[go: up one dir, main page]

EP1014777A1 - Anneau de paillage pour pots de pepiniere - Google Patents

Anneau de paillage pour pots de pepiniere

Info

Publication number
EP1014777A1
EP1014777A1 EP98923954A EP98923954A EP1014777A1 EP 1014777 A1 EP1014777 A1 EP 1014777A1 EP 98923954 A EP98923954 A EP 98923954A EP 98923954 A EP98923954 A EP 98923954A EP 1014777 A1 EP1014777 A1 EP 1014777A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flange
cover
pot
sheet
collar
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98923954A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Michael Scholtens
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1014777A1 publication Critical patent/EP1014777A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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
    • A01G13/00—Protection of plants
    • A01G13/30—Ground coverings
    • A01G13/31—Ground coverings for individual plants

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an agricultural device called a mulching collar and more specifically, to a mulching collar which can be attached as a lid to a pot or planter.
  • Mulch is used in agriculture to inhibit weed growth and encourage crop growth.
  • the simplest form of mulch is a layer of straw, leaves or wood chips spread on the soil around the desired plants. In more modern applications, dark plastic is often used, held down by soil, weights, or stakes .
  • Mulch works by preventing light from reaching young weeds trying to germinate in the soil .
  • the desired crop has its leaves above the mulch and gets full sunlight for photosynthesis while the weeds starve in the dark. This, of course, leaves more light, nutrients and water for the desired crops.
  • mulch provides the secondary benefits of moisture retention and heat retention. Mulch performs these functions by acting as a barrier, preventing air flow from stealing moisture from the soil through evaporation and from stealing heat from the soil through convection. At the same time, the mulch should permit some air flow to prevent mould and rot . Thus, a good mulch should provide a moderating influence, avoiding extremes of heat and moisture.
  • plants in pots must be mulched one pot at a time.
  • a nurseryman To use plastic sheeting, a nurseryman must: cut a circular piece of sheeting, slice a radial slot in the piece of sheeting to receive the plant, place the plastic around the plant stem and within the pot and spread dirt overtop to keep the mulching sheet in place.
  • this process would be unacceptably labour intensive.
  • erosion from watering would eventually wash the dirt from the plastic, leaving the plastic exposed to wind and sun to become ragged and ineffective.
  • Insalaco' s collar suffers from another design problem in that the top of the collar slopes downwards towards its centre hole in a series of concentric terraces. This geometry directs applied water and fertilizer towards the plant at the centre, which could lead to over-fertilizing and the death of the plant .
  • the collar With the slit open, the collar can be placed around the plant stem and the slit permitted to close under the influence of the spring. If the diameter of the collar is made to be slightly larger than the diameter of the pot opening, then the collar can be forced into the pot and the spring will be compressed by the pot. The spring exerts a force against the pot, the pot and spring forces serving to hold the collar in place.
  • McMurtrey's collar requires a two-part construction, with a long weld or glue seam to hold the parts together. This design adds to the complexity and cost of the manufacturing process and yields a less robust collar than would one piece construction. With a nursery requiring several thousand lids, cost and durability are essential considerations .
  • a second shortcoming is that the collar requires two hands to use, one on either side of the slit. This means that there is no hand available to steady the pot or steady the worker or to hold a stack of additional collars for use with other pots. Furthermore, it requires more time to install as the slit has to be forced opened and then closed around the plant .
  • the present invention is directed to such a device.
  • a mulch collar that fits over a the mouth of a nursery pot.
  • the collar has a perforated annular trough which retains applied fertilizer and water, releasing them slowly about the pot perimeter to prevent excessive fertilizing and watering.
  • the collar also has a ribbed flange which together with the trough forms a spring. The spring force serves to hold the collar inside the pot, the exterior annular ribs on the flange engaging the interior annular ribs found on most nursery pots.
  • the collar further includes an annular cap circumscribing the top of the flange, which engages the rim of the pot to limit the travel of the collar into the pot and which provides a handhold both for carrying the pot and for removing the collar.
