiment of a container according to the invention in the closed state, with some parts broken away are;

FIG. 12 is a perspective illustration of a single opened cell which is configured similarly to FIG

- 17 -

709850/0449

A 41 764 b

the container according to FIG. 11;

13 is a perspective view of a container with separate wall elements, with some parts have broken away;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a container similar to the container shown in FIG. 11 in a box with a grid bottom and

15 shows a perspective illustration of a plantlet with the typical root structure that emerges when plants are grown in containers according to the Invention results. .

In detail, FIGS. 1 to 6 of the drawing show a container 1 with two vertical, opposite, im essential rectangular wall elements 2,3 along their Lower edges are connected by a horizontal rectangular joint piece 4. The wall elements 2, 3 and the joint piece 4 consist of a single piece of thin, flexible, non-porous plastic film and thus form a one-piece component.

Each wall element 2,3 has a number of at a distance from one another inwardly protruding elongated shoulders 5,6, the are connected to one another by bends 7,8. The shoulders 5,6 and the arch pieces 7,8 delimit two rows of parallel, open towards the top, open towards the inside and open towards the bottom

-.18 -

709850/0449

A 41 764 b

directed half-shells 9,10 with a semicircular cross-section. The shoulders 5 on the wall element 3 lie opposite the shoulders 6 on the wall element 2, so that when the container blank is erected or when the container 1 is closed, a series of separate compartments or cells 11 is created. Preferably the shoulders 6 have cutting edge-shaped leading edges 12, while the shoulders 5 are notched with complementary thereto Front edges are provided. For the sake of simplicity, only cutting edges 12 and notches 13 are mentioned below. if the wall elements 2, 3 are pressed against one another, the cutting edges 12 engage in the opposing notches 13, so that there are tight seams running in the longitudinal direction between the adjacent cells 11.

The shoulders 5, 6 and the curved pieces 7, 8 are conical or curved, so that at the lower end of the half-shells 9, 10 converging end regions 14,15 result. In these end areas semicircular openings 16, 17 are provided. When the container 1 is closed, the semicircular openings form 16, 17 share an opening 30 for the drainage and the air supply.

In the bow pieces 7, 8 one or more are also after inwardly opening root grooves 18, 19 running in the longitudinal direction are provided, which extend down to the semicircular openings 16.17 are enough to keep the roots growing in that direction to steer.

Adjacent the top of some shoulders 5,6 are tapered Sockets 20 molded, with which pin 21 to the

- 19 -

709850/0449

Λ 41 76 4 b

k - 163

June 1, 19 76

opposite shoulders are frictionally locked when the container 1 is closed. The elements mentioned 20, 21 hold the container 1 in the closed state under normal circumstances and also prevent it from being vertical Relative movement of the wall elements 2.3.

In the joint piece 4 openings 22 are provided which with the openings 30 are aligned. In addition, several downwardly directed approaches or webs 23 are provided on the joint piece. These webs 23 serve to hold the container 1 above the bottom of a collecting container (not shown), so that roots of plants located in the container 1 can protrude outwards through the openings 30 and 22, where they are cut off can be.

In use, several containers 1 are stacked in the closed state standing in a collecting container or a box. Peat or other material suitable for growing plants is filled into the cells 11, and a seed or the like is placed in each cell 11. Glessening now enables the seeds to germinate and a plant to develop. When the roots of the plant grow longer, they are guided through the grooves 18, 19 to the openings 30. When the roots emerge from the peat litter or the like and come into contact with the air, their ends wither. The plant then produces more roots and the process described is repeated. In this way, a thick root ball with relatively straight roots will gradually develop. The shoulders 12 engaging in the notches 13 prevent the roots of a

- 20 -

709850/0449

Λ 41 764 b k - 163

June 1, 19 76 J ^

λ! ί 2625Α98

Plantlets can grow into an adjacent cell. The roots of neighboring plants do not get mixed up. When the plants are to be planted, ground the containers are packed in boxes and transported to the fields. There the individual containers are opened to the plants to release with their root ball. The plants are then taken out, as described above, and the empty containers can be used again.

