Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
  • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
  • A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
  • A01G9/022—Pots for vertical horticulture
  • A01G9/025—Containers and elements for greening walls
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
  • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
  • A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
  • A01G9/026—Foldable pots
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
  • A01G24/00—Growth substrates; Culture media; Apparatus or methods therefor
  • A01G24/50—Growth substrates; Culture media; Apparatus or methods therefor contained within a flexible envelope
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
  • Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
  • Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a device for growing crops above ground.
• a device for growing crops above ground allows in particular to cultivate plants of any kind in places usually not provided for this purpose such for example: building facades, balustrades and railings, props and beams, etc ....
• the rigid supports of a first type integrate in an indissociable assembly the culture support and the associated devices (FR-2 634 971, EP-1 519 121, JP 52 27 843 for example). They are panels to fix or to pose which is integrated a substrate which can not be renewed without questioning the integrity of the device.
• Rigid media of a second type dissociate the container from the contents. The support is put in place before being filled with substrate and then planted. These are planters adapted to particular situations.
• the object of the present invention is therefore to provide means for revegetation, in particular of façades, of simplified use compared with devices known from the prior art.
• the device according to the invention can be quickly put in place, will preferably be clean and particularly suitable for non-professional use, convenient to use.
• the device according to the invention will not require any particular sealing device or other protective devices. It will also preferably be cheap to allow vertical wall greening at a reasonable cost compared to the realization of conventional crops in planters.
• a device according to the invention may preferably allow a very flexible vegetation. It will allow for example to adapt to all types of facades but will also be able to easily change the appearance of a facade.
• the device according to the invention will be a device having a long life and adapted to limit the maintenance of cultivated plants.
• the invention proposes an off-soil culture device, characterized in that it comprises: a flexible envelope, having a peripheral wall open to at least one of its ends,
• the tubular casing is a tubular casing made of a synthetic material such as polypropylene. This material has interesting mechanical properties, resists over time and makes it easy to make a flexible tubular envelope from a sheet.
• the means for suspending the envelope are made for example along an edge of the tubular peripheral wall.
• These suspension means are advantageously in the form of a loop, arranged coaxially with the flexible envelope over substantially the entire length of the envelope and forming a single piece with said envelope.
• Such passer allows a great flexibility of use. It can receive for example a rigid rod, or a more flexible element, equipped with complementary suspension means.
• the lights made in the peripheral wall are advantageously T-shaped slots. Providing on the one hand only slots, and on the other hand T-slots, considerably limits the risk of introduction of weeds. inside the flexible tubular envelope and the substrate bag that it is intended to contain.
• the fact of having a slot makes it possible to limit the open area around a plantation while the T shape makes it possible to ensure a good automatic closing of the slot around the plantation.
• the vertical bar of the T is, relative to the horizontal bar of the T, the opposite side to the means for the suspension of the envelope.
• the lights made in the peripheral wall are advantageously made close to the means for suspending the envelope. In this way, the plants emerging through the lights cover at better the outer wall of the tubular flexible envelope.
• the two ends of the flexible tubular envelope are advantageously open and provided with closure means.
• the present invention also relates to an aboveground cultivation device as described above, characterized in that it contains, inside the flexible tubular envelope a substrate bag.
• the substrate used advantageously comprises a mixture of ground hydrophilic polyurethane foam and polyester fibers. It may further include water retentive products and long-lasting fertilizers.
• a device according to the invention may also comprise a porous spray tube passing through the substrate bag and extending substantially over the entire length of the tubular flexible envelope.
• FIG. 1 schematically represents a preferred embodiment of an aboveground cultivation device according to the invention.
• FIG. 2 represents in perspective a set of three devices according to the invention assembled using straps.
• FIG. 3 is a view from another angle of the set of three devices of FIG. 2,
• FIG. 4 represents an alternative embodiment of the device of FIG. 1, and
• Figure 5 is another perspective view of an aboveground cultivation device according to the invention.
• FIG. 1 represents an aboveground planting cultivation device comprising on the one hand a tubular flexible envelope 1 inside which a substrate bag 3 is located.
