A device for attaching plants to the bottom of a body of water
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024547944
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-10-24
- Filing Date
- 2022-10-24
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing devices for attaching plants to the bottom of bodies of water face limitations such as restricted space occupation, difficulty in adding new retainers due to covered pores, vulnerability to ocean currents, and environmental impact from heavy machinery, leading to challenges in plant retention, installation flexibility, and protection of vulnerable plant parts.
A support system with through holes and magnetically attachable plant retainers that can be placed anywhere on the support, allowing roots to penetrate the substrate, and includes biodegradable materials to minimize environmental impact, with modular and adaptable designs for various aquatic environments.
Ensures plant retention against currents, facilitates easy installation and design changes, promotes root growth, and supports environmentally sustainable aquaculture by minimizing environmental disruption and cost, while protecting plants from natural enemies and environmental changes.
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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention, as expressed by the description in this specification, is a device for fixing plants to the bottom of a body of water, which for its intended function offers advantages and features, which are explained in more detail below, and which represent an improvement over the current state of the art.
[0002] The object of the present invention resides in a mounting accessory intended to allow newly transplanted plants or seeds to remain in their position in the substrate at the bottom of a body of water and to take root in a natural way, the mounting accessory comprising a support preferably having a plurality of through holes and one or more plant or seed holding devices magnetically attached to the support, preferably through at least one of its holes or to prevent the plants or seeds from being dragged by the current, thereby fixing the support, and thus the entire assembly of fixing devices, to the bottom of the body of water, thus showing a series of improvements which offer advantages over what is currently known, in particular with regard to preventing the entire assembly of fixing devices from moving or being swept away by the current.
[0003] The field of application of the present invention is integrated in the technical fields of agro-industry, fish farming and other aquatic environments, with a particular focus on fastening systems for natural plants, artificial plants, seeds or decorative elements such as cables or light bulbs, at the bottom of any aquatic environment, such as aquariums, artificial ponds, rivers, seas, etc. [Background technology]
[0004] Currently, systems and devices for attaching plants to the bottom of water bodies are already known in the state of the art.
[0005] Thus, in the patent application WO 2005 / 023336, a device for attaching plants to the bottom of a water body is disclosed, which comprises an orifice support with two different defined uses, into which one or more holding devices, etc., intended to collect feces by suction, are screwed. However, unlike the attachment device of the present invention, this device for attaching plants cannot completely occupy the surface, and the space and number of holes is limited, so that the support is limited to pre-set and defined positions with respect to the design of the aquarium and the layout of the plants. Moreover, being buried at the bottom, the sand and gravel at the bottom cover the holes, making it difficult to add new holding devices and plants. The screws work and have to be carefully cleaned to avoid cracks, stirring up the toxic nitrites at the bottom and polluting the water and the fish. This forces the user to install everything a priori, making subsequent design changes difficult. Also, the plant holding device itself does not resist the currents and does not prevent the device for attaching the plants from being dragged along.
[0006] Patent document 2 describes a device for attaching plants to the seabed, comprising at least one holding device formed by a tube and adapted to be placed around the stem of the plant, the lower end of which is attached to a support having a hole, for example by a thread. However, the support is not laminar and, moreover, the hole is hollow rather than through. Due to the lack of through holes, the support described in this document does not adapt correctly to the seabed, limiting the growth of the plants attached to the support, since they cannot take root and take up nutrients from the seabed. Furthermore, its installation is limited to heavy machinery and heavy concrete blocks, which are expensive to manufacture and install, leaving an artificial footprint in the aquatic environment, which visually alters the elements that are some of the main objectives of the invention.
[0007] Also, in the patent document 3, a device for attaching plants to the bottom of the water is described, which consists of a support net with legs on which the stems of the plants are located, and a pressing net that is applied to the plants to keep them pressed down, in addition to requiring glue to fix the leaves one by one manually. Therefore, in this case, it is a completely different solution from the attachment device proposed in the present invention.