According to a preferred production method, the containers are produced by thermoforming from a base material in the form of a high-impact polystyrene film with a thickness of approximately 0.25 mm. A film strip is gradually advanced into a hydraulic press which has a perforated heated plate, the working area of which is surrounded by a sealing ring. The press presses the plastic film against a corresponding ring on the mold side, which seals the work area. The mold has suitable perforations to allow air to enter. The plastic film is pre-stretched and, through the air supplied by the mold, is guided against the heated plate, on the side of which a vacuum is generated on the side facing away from the film. A vacuum is then created on the side of the mold facing away from the film and the air is passed through the plate in order to press the plastic film against the mold, where the film is cooled down to such an extent that it solidifies. Then the press opens and the plastic film is lifted out of the mold and transported to a punch. The necessary openings and cutouts are created there, with the exception of the connecting pins. Ultimately, the material becomes a cutting device

- 21 -

709850/0449

Λ 41 764 b

k - 163 *

June 1, 19 76 - φ -

supplied, where the individual units are separated from each other.

A modified embodiment of the container according to FIG The invention is shown in FIGS. 7-10. In this embodiment, the shoulders are designed so that they are overlap, so that in this way the individual cells remain separated even when the side wall elements of the container are easily pushed apart, which can happen if the peat debris or the like settles in the cells and thereby exerts a certain wedge effect. As mentioned above, however, a safe separation of the cells is desirable in order to prevent that the roots of the plants intertwine.

In detail, in the embodiment under consideration here, the container 50 has a first and a second wall element 51, 52 with shoulders 53.54. The shoulders 53 are flattened on their right side in the drawing, while the shoulders 54 are flattened on their left side, so that folds 55, 56 result. The folds 55,56 end just before the upper ends of the Shoulders 53.54. Furthermore, short grooves 57, 58 are provided on the left and the right edge of the shoulders 53, 54. Man recognizes that the shoulders 53, 54 of the wall element 51 lie opposite the individual shoulders 54, 53 of the converter 52. Consequently, the non-flattened parts 59, 60 of the shoulders 53, 54 engage the folds 55, 56 of the shoulders 54, 53 when the Wall elements overlap when the container 50 is closed. In this way, a toothing is achieved that allows twisting of the container or the shoulders counteracts during use.

- 22 -

709850/0449

Λ 41 764 b

k - 163 j,

June 1, 1976 - 2 <5 -

In the embodiment under consideration, a number of articulation pieces 62 are provided at the lower end of the container 50, each of which is integrally formed with a pair of adjacent shoulders and arches of the container 50, so that the joint pieces can be folded about a fold line 6 3. Fig. 7 shows the open container bzv /. a top view of the unfolded blank and it can be seen that the joint pieces 62 lie in a plane which is higher than that to the outside curved parts of the wall elements, but lower than the upper edges 60a, 60b of the shoulder 53,54. Between every two adjacent joint pieces 62 and between the converging end regions 6, 5,66 and arched pieces of the container 50 Furthermore, a relatively wide and flat channel-shaped indentation 6 4 is provided. The shape of the hinges 62 and the indentations 64 can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 10. During the manufacture of the container, the indentations 64 are along the Fold line 63 cut through so that there are slits which, when the container is closed, result in large drainage openings (not shown in FIGS. 7 to 10), which are assigned to the "individual cells. The slots are marked with denoted by the reference numeral 67. When the container 50 is closed, as shown in FIG. 10, the halves of the Joint pieces 62 in the form of delta wings.

A third embodiment is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in which the container is designated as a whole by the reference numeral 70 and substantially vertically downwards pointing shoulders 71,72 and curved pieces 73, so that cells 74 result, which over their entire length an im have a substantially constant cross-section. In order to

- 23 -

709850/0449

A 41 764 b

k - 163

June 1, 19 76

prevent peat litter or the like from flowing through an opening on the the lower end of the cells, essentially horizontal, opposing finger-shaped elements 75,76 are provided, which extend inward from the lower edges of the opposing pairs of arched pieces and have a retaining web which divides the bottom opening of each cell into two smaller openings 77. As the drawing shows, they are Finger-shaped elements 75, 76 are preferably connected to one another in an articulated manner at their ends. So are the shoulders 71 and 72 connected to one another at their lower ends by horizontal elements 78. The elements 75, 76 and 78 form jointly an articulated connection between the two wall elements 79.

