Planting container and delivery unit for planting container

Abstract

A planting container (2) for planting a propagule (P0) is capable of being automatically delivered by launching from an aerial or terrestrial delivery device (1) and sticking into a soil (S) to be planted when delivered. The planting container (2) has an upper part (21) forming an interior space and having a top opening (22) for receiving the propagule (P0). The planting container (2) has a lower part (21) ending in a tip (23) for sticking into the soil (S). The upper part (20) has a circumferential wall (200) defining the top opening (23), the circumferential wall (200) having first through-openings (201) allowing water (W) to flow through the upper part (20). The lower part (21) has second through-openings (211) enabling roots (P1) of the propagule (P0) to grow to an outside and enabling an exchange of water (W) with the outside, wherein the second through-openings (211) allow water (W) to enter from the outside into the lower part (21) and to leave the lower part (21) to the outside. The planting container (2) improves planting yield and allows planting automation especially in intertidal areas.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] PLANTING CONTAINER AND DELIVERY UNIT FOR PLANTING CONTAINER

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a planting container for planting a propagule by air drop, mechanically or manually, a delivery unit for delivering planting containers and for mounting on a delivery device and a method for delivering a multiple of planting containers.

[0005] PRIOR ART

[0006] A propagule is a structure, such as a cutting, a seed or a spore, that propagates a plant. "Soil" in this text means the upper layer of earth in which plants grow.

[0007] Environmental restoration efforts generally require large scale seeding or planting over degraded land. Some terrains however are difficult to be planted, for example because they are inaccessible or difficult to cultivate. Several types of planting methods and planting containers have been suggested for remote or inaccessible areas.

[0008] US 3 755 962 describes aerial planting method where planting containers are dropped from an airplane. The planting container has a tubular main body containing the seedlings, where fins for aerodynamic stability are arranged at the outside of the main body. A pointed nose is present for penetrating the soil, and wall partitions enable the roots of the seedlings to reach out of the container. The container breaks up as the roots develop.

[0009] US 4 333265 and US 4 336669 disclose air drop planting systems and planting containers. The planting containers are hollow cones with a closed wall and with a tip forming a drainage hole. In US 4 333265, the containers fracture when they hit earth, permitting the roots to grow through the container to the outside. In US 4 336669, the containers are frozen when delivered, and they melt in the soil. US 9 930 827 B2 uses biodegradable capsules having an upper flight platform component and a lower cone tip component, wherein the cone tip component comprises a plurality of small holes formed therein.

[0010] US 11 737 387 B2 uses drone delivery for planting propagules. The drone comprises a seedling box with a loading mechanism and a deploying mechanism to facilitate deployment of the planting containers. The containers comprise a weighted tip with a hollow cavity for the seedling placement and a vertical rod for securing the seedling during deployment. The container decomposes over the time and the roots of the plant can grow into the surrounding ground, thereby breaking the container.

[0011] Planting marine plant species, especially intertidal plant species such as mangroves, is challenging. Water waves disturb the propagules and move them before they can root and sufficiently establish themselves. In addition, the germinated mangrove propagules or seeds (for non viviparous mangrove species) dry out when the tide goes out, especially in hot and arid environments. Furthermore, the large variety in propagule shapes and sizes makes an automation of the planting process challenging.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a planting container which can be used for planting intertidal plant species, for example mangroves.

[0014] This subject is solved with a planting container having the features of claim 1 , a delivery unit having the features of claim 14 and a method having the features of claim 20.

[0015] The inventive planting container for planting a propagule is capable of being automatically delivered by launching from an aerial or terrestrial delivery device and sticking into a soil to be planted when delivered. The planting container has an upper part forming an interior space. The upper part has a top opening for receiving the propagule. The planting container has a lower part ending in a tip for sticking into the soil. The upper part has a circumferential wall defining the top opening. The circumferential wall has first through- openings allowing water to flow through the upper part. The lower part has second through-openings enabling roots of the propagule to grow to an outside and enabling an exchange of water with the outside, wherein the second through-openings allow water to enter from the outside into the lower part and to leave the lower part to the outside.

[0016] "Capable of being automatically delivered by launching from an aerial or terrestrial delivery device" means that they have a size, a shape and a stability to fall onto the ground in an undamaged way, so that the propagule is still arranged within the container when the planting container falls onto the ground and the planting container can protect the plant in the first days of growing. Furthermore, it means that no additional force is needed after launching from the delivery device to make the container stick into the soil. "Launching" is releasing with or without force. "Ejecting" is releasing using a force. "Dropping" means releasing with or without force, but in vertical direction from top to bottom. Preferably, the containers are dropped or ejected.

[0017] The planting container allows planting propagules, for species such as seagrasses or even larger propagules such as mangroves, in marine areas or coastal ecosystems, especially in intertidal areas. The first through-openings of the upper part ensure that marine water can flow through the planting container. This ensures especially in the first days or weeks after delivery, that the freshly positioned planting container remains in place. Water waves and tides cannot wash away the planting container.