[0008] It is therefore not believed that any of the aforementioned patents or inventions, either separately or in combination, describe an attachment device as claimed in the present application, the essential object of which is to provide a novel device for attaching plants to the seabed, which offers advantages thanks to various improved structural aspects intended in particular to increase both the retention and support of the plants or seeds by the retention device and prevent them from being dragged by the current, ease of installation and flexibility with regard to the design of the aquatic environment, and protection of the most vulnerable parts of the plants. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0009] [Patent Document 1] China Utility Model No. 210043001 Specification [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent No. 101990794 [Patent Document 3] JP 2008-148575 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0010] The device for attaching plants to the water bottom proposed by the present invention constitutes an ideal solution for the above-mentioned objectives, the characteristic details which enable and distinguish it are conveniently contained in the final claims attached hereto.
[0011] In particular, the invention proposes, as described above, in a known manner, a device for attaching plants to a water bottom, comprising a support configured to be seated on the water bottom and optionally buried in the water bottom, and at least one plant holding device configured to be placed around the stem of the plant so that the stem is surrounded by the holding device, comprising an attachment system between the holding device and the support.
[0012] And from the above configuration the mounting device object of the invention is essentially distinguished, in that the system for connecting the support and the holding device comprises one or several layers of ferromagnetic elements, so that it is possible to mount the holding device anywhere on the surface of the support.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the support has a plurality of through holes, and the plant or seed holder passes through at least one of the through holes of the support such that the portion of the holder protruding from the bottom of the support will bite into the bottom of the body of water and the support carrying one or more plant or seed holders will not be easily dragged by the current. In Figures 22 and 25, a portion of the attachment system can be seen protruding from the bottom of the support. Additionally, in this embodiment, the roots of the plants or seeds contained in the holder can traverse the support and access the substrate at the bottom of the body of water through the through holes of the support.
[0014] In one embodiment, the sheet support is a layer for seating on the bottom surface and can adapt to the shape of the substrate on or embedded therein, primarily employing bottom holography.
[0015] In another embodiment, the sheet-like support is formed by joining several pieces joined so as to be arranged in a coplanar manner so as to define the through holes of the sheet-like support, one of its greatest features being that it is designed to fit the bottom like a glove, since the pieces forming the support are rings joined by attachment elements, which further act as connectors and fastening means to fasten to the bottom of the support, thereby defining a cavity in its upper part to allow sand from the bottom of the body of water to be located inside and increase the weight of the assembly, so that the attachment device is less likely to be dragged by the current.
[0016] Additionally, optionally, the mounting elements or connectors of the rings defining the support may include a barb at the bottom for securing the support to the seabed.
[0017] Optionally, in one embodiment of the invention, the support parts are rings joined to each other by simple joining elements, not covering the space between them, i.e. consisting of a kind of washer which, in addition to adapting to the terrain, in the case of large-scale and industrial regrowth, can be launched from the ship and prevent plants at the bottom of the water bed or body of water from being crushed and also be able to grow through them.
[0018] Preferably, the connecting element is a part whose structure comprises both features at the same time, ie a housing for sand to increase the weight of the support and a claw to increase the fixing force.
[0019] Finally, in another embodiment option, the parts forming the support are connectors that are directly joined at the through hole defined by the intersection area between them. Preferably, the part is the part described above, whose structure includes both a housing for holding sand and a fixing claw, and which can be installed with the claw and the housing facing upwards or downwards, or even a combination of both positions.
[0020] In all cases, the layered support, whether formed by a flat body or a set of parts or rings, can be cut and / or modularized to give in each case the shape and dimensions desired, adapting to the size and space available on the bottom of the body of water, the desired design of the body of water and the place to be reused, and the system allows the quick attachment and detachment of numerous elements such as cables or underwater lights, making it possible to create any kind of drawing or mosaic, using sonar or GPS maps, as in the marine case, or manually, while decorating small spaces with plants and, if necessary, the help of lighting.
