Reusable plant pot

Abstract

Plant pot (1) made of, in particular, injection-molded plastic in a generally truncated conical, stackable basic shape, in particular a reusable plant pot, with a base (2) that is in particular profiled and in particular provided with holes (4), and with a circumferential side wall (3), characterized in that the side wall (3) has at least one label attachment section (10) in the form of a structured outer surface with a plurality of attachment projections (11).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant pot according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] A plant pot of the type mentioned is, for example, illustrated and described in DE 202008008356 U1. The side wall of the essentially blunt-conical plant pot is divided into an upper and a lower side wall section by a radially flared shoulder. The lower side wall section, in particular, can be printed and / or labeled to identify a plant in the pot and provide information about the plant. This labeling can be used in commercial horticulture for cultivation purposes and is especially useful for selling the plants. The selling price is often already indicated on the label. It is common practice for the end consumer to remove the plant from the pot and then dispose of the pot as waste, ideally via the recycling bin.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of further developing a plant pot of the type mentioned above in such a way that it can be used multiple times in commercial horticulture and can be easily relabeled for this purpose.

[0004] This problem is solved in a plant pot according to the preamble of claim 1 by providing the side wall with at least one label attachment section in the form of a structured outer surface with a plurality of attachment projections. These projections reduce the adhesive strength of the labels affixed to the label attachment section, making it easier to remove the labels completely. Removing old labels, cleaning, and relabeling the plant pots for the next cycle can take place at collection points of a pooling system and / or at the horticultural business. Such a collection point can be located at the manufacturer of the plant pots, who sorts out damaged plant pots and replaces them with plant pots that are newly manufactured, in particular, from the recycled material of the sorted-out plant pots.The stability required for multiple uses of the plant pots can be achieved through correspondingly thicker walls and / or higher-strength plastics compared to disposable plant pots. The injection molding process preferred here allows for very precise shaping of the respective wall thicknesses and, above all, the structured outer surfaces. The structured outer surfaces also improve grip, which is maintained even when labels are attached. The structured outer surface of at least one label attachment section can be made of a very rough (R. p ≥ 50 µm) surface, granular or bumpy elevations and / or a corrugated, ribbed or knurled surface may be formed.

[0005] The at least one label attachment section can be located at any point on the side wall. The position is preferably coordinated with any trays and other devices used for handling, storing, and transporting the plant pots, so that a label attached to it can be read when needed without having to handle the plant pot. An arrangement at the bottom edge of the plant pot is therefore less suitable, also to prevent the textured outer surface from becoming soiled, especially during plant cultivation. Preferably, then, a lower section of the side wall adjacent to the base has a smooth surface.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, at least one label attachment section is formed continuously around the side wall. This allows a single, fully circumferential label or several separate labels to be attached to the plant pot. Simultaneously, a single label can be attached at any desired position, regardless of the rotational position of the typically rotationally symmetrical plant pots.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one label attachment section has a structured outer surface composed of fine grooves, resembling a knurled, corrugated, and / or corded surface, which accordingly comprises a multitude of point and / or linear attachment projections. The grooves can be configured such that there is an apparent reduction in wall thickness compared to the adjacent, unstructured side wall, and / or that the grooves are formed by rib-like thickenings of the wall thickness.

[0008] Preferably, the fine grooves form a vertically ribbed surface in which the grooves or projections run essentially parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the slightly conical plant pot. Such a surface can be readily produced by injection molding and, in particular, can be easily demolded. Labels affixed to it can be easily removed by a downward or downward movement. This can be done, in particular, using rotating brushes. Water used for cleaning also runs off a vertically ribbed surface more easily. The grooves have a depth of 0.05 to 0.2 mm, preferably 0.06 to 0.1 mm, and most preferably 0.07 to 0.09 mm. Adjacent grooves have a mean spacing of 0.7 to 2 mm, preferably 1 to 1.5 mm.The grooves of a vertically ribbed surface do not run exactly parallel in a conical side wall, but diverge slightly towards the upper edge.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the side wall is provided, at least partially, with a permanent decoration, which can be engraved, printed, or provided by an in-mold label. This permanent decoration allows the reusable pot to be branded, making it easily distinguishable from other plant pots, particularly single-use ones. The permanent decoration can include a code, such as a QR code, that enables the identification of a plant pot series or an individual plant pot, allowing for the documentation and tracking of its use within the reusable system. The permanent decoration can be positioned next to or spaced apart from the at least one label attachment area. It can also be located within or extend over the label attachment area, allowing a specific label to be integrated into and highlighted by the decoration.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the side wall is divided into an upper and a lower section by a radially flared shoulder. The lower section, in particular, has at least one label attachment section, and the upper section, in particular, is at least partially decorated with a permanent design. The shoulder clearly delineates the two side wall sections and their respective uses for decoration and labeling. Because the plant pots in highly mechanized commercial horticulture can be handled at the underside of the shoulder, and because the plant pots are usually transported and stored freestanding in trays anyway, the decoration on the upper side wall section is subject to less wear and tear and remains in good condition for longer.Alternatively, the permanent decoration can be located in the lower side wall section and at least one label attachment section in the upper side wall section, so that the label is always clearly visible.

