Bioclimatic planter designed for growing plants

The bioclimatic planter addresses issues of material degradation, thermal insulation, and mosquito breeding by using rot-resistant wood with a cooling system and moisture management features, ensuring reduced watering and consistent soil moisture.

FR3158609B1Active Publication Date: 2026-01-23TERRE MIK
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2024000896
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-01-30
Publication Date
2026-01-23
Estimated Expiration
2044-01-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing plastic planters suffer from material degradation under high temperatures, inadequate thermal insulation, mosquito breeding due to water reservoirs, and inconsistent soil moisture management, especially during heat periods, while wooden planters lack integrated water reservoirs and require frequent watering.

Method used

A bioclimatic planter made of rot-resistant wood with a cooling system comprising uprights and crossbeams for air circulation, a waterproof liner, and adjustable outer facing for thermal insulation and moisture management, along with a removable composting compartment and drainage system to maintain soil moisture without a water reservoir.

Benefits of technology

The planter effectively reduces watering frequency, prevents mosquito breeding, and maintains consistent soil moisture through improved thermal insulation and moisture retention, even in high heat, using eco-friendly materials.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a bioclimatic planter (100) comprising a container (101), suitable for holding soil and plants, consisting of a base (110) and vertical walls (120). The container (101) is made of rot-resistant wood and an external facing (150) covers the walls (120) of the container (101). At least one wall (120), intended to be exposed to the sun, is equipped with a cooling means comprising an interlocking of at least two uprights (130) fixed to at least two crossbeams (140), said uprights (130) being spaced apart and said crossbeams (140) being spaced apart, said interlocking being fixed between the outer face of said at least one wall (120) and the outer facing (150), so as to create an air circulation space promoting cooling of said wall (120). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1
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Description

Title of the invention: Bioclimatic planter for growing plants

[0001] The present invention relates to a bioclimatic planter for growing plants. The term "plants" refers to all types of plants, whether decorative plants, flowering plants, shrubs, or even fruits and vegetables.

[0002] Many plastic planters are available on the market, the container of which, designed to hold the growing medium and plants, is generally made by rotational molding. These planters typically include a double bottom in which a water reservoir is placed. The water then rises by capillary action into the growing medium, either by means of wicks extending into the soil and immersed in the water from the reservoir, or by means of perforated bowls protruding into the water reservoir and containing a small amount of substrate. Some of these planters include a double wall, filled with air, providing a small amount of thermal insulation.

[0003] Thus, patent application EPI 055 364 describes a planter obtained by rotational molding and comprising a double wall. The space between the two vertical walls is filled with air, while the space in the double wall at the bottom serves as a water reservoir, with at least one opening provided on the outer wall of the bottom to allow water to be supplied to the reservoir. The inner wall of the bottom includes a chimney, the lateral walls of which are provided with at least one opening through which passes a wick extending from the inside of the planter to the ground and into the water reservoir, so as to allow water to rise by capillary action into the soil.

[0004] In this type of planter, the space between the inner and outer walls of the vertical double wall generally measures between a few millimeters and about ten millimeters. The problem with these closed, double-walled plastic planters is that, when exposed to high temperatures, the plastic swells and deteriorates. To prevent this swelling, one solution is to provide openings at the top and bottom of the double wall to create a small amount of ventilation. However, these openings allow rainwater or irrigation water to pass through, stagnating in the channels and attracting mosquitoes.

[0005] Patent application WO 2007 / 071941 describes a planter that allows for better management of the irrigation system, capable of delivering the correct amount of water and preventing either overwatering or underwatering. The described planter comprises, in its upper part, a closed chamber containing air. This chamber is in fluidic communication with a water reservoir located at the bottom of the planter. When the ambient temperature As the temperature increases, the pressure exerted on the air becomes greater, so the air in the chamber exerts more pressure on the water in the reservoir, forcing the water to rise back up to the growing medium through a tube. Conversely, as the temperature decreases, the pressure drops, and excess water in the substrate can flow through the tube back to the water reservoir.