[0018] The second through-openings in the lower part allow soil to enter into the interior of the lower part, anchoring the planting container even more and enabling direct contact with the propagule or with the medium which surrounds the propagule. The medium may be for example agar, coir or another appropriate medium providing initial nutrition. It may be in addition or alternatively a hydrogel. The propagule may also be held without a medium, but by friction.

[0019] The second through-openings also allow water to enter and leave the lower part. The water flowing through the second through-openings ensures that the propagule is regularly hydrated and that the water is exchanged with the environment. In addition, it also improves the fixation in the soil.

[0020] The top opening, especially when the top is fully open, allows light in so that the plant can grow up and out. In addition, it simplifies inserting the propagule and even enables automatic filling. The container with the circumferential wall and the first and second through-openings therefore protects the propagule and allows it to develop and to grow. During the growing process, roots can grow through the second through-openings and fix the container and the plant in their position in the soil even more. The roots may grow through the first through-openings as well.

[0021] The upper part preferably extends above the soil, the lower part preferably sticks along its whole length or at least partially in the soil. This arrangement can be achieved by providing a planting container with the circumferential wall of the upper part defining the outermost outer circumference, i.e. the largest outer circumference, of the planting container and the lower part comprising an outer circumference which continuously decreases towards the tip. The tip is preferably pointed to ensure a good penetration into the soil and improve the stability against water wave energy.

[0022] Preferably, the first and the second through-openings are arranged around the circumference of the container, i.e. the upper part and the lower part of the container are open on all circumferential sides and preferably on the bottom side as well.

[0023] Preferably, the planting container is stiff. This provides sufficient stability when the planting container is delivered by launching, preferably by dropping, from an aerial or terrestrial device. It also provides sufficient stability in the first days or weeks after delivery into the soil, so that the growing plant is protected, especially in intertidal areas. Preferably, the planting container is made of a biodegradable material, for example biodegradable plastic, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polysaccharide-based bioplastics or other biodegradable material. Preferably, the container, especially the lower part, takes at least 8 weeks to degrade in dry soil and at least 4 weeks to degrade in intertidal areas. In some embodiments, the container is at least degradable in marine and terrestrial environments from the actions of environmental forces, microfauna, bacteria and fungi.

[0024] The planting container can be delivered by hand. Preferably, however, it is delivered by an automatic device, such as a drone, an airplane, a helicopter or a terrestrial vehicle, such as a farm tractor.

[0025] In preferred embodiments, the circumferential wall of the upper part has at least two opposite sections that extend parallel to each other. These two sections allow easy handling in an aerial or terrestrial delivery device. The two sections also allow lining up multiple of these planting containers in a space-optimised way. Preferably, the two sections are flat and extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container. The longitudinal axis extends through both the upper and the lower part and from the top opening to the tip.

[0026] Handling of the planting container is simplified when two opposite sidewalls or sections of the upper part comprise a recess each, wherein the recesses are arranged on opposite sides to each other. Gripper or carriers of automatic mounting, transport or delivery devices can use these recesses to move, hold and launch the planting container without harming the propagule located inside the container.

[0027] Preferably, the upper part has an angular cross-section, preferably with rounded edges. For example, the cross-section of the upper part is a rectangle, wherein the edges of the rectangle are not sharp, but rounded. This provides two pairs of flat opposing sites which simplifies the handling.

[0028] Preferably, the upper part has a rectangular or square cross-section. Preferably, the size of the cross-section of the upper part remains the same along the longitudinal axis. This allows an interior large enough to receive large sized propagules, for example that of a mangrove or a small seedling after an initial growth period.

[0029] Most preferred, the upper part is a cube or a cuboid. This shape ensures sufficient stability of the circumferential wall in order to protect the propagule and in order to ensure that the planting container can be delivered by launching without damage. This shape also ensures sufficient interior space for receiving large sized propagules. This shape, especially when the top opening is rectangular or square as well, enables an easy and time-saving method of filling multiple planting containers with propagules. Other shapes, such as cones or cylinders, may be used as well.

[0030] In preferred embodiments, the propagule is held within the upper part of the planting container, wherein the roots can grow within the lower part. The circumferential wall of the upper part of these embodiments preferably defines a lower opening leading into the lower part, wherein the top opening and the lower opening form a vertical through-opening of the upper part. In preferred embodiments, the planting container comprises a transition area between the upper part and the lower part that forms a trough with a central hole. This is preferably achieved with the circumferential wall of the upper part having a slope which narrows towards the bottom. This trough, preferably the slope of the wall, prevents that the main part of the propagule sinks into the lower part.

[0031] In some embodiments, a hydrogel is used to fix the propagule within the planting container. This hydrogel may also help to keep the propagule moist during dry periods. The hydrogel may be doped with beneficial starting nutrients for the plant to be grown. In preferred embodiments, especially the area on top of the trough is filled with the hydrogel. In addition or alternatively, the lower part is filled with the hydrogel. The hydrogel is preferably biodegradable under environmental conditions. "Environmental conditions" means in this text conditions which are just present in the environment, and which can therefore also change, but which are not specifically controlled by humans.