[0021] Optionally, the support may consist of one or more fasteners configured to be fixed to the bottom of the body of water, for example anchor legs or suction cups, depending on the type of bottom on which the attachment device is installed, without the need to release "dead bodies" (known as large stones that wash up on the bottom as ballast and used to anchor vessels).
[0022] Furthermore, the system for fixing the device for holding the plants or seeds to the support, and the holding device itself, preferably have internal through holes, so that the roots of the plants or seeds before and after germination are held in the holding device, in addition to allowing them to access the bottom of the water body through the same through holes in the support to which the holding device is attached, form a kind of shield that prevents natural enemies from accessing part or all of the planted individual, protecting them from bites and increasing the chances of life success.
[0023] In one embodiment, when the needs or conditions are difficult or extreme due to the flow or when the device is semi-buried, the mounting system of the holding device and the support, the magnetomechanical holding which self-induces the axis of the component and the plate hole by polar attraction, the strength of the connection can be assisted by pressure from above the support, is formed of an annular body in which the holding device is fitted or integrated, from which radial lugs emerge internally, with or without claws, which are inserted under pressure into the through holes of the support.
[0024] Optionally, the attachment system comprises a reinforcing elastic element, for example in the form of an inverted flange or in the form of a harpoon, having magnetic properties that, once inserted into one of the through-holes of the support, prevent it from being detached therefrom.
[0025] In another embodiment, the mounting system between the holding device and the support is an independent part of the holding device that is not mounted on top, but is placed on the bottom of the support and attached to the holding device through a through hole in the support into which the device is inserted.
[0026] Optionally, the mounting system arranged at the bottom of the support is a magnet or a ferromagnetic part which is attached to the bottom of a holding device comprising a magnet or a ferromagnetic element, such that both elements are connected by magnetic coupling via a through hole in the support.
[0027] There are many possible configurations for the retention device, depending on the type of plant or seed, as well as any other object one wishes to attach.
[0028] Thus, in one embodiment option, the retention device includes a helical shape that is placed around the stem of the plant and passes the coils of the helicoid repeatedly radially around it until the plant stem is longitudinally inside it.
[0029] In another embodiment option, the holding device comprises multiple foldable arms relative to an articulated shaft, the arms being independent and configured to rotate longitudinally relative to the shaft and radially relative to the plant, thereby abrading the stem and conforming to its diameter.
[0030] Also, in another embodiment option, the holding device comprises a set of converging members emerging radially on a circular body, optionally a cylindrical body, the case being specifically intended for holding seeds.
[0031] The holding device may also optionally have a ground or perforated bottom that holds the seed and does not pass through it into the bottom of the support, but through which its roots can pass upon germination.
[0032] Further, in such embodiments, the retention device may be comprised of a tubular body having orifice walls that facilitate the passage of water and nutrients.
[0033] In any case, preferably the holding device and the attachment system to the support are integrated in the same element, except in cases where the attachment system is arranged at the bottom of the support.
[0034] It is noted that all elements from which the mounting device is formed are preferably biodegradable materials, but this is not meant to be limiting as all or part of the device may be made from a durable material, In any event, in a preferred embodiment, the material is Nitinol if the mounting device is intended for use on the bottom of a warm water aquarium or tropical environment.
[0035] Optionally, the plant mounting device is configured to include a plurality of modules configured with supports attached to one another, the supports having respective retaining devices attached by respective connection systems.
[0036] Finally, in one embodiment option, at least some of the perforations in the support are covered with a biodegradable or water-soluble sheet that disappears after a period of time and into which the seeds are intended to be placed.
[0037] For these reasons, the device for fixing plants to the water bottom of the invention is an improved solution to the currently known systems for the same purpose, resolving in a practical and effective way one of the current problems of replanting on the water bottom, since when plants are moved from one place to another in order to replant them in a water body, it is almost impossible to replant them with a part of the water body attached, since they have no roots to fix them to the water bottom and are moved by the fish that nibble at them or by the current itself, and also allows the seedlings to be re-grown and planted immediately after harvesting, thus avoiding sudden changes in temperature, pH and salinity, saving processing, transport and energy costs, contributing to an environmentally friendly and sustainable aquaculture, facilitating the design of aquatic landscapes and making industrial replanting of large water bottoms possible.
