Plant growing containers

Abstract

To provide an unprecedented and highly practical plant growing container.SOLUTION: The present invention consists of a container 1 with an opening at the top and a plant container 2 that is placed inside the container 1 through a top opening 1' of the container 1. The plant container 2 is configured to be open at the top and have a water passage 2a' at a bottom 2a. When the plant container 2 is placed inside the container 1 through the top opening 1', the plant container 2 is configured to be engaged with the container 1 so that the bottom 2a of the plant container 2 is suspended and does not come into contact with a bottom 1a of the container 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant growing container. [Background technology]

[0002] The present applicant proposes an ornamental plant storage container disclosed in JP 2021-182877 A (hereinafter referred to as the "conventional example") as a container for growing plants.

[0003] This conventional example consists of a cylindrical plant container with a bottom for storing plants, and a lid body that is attached to the upper opening of the plant container. The lid body is provided with a liquid storage section for storing liquid, and this liquid storage section is provided with a drip hole configured to allow the liquid to drip into the inside of the plant container. The liquid stored in the liquid storage section of the lid body that is attached to the top of the plant container passes through the drip hole provided in the lid body, turns into droplets in the droplet formation section, and drips into the plant container.

[0004] Therefore, water droplets fall from the lid onto the plants in the plant container like natural drops, not only providing the plants with the appropriate amount of moisture, but the sight of the water dripping down creates a natural landscape and has a soothing effect, making the device suitable for enjoying the plants as they are grown. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-182877 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As a result of the inventor's continued development of the above-mentioned plant-growing container, he has developed a highly practical plant-growing container that has never existed before. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The gist of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0008] This plant cultivation container comprises a container 1 that is open at the top, and a plant container 2 that is placed inside the container 1 through the top opening 1' of the container 1, the plant container 2 being open at the top and having a water passage part 2a' at the bottom 2a, and the plant container 2 being configured so that when the plant container 2 is placed inside the container 1 through the top opening 1', it is engaged with the container 1 and is in a hanging state where the bottom 2a of the plant container 2 does not abut against the bottom 1a of the container 1.

[0009] Moreover, in the plant cultivation container described in claim 1, a protrusion 2b that protrudes outward is provided on the upper opening edge 2" or outer peripheral surface of the plant container 2, and this protrusion 2b of the plant container 2 is engaged with the upper opening edge 1" of the container 1 so that the bottom 2a of the plant container 2 is in a hanging state without abutting against the bottom 1a of the container 1.

[0010] In addition, in the plant cultivation container described in claim 2, the protrusion 2b is configured by providing a flange-shaped portion protruding outward on an upper opening edge 2'' or an outer peripheral surface of the plant container 2.

[0011] Furthermore, in the plant cultivation container described in any one of claims 1 to 3, the container 1 relates to a plant cultivation container characterized in that it comprises a cylindrical first component part 1A and a second component part 1B that is connected to the lower end of the first component part 1A, has a larger diameter than the first component part 1A, and has a bottomed structure.

[0012] Moreover, in the plant cultivation container described in claim 4, the container 1 is transparent or light-transmitting, and the boundary portion X between the first component part 1A and the second component part 1B is configured to be located above the bottom part 2a of the plant container 2 in a suspended state.

[0013] The plant cultivation container according to claim 4 has a cylindrical cover body 3 with a top that is open at the bottom, and this cover body 3 is configured to fit over the first component part 1A of the container 1 from above so that the lower opening edge part 3'' is placed on the second component part 1B.

[0014] The plant cultivation container according to claim 5 has a cylindrical cover body 3 with a top that is open at the bottom, and this cover body 3 is configured to fit over the first component part 1A of the container 1 from above so that the lower opening edge part 3'' is placed on the second component part 1B.

[0015] The present invention relates to a plant cultivation container according to claim 6, characterized in that the top surface portion 3A and the side peripheral surface portion 3B of the cover body 3 are provided with ventilation holes 3a.

[0016] The present invention relates to a plant cultivation container according to claim 7, characterized in that the top surface portion 3A and the side peripheral surface portion 3B of the cover body 3 are provided with ventilation holes 3a.

[0017] The present invention relates to a plant cultivation container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the container 1 is made of glass.

[0018] The present invention relates to a plant cultivation container according to claim 10, wherein at least an outer surface of the container 1 is covered with a silicone resin 4. Effect of the Invention

[0019] Since the present invention is configured as described above, it provides a highly practical plant cultivation container that has never been seen before, having excellent functionality and design for cultivating plants. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main part according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main part according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the use state of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the use state of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the use state of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described below with reference to the drawings to illustrate the operation of the present invention.

[0022] In the present invention, when the plant container 2 is placed inside the container 1 through the upper opening 1', the plant container 2 is engaged with the container 1 and is in a suspended state in which the bottom 2a of the plant container 2 does not abut against the bottom 1a of the container 1. In other words, a water-retaining space S of a predetermined capacity is formed between the plant container 2 and the container 1.