[0032] Preferably, the lower part sticks in the soil and ensures fixation of the container within the soil, despite the environmental influences. In preferred embodiments, the lower part comprises at least three, preferably four, struts. The first ends of the struts are connected to a bottom end of the upper part, wherein second ends of the struts form together a tip. The second through-openings are arranged between the struts giving access to the interior space of the upper part.

[0033] Preferably, the struts have the shape of edges or blades, enabling the lower part to cut itself into the soil, when being launched, especially dropped, to the ground.

[0034] In preferred embodiments, the ratio between the first and / or second through-openings and the closed sections or wall of the upper part and the lower part respectively is quite high. This means that there are just sufficient walls, or closed sections present to ensure a secure hold and protection of the propagule and the growing plant, but that the total area dimension of the cross-section of the first and the second through-openings is quite large, thereby enabling water to flow through with a minimum of resistance of the container. This ratio improves the stability of the container sticking in the soil in intertidal areas or other areas where water can flow on the surface of the soil and immerse the soil. Preferably, the ratio between the first through-openings and all closed sections or walls of the upper part is more than 1:2, more preferred more than 1 :1. Preferably, the ratio between the second through-openings and all closed sections or walls of the lower part is more than 1:2, more preferred more than 1 :1. The closed walls and the through-openings are preferably chosen in size, shape and positioning such that a sufficient stability and the robustness of the container is achieved, whereby the through-openings are large enough for rooting and the plant to grow, wherein sufficient through-openings are present to let water flow through and to enable sufficient hydration of the propagule.

[0035] In some embodiments, the tip is closed at its end, so that water within the lower part can only leave the lower part through the second through-openings. In preferred embodiments, the tip is solid. This enhances the penetration of the soil when the dart-like container is launched.

[0036] The planting container may be made of two or more pieces. For example, the upper and the lower piece may be connected to each other, for example with a snapping mechanism. The upper part and the lower part may also be made of different materials, for example with different degradation rate or different hardness. In preferred embodiments however, the upper and the lower part are made of the same material and / or the planting container is made in one piece.

[0037] The planting container can be produced in a cost-efficient way such as through injection moulding of thermoformable materials, especially when made of one piece. Due to the high ratio of openings, even large containers can be made with a minimum of material, decreasing the production costs as well. This is an advantage, since each container is used only once and remains in place until it is degraded.

[0038] The invention also comprises a delivery unit for delivering a multiple of planting containers as described above, wherein the delivery unit is designed to be mounted on an aerial or terrestrial delivery device, wherein the delivery unit comprises at least one magazine for receiving the planting containers and a mechanism for moving the planting containers individually from the magazine to an ejection unit, the ejection unit comprising a delivery channel and a spinning launching wheel for accelerating the planting containers and for thereby launching the planting containers individually from the delivery unit and launching the planting containers individually from the aerial or terrestrial delivery device. Preferably the planting container are launched from the delivery unit with sufficient velocity to ensure reliable soil penetration. This is preferably achieved by spinning the wheel with a sufficient high velocity. The mechanism for moving the planting containers individually into the ejection unit, also called ejection mechanism, is preferably a spring-loaded slide. The mechanism for launching, especially ejecting, the individual planting containers from the delivery unit is preferably a spring ejection slider or at least one rotating arm driven by a motor to forward the individual planting container into the delivery channel. Other moving and ejection mechanisms can be used as well, for example a motor driven mechanism. The delivery unit may comprise one single magazine or a multiple of magazines. Multiple of magazines are preferably arranged in a rotary carousel. Preferably, the magazines are linear magazines.

[0039] The invention also comprises a method for delivering a multiple of planting containers as described above by use of an aerial or terrestrial delivery device. The method comprises the steps of

[0040] - filling a magazine comprising the planting container in a row, wherein the circumferential walls of the upper parts of the planting containers contact each other, and

[0041] - delivering and launching the planting containers individually by means of a spinning launching wheel.

[0042] The magazine is preferably spring-loaded to allow a controlled launch of darts, i.e. the planting containers, one after the other. Recesses or notches of the container allow a controlled guidance during the launching process. Especially, they allow alignment and smooth movement of the containers within a magazine with minimum material. Planting containers with rectangular upper parts are preferred, since they can be packed flat next or on top to each other, and they can easily be pushed into a launcher in order to drop them to the ground and into the soil. A linear magazine can be used for rectangular containers. Preferably, the launcher is a spinning wheel launcher, wherein a launching wheel of the launcher accelerates the containers individually before pushing them to the ground.

[0043] In some embodiments, the magazine runs horizontal and the planting containers are arranged in a horizontal line. In other embodiments, the magazine runs vertical and the planting containers are stacked on top of each other.

[0044] One single linear magazine may be used. In other embodiments, multiple linear magazines are combined in a rotary carousel. Within each linear magazine a constant force spring preferably pushes the containers towards the ejection mechanism. Preferably, this movement is blocked by a plate with a single hole. The rotary carousel rotates until a single linear magazine aligns with the hole in the plate, such that the containers of this single linear magazine can be pushed into the ejection mechanism. The ejection mechanism preferably uses a motorised cam or spring-loaded slider to eject singular containers towards the output and optional launching mechanism.