[0038] More specifically, the attachment device of the present invention captures the stems of aquatic plants by different means and forms depending on the type of plant to be attached to the ground for re-growth in the aquatic environment, and allows its roots to penetrate through the attached support to the bottom sediment, ensuring retention of the plants or seeds by preventing them from being dragged by the current.
[0039] Thus, to summarize the advantages already mentioned throughout this specification, the plant mounting system of the present invention is distinguished by the following points:
[0040] Besides plants and seeds, they are also suitable for fixing anything to the bottom of the water, such as decorations, cables, light bulbs, etc.
[0041] In nutrient-poor waters, organic waste and minerals can be used to create a mounting system that will help transplanted plants grow during their first few months.
[0042] The attachment system that holds the plant or seed aids its survival by encasing and protecting the roots or young, tender stems from predators.
[0043] The roots will naturally grow and establish at the bottom, preventing the inevitable root breakage upon transplanting, thus ensuring root set and therefore 100% biocompatibility and survival of the individual plants.
[0044] Plants or seeds can be planted in recipient beds immediately after collection, minimizing or avoiding the following problems: Growing plants in nurseries involves economical costs in terms of transportation and maintaining facilities and equipment. Stress: Plants are not affected by changes in pH, temperature, or feeding.
[0045] The attachment of the holding device to the support differs significantly and substantially from other known systems, in particular the systems disclosed in references US Pat. No. 5,393,323 and US Pat. No. 5,493,624.
[0046] If the support is buried in the floor, the holes are covered with sand or earth from the bottom. The ferromagnetic attachment and the holding device have magnets at their lower ends, which makes it very easy to fix the plants to the support without the need to dig or clean holes to join the two, and prevents the bottom from lifting the mud loaded with toxic nitrites from decaying animal and plant waste. The plants are not limited in position within the griddle, so they can be freely positioned according to the consumer's preferences and occupy the required or desired space within the griddle area. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0047] In order to supplement the description herein and to facilitate the understanding of the characteristics of the invention, the following plan views are attached hereto, which are integrated therewith and have an exemplary and non-limiting nature, in which the following are represented: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a device for attaching plants to the bottom of a water body that is the subject of the present invention, in particular an example comprising a layered support consisting of a flat body having a perforated surface, a spiral plant holding device and a magnetic connection system of the holding device to the support assisted by a coupling at the bottom of the support. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of part of another example of a plant mounting device support, in this case made up of rings joined by washers, incorporating a tubular shaped retaining device and assisted by an elastic flange mounting system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of part of another embodiment of a mounting device support according to the invention, in this case showing an embodiment of a tubular-shaped holding device for seeds having an orifice wall, formed of rings connected by an element for holding sand. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a plant mounting device, in this case with a support formed by rings joined with elements for holding sand, similar to that shown in FIG. 3, and including three different types of plant holders: a tubular form for seeds, a spiral form, and a rotating arm form. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing in perspective and side elevation views, respectively, a portion of another embodiment of a mounting device support of the present invention, in this case including an embodiment of a retention device formed by a connector directly coupled by a fastening tab at the bottom and inserted into a hole defining the intersection between the parts. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing in perspective and side elevation views, respectively, a portion of another embodiment of a mounting device support of the present invention, in this case including an embodiment of a retention device formed by a connector directly coupled by a fastening tab at the bottom and inserted into a hole defining the intersection between the parts. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic elevational view of an example of a washer-jointed ring support including an example of a seed holder with a mounting system having resilient flanges. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of respective embodiments of a support directly coupled with a connector having lower claws, similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, and in this case shows respective embodiments of a holding device having a spiral shape and rotating arms. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is an elevational view of respective embodiments of a support directly coupled with a connector having lower claws, similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, and in this case shows respective embodiments of a holding device having a spiral shape and rotating arms. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an elevational view showing an example of a support with directly joined parts, holding sand and having claws, arranged so that the claws face upwards and downwards, respectively, and in both cases includes an example of a seed holding device with an integrated clamping system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an elevational view showing an example of a support with directly joined parts, holding sand and having claws, arranged so that the claws face upwards and downwards, respectively, including in both cases an example of a seed holding device with an integrated clamping system. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of two embodiments of a medium force holder attachment system with a lower lug provided with teeth, a harpoon-shaped resilient flange, and a perforated floor for holding seeds. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of two embodiments of a medium force holder attachment system with a lower lug provided with teeth, a harpoon-shaped resilient flange, and a perforated floor for holding seeds. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a mounting system for a high force holder having a harpoon-like resilient flange and a perforated floor for holding seeds. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a mounting system for a high force holder having a harpoon-like resilient flange and a perforated floor for holding seeds. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a mounting system for a high force retention device having a harpoon-like resilient flange and a perforated floor for retaining seeds. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a mounting system for a high force holder having a harpoon-like resilient flange and a perforated floor for holding seeds. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows perspective views of two embodiments of a retention device having a harpoon-shaped spiral configuration and an extreme height attachment system. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows perspective views of two embodiments of a retention device having a harpoon-shaped spiral configuration and an extreme height attachment system. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of one example embodiment of a high strength retention device mounting system having an upper arm with a resilient flange in the shape of a harpoon to facilitate smooth entry for holding a representative seed in this case, and an orifice wall to allow the passage of nutrient laden water flow. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an example of a high strength retention device as a fastening system, in the form of an inverse elastic flange, with a rotating arm. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an elevational view of the three extreme height examples of holding devices shown in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 once their mounting systems are inserted into an example of a modular support formed by parts directly joined to each other. [Figure 23] Figure 23 shows two examples of holding devices with spiral and rotating arms respectively for cases where space requires the implantation of loose units, in this case with a mounting system formed by individual independent pieces of layered support. [Figure 24] Figure 24 shows two examples of holding devices with spiral and rotating arms respectively, for cases where space requires the implantation of loose units, in this case with a mounting system formed by individual independent sections of the layered support. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the bottom of one example mounting device support with several examples of mounting systems for retention devices. [Figure 26]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fixture support according to the present invention, where some of the through holes contain seeds and the top and interior are plugged with a biodegradable or water-soluble sheet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0048] Considering the figures described and following the numbering adopted, various examples of non-limiting embodiments of the device for attaching plants to the bottom of a body of water of the present invention can be observed, including those described in detail below.
[0049] Thus, as can be seen in Fig. 1, the plant mounting device subject of the invention essentially comprises a support (3) adapted to be seated on the water bottom and optionally buried in the floor, at least one plant holding device (1) adapted to be placed around the stem of the plant so that the stem of the plant is surrounded by the holding device (1), and a connection system (2) between the holding device (1) and the support (3), the connection system between the support (3) and the holding device (1) consisting of one or several layers of ferromagnetic elements so that the holding device (1) can be attached anywhere on the surface of the support (3). The magnetic connection between the holding device (1) and the support (3) is particularly interesting when the support is totally or partially covered with a water bottom substrate. In this case, the user only has to move the substrate away from the area of the support (3) where he wants to place the holding device (1), attach the holding device (1) to the support (3) and return the substrate to its natural position. It is not necessary for the user to search for the area of the support (3) where the attachment means of the holding device (1) are located, which is a complicated situation when the support (3) is covered with a water bottom substrate.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the support (3) comprises a number of through holes (5), and the plant or seed holding device (1) passes through at least one of the through holes (5) of the support (3) such that the part of the holding device (1) protruding through the bottom of the support (3) penetrates the water bottom and the support (3) with the plant or seed holding device or device (1) is less likely to be dragged by the current. In Figures 22 and 25, a part of the connection system (2) can be seen protruding from the bottom of the support (3). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the roots of the plant or seed housed in the holding device (1) can pass through the through holes of the support (3) to access the water bottom substrate.