• the tubular flexible envelope 1 has a peripheral wall and is open at both ends 6. It is assumed here and in the following description that the tubular envelope is oriented horizontally. Along an upper edge of this envelope is made a loop 8 extending over the entire length of the flexible tubular casing 1. This loop 8 is for example intended to receive a stiffening device 2, such as a rod.
• the loop 8 is equipped at each of its ends 6 with a hooking loop 4. These handles allow for example to suspend the culture device above ground hooks.
• the attachment loops 4 may be integral with the stiffening device 2 rather than the loop 8.
• the tubular flexible envelope 1 is for example made from a sheet of synthetic material, for example polypropylene. It can be thus for example made from a canvas such as those known as culture cloths above ground.
• the material used is preferably strong enough to support the weight of a substrate bag, planting and also water for at least the duration of a growing cycle.
• the material used to make the tubular flexible envelope 1 can also be of natural origin (burlap, sisal, coconut fibers, or other). Such a material is preferably treated to slow down its degradation.
• tubular flexible envelope 1 When the tubular flexible envelope 1 is made from a sheet, the latter, of rectangular shape, is folded in half and sewn so as to form a tubular envelope.
• This first seam is not shown in the drawings. It is made to be preferably hidden.
• a seam 9 parallel to the first seam can be made over the entire length of the flexible tubular envelope 1.
• seams 9 ' are made for example in the transverse direction to make hems 10 at the ends 6 of the flexible tubular casing 1.
• the ends 6 of the casing are then reinforced.
• a flexible tubular envelope 1 as shown in Figure 1 Such an envelope can for example be obtained by knitting a cover to the required diameter. It is also possible to produce the tubular flexible envelope by welding and / or gluing a piece of fabric or synthetic material. For example, the material used for making bags of substrates can be used here. Another production method provides, for example, for gripping a piece of cloth between two rigid elements. These rigid elements then serve as a stiffening device 2. Other methods can of course also be used to produce a tubular flexible envelope and an aboveground culture device according to the invention. The ends 6 of the tubular flexible envelope 1 can remain open both. It is necessary to provide an opening for introduction into the tubular flexible envelope 1 of the substrate bag 3.
• the preferred solution is to have two open ends that can be closed by means of closure means.
• closure means Many closure systems can be used: eyelet eyelets associated with lacing, buttons, snaps, loop fasteners and hooks, staples, etc. These closure means are not shown in detail in the drawings but are designated with the reference 7. When such closure means are provided, the presence of hems 10 is advantageous.
• the tubular flexible envelope 1 of FIG. 1 has predforforations 5 intended to facilitate subsequent plantings. This is, in a preferred embodiment, T-shaped slots.
• the horizontal bar of the T is disposed at the top relative to the downwardly extending vertical bar. It is recalled here that the flexible tubular envelope 1 is oriented substantially horizontally and so that the loop 8 is in the upper position.
• the pre-perforations 5 are preferably arranged close to the loop 8. They may be made on one face of the tubular flexible envelope 1 or on its two faces (FIGS. 2 and 3).
• the shape of these pre-perforations is advantageous because it virtually prevents weeds from entering the flexible tubular casing 1. When plants grow through these openings, only one passage for the plant is open, preventing weeds from spreading. penetrate the tubular flexible envelope 1.
• the tubular flexible envelope 1 may be intended to receive a single bag of substrate 3 or more, preferably but not exclusively one behind the other.
• a support may be provided to receive one or more flexible tubular envelopes 1. It may for example be a wooden frame provided with hooks and / or any other hooking device.
• Figures 2 and 3 show an example of suspension of three flexible tubular envelopes 1 to a railing ( Figure 3) or a railing. These flexible tubular envelopes 1 are here fixed by means of two straps 13 each provided with a self-locking buckle 14.
• slots are provided for the passage of the straps 13. These slots can be provided from the origin in each of the flexible tubular envelopes 1 but it is also conceivable to make these slots on demand, when placing envelopes, for example using a soldering iron.
• the tubular flexible envelope 1 may also be dressed with a decorative coating or a superficial greening mattress.
• the dimensions of the tubular flexible envelope 1 are determined according to the characteristics of the substrate bags available on the market as well as the technical possibilities of the baggers. They also take into account the constraints of manipulation by the users. Thus, by way of nonlimiting example, the diameter of an opening at the end of a flexible tubular envelope is between 10 to 50 cm and the length of such a flexible tubular envelope 1 is for example between 30 and 150 cm.
• FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment for the suspension of a tubular flexible envelope 1.
• the stiffening device 2 and the hooking loops 4 of FIG. 1 are here replaced by a tube 12 and a suspension cable 11.
• tube 12 has for example a certain flexibility.
• This embodiment can be used to suspend for example one or more flexible tubular shells 1 between two attachment points (not shown).