[0045] This delivery unit and the method are claimed herein as separate inventions, being capable of launching other planting containers than the ones described herein as well or alternatively. Preferably, the delivery mechanism comprises a constant force spring magazine, a spring ejection mechanism and a flywheel launcher.

[0046] The inventive planting container provides an encapsulation for different types of plant species, especially for marine plant species. Depending on the embodiments, one or more propagules can be arranged within one single container. Preferably, just one single propagule is arranged in one single container.

[0047] The planting container can be used in any kind of soil and with any type of propagules that fit within the bounds of the container geometry. It is especially suitable for sand. The planting container is especially suitable for intertidal areas, which are covered with water in high tide and dry in low tide. However, the planting container can be used in any areas, also in other marine areas, at riverbanks, at lake shores or even in terrestrial environments, such as fields or degraded forest land.

[0048] The inventive planting container enables automated filling and automated delivery. Its dart-like shape ensures a high success rate of containers sticking upright in the soil when launched from a machinery, like a drone or another moving aerial device or a terrestrial moving vehicle.

[0049] Further embodiments of the invention are laid down in the dependent claims.

[0050] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to the drawings, which are for the purpose of illustrating the present preferred embodiments of the invention and not for the purpose of limiting the same. In the drawings,

[0052] Figure 1 shows a coastal landscape with a drone launching inventive planting containers;

[0053] Figure 2 shows an inventive planting container holding a propagule of a plant and sticking into a soil in a first stage of growth;

[0054] Figure 3 shows the planting container with the propagule in a second, later stage of growth;

[0055] Figure 4 shows the planting container according to figure 1 without propagule in a top perspective view;

[0056] Figure 5 shows the planting container of figure 4 in a bottom perspective view;

[0057] Figure 6 shows a side view of the planting container of figure 4;

[0058] Figure 7 shows a front view of the planting container of figure 4;

[0059] Figure 8 shows a top view of the planting container of figure 4;

[0060] Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the planting container of figure 4 now filled with a hydrogel;

[0061] Figure 10 shows a top perspective view of an inventive delivery device for delivering planting containers in a first embodiment;

[0062] Figure 11 shows the delivery device according to figure 10 in bottom perspective view;

[0063] Figure 12 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the delivery device of figure 10 in a first state;

[0064] Figure 13 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the delivery device of figure 10 in a second state;

[0065] Figure 14 shows a top perspective view of an inventive delivery device for delivering planting containers in a second embodiment; Figure 15 shows a front view of the delivery device according to figure 14;

[0066] Figure 16 shows a cross-section of some components of the delivery device according to figure 14;

[0067] Figure 17 shows a cross-section of a detail of the delivery device according to figure 14 comprising the carousel;

[0068] Figure 18 shows a side view of a detail of the delivery device according to figure 14 comprising the carousel;

[0069] Figure 19 shows the cross-section according to figure 17 in a second state of use;

[0070] Figure 20 shows the planting container according to a second embodiment without in a top perspective view;

[0071] Figure 21 shows the planting container of figure 20 in a bottom perspective view;

[0072] Figure 22 shows a side view of the planting container of figure 20;

[0073] Figure 23 shows a front view of the planting container of figure 20;

[0074] Figure 24 shows a top view of the planting container of figure 20;

[0075] Figure 25 shows a perspective view of a drone with a delivery unit according to a second embodiment; and

[0076] Figure 26 shows a longitudinal cross-section through a part of the delivery unit of figure 25.

[0077] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0078] Figure 1 shows a coastal region with a land region and a sea region. The part in between is a tidal area having soil S., which is covered with water W when it is high-tide and which is not covered with water W when it is low-tide. Figure 1 also shows a delivery unit 4 mounted on a delivery device 1 , delivering planting containers 2 holding propagules P0 of plant to be grown. The delivery device 1 is a drone. It can also be another aerial or a terrestrial delivery device, such as an airplane, a helicopter or a farm tractor. As can be seen in figure 1 , the planting containers 2 are launched from the delivery device 1 to the ground, where they stick with in the soil S. Preferably, they are dropped in vertical direction and most preferred they are ejected with sufficient velocity to ensure ground penetration. Ejection can take in an angle or most preferred in vertical direction.

[0079] In figure 2, the planting container 2 sticking in the soil S is shown. The propagule P0 is held in the planting container 2. As can be seen, the soil S penetrates through-holes of the planting container 2.

[0080] Figure 3 shows the same planting container 2 with the same propagule some days or weeks later. The propagule P0 has developed in that the roots P1 are grown and penetrates through-holes of the planting container 2, reaching into the soil. S surrounding the planting container 2. In addition, the propagule P0 has grown some leaves, here seed leafs P2, are shown. The propagule may grow into a mangrove. Other plants can be delivered in such a planting container 2 and grown from their propagules as well. When the plant grows further and does not need protection and hold anymore, the planting container 2 will degrade and vanish with minimal environmental impact.