13 shows a fourth embodiment with a container with separate wall elements 81, 82, which can be inserted into a box 83 with a grid floor 86, which is shown in FIG. 14 is shown. When the box 83 is filled, the wall elements 81, 82 hold themselves in their vertical position. Of the It can also be seen from the drawing that, in the exemplary embodiment under consideration, the overlapping folded seam connection of the Shoulders is slightly different than in the previously considered embodiments.

In the fourth embodiment, the roots of the little plants grow when using the container 80 along root grooves 84 to an opening 85. Reaching through from this opening the roots of the grid floor 86, on the outside of which they wither. The webs of the grid base 86 also run transversely to the base opening of the individual cells and thus provide support

- 24 -

709850/0449

Λ 41 764 b k - 163

June 1, 19 76 - 2 / ^ -

the retention of the peat dust or the like in it.

Another special feature of the foldable and lockable container according to the invention is the design the root grooves in the wall elements. The wall elements forming the side walls of the containers are in each cell or sub-unit provided with alternating longitudinal ribs and root grooves, namely both on the outer side wall and on the inner side wall, i.e. on the two opposite side walls, as is clear from various figures in the drawing will. The ribs and root grooves are also arranged in such a way that a rib on one of the side walls adjoins one groove in each case the other side wall of this container is directly opposite. The side walls of the containers are therefore ribbed. Every root groove (See. The root grooves 18 and 19 in Fig. 1, the root grooves 68 and 69 in Fig. 7 and the root grooves 84 in Fig. 13) is so designed to mate with a corresponding rib on the adjacent other side wall of a second container is, so that when the containers according to the invention are arranged next to one another, the ribs in each case one side wall of the one container in the corresponding, longitudinally extending grooves of the other side wall of the Engage the next container appropriately, so that this prevents a lateral mutual displacement of the container will.

Another special feature of the container according to the invention is that the upper ends of the wall elements 51,52 (Fig. 7 and 10) are designed as flanges 51a, 52a and a

- 25 -

700850/0449

Λ 41 764 b k - 163

June 1, 19 76

protrude a short distance over the top of the cells. As FIGS. 7 and 10 show, are also along the wall elements 51,52 Shoulders 53, 54 are provided at predetermined intervals, which protrude perpendicularly from the plane of the wall elements 51, 52. At the When the container is ready, the wall elements are aligned vertically so that the shoulders are in a horizontal position In the direction of it. Every two wall elements together with the shoulders form a container with cells to hold Peat litter or the like in which a plant is raised can be. The top of the shoulders 53, 54 each has a stop 53a, 54a (FIG. 10), so that when they are pushed together of the shoulders results in a fold-like overlap which is transverse to the container. The vertical flanges 51a, 52a and the stops 53a and 54a are smooth and straight and not grooved or ribbed, like the side walls of the container, so that when the stops abut one another, filling the peat waste between neighboring cells and is largely prevented between adjacent containers. This opens up the possibility of the To first pour peat waste or the like over the container or the cells and only then into the to press individual cells. The stops serve at the same time to set the fill level and as limits when stripping excess peat litter. After all, the attacks offer the further advantage that they protect the plants during the first phase of their growth against them being directly be hit by sharp jets of water and splashes of fertilizer, and instead catch the liquid and direct them to the root grooves so that the roots get wet between each watering process

- 26 -

709850/0449

A 41 764 b

k - 163

June 1, 1976

Place, namely on the outer wall of the container "curled" will.

Another special feature of the container according to the invention consists in the sealing seam between adjacent ones Cells, which are created by an overlap or fold-like overplating, with each cell half (with the open Container) has a high part on one side and a low part on the other side and these two Parts like two right or two left hands fit together in a handshake. When closed, the Cells consequently sealing seams which are offset from the plane of the fold line by half the depth of the overlap are. The interlocked parts of the overlap are like the thumbs of two right hands or two left hands and ensure a sealing effect over the entire depth of the overlap. The overlap is also minimal Gap width, so that there is a very small chance for the roots of a plant to find a way in to pave the way for an adjacent cell. The minimum gap width is achieved in particular by working on the edges of the Overlap provides a bevel of 45 ° with respect to the parting line, so that the connection has only a very small contact point owns. The connection is also placed as close as possible to the upper end of the cell in order to thereby hike over the ilin from roots from one cell to an adjacent cell to make it even more difficult.