  • a cover for a nursery pot having a lipped mouth through which a plant may extend, the cover comprising: a sheet of thin material adapted to fit through the mouth to reside within the nursery pot, the sheet defining an aperture that aligns with the mouth when the sheet resides within the nursery pot, thereby permitting the plant to extend through both the mouth and the aperture, a flange adapted to engage the perimeter of the sheet and to extend outwardly therefrom at an obtuse angle to engage the lip of the nursery pot, and an annular trough at the junction between the sheet and the flange.
  • the annular trough might be perforated to permit water or nutrients to pass therethrough and the sheet, the flange, and the trough might be unitary and resilient such that the sheet, the flange, and the trough form a spring.
  • the exterior surface of the flange might define ribs adapted to engage the interior surface of the pot and the ribs might be annular, perhaps as a result of flange being corrugated.
  • the sheet, the flange, and the trough might define a first radial breach extending from the aperture and the first radial breach might be biased open. Furthermore, the sheet might define a second radial breach extending from the aperture, and the second radial breach might be biased closed. It is also anticipated that the sheet in the region of the aperture might be biased away from the plane defined by the rest of the sheet.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mulching collar according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 is an elevational section view of the mulching collar of Figure 1 taken along the line A-A;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a mulching collar according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 4 is an elevational section view of a mulching collar according to a third embodiment of the invention.
  • a mulching collar for use in a nursery pot P (not part of the invention) and the like is generally illustrated at 10.
  • the mulching collar 10 has a depressed shape like a bowl and may made from plastic, aluminium foil or any other opaque material having suitable resiliency and stiffness to produce the behaviour described herein.
  • the collar 10 includes a substantially horizontal apron 12 and a substantially vertical flange 14 extending from the perimeter of the apron at an obtuse angle.
  • the apron 12 and flange 14 form an integral and unitary whole that is cheap to manufacture and durable; however, it is anticipated that the apron 12 and flange 14 might also be separately formed and then fastened or bonded together by various well known means.
  • the apron 12 is shaped to fit within the mouth M of the pot P, retained in place by the flange 14 which is shaped to engage the pot P mouth M.
  • annular trough 16 which is perforated at intervals along its length.
  • the trough is formed to catch and hold both fertilizer and water deposited onto the apron 12 and to release them slowly about the perimeter of the pot through the perforations, thereby resisting over-fertilizing and soil erosion.
  • the perforations also provide a path for airflow between the atmosphere and the interior of the pot P, thereby reducing the risk of mould and mildew.
  • the annular trough 16 might remain unperforated to catch and hold both fertilizer and water but to dispense only the excess that spills over the bank of the trough 16, the remainder evaporating or eroding away.
  • the substantially vertical flange 14 is ringed by a series of horizontal ribs 18.
  • Each annular rib 18 might be continuous or discontinuous.
  • the annular ribs 18 serve to stiffen the flange 14, improving its ability to function as a spring.
  • the annular ribs 18 also texture the outside surface of the flange 14, helping to hold the collar in place against the planter P mouth M as will be further explained below.
  • the annular ribs 18 may be formed as protrusions or may result from the corrugation 18, 18' of the flange 14.
  • annular ribs 18 In place of the annular ribs 18, one might include instead vertical ribs, dimples, knurling, or the like; however, while such textures would help to engage the pot P mouth M, they would be unlikely to aid the spring function of the flange 14 to the same extent as the annular ribs 18.
  • the flange 14 is topped by an annular cap 20 which forms in cross-section an inverted "U" .
  • This cap 20 limits how far the collar 10 can be inserted into the pot by catching on the upper rim R of the pot P.
  • the cap 20 also serves as a convenient finger hold for inserting or removing the collar 10 and for grabbing the pot P by its rim R.
  • the flange 14 gives the collar 10 a tapered profile, conveniently like a bung.
  • the bottom of the collar 10 (the apron 12) is narrow and fits easily into the pot P.
  • the top of the collar 10 is broader than the mouth M of the pot P and therefore sprung, flaring flange 14 must be compressed before the upper portion of the collar 12 could fit within the pot P mouth M.
  • an iris-shaped aperture generally illustrated at 22 pierces the apron 12.