[0081] Figures 4 to 8 show the planting container 2 according to a first embodiment. It comprises an upper part 20 and a lower part 21. The planting container 2 is made of one piece, preferably of a biodegradable material, such as a biodegradable plastic, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polysaccharide-based bioplastics or other biodegradable material.

[0082] The upper part 20 and the lower part 21 define a longitudinal axis L, which extends through both parts in a vertical direction.

[0083] The upper part 20 comprises a rectangular cross-section which has the same size and shape along the longitudinal axis L. The upper part 20 has the shape of a rectangular prism, i.e. of a cuboid, with two long sides and two short sides. The rectangular prism is formed by a circumferential wall 200 and is open on the top and at the bottom. The top opening has the reference number 22, the bottom opening is herein called lower opening and bears the reference number 205. The interior of the upper part 20 forms therefore a through-channel leading from the top opening 22 into the lower part 21.

[0084] The circumferential wall 200 defines four walls, wherein the two larger or longer walls form two flat first sections 203 extending parallel to each other and the two smaller or shorter walls form two flat second sections 204 extending parallel to each other.

[0085] The circumferential wall 200 comprises at least two, preferably four or more first through- openings 201. They can have different shapes and sizes, as can be seen in figures 4 to 7. Preferably, they are present on all vertical sides of the upper part 20, so that water can flow directly through them from one side to the other. The ratio of holes made by the first through-openings and the closed circumferential wall 200 is preferably about 1:1.

[0086] Preferably, the upper part 20 further comprises two recesses 202, arranged in opposite sections of the circumferential wall 200. In this embodiment, the recesses 202 are arranged in the shorter walls which form the second opposite sections 204. Each recess 202 comprises preferably one the first through-holes 201.

[0087] The lower part 21 is formed by struts 210 extending from the bottom side of the upper part 20 and forming with their other ends a common tip 23. The tip 23 is preferably pointed. The struts 201 form rib like edges or blades directed to the outside of the planting container 2. The tip 23 is preferably located in a centre axis of the planting container 2, which is in figure 6 the longitudinal axis L. The tip 23 may be solid or comprise a through- hole. Preferably, it is solid.

[0088] The struts 210 form an open structure, more like a cage than like a housing. Preferably there are at least three struts 210 arranged equidistantly around the bottom circumference of the upper part 20. In this embodiment, there are four struts 210.

[0089] Between the struts 210, second through-openings 211 are therefore formed. The second through-openings 211 are also arranged on all vertical sides of the lower part 21 , allowing soil S and water W to penetrate the lower part. The ratio between the area closed by the struts 210 and the accessible area enabled by the second through openings 211 is preferably about 1 :1. Preferably this ratio is such that it does not restrict the rooting of the plant but enables sufficient stability for the penetration of the soil when the container is launched.

[0090] The connection of the interior of the upper part 20 and the lower part 21 is open. The intermediate region between the upper part 20 and the lower part 21, i.e. the region where the upper part 20 tapers into the lower part 21, has a sloped wall forming a trough 212 with a central hole. The upper part 20 comprises therefore the largest circumference.

[0091] In figure 9, the planting container 2 is filled with a biodegradable hydrogel fixation, such as agar or coir or another appropriate medium providing initial nutrition, which further holds the propagule P0 and which provides it with starting nutrition and additional moisture during dry periods.

[0092] Figures 10 to 13 show the delivery unit 4 according to a first embodiment which can be mounted to a delivery device 1. It comprises a housing 40 with a motor 410 and a spring ejection slider 45 activated by a cam mechanism. The delivery unit 4 further comprises a constant force spring magazine 41 with a spring-loaded slide 42 and an ejection unit in the shape of a fly wheel launcher comprising a spinning launching wheel 43, a delivery channel 44 and an outlet 46. The different parts of this delivery unit 4 are well known in the state of the art and they are therefore not described in detail. However, their combination for delivering planting containers 2 is new.

[0093] The planting containers 2 are arranged within a row, wherein their flat opposite sections, here the first sections formed by the larger walls, are contacting each other. The row extends preferably in horizonal direction. The planting containers 2 are held in the magazine 41 and moved by the spring-loaded slide 42 pulled by a constant force spring in a discharging direction 5 shown with an arrow. The planting containers 2 are preferably moved in horizontal direction. The spring ejection mechanism, here the spring ejection slider 45, located in the housing 40 is pushed up by a cam 47 attached to the motor 410 and is pulled down by a spring to eject one planting container 2 after the other from the magazine 41. The spring is shown in figure 12 and 13 with the reference number 48. In figure 12, the spring ejection slider 45 just pushes one planting container 2 into the delivery channel 44. The spring ejection slider 45 is lowered into the housing 40. The delivery channel 44 preferably extends in vertical direction.

[0094] Within the delivery channel 44 the planting container 2 makes contact with the spinning launching wheel 43, spinning in the direction of rotation 6. This contact with the spinning launching wheel 43 accelerates the planting container 2 to a velocity sufficient to penetrate the soil prior to its emersion from the outlet 46.