In use a number of containers according to the invention, for example, a number of containers 50 according to .Fig. 7 to

- 27 -

709850/0449

Λ 41 764 b

k - 163 s -

June 1, 1976 - ZST-

10 or a number of containers 70 according to FIG. 11 or one Number of containers 80 according to FIG. 13 arranged in a vertical position adjacent to one another in a trough or a box. The containers are then filled with a nutrient medium, for example with prepared peat, with ground bark wood Vermiculite, with expanded perlite, with sterilized bottom or with sand. After moistening and setting the nutrient medium, the seeds are introduced into the individual cells. It can a setting tool with a vacuum head can be used, which simply sucks the seeds from a supply into small holes, which are provided in the vacuum head according to the arrangement of the individual cells. The setting or sowing device is then over moves the trough and the vacuum is broken, whereupon the seeds fall into the individual cells. After that, a Sludge of sand or limestone gravel sprayed to cover the seeds. The troughs or boxes are then moved to a warm Brought in place and covered with a polyethylene film while the seeds germinate. Often it comes with an excess of semen worked to ensure 100% usage, so later a distortion of the plants is necessary.

Germination usually takes place in a humid atmosphere at a temperature between about 21.1 and 23.9 ° C. A foil made of thin polyethylene is placed around a stack of seeded and watered troughs. The heat development must be observed during this period to ensure that the optimal temperatures are maintained. if If the temperature of the seedlings rises above about 26.7 C, their ability to germinate may decrease. It got tighter represents that every plant during the first phase of their

- 28 -

709850/0449

A 41 764 b

k - 163

■ 1. June 1976

Growth rate against changes in environmental conditions is very sensitive and that it is desirable to keep the plantlets to be kept in a greenhouse for about eight weeks after the seeds have been introduced. Under these conditions there are particularly good growth opportunities.

The use of containers according to the invention is during these first eight weeks are particularly beneficial.

During the further growth of the plants, the process of "air pruning" is now used to reduce the growth of the roots to promote. Usually, a root will grow along the path that offers the least resistance and guides, such as the root grooves discussed above, cause most of the roots that contact the sidewalls to be Bottom of the container to be directed. The biological compulsion that triggers root growth is interrupted or ends when the roots finally pass through the bottom of the ZeI- = len get into the open air and wither there. In this case, the biological compulsion to form roots leads to the Roots inside the. Cell v / pus branch and that thereupon further roots through the root grooves and those in between located ribs v / ground to the bottom of the cell, so that the process described is repeated.

Root formation can be observed during any phase of the plant's growth.

It is only necessary to open the container with one or more growing plants - the container can be due to

- 29 -

709850 / 0U9

A 41 764 b

k - 163

June 1, 1976

The articulated connection of its parts can be opened like a book - and then the root balls in the container can be viewed as in an open book. If desired, the root ball can then also be easily removed from the container and picked up, as FIG. 15 shows. The development of the plant 88 (FIG. 15) and in particular its roots 90 can then be overlooked at a glance. After the test, the root ball 92 with the root system of the plantlet and the compacted nutrient medium penetrated by it can simply be returned to the cell of the container from which it was removed, and the container then again
like a book is closed.

When examining the root ball of a plant can be carried out at the same time the color of the nutrient medium can be used to determine whether it is too dry or too wet. Anyway, it is possible monitor root development at this early stage of growth without harming the plant.

When the plant has developed enough to be transplanted, it will first be in its container in one
semi-protected outdoor area or in a small unheated area
Greenhouse brought so that the plant can acclimatize to the conditions outdoors and is hardened - it
there is therefore a conversion of the plant into the so-called "cold zone".