[0051] 1, 25 and 26, it can be seen that in one embodiment, the layered support (3) is a layer defining a flat orifice surface having a plurality of through holes (5).
[0052] Also, considering Figures 3 to 9, it can be seen that in other embodiments, the layered support (3) is formed by joining together a number of coplanar joined pieces (31, 32, 33) that have or define through holes (5) in the support (3).
[0053] Thus, in the embodiment visible in figures 2 and 7, the parts constituting the support (3) are rings (31) connected by simple connecting elements (32), namely connecting elements consisting of washers.
[0054] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the parts forming the support (3) are rings (31) joined by connectors or connecting and mounting elements (33) and have at least a cavity (33.1) for retaining sand from the water bottom and increasing the weight of the assembly.
[0055] Furthermore, optionally, the connection and attachment elements (33) of the ring (31) defining the support (3) may include claws (33.2) to provide attachment of the support (3) to the seabed.
[0056] Preferably, the aforementioned connector or connecting and mounting element (33) is a circular part, the structure of which consists, on one side, of a large cavity (33.1) defined by several claws (33.2) and, on the other side, of another small cavity (33.1) also at the bottom which holds sand, allowing the connecting and mounting element (33) to be used both on one side and on the other side, i.e. with the claws (33.2) facing upwards (figures 3, 4, 10, 22), with the claws facing downwards (figures 5, 6, 8, 9, 11) or in a combination of both positions (although this possibility is not represented).
[0057] Similarly, in another embodiment option, the parts forming the support (3) are connectors or connecting and mounting elements (33) that are directly joined, leaving a through hole (5) for the insertion of the holding device (1) defined by the intersection area between said connecting and mounting parts / elements (33), as shown by way of example in Figures 5 and 6.
[0058] In both cases, the layered support (3) is cut or modularized, i.e. trimmed by cutting the layered or modular body into more or fewer parts (31, 32, 33) which form it, to give the shape and dimensions of the sole desired or required in each case.
[0059] Furthermore, the layered support (3), whether it is formed of a flat body or of a set of pieces or rings, preferably constitutes a malleable element capable of adapting to the shape of the bottom on which it is to be installed, either by the malleability of the material itself if it consists of a layered body, or by the movable bonds between the several parts (31, 32, 33) which form it, in this case adapting and absorbing best to the irregularities of the land.
[0060] In any case, preferably, the support (3) comprises one or more attachment parts (4) adapted for fixing to the water bottom, for example consisting of anchor legs or suction cups.
[0061] Furthermore, the connection system (2) of the holding device (1), like the holding device (1) itself, preferably has through holes, allowing the roots of the plants or seeds held in the device to access the water bottom through the same through holes (5) in the support (3) to which the holding device (1) is attached.
[0062] In one embodiment option, the connection system (2) of the holding device (1) with the support (3) is a pressure attachment system on the top of the support (3), consisting for example of an annular body (20) with radial lugs (21) emerging inside, inside which the attachment of the plant is facilitated, and in the through-holes (5) of the support (3) there may be teeth so that the pressure exerted by the magnetic force is gentle on the grip of the plant. In figures 12 and 13 two examples of said connection system (2) are shown.
[0063] In another embodiment option, the connection system (2) between the holding device (1) and the support (3) consists of a series of elastic elements (22), for example in the form of inverted flanges or in the form of harpoons, which, once inserted into one of the through-holes (5) of the support (3), prevent it from being separated therefrom. Examples of this embodiment option can be seen in figures 14-17 and 18-21.