[0095] In figure 13, this planting container 2 has reached the outlet 46 of the delivery channel 44, and having nearly passed the spinning launching wheel 43 is now ejected with sufficient force out of the delivery unit towards a bottom, i.e. a soil. As can also be seen in figure 13, the spring ejection slider 45 is pushed up by the motor 410 again, thereby giving space for the next planting container 2 to be moved by the spring-loaded slide 42 on top of the delivery channel 44 for the next launch.

[0096] The delivery unit 4 can be mounted to the delivery device 1 with known means, using for example rails, sleeves, sockets and screws.

[0097] Figures 14 to 19 show another embodiment of a delivery unit 4' which is capable of being mounted to an aerial or terrestrial delivery device, such as a drone, and which is capable of automatically launching planting containers, one after the other.

[0098] The delivery unit 4' comprises a magazine unit with a multiple of linear magazines 4T, each having a spring-loaded slide 42', a motor 410', a delivery channel 44' and a spinning launching wheel 43', like the first embodiment shown in figures 10 to 13. The functions of these parts are the same as described in the first embodiment. The magazines 410' holds the planting containers 2 filled with propagules. The spring-loaded slide 42' moves the containers 2 towards the delivery channel 44. An ejection unit is driven by the motor 410', enabling the container 2 to enter one after the other into the delivery channel 44'. The spinning launching wheel 43' accelerates the planting container 2 within the delivery channel 44', so that the containers are launched one after the other through the outlet 46' toward the soil, with sufficient speed so that the dart-like container stick into to soil.

[0099] Instead of one single linear magazine, multiple linear magazines 4T are arranged in a rotary carousel. Figure 14 shows the carousel, wherein only one linear magazine 4T filled with planting containers 2 is shown. Figures 18 and 19 show a filled carousel wherein the views shown present two magazines 4T each. The carousel is rotatable around relative to the delivery channel 44'. In figure 17, only one magazine 4T is arranged or shown in the carousel. As can be seen in figure 17, a dart-like container 2 is already launched and has left the delivery channel 44', another dart-like container 2 is ready within the delivery unit to be launched next.

[0100] As can be seen in figure 14, the carousel comprises a central axis 490 with two ends. On a first end, facing the delivery channel 44', a first gear 491 is mounted on the central axis 490. A wheel 491 comprising receptacles 410 for the front faces of the multiple magazines 4T, wherein the receptacle 410 arranged radially in equal distances, as can be seen in figure 14.

[0101] A second gear 493, driven by a second motor 497, meshes with the first gear 491, and drives the second gear 491, so that the carousel is rotated.

[0102] As can be seen in figure 15, the rotatable first gear 491 is closed with a stationary plate 494 having a hole (not shown). The hole is located at the entrance of the ejection unit, which leads into the delivery channel 44'.

[0103] Within each linear magazine 410' a constant force spring pushes the containers 2 towards the ejection unit, however this movement is blocked by the plate 494 with the single hole.

[0104] The rotary carousel rotates until a single linear magazine 410' aligns with the hole in the plate 494, such that the containers 2 are pushed into the ejection mechanism. The ejection unit uses a motorised cam or spring-loaded slider to eject singular containers 2 towards the outlet 46' and optional launching mechanism, here the spinning launching wheel 43', in the same manner as the mechanism used for the single linear magazine described with reference to figures 10 to 13.

[0105] The ejection unit can be the same as in the first embodiment. However, in this example shown, the ejection unit comprises two pivoting or rotating arms 450 which push one single container 2 after the other downwards into the delivery channel 44', which can be seen in figure 16.

[0106] The containers 2 are held in position within the magazines 410' due to friction resulting from the pressure of the constant force spring. The cam or spring-loaded slider 42' provides the force necessary to overcome this friction and eject the container 2 into the ejection unit and the delivery channel 44'.

[0107] The propagules in all planting containers 2 are fixed in place either through friction or hydrogel as described above, which holds the propagule in place against the force of gravity and vibrations, even when the planting containers 2 are upside down.

[0108] The smooth movement and alignment of the planting containers 2 is preferably ensured through the recesses 202, which allows the containers 2 to be held in place by circular cross section guide rails.

[0109] Figures 20 to 24 show the planting container 2 according to a second embodiment. It is very similar to the first embodiment and it will therefore not be described anymore in detail. In the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to same or similar elements of the two embodiments. The planting container 2 according to the second embodiment also comprises the upper part 20 and the lower part 21. It is also made of one piece, preferably of a biodegradable material, such as a biodegradable plastic, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polysaccharide-based bioplastics or other biodegradable material.

[0110] The upper part 20 has also preferably a rectangular shape and the lower part 21 comprises the struts 210 ending together in the common tip 23. The upper part 20 comprises the first through-openings 201 and the lower part 21 comprises the second through-openings 211.

[0111] The upper part 20 comprises the circumferential wall 200 defining four walls, wherein the two longer walls form the two flat first sections 203 extending parallel to each other and the two shorter walls form the two flat second sections 204 extending parallel to each other.

[0112] The connection of the interior of the upper part 20 and the lower part 21 is open. The intermediate region between the upper part 20 and the lower part 21, i.e. the region where the upper part 20 tapers into the lower part 21 , forms the trough 212 with the central hole. In this embodiment, the upper part 20 still comprises the largest circumference. The tip 23 is closed as well.

