GB2397211A

GB2397211A - Mini-cultivator

Info

Publication number: GB2397211A
Application number: GB0310817A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bernie Gill
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-05-10
Filing date: 2003-05-10
Publication date: 2004-07-21
Anticipated expiration: 2023-05-10
Also published as: GB2397211B; GB0310817D0

Abstract

A device for the cultivation of at least one botanical specimen 508, comprising: at least one sleeve of a transparent material 507 configured to enclose said at least one botanical specimen, a first plate 501 configured to retain a first end of said at least one said sleeve, a second plate 502 configured to retain a second end of said at least one sleeve, said first plate comprising a sealable aperture 509 configured to allow access to the interior of said device.

Description

239721 1

MINI-CULTIVATOR

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for the cultivation of botanical specimens comprising a sleeve of a transparent material which encloses the specimen and a first and second plate configured to retain a first end and a second end of the sleeve respectively.

Background to the Invention

To It is known that the cultivation of certain plants in temperate environments such as the United Kingdom is problematical for many nonindigenous varieties.

Traditional means to overcome problems associated with a temperate ecology are the construction and use of greenhouses.

Greenhouses are most normally constructed from glass or more recently transparent plastics. Traditional greenhouses are four sided structures with walls, door and roof constructed from transparent materials; recently tunnel structures have begun to be used using modern transparent materials such as polythene.

Greenhouses function by absorbing the maximum amount of sunlight possible and then retaining this energy in order to generate and maintain an internal temperature and humidity greater than that outside of the structure. Greenhouses also function to protect specimens from adverse environmental effects such as strong winds, heavy rain, hail, frost or snow. Greenhouses are generally of a size large enough for the gardener to walk into and potter around whilst tending to their plants. Greenhouses as with all other structures cost a significant amount of money to purchase and erect, require ongoing maintenance and generally have a large architectural footprint and are therefore unsuitable for smaller gardens for some or all of these reasons.

3 o An alternative for the gardener with limited space is a cloche, a bell shaped cover used to protect plants. Cloches for garden use are well known and are normally used to protect plants, seedlings or other specimens from cold weather.

A cloche consists of a bell shaped dome of glass, which is placed over the specimen in situ within the garden. Traditional cinches are therefore heavy and given their bell shape require a substantial volume of space to store when not in use, as they can not be easily stacked upon each other.

Recently, cloches constructed of more light weight materials such as transparent plastics and cloches with a conical shape have begun to be introduced to the market which attempt to overcome some of the problems associated with traditional cloche design. However, even this new form of cloche does not provide the completely enclosed environment that some nonhardy plants require to grow, nor does it allow the easy movement of such plants without disturbing the plant or exposing it to the external environment.

The inventors therefore have sought to create a new type of device for the cultivation of botanical specimens, this new device encloses the botanical specimen within an environment more akin to that of a greenhouse than a cloche enclosing the botanical specimen on all sides, but is smaller, less expensive and allows the gardener greater flexibility in their gardening than the use of a greenhouse. The device allows specimens to be easily transferred outside, without disturbing the plant and also returned indoors if weather conditions turn particularly inclement. The device also prevents the ingress of air or soil based pest organisms or diseases. This enclosure of the botanical specimen acts as a partial barrier to any pollutants in the vicinity of the device. The device may be used in selective breeding programs where specific crosses are required without 2 5 any danger of unwanted cross-pollination.

Summarv of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is a device for the cultivation of at least one botanical specimen, comprising: at least one sleeve of a transparent material configured to enclose said at least one botanical specimen; a first plate configured to retain a first end of said at least one said sleeve; a second plate configured to retain a second end of said at least one sleeve; said first plate comprising a sealable aperture configured to allow access to the interior of said device.

To Preferably said at least one sleeve, said first plate and said second plate are configured such that said device is operable to be dismantled for storage, transportation or other purposes.

Preferably said at least one sleeve comprises a sheet of said transparent material configurable to form a hollow geometric figure.

Preferably said hollow geometric figure is a cylinder.

Preferably said device comprises a plurality of sleeves. 20!

Preferably said plurality of sleeves are configured to be disposed inside of each other.

Preferably said second plate comprises a sealable aperture configured to 2 5 allow access to the interior of said device.

Preferably said second plate comprises: at least two component parts, configured to form an aperture when in a o substantially closed position; a fastening means configured to substantially fasten said at least two component parts in said substantially closed position; said aperture being configured to substantially abut a botanical specimen holder about a substantial portion of its circumference.

