FR2634971A1 - Device for growing plants without soil on a vertical surface - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device allowing the culture and maintenance of plants on a vertical surface. The basic structure is constituted by two main elements: a vertical rot-proof panel 1 covered with synthetic felt 4 and a water retrieval tank 2. This basic structure is provided with a set of elements ensuring the functioning of the device: water pump 5, water distributing pipe 6, programmable timing mechanism 7 and, possibly, a lighting and mist-producing system. The device according to the invention is particularly intended for a new use of plants.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for the cultivation without soil piantes on a vertical surrace. combined with a programmable and automatic closed loop humidification system
So-called "apartment" plants are usually grown in containers ("flower pots") placed on the floor or on furniture. This: plants occupy the horizontal space and each container must be maintained separately (watering, treatment maiaoies ...)
The device according to the invention makes it possible to cultivate the plants on a vertical surface and thus reduce the footprint on the ground. Moreover, the automated watering system eliminates regular and repeated maintenance. The optional auxiliary lighting allows the installation of the vegetal panel in the darkest places.

 The basic structure comprises two parts shown in Figure 1: the vertical panel (1) and the water collection and recycling tank (2). These two elements can be separated, the panel resting on hooks (3) placed at the rear of the tray or, according to a variant shown in FIG. 2, be in one single block, made of molded plastic for example, and foldable according to the width to facilitate transportation (8).

The panel is rigid, solid, waterproof, non-toxic and rot-proof; for example plastic or wood covered with a waterproof coating. it comprises. preferably, a rim of 1 to 2 centimeters on each of the two sides, on the height. Avoids the flow of water outside the panel. A synthetic felt with high water retention capacity (4), type "Aquanappe" (mark removed), is fixed on the entire surface of the panel, either by stapling or by gluing. The plants will be maintained against this layer of water. felt, that is, as shown in FIG. 1, by stapling felt strips cut to the dimensions of each plant base to be fixed (9). either, according to a variant shown in FIG. 4, by inserting the base of the plant between the first previously fixed felt layer and a second layer of felt also glued or stapled, arranged in contiguous strips of 20 to 30 centimeters in length on 5 to 10 centimeters wide (10). It is also possible to use a third variant in which the plants are simply glued to the base support by a non-toxic glue, or alternatively according to a fourth variant, sowing the seeds directly on the felt; in developing plants will cling themselves to the support by their roots.

 The water recovery tank t2) rests on the floor, preferably placed on cleats to allow aeration. This tray can be either glued ice, or wood covered with plastic resins, plastic mold, or any other rigid material, solid, waterproof, non-toxic and rot-proof.

This tray must allow a water autonomy of about 1 month and measure accordingly 30 to 40 centimeters in width and depth, the length exceeding a few centimeters that of the panel.

 To this basic structure, panel (1) and tray (2), are associated a set of elements, shown in Figure i, ensuring the operation of the device: hydraulic pump (5), water distribution pipe (6) ), Programmable clock automation (7) and, Optionally, lighting and misting system.

 The submersible hydraulic pump v5J (type pump for washing machine or water jet is placed at the bottom of the tank, on one of the falls.) A pipe (6) runs from the pump and runs along the panel, possibly in a notch provided for this purpose, then, it is laid horizontally up the entire length of the panel.This pipe is regularly pierced, it is covered with a felt strip to ensure a good distribution of water and avoid splashing, alternatively, the pierced horizontal pipe can be replaced by a gutter located at the top rear panel.

 It is possible to associate with the basic device, panel (1) and tray (2>, a lighting system, represented in FIG. 5, consisting of a frame (11) fixed to the top of the panel, of comparable size: those of the water collection tank, inside which are fixed fluorescent tubes (12), preferably for horticultural use, the interior of the frame will be clear or metallized to ensure a good light ref lection. According to one variant, the additional lighting may come from "spots", with incandescent or halogen or other light, arranged in isolation or on a ramp facing the panel. In any case, it will be ensured to distribute the light over the entire surface. at the panel.

 The submerged pump, Figure i (5), in the tray is coupled to a timer (7s programmed by the purchaser.

The waterings will last, for example, 15 minutes and will be carried out 3 to 4 times a day. According to one variant, the watering may be continuous and the whole will evoke a calm waterfall. The illumination will also be programmed to another timer, as shown in Figure 5 (13) and will be of varying duration depending on the amount of ambient light and the desires of the purchaser.

Other variants: can be integrated into the device: spray misting ramp on the plants, operated manually or by timer and connected to the tank or to another water inlet; float type "flush" connection to a water inlet, and integrated into the water tank to automatically fill the water evaporated and transpired by the plants. Or, by simplifying the system, open the system, the water does not throw then,
The vertical flat panel device can be modified keeping all its operating system: it can take the shape of an angle (coin corner), dress a column and form a cylinder or be double and thus constitute a plant partition.

 One can also use a simplified form of the device by removing any automatism. The system will then be constituted, as shown in Figure 6, by a vertical panel (1> covered by a felt layer (4) on which are fixed the plants according to one of the variants described above.The watering will then be done manually.

All this set offers many advantages:
- a new way of using plants by making them a decorative element comparable to a piece of furniture;
- absence of maintenance, except the one that directly concerns the plant (possible displacement, removal of the dry parts ...);
- reduction of diseases due to the diversity of species;
- possibility of introduction of new species for horticulture;
- development of the gift plant;
- a healthier atmosphere due to the decrease of the dryness of the air;
the device can also be used outdoors for decorative or agronomic purposes.

Claims (7)

 1) Device for growing plants on a vertical surface. characterized by a support (1) Made of a rigid material, solid, tan, non-toxic and rot-proof, covered by a synthetic felt (4) glued or agrarfé.  2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it further comprises a humidification system consisting of a water recovery tank t2) independent of the vertical support or, in a variant forming a single block with it ; in this tank is immersed a hydraulic pump (5) associated with a water distribution pipe (6).  3) Device according to claims i and 2 characterized by a lighting system (11, 12).  4) Device according to claims 1 and 2 characterized by a misting system of water on the plants connected to the tray or to another water inlet.  5) Device according to the preceding claims characterized in that it is made automatic by a timer programming the water distribution and / or a second clock regulating the lighting system and / or a third clock regulating the misting.  6) Device according to the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises at the upper level of the tray a float control associated v a water supply to fill the water deficit.  7> Device according to the preceding claims characterized in that the plants are maintained by bands of felt stapled or glued :, or alternatively by direct bonding of the plants on the base surface, or according to another variant by direct sowing dan seeds on the felt.