[0011] In a preferred further embodiment, the ratio of the height of the upper side wall section to the total height of the plant pot is 0.2 to 0.5, preferably 0.3 to 0.4. This surface and height division of the side wall, which closely approximates the golden ratio, is perceived as particularly harmonious and offers sufficient space in each of the two side wall sections for permanent, especially IML-based, decoration on the one hand and labeling on the other.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the upper side wall section projects axially downwards from the shoulder by 0.3 to 2 mm, preferably by 0.5 to 1 mm, in a nose-like shape. This design feature ensures that an internal molded inner layer (IML) inserted into the upper side wall section is properly back-molded during the injection molding of the plant pot, preventing any plastic from reaching the front of the IML. The nose provides the reusable plant pot with additional stability and also makes the shoulder particularly slip-resistant, allowing the reusable plant pots to be easily moved with handling tools.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the side wall is separated from a substantially cylindrical section, which forms the base and has a height equal to the stacking distance, by a radially flared step. Preferably, the cylindrical section has several stacking ridges distributed around its circumference, preferably located on the inside of the pot, with the stacking ridges being rounded with a radius greater than their radial depth. These robust stacking ridges allow for multiple uses of the plant pots without breakage. The large rounded edges also make the plant pots easier to clean.

[0014] Further advantages and details of the invention can be found in the following description of the figures. Individual technical features of the embodiment described below can also be combined with previously described embodiments as well as the features of the independent claims and any further claims to form objects according to the invention. Where appropriate, functionally equivalent elements are provided with identical reference numerals. Figures show... Fig. 1. A reusable plant pot in perspective view; Fig. 2 a side view, cut in half, of two stacked reusable plant pots; Fig. 3. A detailed view of the section through the label attachment section according to view definition III in Fig. 2, where only the lower of the two pots is shown in the detail view; Fig. 4. A detailed view of the label attachment section according to view definition IV in Fig. 2.

[0015] The in Fig. The rotationally symmetrical reusable plant pot shown is made of plastic using an injection molding process. It has a generally obtuse conical shape. Its base 2, on which the pot rests on a surface, is profiled and provided with holes 4 for drainage and aeration. The downward-tapering shape allows identical pots to be nested inside each other and thus stacked to save space, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows an axial longitudinal center axis marked L. The side wall 3 terminates upwards in a slightly projecting edge 5. It is further divided by a radially flared shoulder 6 into an upper side wall section 7 and a lower side wall section 8. Towards the bottom, the side wall 3 adjoins, via a step 9, a substantially cylindrical section which forms the profiled base 2 and has a height equal to the stacking distance S.

[0016] On the inside of the cylindrical section are several stacking ribs 13 distributed around the circumference, on which a stacked second reusable plant pot 1' stands, as shown in the section of the Fig. 2 shown. The stacking bars 13 are rounded with a radius larger than their radial depth and are therefore comparatively massive and thus stable.

[0017] According to the invention, the lower side wall section 8 has an endlessly circumferential label attachment section 10, which is spaced apart from the base 2 and adjoins the shoulder 6 at the top. The label attachment section 10 consists of a structured outer surface with a plurality of attachment projections 11. These are formed by fine grooves 12, which run vertically and thus essentially parallel to the longitudinal center axis L of the pot. The average groove spacing A of the grooves 12 is 1.2 mm (see figure). Fig. 4). They are formed to a depth of 8 / 100 mm (groove depth T, see below). Fig. 3) The fastening projections 11 reduce the adhesive strength of labels attached to the label fastening section 10, making it easier to remove the labels completely. This allows the plant pot 1 to be reused and labeled with a new label for the next plant to be cultivated in it.

[0018] In the exemplary embodiment, the grooves 12 were created by rib-shaped thickenings of the wall thickness W (see figure). Fig. 3), where these ribs directly form the fastening projections 11. However, the grooves 12 could also be designed in such a way that there is an apparent reduction in wall thickness compared to the further, unstructured side wall.