Preferably said second plate comprises hinging means and said at least two component parts are hingedly mounted about each other.

Preferably said aperture comprises a lining of a de-formable material; said de-formable material being configured to facilitate the formation of a seal between said botanical specimen holder and said second plate.

Preferably said device is configurable such that a plurality of said devices are stacked upon each other.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig.1 shows a schematic representation of the cultivation device according to a first specific embodiment of the present invention.

Fig.2 shows a schematic representation of a first specific embodiment of the present invention wherein the component parts of the device have been disassembled.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a series of cultivation devices according to a first specific embodiment of the present invention stacked upo each other.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a cultivation device according to a second specific embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows a cultivation device according to a third specific embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a cultivation device according to a fourth specific embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a cultivation device according to a fifth specific embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a fifth specific embodiment of the present invention wherein the component parts of the device have been disassembled.

Detailed Description of a Specific Mode for Carrying Out the Invention There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

According to a first specific embodiment of the present invention and referring to Fig.1 there is provided a device 100 for the cultivation of at least one botanical specimen. The device 100 comprises a first plate 101 and a second plate 102; disposed between the first plate 101 and the second plate 102 is a sleeve 103 comprising a transparent material. The first plate 101 further comprises an aperture 104 that is configured to allow access to the interior of the transparent sleeve 103. The aperture 104 comprises a circular hole formed in the first plate 101 and a plug configured to substantially abut the edge of the hole sealing the aperture.

In this first embodiment of the present invention the first 101 and second 102 plates are square and approximately the same size as each other. The first o plate 101 and second plate 102 are manufactured from a MDF (Medium Density Fiber) grade material approximately 30cm to a side and 1cm thick. Also the plug is constructed from MDF in this first specific embodiment. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that any suitable material with the required characteristics may be used in the construction of the first plate 101 and second plate 102 and plug. The required characteristics being structural rigidity and strength to retain the first and second end of the sleeve of transparent material in a correct configuration and anti-weathering characteristics as the device is intended for some outdoor use. Such materials would include, but not be to limited to, treated and untreated timber including pine, beech, oak; reconstituted materials such as 2 o shipboard, veneers, laminates; plastics such as PVC, acrylics; pottery; glass such as lead safety glass; metals such as iron, aluminum, titanium; real and artificial stones such as granite, marble, limestone. Factors determining the final choice of materials would include the species to be cultivated, which will affect the size of device required; existing garden furniture and architecture and the consumers' 2 5 aesthetic and financial choice.

According to another aspect of the present invention one or both of the plates may comprise a transparent material. When such a device with a transparent first and second plate is used it would allow the botanical specimen contained within to be exposed to an increased amount of light coming from a wider range of angles, causing a corresponding increase in the rate of growth of the specimen and giving the specimen a more even and developed structure due to the action of light upon all areas of the specimen. Suitable materials for the construction of such transparent plates include perspexTM, clear acrylic and other suitable plastics as well as glass. It is also possible to construct the plates using a combination of materials for instance a rim of metal or wood surrounding an inner surface of transparent plastic or glass. Such combinations of materials may have characteristics that neither material by itself would possess. For instance a combination of a disk of transparent plastic surrounded by a rim of metal would cause more light to act upon the specimen but have a greater rigidity and stability than a plate constructed from just plastic.

Given the nature of the inventors' design the size of a device may vary over a wide range of values. However, the inventors generally consider sizes of device ranging from 15 cm tall by 7.5 cm wide across the plate up to units 1.5 m tall by 800 cm wide across the plate to be most useful in the cultivation of most species.

Referring to Fig.2 there is displayed a dissembled device according to this first specific embodiment of the present invention, as previously detailed the device consists of: a first plate 101; a second plate 102; a sleeve of transparent material 103.

The sleeve of transparent material 103, in this specific embodiment consists of a sheet of tough yet flexible plastic 203, a wide range of materials are suitable for this purpose as long as they have the required characteristics of being transparent, insulative and the required flexibility and structural rigidity. The first 101 and second 102 plates further comprise retaining means 201 and 202 so as to retain a first edge 203 and a second edge 204 of the sleeve. According to this first specific embodiment of the present invention the first and second plate and retaining means are configured such that the sleeve is disposed between the plates making an angle of 90 relative to the first and second plate. The retaining means 201 and 202 are circular and of substantially the same dimension causing the sleeve to be cylindrical when the device is assembled and ready for use.

