GB2248376A - Plant pressing apparatus - Google Patents

Plant pressing apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2248376A
GB2248376A GB9120465A GB9120465A GB2248376A GB 2248376 A GB2248376 A GB 2248376A GB 9120465 A GB9120465 A GB 9120465A GB 9120465 A GB9120465 A GB 9120465A GB 2248376 A GB2248376 A GB 2248376A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
plant
water absorptive
pressing apparatus
front frame
heat collecting
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB9120465A
Other versions
GB2248376B (en
GB9120465D0 (en
Inventor
Hideya Nishikawa
Mitsuyo Tsumita
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tomy Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Tomy Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tomy Co Ltd filed Critical Tomy Co Ltd
Publication of GB9120465D0 publication Critical patent/GB9120465D0/en
Publication of GB2248376A publication Critical patent/GB2248376A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2248376B publication Critical patent/GB2248376B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B3/00—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat
    • F26B3/28—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat by radiation, e.g. from the sun
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N3/00—Preservation of plants or parts thereof, e.g. inhibiting evaporation, improvement of the appearance of leaves or protection against physical influences such as UV radiation using chemical compositions; Grafting wax
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B7/00—Drying solid materials or objects by processes using a combination of processes not covered by a single one of groups F26B3/00 and F26B5/00
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B9/00—Machines or apparatus for drying solid materials or objects at rest or with only local agitation; Domestic airing cupboards
    • F26B9/003—Small self-contained devices, e.g. portable
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B9/00—Machines or apparatus for drying solid materials or objects at rest or with only local agitation; Domestic airing cupboards
    • F26B9/04—Machines or apparatus for drying solid materials or objects at rest or with only local agitation; Domestic airing cupboards in presses or clamping devices

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Agronomy & Crop Science (AREA)
  • Plant Pathology (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Microbiology (AREA)
  • Agricultural Chemicals And Associated Chemicals (AREA)

Abstract

There is disclosed in a preferred embodiment a plant pressing apparatus in which a plant is pressed between a heat collecting plate (14) and water absorptive papers (15, 31). The heat collecting plate (14) contacts the water absorptive papers (15, 31). A cushion material (32) is provided behind the water absorptive papers (15, 31) so that the plant lies pressed evenly against the water absorptive papers (15, 31) and the heat collecting plate (14). The heat collecting plate (14) and water absorptive papers (15, 31) are located between a front frame (10) and a rear frame (30) of a main housing body. The main housing body includes a handle (22) for carrying and a leg member (50) for placing the apparatus in an appropriate area so that light and heat energy are optimally received through a window opening (11) in a front portion of the front frame (10) of the main housing body and are irradiated onto the heat collecting plate (14). <IMAGE>