If the plants are brought into the cold zone or outdoors, then the boxes with the containers they contain are placed freely above the ground, so that the air-pruning can take place. This procedure of air-pruning

- 30 -

709850/0449

A 41 764 b

k - 163

June 1, 19 76

is actually a method by which the plant is tricked into causing the roots to branch out particularly strongly. Then when the roots reach the open bottom of the container, they will dry out in the air. This temporary Any interruption in growth is signaled to the plant biologically, which triggers the development of new root branches will. Since most of the roots are directed directly to the bottom of the container through the root grooves in the container walls, this process is accelerated by the use of containers according to the invention. Usually a seedling develops or a plant that grows together with other plants in a bed, a few very long roots. These long ones Roots cannot be transplanted as well, so they have to be cut off and grounded, which causes the plant to experience a growth shock entry. In contrast to this, the little plants used in the containers according to the invention have when they are transplanted all the roots are intact, so that they can be transplanted at any time, even if there is a new growth spurt. All important roots are there also on the outside and waiting to be able to come into contact with the new Bährboden, in which they are after the Spread out the transplant in a fan shape on all sides, so that an ideal root system arises, which during later Growth phases, especially with trees, prevents a wind break.

The plant can then be brought directly into the planting area and there in the simple manner described above can be removed from the container.

The transplant can be carried out using the usual procedures

- 31 -

709850/0449

A 41 764 b
k - 163

June 1, 1976 - 2 / -

take place; however, the boxes are very compact and are often used to transport the plants to the point where they should be planted. Planting can be done with the help of a hoe, a dibbling device, a scimitar, a Broad hoe, a spade or a planting pipe. All of these methods or devices have been successful in practice applied and can be freely selected by the planter.

The main advantages of the container according to the invention should be briefly summarized below:

1. The container can be made in any size to adapt it to different types of seedlings or small plants.

2. FJs incur only minimal storage and freight costs.

3. The containers are easy to load, fill and easy to use

plant as well as thin and yet stable. The warping and weeding is easy.

4. The container accelerates root growth, reduces the formation of spirally formed roots, promotes the healthy growth of contact roots, i.e. those roots which first come into contact with the new one Get into soil when transplanting is done.

5. The containers allow viewing during each growth phase and can be taken out of the boxes like a book pulled out and opened, whereupon the

- 32 -

709850 / OU9

A 41 764 b

k - 163

June 1, 19 76 ^

3l · 2625A98

The roots of the plant are free before the eyes of the beholder.

6. The container allows the plant to be taken out during each phase of growth, including taking out very simply takes place in such a way that the container in question is opened, with the smooth, hard side walls , the articulated connection on the floor and the straight grooves make it easy to remove. There are none Loss of time when transplanting directly from the container or box into the bed or the like.

7. With the containers an almost maximum plant density can be achieved; on the other hand, the containers can later be moved apart to provide sufficient space for the plants during this later growth phase To make available without losing the numerous advantages of handling the container.

8. The containers are for a wide variety of plant growing methods suitable, namely for growing new plants from cut plant parts, for the Growing new plants from cut root parts for air pruning of plant varieties with pronounced tap roots and for the rearing of many other plants, from the trees to the wild grasses to the bushes and vegetables.

9. Plants grow in the containers that are easy to transplant, planting with the ordinary Tool can be made while the

- 33 -

709850 / 0U9

A 41 764 b

k - 163

June 1 T9 76

Plants, on the other hand, are also readily available for planting with the help of the most complicated planting machines are suitable.

10. The containers are relatively cheap to manufacture.

Finally, it should be noted that the skilled person will find numerous Possibilities to bid are based on the described embodiments with regard to the details Make modifications without having to leave the basic idea of the invention.

709850/0449

Claims (16)

