WO2009156855A2 - Article biodégradable avec graine incorporée - Google Patents

Article biodégradable avec graine incorporée Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2009156855A2
WO2009156855A2 PCT/IB2009/006383 IB2009006383W WO2009156855A2 WO 2009156855 A2 WO2009156855 A2 WO 2009156855A2 IB 2009006383 W IB2009006383 W IB 2009006383W WO 2009156855 A2 WO2009156855 A2 WO 2009156855A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plate
disposable
seed
cup
section
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2009/006383
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2009156855A3 (fr
Inventor
Gavin Reay
Original Assignee
Gavin Reay
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 Gavin Reay filed Critical Gavin Reay
Publication of WO2009156855A2 publication Critical patent/WO2009156855A2/fr
Publication of WO2009156855A3 publication Critical patent/WO2009156855A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C1/00—Apparatus, or methods of use thereof, for testing or treating seed, roots, or the like, prior to sowing or planting
    • A01C1/04—Arranging seed on carriers, e.g. on tapes, on cords ; Carrier compositions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G19/00—Table service
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G19/00—Table service
    • A47G19/02—Plates, dishes or the like
    • A47G19/06—Plates with integral holders for spoons, glasses, or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G19/00—Table service
    • A47G19/22—Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service
    • A47G19/2205—Drinking glasses or vessels
    • A47G19/2227—Drinking glasses or vessels with means for amusing or giving information to the user