  • the iris-shaped aperture 22 is defined by a wide substantially radial channel 24 which breaches the apron 12 from its center 26 through the trough 16 and the flange 14 and by one or more narrower substantially radial slits 28 which slice through the apron 12 to its centre 26 but terminate well short of the perimeter of the collar 10 before the inside edge of the annular trough 16.
  • the radial channel 24 is normally open and is wide enough in that state to receive a plant stem S.
  • the radial channel 24 and the radial slits 28 divide the apron 12 into approximately equal sized iris petals 30 and facilitate resilient bending of the collar 10 at the apron 12, the ribbed flange 14, and the annular trough 16.
  • the iris petals 30 may be biased upwards or downwards away from the plane of the rest of the apron 12 both to facilitate spring deformation and to present a safe, smooth, flat surface to the plant stem S .
  • FIG. 3 An apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention is generally illustrated at 10a in Figure 3.
  • the second embodiment mulch collar 10a is very similar to the first embodiment mulch collar 10 differing in that a central aperture 22a punctures the apron 12 and a substantially radial channel 24a breaches the apron 12 from the central aperture 22a to the outer edge of the flange 14.
  • This simpler second embodiment allows the collar 10a to receive a plant stem S within the central aperture 22a through the radial channel 24a but has reduced springiness compared to the first embodiment because there are no secondary radial slits to facilitate the deformation of the collar 10a.
  • the channel 24, 24a is open and the spring is uncompressed.
  • the plant stem S can be received withi ' n the channel 24, 24a and the collar 10, 10a can easily be placed around the plant stem S.
  • the mouth M compresses the sprung, flaring, flange 14, the outer surface of the flange 14 being stretched (tensioned) , the inner surface of the trough 16 being compressed, and the apron 12 being deformed toward or away from the pot P, all resulting in the development of a spring force which resists further compression of the collar 10.
  • the user can release the collar 10 and the cap 20 will engage the rim R of the pot P.
  • the collar 10 spring force will be exerted against the pot P, forcing the ribs 18 on the flange 14 into the annular troughs T found on the interior of most nursery pots.
  • the ribbed flange 14 depressed within the pot P mouth M presents a convenient surface for a nurseryman to grab onto the pot P for carrying.
  • the user merely grabs the cap 20 with one hand and lifts the collar 10 out of the pot P.
  • the collar 10 spring force and the tapered shape of the flange 14 combine with the nurseryman's lifting force to pop the collar 10 out of the pot P, the collar 10 spring force forcing the radial channel 24 open to permit the collar 10 to be removed from around the plant stem S.
  • an apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 100.
  • the apparatus is similar to the apparatus shown in Figure 2, with the exception that it does not include the annular cap 20 shown in Figure 2 but rather includes a flat planar annular ring 102.
  • the rim contacts the inner wall of the pot, allowing the collar 10 to be inserted into the pot more deeply than shown in Figure 2, until the walls of the pot interfere with the annular ring to the point where the collar can be pressed no further into the pot.
  • While the above apparatus provides advantages when used with conventional nursery pots, it may also be used with pots used to hold water plants. This is particularly advantageous where the water plants are disposed in a pool holding koi fish which often damage the roots of such plants.
  • the apparatus covers the roots of water plants, thereby protecting the roots from fish.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un couvercle de paillage (10a) destiné à un pot (P) de pépinière, comprenant un plateau (12) qui protège la partie supérieure (M) du pot (P) et une collerette (14) qui relie le plateau (12) au bord (R) du pot (P). Le plateau (12) et la collerette (14) sont séparés par une brèche radiale (24a) pouvant recevoir la tige d'une plante. Une gouttière annulaire perforée (16) suivant le périmètre du plateau (12), où elle rencontre la collerette (14), sert à retenir et à dispenser l'eau et les engrais interceptés par le plateau (12). La collerette (14) présente une série de nervures (18), de préférence annulaires, qui entrent en contact avec la partie supérieure (M) du pot (P), notamment au niveau où celle-ci comporte des gouttières annulaires, comme c'est souvent le cas. Le plateau (12), la gouttière (16) et la collerette (14) sont résilients, et ils constituent ensemble un ressort qui, quand il est sollicité, ouvre la brèche (24a) et pousse le couvercle (10a) contre la partie supérieure (M) du pot, de façon à le maintenir en place.
EP98923954A 1997-05-27 1998-05-26 Anneau de paillage pour pots de pepiniere Withdrawn EP1014777A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002206220A CA2206220A1 (fr) 1997-05-27 1997-05-27 Collier protecteur pour pot de pepiniere
CA2206220 1997-05-27
PCT/CA1998/000526 WO1998053665A1 (fr) 1997-05-27 1998-05-26 Anneau de paillage pour pots de pepiniere