[0019] The upper side wall section 7 is provided with a decoration 15 that remains permanently attached to the plant pot and is supplied by an in-mold label (IML). The decoration 15 allows the reusable plant pot to be branded, making it easily distinguishable from other plant pots, particularly those intended for single use. The decoration, which preferably covers the entire outer surface of the upper side wall section 7, can include a word mark such as "reusable plant pot" or simply consist of a color scheme. Because the decoration 15 is located in the upper side wall section 7, stacked reusable plant pots 1, 1' can be easily checked to determine whether they belong to a reusable system or not. A code, e.g., in the form of individual QR codes, can be placed in the area adjacent to the edge, at a height equal to the stacking distance S, so that the pots can also be identified when stacked.

[0020] To ensure that the IML is seamlessly integrated into the side wall 3 during injection molding, the upper side wall section 7 projects axially downwards by 0.5 mm relative to the shoulder, forming a nose-like projection. This ensures that the liquid plastic flows against the IML from the inside during injection molding, rather than in front of it. The nose 14 provides the reusable plant pot 1 with additional stability and also makes the shoulder 6 particularly slip-resistant, allowing the reusable plant pots 1 to be easily moved with handling tools. Alternatively, the decoration can also be engraved or printed.

[0021] To ensure good visibility of the reusable plant pot 1, the upper side wall section 7, which is provided with the permanent decoration 15, is made comparatively high in relation to the overall height H of the pot. In this embodiment, the ratio of the height H' of the upper side wall section 7 to the overall height H is approximately 0.3. Reference symbol list 1, 1' Reusable plant pot 2 floors 3 side wall 4 holes 5 Rand 6 Shoulder 7 Upper side wall section 8 Lower side wall section Level 9 10 Label attachment section 11 Mounting projection 12 groove 13 Stacking bridge 14 Nose 15 Decoration L Longitudinal axis H Total height H' Height of upper side wall section S stacking distance A groove spacing T Groove depth W wall thickness QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 202008008356 U1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Plant pot (1) made of, in particular, injection-molded plastic in a generally truncated conical, stackable basic shape, in particular a reusable plant pot, with a base (2) that is in particular profiled and in particular provided with holes (4), and with a surrounding side wall (3), characterized by that the side wall (3) has at least one label attachment section (10) in the form of a structured outer surface with a plurality of attachment projections (11). [2] Plant pot according to claim 1, characterized by , that at least one label attachment section (10) is formed continuously around the side wall (3). [3] Plant pot according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that at least one label attachment section (10) has a structured outer surface consisting of fine grooves (12), in the manner of a knurled, corrugated and / or corded surface. [4] Plant pot according to claim 3, characterized by, that the fine grooves (12) form a vertically grooved surface. [5] Plant pot according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the grooves (12) have a groove depth of 0.02 to 0.2 mm, preferably of 0.06 to 0.1 mm, particularly preferably of 0.07 to 0.09 mm. [6] Plant pot according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by , that adjacent grooves (12) have a mutual mean groove spacing (A) of 0.7 to 2 mm, preferably of 1 to 1.5 mm. [7] Plant pot according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the side wall (3) is at least partially provided with a permanent decoration (15) which is engraved, printed and / or provided by an in-mould label (IML). [8] Plant pot according to claim 7, characterized by, that the side wall (3) is divided by a radially flared shoulder (6) into an upper side wall section (7) and a lower side wall section (8), wherein the lower side wall section (8) in particular has the at least one label attachment section (10) and the upper side wall section (7) in particular is at least partially provided with the permanent decoration (15). [9] Plant pot according to claim 8, characterized by , that the ratio of the height (H') of the upper side wall section (7) to the total height (H) of the plant pot is 0.2 to 0.5, preferably 0.3 to 0.

4. [10] Plant pot according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the upper side wall section (7) projects axially downwards by 0.3 to 2 mm, preferably by 0.5 to 1 mm, relative to the shoulder (6). [11] Plant pot according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by, that the side wall (3) is separated by a radially flared step (9) from a substantially cylindrical section which forms the bottom (2) and has a height (S) equal to the stacking distance. [12] Plant pot according to claim 11, characterized by that the cylindrical section has several stacking ribs (13) distributed around the circumference, preferably arranged on the inside of the pot. [13] Plant pot according to claim 12, characterized by , that the stacking bars (13) are rounded with a radius greater than their radial depth.

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