NL2018372B1

NL2018372B1 - Assembly comprising a plant pot and a plug

Info

Publication number: NL2018372B1
Application number: NL2018372A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Verweij Dick; Jacob Wilschut Maarten
Original assignee: Idea Packaging B V; Van Der Knaap Diensten B V
Priority date: 2017-02-14
Filing date: 2017-02-14
Publication date: 2018-09-04

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembly, comprising a plant pot and a plug, wherein the plant pot comprises a bottom and at least one side wall, together defining an inner space of the pot, and at least one support extending from the side wall into the inner space, and wherein the plug has a shape configured to abut the support.

Description

Octrooicentrum

Θ 2018372

(21) Aanvraagnummer: 2018372 (22) Aanvraag ingediend: 14 februari 2017 (51) Int. CL:

A01G 9/02 (2017.01) A01G 9/10 (2017.01)

(G) Aanvraag ingeschreven:	(73) Octrooihouder(s):
4 september 2018	Idea Packaging B.V. te STANDAARDBUITEN.
	Van der Knaap Diensten B.V. te WATERINGEN.
(43) Aanvraag gepubliceerd:
	(72) Uitvinder(s):
(Zt) Octrooi verleend:	Dick Verweij te Monster.
4 september 2018	Maarten Jacob Wilschut te Hoeven.
(45) Octrooischrift uitgegeven:
6 november 2018	(74) Gemachtigde:
	ir. P.J. Hylarides c.s. te Den Haag.

Assembly comprising a plant pot and a plug

Ξ) The present invention relates to an assembly, comprising a plant pot and a plug, wherein the plant pot comprises a bottom and at least one side wall, together defining an inner space of the pot, and at least one support extending from the side wall into the inner space, and wherein the plug has a shape configured to abut the support.

NL Bl 2018372

Dit octrooi is verleend ongeacht het bijgevoegde resultaat van het onderzoek naar de stand van de techniek en schriftelijke opinie. Het octrooischrift komt overeen met de oorspronkelijk ingediende stukken.

Assembly comprising a plant pot and a plug

The present invention relates to an assembly comprising a plant pot and a plug.

The phalaenopsis orchid, also known as 'Moth Orchid' and abbreviated as “phal” in the horticultural trade, is the most common orchid due to its ease of production and the availability of blooming plants year-round. The phalaenopsis orchid does very well as houseplant and stays in bloom for a very long time. Phalaenopsis orchids are epiphytic shade plants. They have adapted to living in the wild in trees, generally in humid conditions. The humid air and the surrounding environment provide all the plant’s necessary water and nutrients, which are absorbed with specially adapted aerial roots.

As a potting medium for phalaenopsis orchids, generally bark or moss are used. Bark has the disadvantage that it may house pot worms, also known by their Latin name enchytraeids. Pot worms enjoy environments rich in organic matter and thrive in moist conditions. Such humid conditions are also required to allow the roots of the phalaenopsis orchids to absorb water out of the water vapor. The pot warms may harm the outer layer of the roots, which makes the plants more susceptible for fungi. The fungi may then further harm the plants.

An object of the present invention is to provide an assembly of a plant pot and a plug, that is improved relative to the prior art and wherein at least one of the above stated problems is obviated.

Said object is achieved with the assembly, comprising a plant pot and a plug, according to the present invention, wherein the plant pot comprises a bottom and at least one side wall, together defining an inner space of the pot, and at least one support extending from the side wall into the inner space, and wherein the plug has a shape configured to abut the support.

The at least one support extends from the side wall into the inner space of the plant pot, and the plug has a shape configured to abut the support. In this way, the at least one support is supporting the plug at a distance from the side wall, thereby forming a space between the side wall and the plug where aerial roots may grow and absorb water and nutrients from humid air.

A further advantage of the plug being arranged at a distance from the side wall by the supports, is that the dimensions of the plug are reduced. In this way, alternative materials that are less susceptible to having pot worms, may become a realistic alternative. Alternative materials, such as coconut fibres, can be manufactured in controllable conditions. As a result, pot worms can be effectively prevented. The better controlled manufacturing however also render an alternative material such as coconut fibres relatively expensive in relation to bark. Besides up to four times more costly, coconut fibres are also heavier than bark. The supports reducing the radial size of the plug, reduces the amount of material required, and therefore may compensate the higher price of such alternative material.

The at least one support also provides support to the plug, thereby supporting the plug in maintaining its shape.

Further preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

In the following description preferred embodiments of the present invention are further elucidated with reference to the drawing, in which:

Figure I is a perspective view of a plant accommodated in an assembly of a plant pot and a plug according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective and partly open view of an assembly according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a lop view of the plant pot of Figure 2; and

Figures 4 and 5 are perspective cross sectional views of the plant pot of Figures 2 and 3.

In Figure 1, a plant 1 is accommodated in an assembly of a plant pot 2 and a plug 3 according to the present invention. The assembly is particularly suitable for epiphytic plants 1 having aerial roots 4, such as the phalaenopsis orchid described in the introduction. It is however explicitly mentioned that the assembly may also be used for other plants.

