FR2902967A1 - Flexible modular structure for cultivating e.g. plant, has cells fixed on wall by stitchings, and covers stitched to wall for sliding bar to support assembly, where cells are opened in upper part and closed in lower part to form pockets - Google Patents

Abstract

The structure has a rot-proof and waterproof flexible cells (2) fixed on a rot-proof and waterproof flexible wall (1) by stitchings (6) in straight or zigzag form. The cells are opened in upper part and closed in lower part so as to form pockets (3), where the pockets are filled with a substrate such as ground or loam. Covers (4) are stitched to the wall for sliding a bar to support an assembly of the wall and the covers, and to fix the assembly to a vertical surface to be covered.

Description

The present invention relates to a flexible modular structure,

  to grow plants or flowers on a substantially vertical surface to cover vegetation, and ensuring by construction the drainage of excess water sprinkler. The flexible structure is modular and can cover easily modifiable the surface of a wall, railing, railing or any substantially vertical surface that is desired to cover with vegetation, after fixing on it. Patent publication GB-A-2 070 403 (HOWGILL L, HOWGILL M) 9 September 1981 (1981-09-09), DE 33 10 883 A1 (DOSE GEORG) 27 September 1984 (1984-09 -27), FR-Al-2 680 626 (LASSALE FRANCOIS [FR]) March 5, 1993 (1993-03-05), and DE 33 16 '791 A1 (DOSE GEORG) November 8, 1984 (1984-11-08) structures supporting a plurality of vertically arranged receptacles for growing plants. In these constructions the problem of the drainage of the irrigation water is treated by the drilling of holes in the lower part of the cells or by dotted welds. These holes let the water in excess but also. part of the growing medium (soil or compost).

  It is also known from the publication of patents FR 2,747,265 to Al (White Patrick), April 11, 1996 (1: 96-04-11), and FR 2,634,971 to Al (White Patrick), August 8, 1988 (1988). 08-8), devices for the soilless cultivation of plants on a substantially vertical surface. These expensive devices are rigid and include complex automated watering systems.

  The object of the invention is to provide, at a low cost, a flexible modular structure comprising cells for growing plants or flowers on a substantially vertical surface to cover vegetation, ensuring by construction the drainage of the Excess of water of watering which will not stagnate at the bottom of the cells. According to the invention, the flexible modular structure is made by sewing elements of an impermeable, flexible and rot-proof material such as a coated fabric (truck tarpaulin), or a plastic film (PVC, polyethylene, or equivalent) or a laminated polypropylene cloth (big bag type). The stitching allows the natural drainage of the cells through the holes through which the threads of the seam pass. These very fine holes, the size of the sewing threads that pass through them, have the advantage of allowing the excess water to filter slowly to prevent rotting of the roots, without the substrate (soil, soil) used to plant culture is dragged down to the outside of the cells. The sewing thread used is itself a rot-proof material (polyester, polyamide or equivalent). Different types of sewing (straight, zig zag, ...) can be used. According to a preferred form of the invention, a set of sleeves may be formed in the upper part of the structure so as to pass a bar for easy fixing and resistant to the chosen support (wall, guardrail, etc.). According to another embodiment, a set of sleeves is made in the lower part of the staggered structure with respect to the upper sleeves so as to be able to join two structures one above the other with a bar and thus to cover a larger area. The structure is advantageously made of flexible material that can be cut easily with a pair of scissors so as to reduce the area covered. The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention: FIG. 1 represents in perspective the invention in its simplest form. Figure 2 shows in section the invention in the same form. Figure 3 illustrates the installation of a bar in the sleeves, and the connection of two structures one above the other. Figures 4 and 5 show the detail of the seams of a cell.

With reference to these drawings, the structure comprises a wall (1), on which are sewn pockets (2), forming pockets (3) which will be filled with substrate (soil, soil, etc.) allowing the cultivation of plants or flowers. Sleeves (4) welded or stitched to the wall (1) allow to slide a bar (5) to support the assembly and to fix 5 to the surface that is to be covered. These sleeves (4) also allow to secure two structures by passing the same bar in the lower and upper sleeves of the two structures. By renewing the operation, these sleeves can join three or four structures vertically. The seams (6) fixing the cells allow filtering the excess water spray so as to prevent root rot while retaining the culture substrate inside the cells.

Claims (1)

  1. Flexible modular structure for growing plants or flowers on a vertical surface to cover vegetation, characterized in that it comprises an impervious and imputrescible flexible wall (1) on which are fixed by seams (6) flexible impervious and rot-proof flexible cells (2) open at the top and closed at the lower part so as to form pockets (3), the sewing assembly allowing the natural drainage of the cells without allowing the culture substrate to escape. ~ !. Structure according to claim 1 characterized in that the seams (6) for forming the cells are made in zigzag for greater strength of the whole while retaining the benefit of cell drainage. 3. Structure according to claim 1 characterized in that sleeves (4) are formed on the back of the wall (1) to allow to slide a bar (5) for fixing and supporting the assembly, as well as to secure another structure under the first to increase its size, this being able to be done several times with a third and then a fourth structure.