In other embodiments of the present invention the retaining means may be in the shape of a square, rectangle or any other geometric figure. Retaining means in the shape of a geometric figure other than a circle such as a square or rectangle would give rise to a transparent sleeve with corners. In such an instance the sheet of transparent material would comprise grooves corresponding to the corners of the retaining means such that the sheet of transparent material may be easily folded into the correct configuration and inserted into the first and second plate of the device.

In operation the device 100 may be used as follows: The device may be most easily stored when dissembled into its three component parts with the three parts flat against each other and placed upon the o floor or a suitable shelf space. When the user of the device wishes to cultivate a botanical specimen inside the device he then simply collects the three component parts placing the second plate 102 upon the floor or work bench with the retraining ring 202 facing upwards. Then taking the sheet of transparent material 203 he rolls this into a cylinder, this cylinder having an upper rim corresponding to a first edge 203 of the original sheet and a lower rim corresponding to a second edge 204 of the sheet. The user then fits the lower rim 204 into the retaining means 202 of the second plate 102.

At this point the user may place, into the device, such botanical specimens so as require cultivation, for instance a tray of seedlings for an edible flower variety such as Nasturtium. The user then fits the first plate 101 such that the retaining means 201 incorporated into the first plate 101 retains the sleeve of transparent material and forms a stable structure which substantially encloses the specimen from the external environment and is suitable for the cultivation of the botanical specimen.

The entire device may then be moved into a suitable location outdoors to continue the cultivation of such seedlings. Access to the interior of the device may be gained via the aperture 104 for watering or feeding operations.

Alternatively, the complete first plate 101 may be removed for more involved tasks such as removal of the specimen or pollination of the plant.

Given the enclosed environment in which the seedlings now find themselves they have a number of advantages over seedlings situated outside of such a device. As a result of the enclosed nature of the environment the plants have a reduced chance of exposure to pest animal species, such as slugs, s garden snails, ants, greenfly and beetles. In addition, given the sheltered nature the plant finds itself in there is also a decreased exposure to airborne disease particles and also particles of disease that are transmitted by insect carriers.

Finally, many forms of airborne, soil and other pollutants will also be prevented from ingress into the interior of the device.

According to further embodiments of the invention it is also possible the retaining means may vary in size relative to each other and/or be configured so as to cause the sleeve to be retained at an angle other than 90 relative to the first and second plates and the horizontal. Different sized retaining means would s cause the surfaces of the transparent sleeve 103 to be angled other than at 90 relative to the first 101 and second plate 102, and cause the surfaces of the transparent sleeve 103 disposed in a conical manner. The inventors consider that for some types of plant for instance vines and ivies and other types of climbing plant species, it would be more appropriate to angle the transparent sleeve at an angle other than 90 relative to the first 101 and second plate 102.

As is clear from Pythagorean theorem, the length of the transparent sleeve when at an angle other than 90 to the first 101 and second plate 102 is greater than the length when the transparent sleeve is disposed at 90 relative to the first 101 and second plate 102, assuming the distance between the first 101 and second plate 102 remains constant between the two different devices. It is also considered an advantage to dispose of transparent sleeve at an angle relative to the first and second plate as many types of climbing/vine plant species are incapable or show hindered rates of growth when forced to grow at angles approaching 90 relative to the horizon. The inventors consider it is a better solution to angle the transparent sleeve and hence any growth supports contained within the interior of the device rather than simply provision a larger To transparent sleeve and position growth supports at an angle less than 90 relative to the first 101 and second plates 102.

There will now be provided examples of how the device may be used to cultivate Runner beans, tomatoes and potatoes and the benefits of such cultivation within the device as opposed to more nominal forms of cultivation.

Details relating to these cultivation regimes are species specific, however the benefits of using the device are applicable to more than this limited subset of organisms.

2 o Runner Beans A suitable number of runner beans are placed between 2 sheets of kitchen roll, which are then thoroughly watered to stimulate germination of the beans.

Once the beans have germinated, normally 1-2 weeks, they are transferred into 2 5 pots which can then be cultivated outdoors. Such cultivation must wait until mid to late May due to the fragile nature of the seedlings. Following the successful germination and potting of the runner bean shoots, they should come into bloom around mid-summer and soon after begin the formation of the runner bean crop.