Description

DESCRIPTION PLANT PRESSING APPARATUS The present invention relates to a plant pressing apparatus for producing a pressed plant by employing a drying process. The pressed plant can be used, for example, as a sample or a bookmark.
Conventionally, a pressed plant can be produced, for example, by sandwiching a plant between water absorptive papers. Additionally, a method employing an electric microwave oven is used to make a pressed plant by drying the plant within a short period of time.
It should be noted, however, that there is a problem with the former prior art in that it requires a significantly long time to press a plant since a heavyweight material is utilized. In the case of using an electric microwave oven, there is the problem that careful attention must be paid when using a microwave oven. It is also dangerous for children to make the pressed plants by using a microwave oven.
The present invention provides a pressed plant apparatus including a main body housing having a window opening, a heat collecting means, e.g. a heat collecting plate, and water absorptive means, e.g.
water absorptive papers, for absorbing moisture from a plant disposed behind the heat collecting means.
Use of the present invention may result in a plant pressing apparatus which enables people, including children, to produce a high quality pressed plant within a short period of time without danger.
In accordance with a preferred, embodiment of the present invention, after the plant is sandwiched between water absorptive papers, a front frame of the main body housing is placed over the water absorptive papers and contacts a rear frame of the main body housing. The front frame and a rear frame of the main body housing are held together by way of pressing holder members. A window opening in the front frame receives sunlight. A heat collecting plate is located inside the window opening to collect light and heat energy from the sun or other energy source. The collected light and heat energy are transferred to the water absorptive papers. The water absorptive papers which absorb water from the plant are heated and dried by the heat collecting plate, thereby drying the plant sandwiched therebetween. Thus, a pressed plant is produced within a short period of time.
The invention will now be more fully described by way of example, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.
Fig.1 is a perspective view of a plant pressing apparatus according to the present invention; Fig.2 is an exploded perspective view of the plant pressing apparatus according to the present invention; Fig.3 is a perspective view of a backside of the plant pressing apparatus according to the present invention; and Fig.4 is a cross-sectional view of the plant pressing apparatus according to the present invention taken along line I-I in Fig.3.
Referring to the drawings, the plant pressing apparatus 1 of the present invention includes, as shown in Fig.1, a main body housing which includes a rear frame 30 (see Figs. 2 and 3) and a front frame 10 attached to the rear frame 30. Pressing holder members 40 hold the rear frame 30 and the front frame 10 together. A leg member 50 supports the main body housing. The present invention also includes a heat collecting plate 14 as shown in Fig.2 and water absorptive papers 15 and 31 accommodated inside the plant pressing apparatus 1. After the front frame 10 is removed from the rear frame 30 by releasing the pressing holder members 40, a plant is sandwiched between the water absorptive papers 15 and 31. Then, the front frame 10 is again attached to the rear frame 30 with the pressing holder members 40 holding the rear frame 30 and the front frame 10 together.A window opening 11 in the front frame 10 is then adjusted so that the window opening 11 is located substantially perpendicular to a direction of sunlight.
After a predetermined time has passed, the pressing holder members 40 are released and the front frame 10 is removed. Then, the plant is removed from between the absorptive papers and a desirable pressed plant is obtained.
In accordance with the present invention, it becomes possible to obtain a good quality pressed plant in a simple and easy manner.
With respect to Fig.2, the construction of the present invention will be explained in detail.
Fig.2 is an exploded perspective view of the plant pressing apparatus in accordance with the present invention. Fig.3 is a perspective view showing a rear view of the plant pressing apparatus according to the present invention and Fig.4 is a cross-sectional view of the plant pressing apparatus of the present invention taken along line I-I in Fig.3.
As described above, a centre portion of the front frame 10 is provided with a window opening 11 which allows light such as sunlight to enter. A transparent cover 16 is installed over the window opening 11. The transparent cover 16 not only prevents children from touching a heat collecting plate 14 (described hereinbelow) which is heated to a high temperature by absorbing energy from the light, sunlight or otherwise, but also prevents heat generated in the heat collecting plate 14 from escaping to the outside of the device. The transparent cover 16 is made of, for example, polycarbonate.
The heat collecting plate 14 and the water absorptive paper 15 are connected to the front frame 10 by way of an installation frame 13 inserted at a rear portion of the front frame 10. The installation frame 13 is provided with a heat transfer opening portion 18 at a centre portion. Further, there is provided a heat collecting plate housing portion 13a on a front surface of the installation frame 13 in which the heat collecting plate 14 is accommodated.
There is also provided a water absorptive paper insertion portion 17 at a rear portion of the installation frame 13. The water absorptive paper 15 is inserted and disposed in the water absorptive paper insertion portion 17. When installed in the installation frame 13, the heat collecting plate 14 and the water absorptive paper 15 contact each other.
The heat collecting plate 14 collects light and heat energy from the window opening 11 and transfers it to the water absorptive paper 15. The heat collecting plate 14, is, for example, made of a metal which has a property of easily collecting light and heat energy. A black coating is provided on a plane of the heat collecting plate 14 which receives the light energy (front surface) so as to promote the absorption of light energy. The heat collecting plate 14 is preferably made of stainless steel to prevent rust from growing due to water in the plant being pressed.
The water absorptive paper 15 sandwiches a plant with the water absorptive paper 31 to absorb water from the plant being pressed. The water absorptive papers 15 and 31 are provided on a rear portion of the front frame 10 in this embodiment. The water absorptive papers 15 and 31 also act, when the front frame 10 is opened, to prevent hands from touching the heat collecting plate 14 which is heated to a high temperature.
The rear frame 30 houses a plant to be pressed.
A cushion material housing 30a provided in the rear frame 30 houses a plate-shaped cushion material 32.
The cushion material 32 provides an elastic force so that the water absorptive paper 31, which contacts the cushion material 32, evenly contacts the water absorptive paper 15. The cushion material 32 is made of, for example, a hard sponge.
The water absorptive paper 31 contacts the cushion material 32 in such a manner that the water absorptive paper 31 inserted into the rear frame 30 is guided by a pair of guide frames 34 attached to the rear frame 30 which face each other. Each of the guide frames 34 has guide portions 34a at both ends thereof which guide the water absorptive paper 31 as it is being inserted. The guide frames 34 are elastically supported by coil springs 34c which are wrapped around installation poles 30b, each being formed adjacent to the cushion material housing 30a on the rear frame 30. The guide frames 34 are attached by installation screws 35d so that the cushion function provided by the coil springs 34c is not lost.
When the front frame 10 is pressed and held together with the rear frame 30, the guide frames 34 guide the water absorptive paper 31 until the water absorptive paper 31 reaches a position where it is held and pressed against the water absorptive paper 15 provided in the front frame 10. The pressing holder members 40 are provided for holding, under pressure, and hooking the front frame 10 against the rear frame 30. The pressing holder members 40 are rotatable on both sides of the rear frame 30 by way of shafts 41.
Each of the pressing holder members 40 is equipped with first and second hook portions 42 and 43. Each hook portion 42 and 43 has a hook-shape.
On corresponding portions on both sides of the front frame 10, there are provided first and second engaging portions 20 and 21 which are engageable with the first and second hook portions 42 and 43 of the pressing holder members 40, respectively. The front frame 10 is firmly pressed and held with the rear frame 30 in such a manner that the first and second hook portions 42 and 43 of the pressing holder members 40 are engaged with each of the first and second engaging portions 20 and 21 on the front frame 10 by rotating the pressing holding members toward the front by way of the shaft 41.
As shown in Fig.3, a leg member 50 is provided for adjusting a support angle of the plant pressing apparatus so that the window opening 11 of the front frame 10 is located substantially perpendicular to light such as sunlight. The leg member 50 is installed rotatably in bearing holes 37, provided at right and left sides of an installation concave portion 35 which is formed on a rear portion of the rear frame 30, by way of pins 53. This supporting angle of the plant pressing apparatus 1 is freely adjusted by adjusting the angle of the leg member 50.
An engaging projection 52 is provided adjacent to a base portion of the leg member 50. A stepped hook portion 51 is provided in the installation concave portion 35 of the rear frame 30 so that the stepped hook portion 51 engages the projection 52 when the leg member 50 is folded (rotated) to retract it and lock it in the installation concave portion 35.
First, the plant pressing apparatus 1 is placed horizontally so that the window opening 11 of the front frame 10 faces upward, the pressing holder members 40 are rotated in a right and left direction, respectively, to release the engaging portions 20 and 21, and the front frame 10 is disconnected from the rear frame 30. Next, a selected plant is placed on the water absorptive paper 31 disposed in the rear frame 30. Then the front frame 10, including the heat collecting plate and water absorptive paper 15, is again attached to the rear frame 30 and the pressing holder members 40 are rotated to engage (lock) the front frame 10 with the rear frame 30.As a result, the water absorptive paper 31 disposed in the rear frame 30 and held in place by the guide portions 34a formed on the guide frames 34 is evenly pressed and held, together with the plant, against the water absorptive paper 15 provided in the front frame 10 by means of an elastic force provided by the cushion material 32 located in the cushion material housing portion 30a of the rear frame 30.
After that, the rotational angle of the leg member 50 is adjusted such that the surface of the window opening 11 provided on the front frame 10 is substantially perpendicular to sunlight. The apparatus is kept in this position for a predetermined time. After the predetermined time period has elapsed, the pressing holder members 40 are disengaged from the front frame 10 and a desired pressed plant is obtained.
The pressed plant apparatus is equipped with a handle 22 on the front frame 10 so that it can easily be carried. There is also provided a pair of hanger portions 36 in the rear frame 30 so that the apparatus can be hung on a wall.
Although the window opening 11 of the front frame 10 is covered by the transparent cover 16, the transparent cover 16 can be omitted. In addition, the water absorptive paper 15 installed on the reverse side of the front frame 10 can also be omitted.
Although a metal plate is used as the heat collecting plate 14 in the above-described embodiment, any material can be used as long as it has a property of easily collecting heat. Further, although the water absorptive papers are utilized, any material can be used as long as it has a property of absorbing water.
Therefore, artificial fibres can be used.
Furthermore, in the above embodiment, although the cushion material 32 and the water absorptive paper 31 are disposed in the rear frame 30, these can be installed in the front frame with, for example, rubber means.
In accordance with the present invention, a pressed plant apparatus is provided in which even children can make a pressed plant simply and easily.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and application shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention and the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (15)