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1014777A1 true EP1014777A1 (fr) 2000-07-05

Family

ID=4160746

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98923954A Withdrawn EP1014777A1 (fr) 1997-05-27 1998-05-26 Anneau de paillage pour pots de pepiniere

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1014777A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU7633598A (fr)
CA (1) CA2206220A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1998053665A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2409141B (en) * 2003-12-15 2006-03-08 Barcham Trees Plc Plant container
FR2880238A1 (fr) * 2005-01-06 2006-07-07 Anne Laure Blanchard Dispositif visant a proteger les plantes et les fleurs en pots contre toute incursion exterieure nuisible
FR3012724B1 (fr) 2013-11-07 2016-08-05 Lucien Fevriero Paillage a reserve d'eau pour la culture de plantes, en particulier de plantes cultivees en pots.

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2146516A5 (fr) * 1971-07-16 1973-03-02 Lefeuvre Albert
US3961443A (en) 1975-05-05 1976-06-08 Insalaco Charles J Cover for nursery pots providing improved protection, support and feeding
DE3331532A1 (de) * 1983-09-01 1985-03-21 Helmerich 2910 Westerstede Helmers Verpackung fuer eine pflanze
GB8717434D0 (en) * 1987-07-23 1987-08-26 Plantpak Ltd Cover for plant container
US5058317A (en) 1990-05-01 1991-10-22 Mcmurtrey Lawrence J Mulch Collar
CA2181296A1 (fr) * 1996-07-16 1998-01-17 Michael Scholtens Paillis pour plante en pot

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9853665A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1998053665A1 (fr) 1998-12-03
CA2206220A1 (fr) 1998-11-27
AU7633598A (en) 1998-12-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4223480A (en) Potted plant transplant liner
US5058317A (en) Mulch Collar
US4955156A (en) Plant watering and root protection device
US3961443A (en) Cover for nursery pots providing improved protection, support and feeding
US4715144A (en) Plant container with concavoconvex ribs
CA1171281A (fr) Contenant
AU763871B2 (en) Cell and cell tray for growing seedlings
US4403443A (en) Flower pot device
CA2628197A1 (fr) Pot a plante a fond ouvert avec sous-pot detachable
GB2053640A (en) Plant shoes for inhibiting weed growth
US5325627A (en) Weed control device for potted plants
US20110219682A1 (en) Plant protector cage
JP3044352U (ja) 水耕栽培器
US5413934A (en) Compost container
JP4654223B2 (ja) 自然薯の栽培方法及び栽培容器
EP1014777A1 (fr) Anneau de paillage pour pots de pepiniere
GB1580934A (en) Plant growing euipment
US6038813A (en) Method and apparatus for controlling root growth
US5548923A (en) Adjustable post or botanical collar apparatus
US5813170A (en) Direct seeding shelter and method for seeding
CN117082970A (zh) 可锁定的室内/室外栽培机
AU713110B2 (en) Planter mulching cover
GB2370211A (en) Slug guard
US20020038526A1 (en) Protective device for trees and plants
JP2011234696A (ja) 苗保護カバー

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19991208

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20011201