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed to a biodegradable article and, more specifically, to a biodegradable disposable plate, cup, utensil or dining set with a seed embedded therein, enclosed in relation to, or attached thereto where the plate, cup, utensil or dining set is formed from a material that it is able to give nutrients to the plant as it germinates.
  • the present invention generally relates to biodegradable utensils, cups and plates, and more specifically, to biodegradable disposable utensils, cups, and plates that have a plant seed embedded therein, enclosed in relation to, or attached thereto so that once disposed of the seed will grow.
  • Disposable plates and cutlery are popular, and have traditionally been used as a convenience to avoid cleaning. Disposable plates and cutlery are generally inexpensive and sold in bulk quantities, and are not typically fragile. Because of these features, disposable plates and cutlery are often used at events with a large number of people. They are often sold in sets in a variety of sizes and shapes to complement the users' permanent cutlery and serve ware. Additionally, disposable plates and cutlery are generally chosen for their variety of shapes and sizes and for their printed patterns and designs.
  • Disposable plates and cutlery have traditionally been made from card, sometimes recycled, but often coated and printed on. Often disposable plates are laminated, which keeps food from soaking through the plate, but this coating makes biodegradation difficult so that their use can be environmentally damaging. Moreover, the marketing of such disposable plates and cutlery often relies on the application of ornamental designs and even licensed characters. [007] There are a number of products that have an embedded plant seed so that after the product has been used and disposed of, a plant will grow in its place. For example, the patent application US 2006/0265952 to Christal describes a container for consumables made from a biodegradable material having incorporated therein seeds of plants suitable for germination.
  • the Christal patent is distinct from the present invention in that it aims at containing consumable objects. Indeed, the application itself emphasizes the fact that its invention is a container, not just a biodegradable article. Moreover, Christal's biodegradable containers are not separable from the seed embedded therein. Rather, the seed is an integral part of the container, making plant germination difficult. In order to plant the seed, the entire container must be buried which is both impractical and cumbersome. Therefore, it is an aspect of the present invention to have a separable portion that may be planted independently from the biodegradable cup, plate, utensil or dining set in which the seed is embedded, enclosed, or attached. The present invention is provided to solve these and other such problems with prior art devices.
  • the present invention relates to the integration of a disposable biodegradable plate cup, utensil, or dining set with a seed embedded therein, enclosed in relation to, or attached thereto where the plate, cup, utensil or dining set is formed from a material that it is able to give nutrients to the plant as it germinates.
  • the seeds may be selected for hardiness, attractiveness of the seed, plant or name, climate, likelihood of germination and other attributes.
  • the seeds may be incorporated in an indentation in the biodegradable plate or into the structure of the utensil and cup either wholly or partially, or in one or more layers.
  • the biodegradable material may be natural or artificial cardboard, paper, fabric, or any other biodegradable material.
  • the plate, cup or utensil may incorporate fertilizer, germination agents, and agents to speed breakdown of the container. Different varieties of seeds may be used in the plate, cup or utensil and for pleasing aesthetic effect.
  • the present invention is intended to provide a disposable plate, cup, and utensil set that is eco-friendly by being both biodegradable and facilitating plant growth. Therefore, it is an aspect of the present invention for the plate, cup, or utensil to be used in connection with food or beverages without having to be cleaned and then be able to be disposed of in a user's backyard as a means of planting.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention showing a disposable plate.
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional top view of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a top and cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the present invention showing another disposable plate.
  • FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the third embodiment showing a disposable dining set showing a utensil attached to the disposable plate.
  • FIG. 7 is a sectional perspective view of the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment showing a cup with a seed embedded therein, enclosed in relation to, or attached thereto.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment showing cup with the top portion turned upside down to form a cover.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment showing a complete biodegradable disposable dining set.
  • FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the sixth embodiment
  • FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the sixth embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a top view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention showing a disposable plate. Detailed Description of the Invention
  • Embodiments of the present invention relate to a biodegradable plate, cup, utensil, and dining set, and more specifically, to a biodegradable disposable plate that has an integral plant seed embedded therein, enclosed in relation to, or attached thereto.
  • the following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements.
  • Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
  • the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
  • Figure 1 shows an oblong-shaped plate
  • the disposable plate 2 may be a circular, square or rectangular shape.
  • the disposable plate 2 may be a variety of sizes.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a disposable plate 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which provides a disposable plate 2 comprising a structure 4 that includes a surface 6 from which food can be eaten or served.
  • the structure 4 may be composed of a biodegradable material with at least one seed that may be partially or fully embedded therein or otherwise enclosed therein.
  • the material may be made from paper, card pulp, sugarcane composite, bamboo or similar biodegradable materials. This material may also provide the initial feed for the growing seed.
  • Figure 1 shows a number of features defined in the plate's surface 6. First, a cup holder 14 is defined in the structure of the disposable plate 2.
  • Figure 1 shows the disposable plate 2 defining a plurality of separate sections 8 that may be used to segregate food stuffs.
  • Figures 1 and 2 show an indentation 12 in the surface 6 of the disposable plate 2 that allows a user to grasp the plate.
  • the indentation 12 may also be used to segregate the seed from the rest of the plate.
  • This indentation 12 may also include a section 16 separable from the structure of the plate 2.
  • the indentation 12 may confine the seed and material that provides the initial feed from the structure 4 of the plate 2.
  • a fast-degrade material i.e. rice paper that dissolves within a few hours of water immersion
  • the plate 2 may include a seed 10 embedded, enclosed in relation to, or attached to its structure 4, not just within the indentation 12 or separable section 16.
  • the plate 2 may incorporate a biodegradable material and suitable composition in its structure to provide the initial feed for the seed 10.