[0006] French patent application FR3048328 describes a raised planter comprising side walls formed from wooden panels. Wooden planters are generally made with a base of wood or fine wire mesh and protected by a tarpaulin or geotextile. This patent application describes the possibility of adding a water reservoir to the base of the planter, the reservoir being surmounted by a base forming a false floor of the growing tray, separating the substrate from the water reservoir and equipped with perforated bowls protruding into the water reservoir.

[0007] Finally, application FR3022627 describes a cylindrical planter comprising a removable sealing element, creating a buffer zone between the growing medium and the sealing element in order to thermally insulate the growing medium, limit water evaporation, and promote condensation. This element is fixed in the middle of the planter and includes openings to allow plants to pass through. The diameter of the element is smaller than that of the planter to allow irrigation or rainwater to pass through around the periphery. It turns out that such an element is not practical to use because it requires planting a number of plants equal to the number of openings allowing them to pass through, and planting the plants opposite these openings.

[0008] Most planters currently on the market include water reservoirs designed to reduce the frequency of watering while maintaining soil moisture between waterings. However, these water reservoirs are attracting increasing numbers of mosquitoes, vectors of disease, which are becoming a real public health problem. It is therefore becoming increasingly important to prevent mosquito proliferation. Furthermore, these water reservoirs are insufficient to guarantee constant moisture in the soil during periods of high heat, and we helplessly witness the decline of crops. Plastic planters, due to their material composition, are not very environmentally friendly, unlike wood. When they have a double wall, they provide some thermal insulation, but this proves insufficient in high temperatures.

[0009] Unlike plastic planters, wooden planters have never been designed with a double wall, since wood is known to be a good natural thermal insulator. However, in the absence of a water reservoir, wooden planters still require frequent watering to prevent the plants from dying.

[0010] The invention therefore aims to remedy at least one of the drawbacks of art prior. The invention aims in particular to design a bioclimatic planter, made of an ecological material, promoting good thermal insulation of the soil and plants, not including any integrated water reserve to avoid the development of mosquitoes and, in a context where water management is becoming crucial, requiring very little watering thanks to better management of the moisture contained in the soil.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a bioclimatic planter for growing plants, said planter comprising a container suitable for holding soil and plants, said container consisting of a base and vertical walls, a waterproof cover covering the inner face of the vertical walls and the base of the container so as to isolate the container from the moisture contained in the soil, said planter being characterized in that the container is made of rot-resistant wood resistant to variations in humidity and temperature, in that an external facing covers the outer face of the walls of the container, and in that at least one wall of said container, intended to be exposed to the sun, is equipped with a cooling means, said cooling means comprising an intersection of at least two uprights fixed to at least two crossbeams, said uprights being spaced apart from each other and said crossbeams being spaced apart from each other,said interlocking element being fixed between the external face of said at least one wall and the external facing, so as to create an air circulation space promoting the cooling of said wall.

[0012] Thus, the additional space created between at least one wall of the container and the planter's cladding allows sufficient air circulation to cool the planter's wall and thermally insulate the soil and plants contained within the container. This cooling system is advantageously installed on one or more walls most exposed to solar radiation, depending on the planter's location.

[0013] According to other optional features of the planter:

[0014] The interlocking of the cooling means is perpendicular and fixed so that the uprights are positioned vertically and parallel to each other, fixed to the external face of said at least one wall and regularly spaced along the width of said wall, and the cross members are positioned horizontally and parallel to each other, fixed to said uprights and regularly spaced along the height of said wall.

[0015] The planter includes a first shoulder fixed on an upper area of ​​the inner face of the walls of the container and above the surface of the soil, said first shoulder allowing on the one hand to keep the cover fixed against the inner face of the walls of the container and on the other hand, to condense evaporating water into fine droplets intended to fall back by gravity into the planter;

[0016] The planter includes a second shoulder, resting on the upper edge of at least one wall of the container and / or on the first shoulder, said second shoulder having a larger surface area than the first shoulder, and being capable of producing a shadow cast on the surface of the soil and of condensing evaporated water into fine droplets intended to fall back by gravity into the planter;

[0017] The height of the outer facing varies along the perimeter of the tank and is at least equal to the height of the tank walls, so that each height casts a different shadow on the ground surface;