3 o Using the cultivation device runner beans may be planted directly into pots saving both time and effort. The pot being prepared by incorporating a layer of gauze material which is then filled up with compost, any multi-purpose potting compost is suitable for this use, mixed in with this compost are some water retaining gel pieces as well as slow release fertilizer granules. The beans are most normally spaced about 10cm apart over the surface area of the pot. Unlike the cultivation of such plants outside of the device, runner bean cultivation may begin from the end of February onwards. Established plants being hardy enough to survive outside of the device at much earlier times than seedlings and so multiple crops are possible in a single growing season.

Tomatoes Traditional methods for growing tomatoes in the United Kingdom involve, all operations are being conducted either within the growers house or in a suitable greenhouse or other structure. The reason for this is the necessity to maintain a minimum temperature of around 18 C to keep the fragile tomato plants in good :5 condition and to ensure a sweet crop of fruit. Tomatoes are also easily damaged by wind, extremes of temperature or fluctuating weather conditions. It takes 40-60 days from flowering for the tomato to reach full ripeness depending on the cultivation temperature and variety.

Using the cultivation device of the present invention it is possible to grow such tomato plants outside. The device assembled much as previously described and a tomato plant seedling placed within the transparent sleeve, the assembled device then being placed in a south facing sheltered position.

2 5 Potatoes Generally, the growing season for potatoes in the United Kingdom is from April through to October. The inventors have successfully grown potatoes using the device planted in late August, the potatoes from this crop being ready for so consumption around Christmas time such a cultivation regime would not be possible without the use of the device or other suitable cultivation aid in the United Kingdom.

According to a further aspect of this first embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Fig.3 there is provided a schematic representation of a number of devices 100 identical in construction to those previously described which have been stacked upon each other to a height of 5 units and to a width of units. Given the robust characteristics of the design it is possible that additional units could be stacked both onto and to either side of the current stack. This configuration of cultivation devices allows the growing under substantially identical conditions of several individual botanical specimens in 25 individual devices with a footprint in the garden of only 5 devices.

The inventors consider the present invention maybe very useful as a breeding tool, in many instances in order to select and grow for specific characteristics of a given plant it is necessary and important to grow the plants to be crossed in very similar conditions. It is important however to prevent cross pollination either by insects or airborne means between the plants other than those intended to be crossed as this is the selective step which the gardener uses to improve his varieties. Given the enclosed nature plants find themselves in within the botanical cultivation device as described in this invention, it is far o easier for the prospective breeder to separate the germplasm of individual plants which he wishes to cross breed with each other without the possibility of nonspecific cross pollination.

According to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention and s with reference to Fig.4, there is provided a device for the cultivation of botanical specimens 400 comprising a first plate 401 and a second plate 402 and a plurality of sleeves 403, 404 and 405 all comprising transparent materials. The first plate 401 further comprises a plurality of apertures configured to allow access to the interior of said plurality of transparent sleeves 406, 407 and 408.

o One such aperture being configured for use with each transparent sleeve 406/403, 407/404, 408/405 respectively. Each said aperture comprises a circular hole formed in the first plate 401 and a plug configured to substantially abut the edge of the hole sealing the aperture.

Details relating to the construction and use of this second specific embodiment of the present invention are as previously described for the first specific embodiment of the present invention.

This second embodiment of the present invention is particularly useful in the cultivation of multiple plants of a similar or identical variety which require the JO same environmental conditions but for whatever reason the user does not wish there to be any transfer of materials between the plants.

As previously described for the first specific embodiment of the present invention the first and second plates may be manufactured from a wide range of s materials including a range of transparent materials so as to expose the botanical specimens under cultivation to the maximum amount of light.

According to a third specific embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Fig.5 there is provided a plant cultivation device 500 which No comprises a first plate 501 and a second plate 502. The second plate 502 comprises 2 pieces 503 and 504. These component parts 503/504 are configured so as to form an aperture 505 when in a closed configuration. The second plate 502 also comprises a fastening means 506 in the form of a pin attached to the second piece 504 and a hook mounted upon the first piece 503.

The fastening mean being configured to substantially hold the component pieces 503/504 of the second plate 502 in a closed configuration. In a further aspect of this present invention the fastening means may instead comprise one or more bands, configured to be fitted to substantially hold the component pieces 503/504 of the second plate 502 in a closed configuration. The bands maybe elasticized or in the forms of a strap with buckle or other securing means.

