WO1997033463A1 - Enveloppe pour l'apport d'un fluide aux plantes - Google Patents

Enveloppe pour l'apport d'un fluide aux plantes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997033463A1
WO1997033463A1 PCT/US1997/004572 US9704572W WO9733463A1 WO 1997033463 A1 WO1997033463 A1 WO 1997033463A1 US 9704572 W US9704572 W US 9704572W WO 9733463 A1 WO9733463 A1 WO 9733463A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sheet
super absorbent
plant
peripheral edge
cavity
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1997/004572
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO1997033463A9 (fr
Inventor
Gavin Mccalla
William R. Lutz
Original Assignee
Mccalla Company Doing Business As Ovation
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 Mccalla Company Doing Business As Ovation filed Critical Mccalla Company Doing Business As Ovation
Priority to BR9708205-8A priority Critical patent/BR9708205A/pt
Priority to CA 2248605 priority patent/CA2248605A1/fr
Priority to AU25855/97A priority patent/AU2585597A/en
Publication of WO1997033463A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997033463A1/fr
Publication of WO1997033463A9 publication Critical patent/WO1997033463A9/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G27/00—Self-acting watering devices, e.g. for flower-pots

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for delivering water to plant roots.
  • Some devices employ super absorbent material that absorbs large amounts of water, storing it for later use by the plant. These devices are generally pre-formed devices that are somewhat bulky and may not be easy to use with every sort of planting pot. Furthermore, they are not sealed at the bottom end, thereby allowing water to escape away from the roots of the plant.
  • the present invention which provides a super absorbent material capable of holding water for subsequent delivery to the roots of plants.
  • One aspect of the invention is an apparatus for facilitating growth of a plant.
  • a porous first sheet having a first peripheral edge defines a plurality of pores.
  • a second sheet has a second peripheral edge. The first peripheral edge and the second peripheral edge are affixed to each other so that the first sheet and the second sheet define a cavity therebetween.
  • a super absorbent material, disposed within the cavity, is capable of absorbing water and delivering water to the plant when roots of the plant are adjacent the apparatus.
  • Another aspect of the invention is an apparatus for facilitating growth of a plant.
  • a porous sheet made of polypropylene netting defines a plurality of pores passing therethrough and has a first peripheral edge. The diameter of each pore is between 70 microns and 3000 microns.
  • a substantially non-porous polyethylene sheet has a second peripheral edge. The first peripheral edge and the second peripheral edge are affixed to each other so that the porous sheet and the substantially non-porous sheet define a cavity therebetween.
  • a plurality of granules of potassium acrylate polymer are disposed within the cavity. The granules are capable of absorbing water and delivering water to the plant when roots of the plant are adjacent the apparatus.
  • FIG. 1A is a schematic side view of a dry gel pack in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. IB is a is a schematic side view of a gel pack that is saturated with water in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a is a schematic side view of a gel pack showing the roots of a plant growing into the gel pack.
  • FIG. 3 A is a top plan view of an embodiment of the invention having a plurality of cavities.
  • FIG. 3B is a top front perspective view of an embodiment of the invention having a plurality of pleated cavities wherein seeds are placed between the pleats.
  • FIG. 3C is a top front perspective view of an embodiment of the invention having a plurality of cavities separated in a quilted arrangement.
  • FIGS. 1 A and IB depict the general concept or a schematic representation of the preferred embodiment of the invention, which comprises an apparatus 10 having a first porous sheet 20, having a first peripheral edge 22, and a second, substantially non- porous, sheet 24 having a second peripheral edge 26.
  • the first peripheral edge 22 and the second peripheral edge 26 are affixed to each other so that the porous sheet 20 and the substantially non-porous sheet 24 define a cavity 30 therebetween. Disposed within the cavity 30 is a plurality of granules 32 of a super absorbent polymer capable of absorbing water.