[0018] At least two means of evacuation are provided in the bottom of the tank, each means comprising an opening orifice, made in the thickness of the bottom of the tank and receiving a hollow tube, of substantially conical shape and complementary to said orifice, said tube having a collar flush with the surface of the bottom of the tank and a cylindrical part protruding below the bottom of the tank; and a sealing joint intended to hold said tube and said tarpaulin fixedly in position against the thickness of said orifice;

[0019] The planter further includes a removable composting compartment, said compartment being accessible from the upper part of the planter and comprising side posts and a perforated base resting on a layer of soil from said planter, said compartment being able to be closed by means of a door;

[0020] The wood used to make the tray, uprights and crossbeams is plywood glued with water-resistant glue (WPB), the wood used to make the plywood being chosen from birch, oak, poplar, chestnut, larch, Douglas fir, black locust, iroko or teak;

[0021] The planter includes at least four wheels, at least two of which are equipped with a braking system, and signage suitable for allowing correct orientation of the planter in relation to the sun;

[0022] The invention further relates to a use of the planter described above, characterized in that it consists of filling the container with a first layer of clay pebbles, covering said first layer with a layer of soil, and then covering said layer of soil with a second layer of clay pebbles.

[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures which represent:

[0024] [Fig. 1], a perspective view of an embodiment of a planter according to the invention,

[0025] [Fig.2], a top view of the planter in [Fig.1],

[0026] [Fig.3], a cross-sectional view of a wall of the planter of the [Fig.1] equipped with a cooling method

[0027] [Fig.4A], [Fig.4B] and [Fig.4C], respectively a cross-sectional view of a means drainage of the planter, a cross-sectional view and a top view of a tubular element constituting said drainage means,

[0028] [Fig. 5], a cross-sectional view of a wall of the planter according to a variant of the design lisation,

[0029] [Fig.6A] and [Fig.6B], respectively a cross-sectional view and a top view of a removable compartment for composting,

[0030] [Fig. 6C], a perspective view of a detail of a side upright of the compartment Compose of figures 6A and 6B.

[0031] A "planter" within the meaning of the invention, intended for the cultivation of all types of plants, whether decorative plants, flowering plants, shrubs or vegetables, can take any type of shape, such as square or rectangular shapes, but also L, T, U or polygonal shapes for example.

[0032] The "upper part" of a planter is defined as the open upper face through which the soil and plants are placed.

[0033] A "container" is defined as a container intended to hold soil and plants, comprising a base parallel to the ground and vertical sides. The container is open at the top to allow the soil and plants to be placed inside.

[0034] The "internal face" of a wall of the tank is defined as the face located inside the tank, facing the soil of culture and, conversely, the "external face" of a wall of the tank is defined as the face located outside the tank.

[0035] The "height of a wall" of the tank is defined as the distance between the lower edge of the wall, fixed to the bottom, and the upper edge of the wall, opposite the bottom, along an axis perpendicular to the ground.

[0036] The "width of a wall" is defined as the distance between two ends of a wall along an axis parallel to the ground.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a planter 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows the same planter from above, and Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of one of the walls of said planter 100. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same elements in these three figures. For the sake of simplicity, these three figures are described simultaneously.

[0038] The planter 100 according to the invention comprises a container 101 suitable for holding growing soil and plants. The container 101 consists of a base 110, parallel to the ground, and vertical walls 120 fixed to the base along its edge. The vertical walls 120 are fixed to the base by any known means such as screwing and / or gluing and / or nailing.

[0039] The 101 container is made of rot-resistant wood that is resistant to variations in humidity and heat. Preferably, it should be plywood bonded with a water- and weather-resistant adhesive, such as a WBP-grade adhesive (Water Boiled Proof). The wood used for the plywood can be chosen from birch, oak, poplar, chestnut, larch, Douglas fir, black locust, iroko, or teak, for example. Birch plywood is preferable, as this wood is particularly hard and durable.

[0040] A waterproof liner 125 covers the inner face of the vertical walls 120 and the bottom 110 of the container 101, so as to isolate the container 101 from the moisture contained in the soil. This liner 125 can, for example, be made of flexible PVC (polyvinyl chloride), flexible HDPE (high-density polyethylene), or EPDM (a single-layer synthetic rubber whose acronym stands for "Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer"). Preferably, the liner 125 is made of flexible PVC conforming to standard EN13361, marketed, for example, under the Ubbink brand, and is UV-resistant, flexible at high temperatures, strong, and resistant to roots and microorganisms. However, the invention is not limited to the type of material used for said tarpaulin 125. Nevertheless, the preferential choice of material(s) will be made by being as environmentally friendly as possible and limiting harmful substances.