The botanical cultivation device 500 further comprises a sleeve of a transparent material 507. The first plate 5G1 comprises an aperture 507 that allows access to the interior of the device. The aperture 507 comprises a circular hole formed in the first plate 501 and a plug configured to substantially abut the edge of the hole sealing the aperture.

This embodiment of the present invention is intended for use with a potted houseplant. Such a specimen would potentially benefit from being placed out into the garden but is of such a nature that exposure to inclement conditions that occur in temperate ecologies would have detrimental effect upon the specimen.

Therefore a device much as previously discussed is constructed about the potted plant either prior to following or its movement out of doors. Referring to Fig. 5 there is illustrated schematically a potted plant 508.

Details relating to the construction of this third specific embodiment of the present invention are as previously described for the first and second specific embodiments of the present invention.

In operation the device 500 may be used as follows: The two component parts of the second plate 502 are fitted about the bottom of the botanical specimen holder/plant pot 508 such that the aperture formed between the first component 503 and second component 504 is fitted about the botanical specimen holder 508 forming a seal. The two component :s parts of the second plate 502, 503 and 504 are then fastened in this closed position in contact with plant pot 508, with the fastening means 506. The transparent sleeve 507 is then fitted into the circular retaining means located on the second plate 502. Finally, the first plate 501 is fitted onto the transparent sleeve 507 with the circular retaining means located upon the first plate.

The entire device 500 may then be moved into a suitable location outdoors to continue the cultivation of such a potted houseplant 508. Access to the interior of the device may be gained via the aperture 509 for watering or feeding operations. Aiternatively, the complete first plate 501 may be removed for more involved tasks such as removal of the specimen or pollination of the plant.

According to a fourth specific embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Fig. 6 there is provided a further device for the cultivation of botanical specimens 600, this device comprising a first circular plate 601 and a second circular plate 602. Disposed between these 2 plates is a sleeve of a transparent material 603. The first plate 601 further comprising an aperture configured to allow access to the interior device. In contrast to previous embodiments of the specific invention in this instance the transparent sleeve 603 is constructed of an un-flexible material, such as glass or a rigid transparent plastic.

According to a fifth specific embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Fig. 7 there is provided a device 700 for the cultivation of at least one botanical specimen. The device 700 comprises a first plate 701 and a second plate 702; disposed between the first plate 701 and the second plate 702 is a sleeve 703 comprising a transparent material. The first plate 701 further 2 0 comprises an aperture 704 that is configured to allow access to the interior of the transparent sleeve 703. The aperture 704 comprises a circular hole formed in the first plate 701 and a plug configured to substantially abut the edge of the hole sealing the aperture 704.

As with the second, third and fourth previously described embodiments of the present invention the first plate 701 and the second plate 702 comprise retaining means. The retaining means are circular and are fommed as 3 concentrically arranged circles of varying diameter into the first and second plate.

Referring to Fig. 8 there is displayed a dissembled device according to this fifth specific embodiment of the present invention, as previouslydetailed the device consists of: a first plate 701; a second plate 702; a sleeve of transparent material 703.

Into the first plate 701 and the second plate 702 are formed 3 concentrically arranged circles which act as the retaining means in this specific embodiment of o the present invention. Upon the first plate therefore, there is a larger circular retaining means 801, a second circular retaining means 802, approximately two thirds the diameter of the first retaining means 801 and finally a third circular retaining means 803 approximately two thirds the diameter of the second retaining means 802. A similar arrangement of retaining means is also formed s into the second plate 702 the retaining means comprising a first retaining means of largest diameter 804 and then concentrically arranged within this first retaining means 804 a second retaining means 805, approximately two thirds the diameter of the first means 804 and a third retaining means 806, approximately two thirds the diameter of the second retaining means 805. The first, second and third retaining means formed upon the first and second plate of the specific embodiment of the present invention are of substantially the same size and formed upon the first plate 701 and the second plate 702 such that when the transparent sleeve 703 is retained by the outside pair of retaining means 801/804, the middle pair of retaining means 802/805 or the inside pair of retaining means 803/806 respectively the sleeve is disposed between the plate making an angle of 90 relative to the first and second plate.