  • the super absorbent material could comprise, for example, acrylamide potassium acrylate cross-linked polymer. Other potassium acrylate polymers may also be suitable.
  • the second sheet 24 could also be porous.
  • the apparatus 10 takes a bowl-shaped configuration when the granules 32 absorb water.
  • the second sheet 24 forms an impermeable recepticle that allows the apparatus 10 to retain water (e.g. rainwater) that has not been absorbed by the granules 32 for later use by the roots of plants.
  • the granules 32 of super absorbent polymer have a dry weight such that the ratio of the dry weight to the maximum volume of the cavity 30 is in the range of from one gram dry weight to ten grams dry weight of super absorbent material to 100 milliliters of volume of the cavity 30.
  • the first porous sheet 20 may comprise, for example, polypropylene netting, having 31 strands per inch, that defines a plurality of pores 28 passing therethrough, the diameter of each pore being between 70 microns and 1000 microns.
  • the minimum diameter of the pores 28 should be at least large enough for roots to pass therethrough.
  • the maximum diameter of the pores 28 should be less than the average diameter of the granules 32, so that they are held within the cavity 30. If larger granules 32 are used, then the diameter of the pores 28 may be larger. For example, if granules 32 having a diameter of greater than 5,000 microns are used, then the diameter of the pores 28 could be up to 5,000 microns.
  • the second sheet 24 may comprise a porous material, or it may comprise a substantially non-porous material. If the second sheet 24 comprises a non-porous material, then an added advantage may be realized when the granules 32 become saturated, in that the second sheet 24 acts as a cup that retains interstitial water for subsequent use.
  • the first sheet 20 and the second sheet 24 each comprise a low-temperature heat sealable film. Such a film allows sealing the two sheets together at a temperature less than that which would damage the granules 32.
  • Polyethylene sheet of a 3 mil thickness, is an example of a suitable material for the second sheet 24
  • polyester netting although it may require a higher sealing temperature.
  • the apparatus 10 may be used by placing it in a pot 16 underneath potting soil 18 and then placing a seedling of a plant 12 in the soil 18.
  • - 4 - apparatus 10 may also be used in outdoors gardening and agricultural applications by placing the apparatus 10 in the soil near seedlings. When the plant 12 is placed adjacent the apparatus 10, the roots 14 tend to grow toward the apparatus 10 and into the cavity 30, thereby making contact with the granules 32. Thus, the granules 32 are capable of delivering water to the roots 14 as it is needed.
  • the apparatus 10 is placed in the soil 18 so that the first sheet 20 is oriented skyward from the second sheet 24.
  • the apparatus 110a comprises a continuous strip 120a that includes several packets 130a each containing separate amounts super absorbent granules 132a.
  • the packets 130a may be separated from each other with serrations 140, thereby allowing the user to tear off each packet 130a as needed.
  • the apparatus 110b comprises a mat 120b having a plurality of pleated chambers 130b filled with super absorbent particles 132b. Seeds 114 may be placed in the pleats 142 between the chambers 130b so that the chambers hold each seed 114 and provided it with water as it develops.
  • FIG. 3 A the apparatus 110a comprises a continuous strip 120a that includes several packets 130a each containing separate amounts super absorbent granules 132a.
  • the packets 130a may be separated from each other with serrations 140, thereby allowing the user to tear off each packet 130a as needed.
  • the apparatus 110b comprises a mat 120b having a plurality of pleated chambers 130b filled with super absorbent particles 132b.
  • the apparatus 110c could comprise a quilted mat 120c comprising a plurality of chambers 130c, each containing super absorbent material 132c.
  • fertilizer may be included with the super absorbent material.
  • Seeds may also be disposed inside the cavity with the super absorbent material, thereby providing a convenient planting system for gardening and agricultural applications.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydroponics (AREA)
  • Cultivation Of Plants (AREA)
  • Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)