[0064] In another embodiment, the connection system (2) between the holding device (1) and the support (3) is not fixed from above, but is an independent part of the holding device, which is placed at the bottom of the support (3) and fixed to the lower end of the holding device (1) through a through hole (5) in the support (3) into which the device is inserted, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0065] Optionally, when the connection system (2) is an independent part that is placed at the bottom of the support (3), said part is a magnetic or ferromagnetic part that is attached to the bottom of the holding device (1) which in turn has a magnetic or ferromagnetic element at its lower end (10) for magnetically coupling said part of the connection system (2), as shown in the embodiment in Figures 23 and 24.
[0066] For this purpose, the holding device (1) is of various configurations depending on the type of plant in question and whether it is for seeds or not.
[0067] Thus, in an optional embodiment, the retention device (1) includes a helical shape (11) that is placed around the plant stem and passes the coils of the helicoid repeatedly radially around the plant stem until it remains longitudinally inside it. Examples of this option are shown in Figures 8, 18, 19 and 23.
[0068] In another embodiment option, the holding device comprises a number of foldable arms (12) that are independent and configured to rotate longitudinally relative to the shaft and radially relative to the plant, thereby grinding the stem to fit its diameter. In Figures 9, 21 and 24 examples of each of the embodiment options can be observed.
[0069] Also, in another embodiment option, the holding device (1) comprises a circular body (14) and optionally a set of converging members (13) emerging radially on the cylinder, in this case intended in particular for holding ornaments such as seeds, stems, bulb shafts, etc. Figures 3 and 7 show two examples of this option of the device (1). Figures 13 to 17 also show examples of this option of the holding device (1) for seeds, stems, cables, ornaments, etc.
[0070] Optionally, as shown by way of example in FIG. 14, the holding device (1) has a bed or orifice base (23) for holding the seeds above the connection system (2) without passing through it into the bottom of the support (3) (FIG. 14).
[0071] Further, in an optional embodiment, the retention device (1) may comprise a circular tubular body (14) having orifice walls that facilitate the passage of water and nutrients, as shown in the example of FIG.
[0072] FIG. 4 shows a module formed by connecting the components of FIGS. 2, 3 and 7, or another model formed by the diagrams depicted in FIGS. 5, 6, 8 to 11, and optionally the plant mounting device of the present invention is formed by connecting a number of modules, each module being formed by a support (3) having a holding device (1) attached by a respective connection system (2).
[0073] Finally, turning to FIG. 26, it is observed that, in one embodiment option, at least some of the through holes (5) of the layered support (3) intended to accommodate seeds, stems, cables or decorations inside them have no hole distinction, making the system more versatile, and are capped with upper and lower sheets (6) preferably made of biodegradable or water-soluble material.
[0074] Having fully described the nature of the present invention and the manner in which it is carried out, it is believed that the description need not be more extensive so that anyone skilled in the art can appreciate the scope and advantages deriving therefrom.
Claims
1. 1. A device for attaching plants to the bottom of a body of water, which holds and secures the plants to a substrate on the bottom of the body of water, comprising: A support (3) configured to be placed on the bottom of the water and, optionally, buried in the bottom of the water; A holding device (1) for a plant, configured to be placed around a stem of a plant such that the stem of the plant is surrounded by the holding device (1), said holding device (1) comprising a connection system (2) between said holding device (1) and a support (3), the support (3) comprises one or more layers of ferromagnetic material so that the holding device (1) can be attached anywhere on the support (3), A device for attaching plants to the bottom of a body of water, characterized in that the connection system of the holding device (1) comprises one or more layers of ferromagnetic elements.
2. The support (3) is provided with a plurality of through holes (5), A device for attaching plants to a substrate at the bottom of a body of water, characterized in that the holding device (1) for holding plants or seeds passes through at least one of the through holes (5) of the support (3) so that the part of the holding device (1) protruding from the bottom surface of the support (3) penetrates into the water bottom and the support (3) having the holding device (1) for holding one or more plants or seeds is less likely to be dragged by the current.