The inventors consider this specific embodiment of the present invention to be particularly useful when cultivation of botanical specimens is to be attempted over a prolonged period of time and over such a prolonged period of time the botanical specimen under cultivation is expected to increase in size. The inventors propose a cultivation methodology as follows. In the first instance the cultivator uses the smallest pair of retaining means and places the botanical specimen inside this first sleeve. Given the small size of this sleeve maintaining a good temperature and humidity level should be possible even with a small plant specimen. As the specimen increases in size the cultivator may use the same device and simply move the transparent sleeve from the inner most set of retaining means out to the middle set of retaining means and finally the outer most set of retaining means.

Alternatively it may be appropriate to use all three retaining means in the first instance, with, as previously described, a small plant specimen disposed inside of the first transparent sleeve retained by the inner most set of retaining means. Then, in the same device, a second transparent sleeve may is placed in the middle set of retaining means and a third transparent sleeve into the outer most set of retaining means. Such a device would have increased insulative s properties in comparison to a single sleeved device which may be useful for particularly fragile specimens.

Any embodiment of this cultivation device may be used for at least the following uses: germination, protection from frost and/or other adverse environmental conditions, general plant cultivation in conditions approaching those by greenhouse or polytunnel, the cultivation of cuttings or other fledgling botanical specimens in an enclosed and protected environment.

The inventors of this device have successfully used it to cultivate the s following plants: A wide range of flowering plants including fuchsias, geraniums, tulips, daffodils hyacinth, crocus and several other bedding plants. A wide range of fruits and vegetables including capsicums tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, So French beans, spring onions, leafy salads, potatoes, runner beans and brussel r, . sprouts.

Claims

Claims: 1. A device for the cultivation of at least one botanical

specimen, comprising: at least one sleeve of a transparent material configured to enclose said at least one botanical specimen; a first plate configured to retain a first end of said at least one said sleeve; a second plate configured to retain a second end of said at least one sleeve; said first plate comprising a sealable aperture configured to allow access to the interior of said device. 1 5
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one sleeve, said first plate and said second plate are configured such that said device is operable to be dismantled for storage, transportation or other purposes.

ho
3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one sleeve comprises a sheet of said transparent material configurable to form a hollow geometric figure.
4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said hollow geometric s figure is a cylinder.
5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said device comprises a plurality of sleeves.

so
6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said plurality of sleeves are configured to be disposed inside of each other.
7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said second plate comprises a sealable aperture configured to allow access to the interior of said device.
8. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said second plate comprises: at least two component parts, configured to form an aperture when in a substantially closed position; a fastening means configured to substantially fasten said at least two component parts in said substantially closed position; said aperture being configured to substantially abut a botanical specimen holder about a substantial portion of its circumference.

o
9. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said second plate comprises hinging means and said at least two component parts are hingedly mounted about each other.

l O. A device as claimed in claims 7 or 8, wherein said aperture s comprises a lining of a de-formable material; said de-formable material being configured to facilitate the formation of a seal between said botanical specimen holder and said second plate.

o l 1. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said device is configurable such that a plurality of said devices are stacked upon each other.

8. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said second plate comprises: at least two component parts, configured to form an aperture when in a substantially closed position; a fastening means configured to substantially fasten said at least two component parts in said substantially closed position; said aperture being configured to substantially abut a botanical specimen s holder about a substantial portion of its circumference.

9. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said second plate comprises hinging means and said at least two component parts are hingedly mounted about each other.

10. A device as claimed in claims 7 or 8, wherein said aperture comprises a lining of a de-formable material; said de-formable material being configured to facilitate the formation of a seal between said botanical specimen holder and said second plate.

11. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said device is configurable such that a plurality of said devices are stacked upon each other.

-

Amendments to the claims have been Med as follows 1. A device for the cultivation of at least one botanical specimen, comprising: at least one sleeve of a transparent material configured to enclose said at least one botanical specimen; a first plate configured to retain a first end of said at least one said sleeve; a second plate configured to retain a second end of said at least one sleeve; Wherein said first plate comprises a sealable aperture configured to allow access to the interior of said device; and Wherein said at least one sleeve is configured to support said first plate substantially above said second plate.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one sleeve, said first plate and said second plate are configured such that said device is operable to be dismantled for storage, transportation or other purposes.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2' wherein said at least one sleeve comprises a sheet of said transparent material configurable to form a 2 hollow geometric figure.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said hollow geometric figure is a cylinder.

.i,. , : 5. A device as claimed in any preceding clairn,Swherein said device comprises a plurality of sleeves. -2J

6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said plurality of sleeves are configured to be disposed inside of each other.

7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said second plate comprises a sealable aperture configured to allow access to the interior of said device.