Abstract

Un appareil (10) facilitant la croissance d'une plante possède une feuille poreuse (20) constituée d'un treillis en polypropylène qui définit une pluralité de pores (28) et possède un premier bord périphérique (22). Une feuille (24) en polyéthylène non-poreuse possède un second bord périphérique (26). Le premier bord périphérique (22) et le second bord périphérique (26) sont fixés l'un à l'autre de sorte que la feuille poreuse (20) et la feuille non-poreuse (24) définissent une cavité (30) entre elles. Une pluralité de granules (32) de polymère d'acrylate de potassium sont placés dans la cavité (30). Les granules (32) peuvent absorber de l'eau et apporter l'eau à la plante (12) lorsque les racines (14) de la plante sont adjacentes à l'appareil (10).
PCT/US1997/004572 1996-03-15 1997-03-17 Enveloppe pour l'apport d'un fluide aux plantes WO1997033463A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BR9708205-8A BR9708205A (pt) 1996-03-15 1997-03-17 Aparelho e processo para facilitar o crescimento de uma planta.
CA 2248605 CA2248605A1 (fr) 1996-03-15 1997-03-17 Enveloppe pour l'apport d'un fluide aux plantes
AU25855/97A AU2585597A (en) 1996-03-15 1997-03-17 Envelope for fluid delivery to plants

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US61749796A 1996-03-15 1996-03-15
US08/617,497 1996-03-15

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997033463A1 true WO1997033463A1 (fr) 1997-09-18
WO1997033463A9 WO1997033463A9 (fr) 1997-11-06

Family

ID=24473876

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1997/004572 WO1997033463A1 (fr) 1996-03-15 1997-03-17 Enveloppe pour l'apport d'un fluide aux plantes

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (2) AU1008697A (fr)
BR (1) BR9708205A (fr)
WO (1) WO1997033463A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1188365A1 (fr) * 2000-09-15 2002-03-20 Impernovo S.r.l. Dispositif accumulateur d'eau avec guidage des racines à mettre sur le fond de pots de plantes
US20110071025A1 (en) * 2008-05-08 2011-03-24 Rui Luiz Correa Picanco Fertilizer - Pesticide Throw-Pack
EP2560472A1 (fr) * 2010-04-21 2013-02-27 Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy we Wroclawiu Élément géocomposite, notamment destiné à favoriser la croissance des plantes

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4369599A (en) * 1978-02-09 1983-01-25 Association Foret-Cellulose Cultivation balls
US5022182A (en) * 1988-08-22 1991-06-11 Promac Industries, Ltd. Agricultural processes and products
FR2665821A1 (fr) * 1990-08-14 1992-02-21 Puisset Jacques Procede et dispositif pour regler l'humidite de la terre en agriculture.

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4369599A (en) * 1978-02-09 1983-01-25 Association Foret-Cellulose Cultivation balls
US5022182A (en) * 1988-08-22 1991-06-11 Promac Industries, Ltd. Agricultural processes and products
FR2665821A1 (fr) * 1990-08-14 1992-02-21 Puisset Jacques Procede et dispositif pour regler l'humidite de la terre en agriculture.

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1188365A1 (fr) * 2000-09-15 2002-03-20 Impernovo S.r.l. Dispositif accumulateur d'eau avec guidage des racines à mettre sur le fond de pots de plantes
US20110071025A1 (en) * 2008-05-08 2011-03-24 Rui Luiz Correa Picanco Fertilizer - Pesticide Throw-Pack
US8759254B2 (en) * 2008-05-08 2014-06-24 Bayer Cropscience Lp Fertilizer—pesticide throw-pack
EP2560472A1 (fr) * 2010-04-21 2013-02-27 Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy we Wroclawiu Élément géocomposite, notamment destiné à favoriser la croissance des plantes
EP2560472B1 (fr) * 2010-04-21 2015-08-05 Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy we Wroclawiu Élément géocomposite, notamment destiné à favoriser la croissance des plantes

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2585597A (en) 1997-10-01
AU1008697A (en) 1997-09-18
BR9708205A (pt) 2000-01-18

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