1. A plant pressing apparatus, comprising: a main body housing having a housing portion, said housing portion including a front frame and a rear frame; a window opening formed in said front frame of said main housing body; pressing holder members for holding said front frame and said rear frame of said housing together; water absorptive means located within said main housing body for contacting a plant and for absorbing water in the plant; and heat collecting means installed in said front frame and facing said window opening for transferring light and heat energy to said water absorptive means.
2. A plant pressing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising water absorptive insertion means for receiving and holding said water absorption means.
3. A plant pressing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said water absorptive means comprises at least one water absorptive paper.
4. A plant pressing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said heat collecting means comprises a heat collecting plate including a material capable of easily absorbing heat.
5. A plant pressing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising cushion means provided behind said water absorptive means for ensuring even contact of said plant with said water absorptive means.
6. A plant pressing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pressing members are rotatably mounted on side portions of said rear frame of said main body housing.
7. A plant pressing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: leg means connected to a rear portion of said rear frame for supporting said main body housing in a direction of light; and handle means connected to a top portion of said front frame for carrying said plant pressing apparatus.
8. A plant pressing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a transparent cover placed over said window opening.
9. A pressed plant apparatus, comprising: a main housing body having a window opening; a heat collecting plate disposed behind said window opening; and water absorptive means for absorbing moisture content of a plant disposed behind said heat collecting plate.
10. A plant pressing apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said main housing body comprises a rear frame and a front frame.
11. A plant pressing apparatus, comprising: a main body housing including a front frame and a rear frame; a window opening formed in said front frame of said main housing body; water absorptive insertion means located within said main body housing; water absorptive means inserted within said water absorptive insertion means for contacting a plant placed thereon for absorbing moisture in said plant; cushion means located in said rear frame of said main body housing for contacting said water absorptive means; heat collecting means located adjacent said window opening for transferring light and heat energy to said water absorptive means; pressing holder members rotatably attached to side surfaces of said rear frame for clamping and holding said front frame to said rear frame; and leg means attached to a rear portion of said rear frame for adjusting the angle at which said plant pressing apparatus sits for optimum light irradiation.
12. A plant pressing apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said water absorptive means comprises at least one water absorptive paper.
13. A plant pressing apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein said heat collecting plate comprises a material capable of easily absorbing heat.
14. A plant pressing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising a transparent cover placed over said window opening.
15. A plant pressing apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in any one of the accompanying drawings.
GB9120465A 1990-10-03 1991-09-26 Plant pressing apparatus Expired - Fee Related GB2248376B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP10417190U JPH0734881Y2 (en) 1990-10-03 1990-10-03 Pressed flower manufacturing equipment