[0113] This second embodiment differs mainly from the first embodiment in the shape and size of the first and second through-openings 201 , 211 , the shape of the trough 212, the shape of the struts 210, the shape of the tip 23, and the shape and arrangement of the recesses 202. These recesses 202 are not arranged in the shorter walls, i.e. within the second sections 204. They are arranged in the longer walls, i.e. the first sections 203. However, the recesses 202 are preferably still extensions of some first through-openings 201. In this embodiment, the tip 23 is not just the lower end of the struts 210, but it comprises an enlarged top 230.

[0114] Figure 25 shows a drone 1 with a third embodiment of a delivery unit 4"'. Similar or identical components are marked with similar or identical reference numbers as in the other two embodiments described above.

[0115] In the two delivery units 4, 4' described above, the planting containers 2 were arranged in a horizontal row in magazines 41, 41 and where then delivered one after the other into vertical delivery channel 44, 44', accelerated by a spinning launching wheel 43, 43', and released through an outlet 46, 46' at the bottom end of the delivery channel 44, 44'.

[0116] In the delivery unit 4" according to the third embodiment shown in figures 25 and 26, the planting containers 2 are stacked on top of each other at least one column. The longitudinal axis L of the planting containers 2 runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the magazine and it runs in horizontal direction. They lie on their shorter walls, i.e. on their second sections 204. Preferably they contact each other with their shorter second sections 204, as can be seen in figure 26.

[0117] The delivery unit 4" comprises at least one magazine 41", which extends in vertical direction. Preferably, there are a multiple of magazines 41" arranged in a rotary carousel 49', similar to the arrangement of the second embodiment. Contrary to the second embodiment, the rotation axis of the carousel 49' runs in vertical direction.

[0118] In the embodiment shown in figure 25, there are four carousels 49', each comprising at least four magazines 41", arranged on top of the drone 1. The four carousels 49' may share a common delivery channel and outlet. Preferably, each carousel 49' has a at least one own delivery channel 44" with an own outlet 46".

[0119] The planting containers 2 arranged within one magazine 41" are still launched, preferably ejected, one after the other trough the outlet 46" into the soil.

[0120] The delivery unit 4" comprises at least one slide, preferably two slide, arranged at the end of the magazine 41". The slides or preferably sliding doors 420, 421 as shown in figure 26. When the upper sliding door 420 is opened, the lowest planting container 2 within the magazine 41" can fall on top of the lower sliding door 421. The upper sliding door 420 closes so that no additional planting container 2 can enter the space between the two doors 420, 421. A bump 422 is arranged below the lower sliding door 421 , so that the planting container 2 tips over when the lower sliding door 420 is opened. The planting container 2 rotates, as shown with arrow R, and falls into the delivery channel 44" with its tip 23 first. Within the delivery channel 44", the planting container 2 is accelerated by the spinning launching wheel 43" and ejected through the outlet 46" at the bottom of the delivery channel 46".

[0121] While the first and second embodiments of the delivery units can best be used with the first embodiment of the planting container, the third embodiment of the delivery unit can best be used with the second embodiment of the planting container. The reason lies especially in the arranged of the recesses 202, which are used to guide and / or place and / or hold the planting container 2 in the delivery unit. However, the delivery units can also be used with the other planting containers, In addition, specific features, such as the shape of the through-openings, the trough, the struts or the tip of one embodiment of the planting container can also be used in the other embodiment of the planting container, either as a single exchanged feature or in combination with other exchanged features.

[0122] The inventive planting container improves planting yield and allows planting automation especially in intertidal areas.

[0123] LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0124] 1 delivery device