[0023] In this state, for example, when a plant P planted in the plant container 2 is watered, the water passes through the plant container 2, and the water that does not remain in the plant container 2 is discharged from the water passage 2a' at the bottom 2a and falls into the container 1 (water collection space S). At this time, unwanted substances (gas, waste products, etc.) generated in the plant container 2 are also discharged along with the passing water. The water and unwanted substances discharged from the plant container 2 and collected in the container 1 (water collection space S) can be discarded by removing the plant container 2 from the container 1.

[0024] Therefore, for example, in the case of a plant container that does not have a drainage function like the conventional example described above, the amount of water added needs to be adjusted to an appropriate amount in order to prevent root rot caused by water stagnation inside the plant container. In this regard, the present invention allows excessive water to be drained from the plant container 2 to the container 1 even if the water is excessively irrigated, and furthermore, the water and unnecessary materials accumulated in the container 1 (water collection space S) can be easily disposed of, so that conditions suitable for growing the plant P inside the plant container 2 can be easily maintained, thereby demonstrating excellent functionality in a plant cultivation method using irrigation.

[0025] On the other hand, the present invention not only enables the above-mentioned method of growing plants by irrigation, but also enables a method of growing plants in which water for plant growth is stored in the water storage space S between the container 1 and the plant container 2, and the lower part of the plant container 2 is submerged in this water for plant growth, in a so-called bottom water state.

[0026] In addition, in the present invention, due to its structure, the water collecting space S between the plant container 2 and the container 1 is isolated from the outside, so that the occurrence of pests such as mosquito larvae in the water in this water collecting space S is prevented as much as possible.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention presents a novel appearance by combining the container 1 and the plant container 2, and the container 1, which serves as the exterior, has a high degree of design freedom and can be given a design (shape or pattern) with high commercial value.

[0028] From the above, the present invention is excellent in functionality and design as a means for cultivating plant P. EXAMPLES

[0029] A specific embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0030] This embodiment is a plant cultivation container comprising a container 1 with an open top and a plant container 2 placed in the container 1 through an upper opening 1' of the container 1.

[0031] Each component of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the container 1 is made of colorless and transparent glass, and is composed of a cylindrical first component part 1A and a bottomed cylindrical second component part 1B that is connected to the lower end of the first component part 1A and has a larger diameter than the first component part 1A.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first component part 1A has a cylindrical structure that is perfectly circular when viewed from above, and its inner diameter is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the plant container 2 described below. When the plant container 2 is arranged in a suspended state within the container 1, a gap G that is annular when viewed from above is formed between the inner surface of the container 1 (first component part 1A) and the outer surface of the plant container 2, and this gap G is configured so that the lower part is connected to a water collection space S between the plant container 2 and container 1 described below and is air-circulating.

[0034] This gap G is intended to allow the plant container 2 to be easily inserted and removed from the container 1, and also serves to prevent damage (cracks and scratches) and, together with the water collection space S, serves as an appropriate insulating space when the plant container 2 is suspended inside the container 1.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the second component part 1B has a bottomed structure that is circular in plan view and is provided in a flat shape (a hollow pedestal shape with a curved vertical cross section of the peripheral wall) that protrudes horizontally relative to the first component part 1A.

[0036] Therefore, the container 1 can be stably placed due to the presence of the second component portion 1B having a larger diameter at the lower portion.

[0037] Moreover, the boundary portion X (step portion) between the first constituent portion 1A and the second constituent portion 1B is configured to be located a predetermined height above the bottom portion 2a of the plant container 2 in the suspended state.

[0038] The height position of the boundary area X relative to the bottom 2a of this plant container 2 is a height position that takes into consideration the fact that the above-mentioned plant cultivation method using the lumbering water state can be carried out smoothly, that is, by placing water W for plant cultivation so that the water surface WL is at the boundary area X, the lower part of the plant container 2 is configured to be just appropriately submerged in water (appropriate water level).

[0039] Therefore, since the container 1 is transparent (or light-transmitting) and the level of the water W placed therein can be confirmed from the outside, the boundary portion X (step portion) between the first component part 1A and the second component part 1B serves as a guide for adding water W for plant cultivation into the container 1 when performing the plant cultivation method using lumbering water.

[0040] Furthermore, the container 1 may be colored and transparent, or may be non-transparent but have a light-transmitting structure, or may be made of a transparent or light-transmitting synthetic resin, and it is sufficient that the container 1 has enough visibility to check the water level of the water W placed inside, based on the above-mentioned function.

[0041] FIG. 4 shows a case where the outer surface of the plant container 2 is covered with a silicone resin 4.

[0042] Specifically, in this embodiment, the container 1 (first component 1A) is covered with silicone resin 4 from the upper opening edge 1'' to the lower surface of the bottom 1a, where the protruding portion 2b of the plant container 2 comes into contact.

[0043] Therefore, by providing the container 1 with silicone resin 4, the bumping noise (crash noise) that occurs when the plant container 2 is placed in the container 1 can be reduced, the container sits comfortably after placement, and an anti-slip function is also provided when the container 1 is placed on a support surface.

[0044] If necessary, the inner surface of the container 1 may also be covered with the silicone resin 4.