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9120465D0 GB9120465D0 (en) 1991-11-06
GB2248376A true GB2248376A (en) 1992-04-08
GB2248376B GB2248376B (en) 1994-10-12

Family

ID=14373591

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9120465A Expired - Fee Related GB2248376B (en) 1990-10-03 1991-09-26 Plant pressing apparatus

Country Status (3)

Country Link
JP (1) JPH0734881Y2 (en)
FR (1) FR2667683A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2248376B (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AUPN114095A0 (en) * 1995-02-14 1995-03-09 Beecroft, Jennifer Leslie A press for drying parts of plants using microwave energy
JP3585761B2 (en) * 1999-02-02 2004-11-04 独立行政法人食品総合研究所 Sprouted brown rice with excellent safety and cookability, and its production method
WO2002046670A1 (en) * 2000-12-08 2002-06-13 Precious Woods Cc Lumber drying kiln
FR2836988B1 (en) * 2002-03-08 2004-06-25 Elisabeth Heim PROCESS FOR DRYING FLOWERS UNDER PRESS AND EQUIPMENT FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROCESS

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6416701A (en) * 1987-07-07 1989-01-20 S O Giken Kk Production of dried plant body

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB191402200A (en) * 1914-01-27 1914-07-30 Claud Francis Fothergill Improvements in and connected with the Drying of Flowers and the like.
FR916452A (en) * 1944-08-30 1946-12-06 Method and apparatus for drying, dehydration or concentration and distillation
US3852891A (en) * 1973-10-03 1974-12-10 B Stephan Flower press
US3969829A (en) * 1974-07-23 1976-07-20 Urban William C Dehydration
DE2911172A1 (en) * 1979-03-22 1980-10-02 Richard Hahn Postage stamp drying press - comprises perforated base and cover plates with drying boards in between
US4368583A (en) * 1980-10-14 1983-01-18 Bauermeister Fred H Solar-powered grain dryer and process for drying grain

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6416701A (en) * 1987-07-07 1989-01-20 S O Giken Kk Production of dried plant body

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2248376B (en) 1994-10-12
JPH0734881Y2 (en) 1995-08-09
GB9120465D0 (en) 1991-11-06
JPH0464501U (en) 1992-06-03
FR2667683A1 (en) 1992-04-10

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19950926