  • FIGs 3, 4, and 5 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • a seed 10 is shown embedded into a section that may be removed from the plate 2 (i.e. torn or snapped off) by using a perforated section 18 so that this section may be buried or planted separately from the plate 2.
  • the section 16 may also include a composition suitable for plant growth. Once the plate is disposed of, the structure of the plate 2 will degrade and a plant will grow from the seed 10 embedded therein. If the section 16 is separated from the structure of the plate 2, it may be planted separately from the plate 2.
  • This embedded seed 10 may be selected from a group consisting of a sunflower seed, an herb seed, and a spice seed. Once the plate 2 is disposed of, it will still degrade wherever it ends up (i.e. in a landfill), but will not sprout a plant.
  • the disposable plate may be adapted to cultivate a plant thereform.
  • the plant may grow from the section in the plate that segregates the seed from the remainder of the place.
  • the surface of the structure may still be used to serve or eat food from, but with a plant appearing to sprout from the plate for aesthetic purposes.
  • Figures 6 and 7 illustrate another embodiment wherein a utensil 21 is attached to the disposable plate 2.
  • Figure 6 shows a utensil 21 held onto the plate 2 with tabs 22 so that it can be removed or reattached when needed. Both the tabs 22 and the utensil 21 may be molded to the plate 2. The utensil 21 may also be disposed of separately from the plate 2.
  • the present invention does not require this particular form of utensil.
  • the utensil affixed to the plate can be a spork, a fork, a spoon or a knife.
  • the utensil is made from a biodegradable material with at least one seed 10 embedded therein, enclosed in relation to, or attached thereto.
  • the utensil also includes a composition suitable for plant growth within its stem or handle.
  • the biodegradable material and the suitable composition provide the initial feed for the seed 10, so that once the utensil is disposed of, a plant will be able to germinate from it.
  • the utensil may also comprise a material with a fast-degrade section (i.e. rice paper that dissolves within a few hours of water immersion) which adheres, covers or otherwise attaches the seed 10 to the utensil.
  • Figure 8 depicts a disposable cup 24 comprised of a structure, including a recess in which beverages can be placed and consumed from, where the structure is made from a biodegradable material with at least one seed 10 embedded therein, enclosed in relation to, or attached thereto.
  • the disposable cup 24 may be composed of glass or plastic.
  • the disposable cup 24 may also be comprised of a material suitable for plant growth so that once the cup 24 is disposed of, its structure will degrade and a plant will grow from the seed 10.
  • Figure 8 shows the seed 10 situated in the base 26 of the cup 24; however, it may also be situated in the stem 28 of the cup 24. Additionally, the seed 10 is shown situated in a section 30 inside the base 26 of the cup 24.
  • This section 30 also includes a composition suitable for plant growth (i.e. nutrient-rich composition) so that once the section 30 is removed from the cup 24, it can be planted or buried. The section 30 may be removed by removing the base 26 from the stem 28.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the invention where the cup 24 has been separated into two pieces: the top portion 32 and the base 26.
  • This embodiment allows the hollow top portion 32 to be used as a cover for the base 26, forming a miniature cold frame or green house to aid germination of a plant 34.
  • a seed 10 is situated in a section 30 in the base 26 of the cup 24.
  • the top of the section 30 may be made from a fast-degrade material (i.e. rice paper that dissolves within a few hours of water immersion) or a biodegradable clear material for the cup 24, which has a seed 10 situated within it.
  • This feature allows a plant to be grown from the base 26 of the cup 24 under the cover that the upside-down top portion 32 of the cup forms. Once the plant 34 has grown to a certain size, the cover would have to be removed to allow the plant to continue to grow without restriction.
  • the base 26 of the cup 24 may be buried to facilitate the growth of the seed 10.
  • Figure 10 illustrates a complete disposable biodegradable dining set.
  • This set includes a disposable biodegradable plate 2, utensil 21 and cup 24.
  • the disposable plate 2 defines a cup holder 14 in its surface.
  • the plate 2 also has tabs attached to its side in order to harness a piece of disposable cutlery.
  • Figure 10 shows the utensil 21 attached to the plate 2 as a spork, but it may also be a fork, spoon or knife.
  • Each piece of the dining set includes a seed 10 embedded therein, enclosed in relation to, or attached thereto.
  • FIG 11 shows another view of the complete disposable dining set.
  • the cup 24 is shown in the cup holder 14 defined in the surface of the disposable plate 2.
  • the stem 28 of the cup 24 is slid through the gap in the outside of the cup holder 14. Because the top portion 32 of the cup 24 is wider than the hole in the cup holder 14, the cup 24 is able to balance within the cup holder 14 without sliding through.
  • the cup holder 14 is intended to be used when the diner has no surface to put down the plate, and must instead hold their plate and cup.
  • the cup holder 14 allows the user's hand, which would otherwise be holding the cup, to be free.
  • Figure 12 illustrates the complete disposable dining set with each piece secured together.
  • the cup 24 is shown resting in the cup holder 14 that is defined in the surface 6 of the disposable plate 2.
  • the utensil 21 is attached to the plate by tabs 22 that allow it to be removed and reattached.
  • Figure 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of a disposable plate having a section 16 with a seed 10 embedded therein, enclosed in relation to, or attached thereto. The section 16 may be removed from the plate 2.
  • the section 16 in the form of the tab
  • Suitable indicia or wording may include brand information as shown or, alternatively, a logo, a picture, information regarding the type of seed, care instructions for the plant which will sprout from the seed, or an eco-friendly message.
  • This indicia or wording may be printed, placed or etched directly on the section 16 or, alternatively, on a fast-degrade material (i.e. rice paper that dissolves within a few hours of water immersion) adhered to the section 16.
  • the fast-degrade material may extend over the seed to cover or enclose the seed.
  • the fast-degrade material may be in the form of a sticker having indicia or wording printed thereon which further adheres, covers or encloses the seed to the section.
  • the fast-degrade material may also be generally transparent or translucent such that seed is visible. Such fast-degrade material may be used to further facilitate germination of the seed 10.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Soil Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)
  • Pretreatment Of Seeds And Plants (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un article biodégradable et, de manière plus spécifique, un élément jetable biodégradable de type assiette, tasse, ustensile ou service de table, une graine étant incorporée dans celui-ci,  renfermée par rapport à celui-ci, ou attachée à celui-ci, l’élément de type assiette, tasse, ustensile ou service de table étant formé à partir d'un matériau qui est en mesure de fournir des nutriments à la plante pendant sa germination.
PCT/IB2009/006383 2008-06-27 2009-06-26 Article biodégradable avec graine incorporée WO2009156855A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US7624808P 2008-06-27 2008-06-27
US61/076,248 2008-06-27