[0041] The external faces of the walls 120 of the tank 101 are clad with an exterior facing. This facing, referred to as 150 in Figures 1 to 3, can be made of rot-resistant wood planks, sheet metal, or any other commercially available decorative material. Sheet metal options include iron or aluminum sheets a few millimeters thick, for example, two millimeters. Thus, a rice-grain aluminum sheet can, for example, be used for a high-end finish. Wood is, however, the preferred material because it is not only environmentally friendly but also a good thermal insulator. The facing 150 can also be customized by adding or cutting out a decorative element, for example. The facing 150 is fixed by any known means to the external walls of the tank 101. An illustrative, but by no means limiting, example of facing 150 as shown in [Fig.1], consists of using recovered pallet wood.Thus, to address environmental issues and reduce waste, pallets used for transporting goods can be recycled for such cladding. The boards are then arranged vertically to form a siding. Their thickness is between ten and twenty-five millimeters, and preferably eighteen millimeters.

[0042] Advantageously, the height of the outer facing 150 varies along the perimeter of the container 101 and is at least equal to the height of the vertical walls 120 of the container 101, so that each height, exceeding more or less the upper edge of the walls 120 of the container 101, casts a different shadow on the surface of the earth. The cultivation method takes into account the exposure of planter 100 to the sun, thus helping to prevent the soil from overheating. This variable and staggered cut of the facing 150 optimizes shaded areas. In the illustrative but not exhaustive representation in [Fig. 1], each board making up the facing 150 has its own height, different from that of its neighbor.

[0043] Advantageously, at least one of the walls 120 of the container 101 is further equipped with a cooling means 135. Said means 135 is disposed between said wall 120 of the container 101 and the outer facing 150. This cooling means 135 allows air to circulate from the bottom to the top of the planter 100 in a space located between said wall 120 of the container 101 and the outer facing 150. Preferably, such a means 135 is disposed on at least the wall 120 most exposed to solar radiation, that is to say, the wall 120 of the planter 100 intended to be exposed to the south. Of course, other walls, and at most all the walls 120, can be equipped with this means 135. For example, in figures 1 and 2, the planter 100 shown is rectangular in shape and three of its walls 120 out of the four are equipped with this cooling means 135.

[0044] The cooling means 135 comprises an interlocking of at least two uprights 130 fixed to at least two crossbeams 140. The uprights 130 are spaced apart and the crossbeams 140 are spaced apart. This interlocking is fixed between the outer face of at least one wall 120 and the outer facing 150, so as to create an air circulation space 135 promoting cooling of said wall 120.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-bracing is perpendicular and fixed such that the at least two uprights 130 are positioned vertically and parallel to each other, fixed to the outer face of the vertical wall 120 to be insulated and regularly spaced along the width of said wall 120. The at least two crossbeams 140, fixed to said uprights 130, are positioned horizontally and parallel to each other, regularly spaced along the height of said wall 120. The outer facing 150 is then fixed to the crossbeams 140. Depending on the dimensions of the tank 101, and as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the cooling means 135 may comprise more than two uprights 130 and more than two crossbeams 140.Thus, the space created by the uprights 130 and the crossbeams 140, between the wall 120 of the container 101 to be insulated and the outer facing 150, creates an air circulation 135 between the bottom and top of the wall 120, as illustrated by the two arrows in [Fig. 3]. This air circulation 135 allows hot air to be evacuated upwards and therefore cools the wall 120 of the planter 100 during periods of high heat. This air space also provides additional thermal insulation during winter temperatures, preventing the container from freezing. plant root system.

[0046] Advantageously, the uprights 130 and the crossbeams 140 are made of the same plywood as the tray 101. They also allow the structure of the tray 101 to be consolidated and made more rigid.