• FIG. 5 illustrates a tubular flexible envelope 1 inside which there is a substrate bag 3 and whose ends 6 are closed by the closure means 7.
• This bag of substrate 3 is for example cut locally and plants are introduced therein, so as to pass through the pre-perforations 5.
• the substrate used here is for example composed of a mixture of ground hydrophilic polyurethane foam and polyester fibers.
• the proportions of these two components in the substrate depend on the culture conditions. In this mixture, given by way of non-limiting example, it is possible to introduce also, in variable proportions, peat and / or coconut fibers and / or rockwool, etc. Water retenters and / or long-lasting fertilizers may also be added to the substrate.
• the substrate used can also be an aboveground growing substrate such as those used for the production of strawberries or vegetables in greenhouses.
• an irrigation device may be provided in the device according to the invention. It may be for example a microporous tube which passes through both the substrate bag 3 and the flexible tubular envelope 1 through its two ends 6.
• This tube (not shown) comprises for example a connection to each from its ends. This connection allows the connection with another microporous tube, if two flexible tubular envelopes 1 are placed next to each other, or allows the connection with a water supply, or allows the establishment of a plug.
• An aboveground cultivation device as described has many advantages.
• such a device can be quickly set up. It only takes a few seconds for the inside of the tubular flexible envelope 1 to have a bag of substrate. It is unnecessary to manipulate the substrate itself which is particularly advantageous compared to other devices of the prior art.
• the device according to the invention is a clean device. Indeed, there is no risk of staining due to the drop of substrate during handling thereof. It is also noted that the device according to the invention is convenient to use. It enables the substrate, or more precisely the substrate bag, to be placed in the tubular flexible envelope before or after it has been put in place. The use of a device according to the invention is also simple because the use of the tubular flexible envelope does not require any sealing device or any special protection to prevent substrate leakage.
• soil culture device makes it possible to adapt to a multiplicity of situations and thus allows a great modularity.
• An assembly consisting of a tubular flexible envelope and a substrate bag can be considered as a unitary element that can then be arranged at will and in multiple ways to be combined with other unitary elements.
• the appearance of one of these unitary elements can also be adapted.
• a stiffening element could be used for the suspension of a tubular flexible envelope.
• the suspended tubular flexible envelope then has a substantially straight shape whereas if a cable passing through a more or less flexible tube is used, a rounded shape of chain may be given. This flexibility also makes it possible to adapt the shape of the envelope to that of the support. It is thus possible to green a cylindrical surface or other.
• the culture device can adapt to almost all surfaces to be planted.
• the aboveground cultivation device according to the invention allows the establishment of perennial crops. It allows the use of a stable substrate that permanently retains its technical characteristics of porosity, water retention and aeration. It is then necessary to use for the manufacture of the tubular flexible envelope of low degradable and rot-proof materials.
• the aboveground cultivation device is intended to hold a substrate bag horizontally. This horizontal position facilitates the regulation of irrigation water. It is indeed known that the higher the height of the substrate, the higher the distribution from top to bottom is heterogeneous. As can be seen from the description above, it is noted that the irrigation can be performed manually but that automation of this irrigation is easily achievable.
• An important advantage also of a device as described above is its low mass and flexibility. This then makes it possible to cultivate greenhouse plants in the above-ground culture device according to the invention. Once the plantations have been developed, the device comprising the tubular flexible envelope, the substrate bag and the plantations is transported to the place of sale or use. It is useless to transplant the plantations. Plantations can be prepared directly in the greenhouse and set up by considerably limiting the number of manipulations.
• aboveground cultivation devices in a greenhouse, aboveground cultivation devices the invention can use spaces usually not used in a greenhouse. Indeed, these aboveground cultivation devices can be placed along the vertical walls of the greenhouse. The profitability of the greenhouse is thus increased.

Landscapes

• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Environmental Sciences (AREA)
• Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)
• Cultivation Of Plants (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=35708448

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Families Citing this family (3)

Family Cites Families (15)

• 2005
  • 2005-06-09 FR FR0505947A patent/FR2886813B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2006
  • 2006-06-09 WO PCT/FR2006/001307 patent/WO2006131657A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2006-06-09 EP EP06764759A patent/EP1893014A1/de not_active Withdrawn

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events