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009156855A2 true WO2009156855A2 (fr) 2009-12-30
WO2009156855A3 WO2009156855A3 (fr) 2010-04-01

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2009/006383 WO2009156855A2 (fr) 2008-06-27 2009-06-26 Article biodégradable avec graine incorporée

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2009156855A2 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011018782A3 (fr) * 2009-08-12 2011-04-14 Eyal Iter Structures et procédés conçus pour fixer un article d'affichage à une graine pouvant germer, et plante germée portant cette structure et/ou cet article d'affichage
US9220190B2 (en) 2010-08-11 2015-12-29 Ufp Technologies, Inc. Seed panel
US9363940B2 (en) 2010-08-11 2016-06-14 Ufp Technologies, Inc. Seed panel
US10278369B2 (en) * 2013-08-02 2019-05-07 Purina Animal Nutrition Llc Method and system for feeding an animal a consumable feed product and vegetation from a container
WO2021009668A1 (fr) * 2019-07-17 2021-01-21 Boltezar Mark Ustensiles de cuisine et couverts jetables

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0534034A1 (fr) * 1991-09-24 1993-03-31 Erhard Berger Procédé pour la fabrication d'articles réalisés en des matériaux comestibles ou facilement fermentables
FR2707832A1 (fr) * 1993-07-20 1995-01-27 Mathieu Christian Carte avec éléments germinatifs.
WO1995015894A2 (fr) * 1993-12-06 1995-06-15 Franz Haas Waffelmaschinen Industriegesellschaft Mbh Procede de fabrication de corps profiles a parois minces, degradables, a base d'amidon
US5688448A (en) * 1993-03-24 1997-11-18 The Illinois Institute Of Technology Method for producing biodegradable products
US5705237A (en) * 1992-08-11 1998-01-06 E. Khashoggi Industries Hydraulically settable containers and other articles for storing, dispensing, and packaging food or beverages
DE202004005532U1 (de) * 2004-04-01 2004-06-17 Nann, Bernd Rolf Behälter, insbesondere Ess- und Menüschalen aus biologisch abbaubaren Materialien
DE102004007941A1 (de) * 2004-02-18 2005-09-29 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Biologisch abbaubares Compound, das sich für Spritzguss, Folienextrusion und zum Blasformen eignet, Verfahren zu seiner Herstellung und seine Verwendung, insbesondere im Lebensmittelbereich
US20060265952A1 (en) * 2005-05-29 2006-11-30 Christal Dean V Biodegradable consumable article with embedded seeds
WO2007136267A2 (fr) * 2006-05-23 2007-11-29 Dishposables International B.V. Ensemble d'ustensiles de table en plastique pour boire et/ou manger

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0534034A1 (fr) * 1991-09-24 1993-03-31 Erhard Berger Procédé pour la fabrication d'articles réalisés en des matériaux comestibles ou facilement fermentables
US5705237A (en) * 1992-08-11 1998-01-06 E. Khashoggi Industries Hydraulically settable containers and other articles for storing, dispensing, and packaging food or beverages
US5688448A (en) * 1993-03-24 1997-11-18 The Illinois Institute Of Technology Method for producing biodegradable products
FR2707832A1 (fr) * 1993-07-20 1995-01-27 Mathieu Christian Carte avec éléments germinatifs.
WO1995015894A2 (fr) * 1993-12-06 1995-06-15 Franz Haas Waffelmaschinen Industriegesellschaft Mbh Procede de fabrication de corps profiles a parois minces, degradables, a base d'amidon
DE102004007941A1 (de) * 2004-02-18 2005-09-29 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Biologisch abbaubares Compound, das sich für Spritzguss, Folienextrusion und zum Blasformen eignet, Verfahren zu seiner Herstellung und seine Verwendung, insbesondere im Lebensmittelbereich
DE202004005532U1 (de) * 2004-04-01 2004-06-17 Nann, Bernd Rolf Behälter, insbesondere Ess- und Menüschalen aus biologisch abbaubaren Materialien
US20060265952A1 (en) * 2005-05-29 2006-11-30 Christal Dean V Biodegradable consumable article with embedded seeds
WO2007136267A2 (fr) * 2006-05-23 2007-11-29 Dishposables International B.V. Ensemble d'ustensiles de table en plastique pour boire et/ou manger

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011018782A3 (fr) * 2009-08-12 2011-04-14 Eyal Iter Structures et procédés conçus pour fixer un article d'affichage à une graine pouvant germer, et plante germée portant cette structure et/ou cet article d'affichage
US8132363B2 (en) 2009-08-12 2012-03-13 Iter Eyal Structures and methods for attaching a display article to a germinateable seed and a germinated plant carrying the structure and/or the display article
US9220190B2 (en) 2010-08-11 2015-12-29 Ufp Technologies, Inc. Seed panel
US9363940B2 (en) 2010-08-11 2016-06-14 Ufp Technologies, Inc. Seed panel
US10278369B2 (en) * 2013-08-02 2019-05-07 Purina Animal Nutrition Llc Method and system for feeding an animal a consumable feed product and vegetation from a container
US11058098B2 (en) 2013-08-02 2021-07-13 Purina Animal Nutrition Llc Method and system for feeding an animal a consumable feed product and vegetation from a container
WO2021009668A1 (fr) * 2019-07-17 2021-01-21 Boltezar Mark Ustensiles de cuisine et couverts jetables

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