[0047] The thickness of the vertical walls 120 of the container, the uprights 130, and the crossbeams 140 is advantageously between eighteen and fifty millimeters, and preferably twenty-one millimeters. The thickness of the bottom 110 of the container 101 may be slightly less and advantageously between twelve and eighteen millimeters, preferably fifteen millimeters. The space formed by the uprights 130 and the crossbeams 140 advantageously has a thickness between thirty-six and one hundred millimeters, sufficient to allow good air circulation capable of cooling the wall 120. Thus, during periods of high heat, the cooling means 135 makes it possible to halve the temperature of the wall 120 of the container 101 equipped with such a means 135. The soil and plants contained in the container 101 are then protected from the ambient heat.

[0048] This space has the advantage of not retaining rainwater or irrigation water, which drains directly into the ground. Furthermore, its dimensions are sufficient to allow air circulation to dry the wood of the sleepers, thus preventing water stagnation and the development of mosquitoes.

[0049] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, when a wall 120 of the tank 101 is not provided with such a cooling means 135, because it is intended to be oriented to the north or against a wall for example, but the walls 120 which are adjacent to it and opposite it are equipped with them, its width is longer than the edge of the bottom 110 of the tank 101 to which it is fixed, to take into account the thickness of the cooling means 135 provided on the adjacent walls and to be able to cover it with the outer facing 150.

[0050] The base 110 of the container 101 advantageously rests on feet 115 to isolate it from the ground. These feet 115 can, for example, be made of the same material as the facing 150. Feet 115 can be provided at each corner of the planter 100 and, depending on the size of the planter 100, also in the middle. When the cladding is made of wooden planks, such as pallet planks, these planks can also be used to make the feet 115. In this case, at least two planks are sufficient, their length being equal to the width of the base 110 of the container 101, and such planks effectively support the weight of the soil and plants contained in the container 101.In an illustrative example, these boards have a thickness of between eighteen and fifty millimeters, preferably twenty-five millimeters, and a width of between fifty and eighty millimeters, preferably sixty-five millimeters.

[0051] Advantageously, the base 110 of the container 101 is equipped with at least two drainage means 160. These two drainage means 160 prevent water from stagnating at the base 110 of the container 101 and causing mold growth in the soil, which can lead to root rot. These drainage means 160 also create air currents between themselves and with the soil surface, ensuring good soil aeration and preventing mold growth.

[0052] Such an evacuation means 160 is shown in figures 4A to 4C. An open hole 114 is made in the thickness 116 of the bottom 110 of the container 101. A hollow tube 163, having an open hole 161, of substantially conical shape and complementary to the hole 114, is inserted into the hole 114, so that the collar 162 located in its widest upper part is flush with the surface of the bottom 110 of the container 101 and the cylindrical body 164 of the hollow tube 163 protrudes below and outside the container 101. A sealing gasket 165, made of silicone for example, holds the tube 163 and the waterproof liner 125 securely in a tight position against the thickness 116 of the hole 114, so that no moisture can rise between the liner 125 and the bottom 110 of the container 101.Thus, rainwater or irrigation water cannot stagnate and flows directly through the opening 161 of the tube 163 arranged in each of the orifices 114 provided in the bottom 110 of the container 101. The tube 163 constituting the drainage means 160 can advantageously be made of a food-grade plastic material, so as not to pollute the crops, such as, for example, PET (acronym for Polyethylene terephthalate).

[0053] Advantageously, and as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the planter 100 further comprises a first shoulder 121 arranged along the upper perimeter of the inner face of the vertical walls 120 of the container 101. This shoulder is fixed, by any known means, to an upper area of ​​the inner face of each wall 120 of the container 101. Preferably, it is fixed to an end area, so that it is flush with the upper edge of the vertical wall 120. It thus allows the liner 125 to be pressed against the wall 120 and held in place, so that no moisture can get between the liner 125 and the wall 120 of the container 101. Moreover, the width of this shoulder being advantageously between ten and twenty-five millimeters, preferably fifteen millimeters, it improves the aesthetic appearance of the planter by concealing the tarpaulin 125, so that it is not visible when a person looks at planter 100.

[0054] This shoulder 121 is positioned above the ground surface, preferably at a distance of approximately ten to fifty millimeters. This advantageously promotes the condensation of water resulting from the evaporation of the inner surfaces of the walls 120 lined with the waterproof tarpaulin 125. The water droplets condensing on the surface of shoulder 121, they fall back into the ground by gravity, thus keeping it moist for longer.