[0125] 2 planting container

[0126] 20 upper part

[0127] 200 circumferential wall

[0128] 201 first through-opening

[0129] 202 recess

[0130] 203 first section

[0131] 204 second section

[0132] 205 lower opening

[0133] 21 lower part

[0134] 210 strut

[0135] 211 second through-opening

[0136] 212 trough

[0137] 22 top opening

[0138] 23 tip

[0139] 230 top

[0140] 3 hydrogel

[0141] 4 delivery unit

[0142] 4' delivery unit

[0143] 4" delivery unit40 housing

[0144] 410 motor

[0145] 410' motor

[0146] 41 magazine

[0147] 41' magazine

[0148] 41" magazine

[0149] 42 slide

[0150] 42' slide

[0151] 420 upper sliding door

[0152] 421 lower sliding door

[0153] 422 bump

[0154] 43 spinning launching wheel

[0155] 43' spinning launching wheel

[0156] 43" spinning launching wheel

[0157] 44 delivery channel 44' delivery channel

[0158] 45 spring ejection slider

[0159] 450 arm

[0160] 46 outlet 46' outlet

[0161] 46" outlet

[0162] 47 cam

[0163] 48 spring

[0164] 49 carousel 49' carousel

[0165] 490 axis

[0166] 491 first gear

[0167] 492 wheel

[0168] 493 second gear 494 plate

[0169] 495 mounting bracket

[0170] 496 recess

[0171] 5 discharging direction

[0172] 6 direction of rotation 7 delivery direction

[0173] L longitudinal axis

[0174] R arrow

[0175] S soil

[0176] P0 propagule P1 root

[0177] P2 seed leaf W water

Claims

22CLAIMS1. A planting container (2) for planting a propagule (P0), the planting container (2) being capable of being automatically delivered by launching from an aerial or terrestrial delivery device (1) and sticking into a soil (S) to be planted when delivered, wherein the planting container (2) has an upper part (21) forming an interior space and having a top opening (22) for receiving the propagule (P0), and wherein the planting container (2) has a lower part (21) ending in a tip (23) for sticking into the soil (S), wherein the upper part (20) has a circumferential wall (200) defining the top opening (23), the circumferential wall (200) having first through-openings (201) allowing water (W) to flow through the upper part (20), and wherein the lower part (21) has second through-openings (211) enabling roots (P1) of the propagule (P0) to grow to an outside and enabling an exchange of water (W) with the outside, wherein the second through-openings (211) allow water (W) to enter from the outside into the lower part (21) and to leave the lower part (21) to the outside.

2. The planting container according to claim 1 wherein the circumferential wall (200) of the upper part (20) defines the outermost circumference of the planting container (2) and the lower part (21) comprises an outer circumference which continuously decreases towards the tip (23).

3. The planting container according to either one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the circumferential wall (200) has at least two opposite sections (203, 204) that extend parallel to each other.

4. The planting container according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the planting container (2) comprises two opposite sidewalls (203, 204) having a recess (202) each, wherein the recesses (202) are arranged on opposite sides to each other.

5. The planting container according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the upper part (20) has an angular cross-section, preferably with rounded edges.

6. The planting container according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the upper part (20) has a rectangular or square cross-section.

7. The planting container according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the upper part (20) is a cube or a cuboid.

8. The planting container according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the circumferential wall (200) of the upper part (20) defines a lower through-opening leading into the lower part (21), wherein the top opening (23) and the lower opening (205) form a vertical through-opening of the upper part (20).

9. The planting container according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein a transition area between the upper part (20) and the lower part (21) forms a trough (212) with a central hole.

10. The planting container according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the lower part (21) comprises at least three, preferably four, struts (210), wherein first ends of the struts (210) are connected to a bottom end of the upper part (20), wherein second ends of the struts (210) form together a tip (23), and wherein the second through- openings (211) are arranged between the struts (210) giving access to the interior space of the upper part (20).

11. The planting container according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein a ratio between the first through-openings (201) and / or second through-openings (211) and all closed sections of the upper part (20) and / or lower part (21) is more than 1 :2, preferably more than 1 :1.

12. The planting container according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the tip (23) has a solid end without through-opening.

13. The planting container according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the planting container (2) is made of one piece.

14. A delivery unit (4, 4', 4") for delivering a multiple of planting containers, preferably planting containers (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the delivery unit (4, 4', 4") is designed to be mountable on an aerial or terrestrial delivery device (1), wherein the delivery unit (4, 4', 4") comprises at least one magazine (41 , 4T, 41") for receiving the planting containers (2) and a mechanism (42, 42', 420, 421 , 47) for moving the planting containers (2) individually from the magazine (41 , 4T, 41") to anejection unit, the ejection unit comprising a delivery channel (44, 44', 44") and a spinning launching wheel (43. 43', 43") for accelerating the planting containers (2) and for thereby launching the planting containers (2) individually from the delivery unit (4, 4', 4") and launching the planting containers (2) individually from the aerial or terrestrial delivery device (1).

15. The delivery unit (4, 4', 4") according to claim 14 wherein it comprises a multiple of magazines (41, 4T, 41") arranged in at least on a rotary carousel (49, 49').

16. The delivery unit (4, 4', 4") according to any one of claims 14 and 15 wherein the planting containers (2) are arranged in a row within the magazine (41 , 41').

17. The delivery unit (4, 4', 4") according to any one of claims 14 and 15 wherein the planting containers (2) are arranged in a stack within the magazine (41 , 4T).

18. The delivery unit (4, 4', 4") according to any one of claims 14 and 17 wherein the delivery unit (4,4', 4") comprises at least one slide (42, 42', 420, 421) for separating the planting containers (2) so that one planting container (2) after the other can be launched.

19. The delivery unit (4,4', 4") according to any one of claims 14 to 18 wherein the delivery channel (44, 44', 44") runs in vertical direction and comprises an outlet (46,46', 46") at a bottom end of the delivery channel (44, 44', 44").

20. A method for delivering a multiple of planting containers (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 by use of an aerial or terrestrial delivery device (1), the method comprising the steps of- filling a magazine (41) comprising the planting container (2) in a row, wherein the circumferential walls (200) of the upper parts (20) of the planting containers (2) contact each other, and- delivering and launching the planting containers (2) individually by means of a spinning launching wheel (43).

21. The method of claim 20 wherein the method uses a delivery unit (4, 4', 4") according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the delivery unit (4, 4', 4") is mounted on the delivery device (1).

Images