A 41 764 b k - 163 June 1, 1976 2625493 Patent claims: 1.] Container arrangement for raising plants with at least a container in which a number of separate cells are provided, characterized in that the container (1,50,70,80) has a first and a second wall element (2,3), both of which are made of relatively thin, are made more flexible, substantially non-porous plastic film that each wall element (2,3) one Row of spaced apart elongated shoulders facing the interior of the container (1) (5,6) which are connected to one another by connecting pieces (7,8) in such a way that a row of parallel, open to the interior of the container half-shells (9,10), which arise from the upper edge of the Wall elements (2,3) extend downward so that the shoulders (5,6) on the wall elements (2,3) match each other in pairs are opposite and are designed so that they form substantially tight seams and after open at the top and closed over most of their length cells (11) from the half-shells (9,10) with one another can be brought into engagement that the lower end regions of the shoulders delimiting a cell (11) (5,6) and connecting pieces (7,8) are designed so that there is at least one in the area of the cell bottom opening (30) and that the connecting pieces (7, 8) on their inside in the longitudinal direction of the cells (11) have downwardly extending root grooves (18,19). - 35 - 709850/0449 ORiGWAL INSPECTED A 41 764 b k - 163 June 1, 1976 2. Container arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that that the lower end areas (14,15) of the shoulders (5,6) run towards each other at the lower end of each cell (11) and that the connecting pieces (7, 8) follow an arcuate shape are arched on the outside and taper hemispherically at their lower end regions, so that at the lower The end of each cell (11) results in a smaller opening (30), than at the upper end (Fig. 1 to 6). 3. Container arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that at the lower end region of each pair of each other opposite shoulders (71,72) each have a substantially horizontally extending, finger-shaped Element (75,76) is provided and that these elements (75,76) extend transversely to the bottom opening of each cell Form continuous retaining web (Fig. 11 and 12). 4. Container arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the shoulders (71,72) and the connecting pieces (73) run essentially vertically, so that cells (74) with an essentially constant Result in cross-section. 5. Container arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that opposite one another Shoulders (71, 72) overlap over most of their length when the container is closed. 6. Container arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that opposite shoulders (53,54) with - 36 - 709850/0449 A 41 764 b k - 163 June 1, 1976 mutually complementary folds (55,56) are provided and when the container (50) is closed on the largest Overlap part of their length in the manner of a rabbet connection or cladding. 7. Container according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that that the root grooves (18,19) extend vertically from the upper end of the container (1) to its lower End and that the shape and size of the root grooves (18,19) are chosen so that the roots of in the container (1) growing plants on the shortest path to the openings (30) at the lower end of the cells (11) be directed. 8. Container arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the complementary folds just below the upper Ends of the shoulders (71,72) end and that at the upper ends of the shoulders (71,72) are oppositely complementary There are folds so that when the container (70) is closed, there is a toothed over-plating (Fig. 11 and 12). 9. Container arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized characterized in that the wall elements (2,3) of the container (1) are substantially the same throughout Have wall thickness, so that grooves and ribs on their inside corresponding ribs and grooves on their Outside are assigned and that the grooves and ribs on the inside of the two wall elements (2,3) in The longitudinal direction of the container (1) - 37 - 709850/0449 A 41 764 b k - 163 j June 1st 1976 -JTI- are set that the two wall elements (2,3) of the container (1) are essentially complementary to one another Have outsides. 10. Container arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the upper ends of the wall elements (51,52) protrude a short distance over the upper edges of the shoulders (53,54) and are opposite to each other Flanges (51a, 52a) form that the upper edges of the shoulders (53,54) when the container (50) is closed Form stops that are transverse to the longitudinal axis of the container (50) and that the stops and flanges (51a, 52a) are smooth and straight. 11. Container arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the wall elements (2,3) of the container (1) are articulated to one another at their lower end are connected. 12. Container arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the wall elements (2,3) have at least one integrally molded joint piece (4) are connected to one another. 13. Container arrangement according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that that several joint pieces (62) are provided, each integral with the adjacent shoulders (53,54) and connecting pieces are designed that between each two adjacent joint pieces (62) when the container (50) is opened, one relative each - 38 - 709850/0449 A 41 764 b k - 163 June 1, 1976 wide, flat, channel-shaped embossing (64) is present, in which along the fold line (63) of the container Slit (67) is provided which, when the container (50) is closed, becomes a relatively large opening on the The bottom of the cell in question opens (Fig. 7). 14. Container arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that several containers are provided and that a box (83) is provided in which the containers can be inserted appropriately (Fig. 14). 15. Container arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that that the box (83) has a grid base (86), the webs of which act as transverse webs for the opening at the bottom of the Cells of the container arranged in the box (83) are used. 16. Container arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that at the upper ends of the Wall elements (2,3), preferably integrally molded, complementary securing elements (20,21) for producing a frictionally engaged or another connection. 709850/0449