[0055] Advantageously, a second shoulder 122, as shown in the cross-sectional view of [Fig. 5], is provided for use in very hot conditions. This second shoulder 122 rests on the upper edge of at least one of the walls 120 of the container 101 and / or on the first shoulder 121. This second shoulder 122 has a thickness substantially identical to the first shoulder 121 and a greater width than the first shoulder 121, advantageously between thirty and eighty millimeters depending on the width of the planter 100, preferably forty millimeters, in order to leave sufficient space in the middle of the planter 100, at least between eighty and two hundred millimeters, for the plants to grow freely and to allow for the placement of supports. This second shoulder 122 is positioned at a distance of substantially between forty and eighty millimeters from the soil surface.It casts a shadow over the cultivated soil to prevent overheating and promotes the condensation of water evaporating from the soil surface. The water droplets condensing on its surface then fall back into the soil by gravity, thus keeping it moist for longer. This second shoulder 122 also provides additional thermal insulation above the soil surface during winter temperatures, protecting the crops from frost. It can be fixed by any known means, such as gluing, screwing, and / or nailing, to the upper edge of the walls 120 and to the first shoulder 121.

[0056] According to one embodiment, this second shoulder 122 can simply be placed. It can also be held in place by means of small flat magnets, optionally coated with a layer of rubber, arranged on one side on the first shoulder 121 and / or the upper edge of the wall 120 and on the other side on the surface of said second shoulder 122 intended to be positioned opposite the first shoulder 121, so that this second shoulder 122 can be easily removed if necessary.

[0057] The double shoulder 121, 122 just described casts a shadow on the surface of the cultivated soil, preventing it from overheating and ensuring the collection of recondensed water droplets from the evaporation of the inner faces of the walls 120 lined with the waterproof tarpaulin 125 and from the soil surface. This double shoulder 121, 122 contributes to better retention of soil moisture over time.

[0058] In addition, the planter 100 according to the invention may include a com Removable 200-liter composting compartment. This 200-liter compartment can be placed at one end of the 100-liter planter or in the middle. It is preferably placed in the middle for to allow better diffusion of nutrients, resulting from composting, into the soil.

[0059] In order to be able to insert such a composting compartment 200 into the planter 100, a volume of soil is removed from the height and width corresponding to the dimensions of said compartment 200. Soil is kept in the bottom 110 of the container 101 so that the nutrients from the composting can diffuse into the soil.

[0060] A first embodiment of this removable composting compartment 200 is shown in Figures 6A to 6C. This compartment 200 comprises side uprights 221, 222 made of rot-resistant wood to which is attached a collection bag 225 made of the same material as the flexible waterproof tarpaulin 125 lining the walls 120 and the bottom 110 of the bin 101. The bottom of the bag 225 is advantageously perforated to allow nutrients from the decomposition of plant waste to diffuse into the soil below.

[0061] Said compartment 200 is accessible from the upper part of the planter 100 and advantageously closed by a door 210 to prevent the introduction of pests. This door 210, as shown in the cross-sectional view of [Fig. 6A] or the top view of [Fig. 6B], is hinged, for example, by means of one or more hinges 211 and closed by means of a latch 212. Advantageously, openings 213 are made in the thickness of the door 210 at regular intervals to allow ventilation of the compost compartment 200 and prevent the waste from rotting.

[0062] Fig. 6C represents a perspective view of a side upright of this flexible compost compartment 200. The upright is cut to have a notch at each end, so that it comprises an upper portion 221 of width L1 and a lower portion 222 of width L2 less than the width LL. The width L1 of the upper portion 221 of the upright is substantially equal to the width of the planter 101, so that the ends of the upper portion 221 rest on the upper edge and / or the first shoulder 121, or the second shoulder 122, of two opposite walls 120 of the planter 101. The lower portion 222 of the side upright has a width L2 substantially less than the width of the planter 101. A cleat 223 is further fixed to the lower portion 222 of the side upright by screwing 226, for example, into holes 224.This batten 223 serves, on the one hand, to fix the composting bag 225 to the side post 222 and, on the other hand, to support the door 210, so that the surface of the latter is flush with the upper surface of the post 221. The opening of the composting bag 225 has sides whose dimensions are substantially equal to the dimensions of the door 210. In an illustrative and non-limiting example, the side post can be made of pallet wood, resistant to variations in humidity and temperature, and the batten 223. can be made from plywood glued with WBP grade glue, like the 101 tray of the 100 planter.