The plant pot 2 comprises a bottom 5 and at least one side wall 6, together defining an inner space 7 of the pot 2. The pot 2 further comprises at least one support 8 extending from the side wall 6 into the inner space 7. The plug 3 has a shape configured to abut the at least one support

8. Thus, the at least one support 8 is supporting the plug 3 at a distance from the side wall 6, thereby forming a space 9 between the side wall 6 and the plug 3 where the aerial roots 4 may grow and absorb water and nutrients from humid air.

In the embodiment shown, the supports 8 extend in an axial direction of the pot 2. The supports 8 extend from the bottom 5 till a distance d from a rim 10 of the side wall 6. The plug 3 has a first portion 11 with a larger radial size in said distance d relative to a second portion 12 of the plug 3 within the extent of the supports 8. The plug 3 has a shape like a champagne cork.

The plug 3 is preferably dimensioned in correspondence with the side wall 6 of the pot 2 within said distance d between the supports 8 and the rim 10. In this way, it appears from the outside as if the inner space 7 of the pot 2 is completely filled with the plug 3, whereas the plug 3 actually comprises a second portion 12 with a smaller size. Due to this smaller second portion 12, the space 9 between the plug 3 and the side wall 6 is created. This space 9 saves material for the plug and creates a space where the aerial roots 4 may grow and come into contact with humid air. Moreover, if first portion 11 of the plug 3 is dimensioned in correspondence with the side wall 6 of the pot 2, the plug 3 bounds the space 9. The plug thus prevents humid air to leave the space 9 in upward direction when the pot 2 is in use, i.e. when the bottom 5 faces downward and the rim 10 upward. The humid air is sort of trapped in the space 9, where it is readily available for the aerial roots 4 of the epiphytic plant 1, which may absorb the water and nutrients necessary for its growth and survival.

The supports 8 are chamfered on a side opposite the bottom. This chamfered side abuts against a corresponding chamfer 14 of the plug 3, that is arranged between the first portion 11 and second portion 12 thereof. The chamfers 13 of the supports 8 thus support the plug 3 over the part where the radial size of the plug 3 makes a step.

If the supports 8 narrow in a direction away from the bottom 5, a pot 2 that may be manufactured by injection molding, and that may be nested with similar pots 2, is obtained.

The assembly comprises at least three supports 8, preferably at least four supports 8, and - as shown in the Figures - more preferably at least five supports 8. If five supports 8 are used and evenly distributed around the circumference of a tubular pot 2, the plug 3 is supported every 72°, thereby providing a suitable support of the plug 3.

As best seen in Figures 2, 4 and 5, the bottom 5 has a stepped shape defining at least two levels. A first part 14 of the bottom 5 is offset in an outward axial direction relative to a second part 15 of the bottom 5. The first part 14 of the bottom 5 is arranged near the side wall 6 and the second part 15 of the bottom 5 is arranged offset from the side wall 6. The second part 15 is arranged near a radial center of the bottom 5, defining a further support where the plug 3 may rest on. The plug abuts the bottom 5 of the pot 2, more specifically the second part 15 thereof.

An axial inner wall 16 of the stepped shape of the bottom 5 comprises one or more than one opening 17. This opening 17 is arranged offset from the first part 14 of the bottom 5, in this way forming an overflow opening. Water may be stored in the distance between the first part of the bottom 5 and the opening 17, enhancing shelf-life of the epiphytic plant 1 in the pot 2. The water gradually evaporates, forming humid air in the space 9 between the side wall 6 and the plug 3 for the aerial roots 4 of the epiphytic plant 1.

The plug 3 preferably comprises bonded coconut fibres, reducing the chance of pot worms negatively influencing the growth and life span of the plant 1.

The above described embodiment is intended only to illustrate the invention and not to limit in any way the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that where features mentioned in the appended claims are followed by reference signs, such signs are included solely for the purpose of enhancing the intelligibility of the claims and are in no way limiting on the scope of the claims. The scope of the invention is defined solely by the following claims.

Claims

Conclusions

An assembly comprising:

- a plant pot, comprising:

- a bottom and at least one side wall, which together define an inner space of the pot;

- at least one support that extends from the side wall into the inner space;

- a plug comprising a shape configured to abut the support.

An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support extends in an axial direction of the pot.

Assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support extends from the bottom to a distance from an edge of the side wall.

Assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plug has a greater radial dimension in said distance relative to a part of the plug within the extension of the support.

Assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plug is dimensioned within said distance between the supports and the rim corresponding to the side wall of the pot.

An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug has a shape corresponding to a champagne cork.

Assembly as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the supports are chamfered on a side opposite to the bottom.

Assembly as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the supports become narrower in a direction away from the bottom.

Assembly as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising at least three supports, preferably at least four supports, and more preferably at least five supports.

An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom has a stepped shape that defines at least two levels.

11. Assembly as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein a first part of the bottom is spaced relative to a second part of the bottom in an outward axial direction.

12. Assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first part of the bottom is arranged near the side wall and the second part of the bottom is arranged at a distance from the side wall.

Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 10-12, wherein an axial inner wall of the stepped form comprises one or more than one opening.

Assembly as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the plug comprises bonded coconut fibers.

Assembly as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the plug rests against the bottom of the pot.

1/4