3. 3. A device for attaching plants to the bottom of a water body as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the layered support (3) is a layered body defining a flat surface orifice having a plurality of said through holes (5), so that the roots of the plants held by the holding device (1) can access the lower part of the support (3) and can be attached in a natural way to a substrate on the water bottom.
4. 3. A device for attaching plants to the bottom of a body of water, as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the layered support (3) is formed by the joining of several parts (31, 32, 33) joined in a coplanar manner so as to present or define the through holes (5) in the support (3).
5. the parts forming said support (3) are either rings (31) connected by simple connecting elements (32) such as washers, or connectors or connecting and mounting elements (33) which are directly joined to one another leaving a through hole (5) for the insertion of said holding device (1) defined by an intersection area between them, at least a ring (31) having a cavity (33.1) for retaining sand from the water bottom and increasing the weight of the assembly, joined by said connectors or connecting and mounting elements (33), preferably said connectors or connecting and mounting elements (33) of said rings (31) defining said support (3) including claws (33.2) for supporting said support (3) on the seabed, or 5. A device for attaching plants to the bottom of a water body, according to claim 4, characterized in that the connector or connecting and attaching element (33) is a circular part, the structure of which comprises, on the one hand, a large cavity (33.1) bounded by a number of claws (33.2) and, on the opposite side, another small cavity (33.1) for holding bottom sand.
6. A device for attaching plants to the bottom of a water body according to any of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the connection system (2) of the holding device (1), like the holding device (1), has through holes, allowing the roots of plants or seeds held in the holding device to access the water bottom through the same through holes (5) of the support (3) to which the holding device (1) is attached.
7. A device for attaching plants to the bottom of a water body according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connection system (2) of the holding device (1) with the support (3) is a mounting system using pressure from the top of the support (3), preferably comprising a series of elastic elements (22) or is an independent part of the holding device, which is placed at the bottom of the support (3) and attached to the lower end of the holding device (1) through the same through-hole (5) of the support (3) into which the device is inserted, preferably the connection system (2) being a magnetic or ferromagnetic part, a connection system (2) attached to the bottom of the holding device (1) and having a magnetic or ferromagnetic element at its lower end (10).
8. The holding device (1) has a helical shape (1.1) that surrounds the plant stem such that the coils of the helicoid repeatedly radially surround the plant stem until the plant stem passes longitudinally inside it, the arms (12) being independent and configured to rotate longitudinally about their axis and radially relative to the plant, thus enveloping the stem and conforming to its diameter, a set of converging arms (12) that emerge radially above a circular body (14), A device for attaching plants to a water bottom according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the holding device (1) comprises a set of converging elements (13) emerging radially above the circular body (14) consisting of a circular tubular body (14) with a floor or orifice base (23) for holding the seeds above the connection system (2) and preventing the seeds from passing through it and entering the bottom of the support (3), or a cylinder intended to hold the seeds, preferably a circular tubular body (14) with orifice walls for facilitating the passage of water and nutrients.
9. A device for attaching plants to the bottom of a water body according to any of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the layered support (3) is cut or modularized in order to give the shapes and dimensions of the plants desired or required in each case.
10. A device for attaching plants to the bottom of a body of water according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the layered support (3) constitutes a malleable element capable of adapting to the shape of the bottom on which it is intended to be installed.
11. A device for attaching plants to the bottom of a body of water according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (3) comprises one or more attachment parts (4) adapted for fixing to the water bottom.
12. A device for attaching plants to a water bottom according to claim 11, characterized in that the attachment parts (4) are fixing legs or suction cups.
13. A device for attaching plants to a water bottom according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the components are made of biodegradable materials.
14. A device for attaching plants to a water bottom according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it is made up of a number of modules joined together, each module comprising the support (3) with the holding device (1) fixed thereto by the respective connection system (2).
15. A device for attaching plants to a water bottom according to any one of claims 2 to 14, characterized in that some of the through holes (5) of the layered support (3) intended to accommodate seeds inside are blocked with an upper sheet (6) and a lower sheet made of biodegradable or water-soluble material.