[0063] According to another embodiment, the removable composting compartment 200 can be rigid and comprises vertical walls made of rot-resistant wood attached to a perforated sheet metal base intended to rest on the soil base of the planter 100. The vertical walls are, for example, made of the same plywood as the bin 101. In this case, the walls are entirely covered with a waterproof tarpaulin to better protect them from ambient humidity. The sheet metal is preferably food-grade 316L stainless steel that is corrosion-resistant and resistant to bacterial contamination. The compartment 200 is accessible from the top of the planter 100 and closed by a door similar to that of the flexible compartment 200 described above, in order to prevent pests from entering.

[0064] According to another embodiment of the planter 100, casters may be provided fixed to the base 110 of the container 101. Depending on the size of the planter 100, it comprises at least four casters, at least two of which are equipped with a braking system. Such casters allow the planter 100 to be moved from one location to another. However, if not all the sides 120 of the planter 100 are equipped with the cooling means 135, it is also necessary to add markings to the planter 100 to ensure its correct orientation with respect to the sun, so that the sides 120 equipped with the cooling means 135 are exposed to the sun, while the sides 120 not equipped with this cooling means 135 are oriented towards the north or against a wall, for example.This signage could, for example, consist of indicating the four cardinal points on planter 100 to allow for its correct orientation in relation to sun exposure.

[0065] According to yet another embodiment, the base 110 of the container 101 of the planter 100 is removable, so that the planter 100 can be placed directly in the ground. In this case, since the container 101 no longer has a base, the waterproof liner 125 covers only the inner face of the vertical walls 120. As the vertical walls 120 are in direct contact with the soil, they are preferably made of oak plywood bonded with WBP-grade glue. Such a planter placed directly in the ground helps reduce surface soil erosion in very windy areas and allows the soil to replenish itself when it has been excessively swept by the wind.

[0066] The invention further relates to a use of the planter 100 for growing plants. This use consists of filling the container 101 with a first layer of clay pebbles, a layer of potting soil, and then a second layer of clay pebbles, optionally covered with a thin top layer. of soil. Clay pebbles can retain three to four times their volume in water. The first layer of clay pebbles, placed on the bottom 110 of the container 101, allows for drainage, ensuring stability and constant freshness by absorbing the coolness or humidity of the night, thus reducing the frequency of watering. The second layer of clay pebbles on the surface, meanwhile, allows for the recovery of water evaporated during the day and its release in the evening. The two layers of clay pebbles are advantageously arranged to a thickness of between three and eight centimeters, preferably five centimeters.

[0067] Finally, it is possible to combine a water reservoir, designed to prevent mosquito breeding, placed in the garden and portable, allowing one or more planters to be supplied simultaneously. The reservoir can be designed to collect dishwashing or shower water and / or rainwater for reuse in watering.

[0068] The planter 100 described above is rectangular. However, the invention can be applied to other shapes, such as, for example, square, polygonal, L-shaped, T-shaped, or U-shaped shapes, without departing from the scope of the invention. By way of illustration, the height of the container 101 of the planter 100 is generally between 25 and 45 centimeters but can be as high as 1.5 meters without any problem. The width of the container 101 is generally between 20 and 40 centimeters and can be as high as 2 meters for raised garden beds. The length of the container 101 is generally between 60 centimeters and 2.5 meters.

[0069] The removable composting compartment 200, when intended to be integrated into a rectangular planter 100 for example, advantageously has a height of between twenty and forty centimeters, a width of between thirteen and thirty-five centimeters and a length of between thirteen and forty-five centimeters.

[0070] The planter 100 described above, made of wood, a good thermal insulator, and including at least one cooling device 135 on at least the wall 120 most exposed to the sun, reduces the temperature of said wall 120 by half, so that the evaporation of water from the soil is better controlled and the plants do not suffer from the surrounding heat. The outer facing 150, whose height varies around the perimeter to optimize shaded areas, and the first and second shoulders 121 and 122, capable of condensing evaporated water, allow the moisture in the growing medium to be retained for a much longer period than conventional planters. In addition, the use of clay pebbles also contributes to regulating the moisture content of the planter 100. All these features contribute, on the one hand, to Maintaining constant soil moisture without the need for an integrated water reservoir, thus preventing mosquito breeding, and significantly reducing watering frequency. For example, such a planter only needs watering every few weeks during heat waves.

Claims

Demands

1. A bioclimatic planter (100) for growing plants, said planter comprising a container (101) suitable for holding soil and plants, said container consisting of a base (110) and vertical walls (120), and a waterproof cover (125) covering the inner face of the vertical walls (120) and the base (110) of the container (101) so as to isolate the container (101) from the moisture contained in the soil, said planter (100) being characterized in that the container (101) is made of rot-resistant wood that is resistant to variations in humidity and temperature, in that an external facing (150) covers the outer face of the walls (120) of the container (101), and in that at least one wall (120) of said container (101), intended to be exposed to the sun, is equipped with a cooling means (135), said means of cooling (135) comprising an interlacing of at least two uprights (130) fixed to at least two crossbeams (140),said uprights (130) being spaced apart from each other and said crossbeams (140) being spaced apart from each other, said intersection being fixed between the external face of said at least one wall (120) and the external facing (150), so as to create an air circulation space (135) promoting cooling of said wall (120).

2. Planter (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the interlacing of the cooling means (135) is perpendicular and fixed so that the uprights (130) are positioned vertically and parallel to each other, fixed to the external face of said at least one wall (120) and regularly spaced along the width of said wall (120) and the crossbars (140) are positioned horizontally and parallel to each other, fixed to said uprights (130) and regularly spaced along the height of said wall (120).

3. Planter (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first shoulder (121) fixed on an upper area of ​​the inner face of the walls (120) of the container (101) and above the surface of the soil, said first shoulder (121) allowing on the one hand to keep the tarpaulin (125) fixedly against the inner face of the walls (120) of the container (101), and on the other hand to condense evaporated water into fine droplets intended to fall back by gravity into the planter (100).

4. Planter (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that it includes a second shoulder (122), resting on the upper edge of at least one wall (120) of the container (101) and / or on the first shoulder (121), said second shoulder (122) having a larger surface area than the first shoulder (121) and being capable of casting a shadow on the surface of the soil and of condensing evaporated water into fine droplets intended to fall back by gravity into the planter (100).

5. Planter (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the height of the outer facing (150) varies along the perimeter of the container (101) and is at least equal to the height of the walls (120) of the container (101), so that each height casts a different shadow on the soil surface.

6. Planter (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two drainage means (160) are provided in the bottom (110) of the container (101), each means (160) comprising an opening (114), made in the thickness of the bottom (110) of the container (101) and receiving a hollow tube (163) (161), of substantially conical shape and complementary to said opening (114), said tube (163) having a collar (162) flush with the surface of the bottom (110) of the container (101) and a cylindrical part (164) projecting below the bottom (110) of the container (101); and a sealing gasket (165) intended to hold said tube (163) and said liner (125) fixedly in position against the thickness (116) of said opening (114).

7. Planter (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a removable composting compartment (200), said compartment (200) being accessible from the upper part of the planter (100) and comprising side posts (221, 222) and a perforated base resting on a layer of soil of said planter (100), said compartment (200) being able to be closed by means of a door (210).

8. Planter (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wood of constitution of the container (101), the uprights (130) and the crossbeams (140) is plywood glued with water-resistant glue (WPB), the wood of constitution of the plywood being chosen from birch, oak, poplar, chestnut, larch, Douglas fir, black locust, iroko or teak.

9. Planter (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least four casters, of which at least two are equipped with a braking system, and signage suitable for allowing correct orientation of the planter (100) in relation to the sun.

10. Use of the planter (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it consists of filling the container (101) with a first layer of clay pebbles, covering said first layer with a layer of soil, and then covering said layer of soil with a second layer of clay pebbles.