[0045] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the plant container 2 is made of colorless transparent glass, and is a bottomed cylindrical body that is open at the top and has a plurality of water-permeable portions 2a' at the bottom 2a.

[0046] The water passage parts 2a' are slit-shaped (elongated) holes, and are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction radially from the center of the bottom part 2a.

[0047] The water passage portion 2a' consisting of the slit-like holes has good drainage, and water is efficiently discharged from the bottom 2a of the plant container 2.

[0048] Furthermore, the plant container 2 may be colored and transparent, or may be non-transparent but have a light-transmitting composition, or may be made of a transparent or light-transmitting synthetic resin.The plant container 2 does not have to be transparent or light-transmitting, but it is thought that the commercial value will be higher if it has enough visibility to allow the condition of the soil placed inside (e.g., geological layers) to be confirmed.

[0049] In addition, the upper opening edge 2'' (or the outer circumferential surface) of the plant container 2 is provided with a protruding portion 2b that protrudes outward.

[0050] This protrusion 2b is a flange-shaped portion formed by bending the upper opening edge 2" horizontally outward, and is configured so that when the plant container 2 is placed inside the container 1 through the upper opening 1', it engages with the upper opening edge 1" and is configured so that the bottom 2a of the plant container 2 is suspended at a predetermined distance from the bottom 1a of the container 1 without abutting against it.

[0051] Therefore, a water collecting space S is formed below the plant container 2, and this water collecting space S functions as an insulating space together with the above-mentioned gap G. Furthermore, the contact area between the upper opening edge 1" of the container 1 and the protruding portion 2b of the plant container 2 is small, and in this respect too, a good insulating effect is exhibited.

[0052] The protruding portion 2b may be provided in a protruding state on the outer circumferential surface of the plant container 2, or may be configured as protruding pieces or projections provided intermittently in the circumferential direction.

[0053] In this embodiment, a cover body 3 for covering the plant P in the plant container 2 disposed in the container 1 is provided.

[0054] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the cover body 3 is made of colorless transparent glass, and is a cylindrical body with a top that is open at the bottom and has a circular cross section.

[0055] This cover body 3 has a lower opening 3' that fits over the first component part 1A of the container 1 from above, and is configured so that when the cover body 3 is fitted over the first component part 1A of the container 1 from above, the lower opening edge part 3'' is placed on (butts against) the second component part 1B, and is configured to be large enough to cover the periphery of the plant P placed in the plant container 2.

[0056] Therefore, by covering the plant P with the cover body 3, the plant P can be grown in a state where it is not easily affected by the external environment while maintaining the humidity around the plant P, and furthermore, the plant P has a good appearance and a high design quality.

[0057] Moreover, the top surface 3A and the side peripheral surface 3B of the cover body 3 are provided with ventilation holes 3a.

[0058] Therefore, oxygen required for growing the plant P can be supplied from the outside through these ventilation holes 3a, and the plant P can be grown while gradually becoming accustomed to the external environment.

[0059] Furthermore, the cover body 3 may be colored and transparent, or may be non-transparent but have a light-transmitting structure, or may be made of a transparent or light-transmitting synthetic resin, and it is sufficient that the cover body 3 has sufficient visibility to allow the inside to be confirmed in accordance with the above-mentioned function.

[0060] A method for cultivating a plant P using the plant cultivation container according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described. Reference symbol C denotes a plant support member such as soil, hydroballs, or beads that is stored in the plant container 2 and supports the plant P in a planted state.

[0061] When the plant container 2 with a plant P (foliage plant) planted in it is placed inside the container 1 through the upper opening 1', the protrusion 2b of the plant container 2 engages with the upper opening edge 1'' of the container 1, and the bottom 2a of the plant container 2 is suspended at a predetermined distance without contacting the bottom 1a of the container 1. In other words, a water collection space S of a predetermined capacity is formed between the plant container 2 and the container 1.

[0062] In this state, for example, when a plant P planted in the plant container 2 is watered, the water W passes through the plant container 2, and the water W that does not remain in the plant container 2 is discharged from the water passage 2a' at the bottom 2a and falls into the container 1 (water collection space S) (see FIG. 6). At this time, unwanted substances (gas, waste products, etc.) generated in the plant container 2 are also discharged along with the passing of the water W. The water W and unwanted substances discharged from the plant container 2 and collected in the container 1 (water collection space S) can be discarded by removing the plant container 2 from the container 1.

[0063] Therefore, for example, in the case of a plant container that does not have a drainage function like the conventional example described above, the amount of water added needs to be adjusted to an appropriate amount in order to prevent root rot caused by water stagnation in the plant container. In this regard, in this embodiment, even if excessive watering is applied, the water is drained from the plant container 2 to the container 1, and further, the water W and unnecessary matter accumulated in the container 1 (water collection space S) can be easily disposed of, so that conditions suitable for growing the plant P in the plant container 2 can be easily maintained, and the present embodiment exhibits excellent functionality in a plant growing method using irrigation.

[0064] On the other hand, this embodiment not only enables the above-mentioned plant cultivation method using irrigation, but also enables a plant cultivation method in which water W for plant cultivation is stored in the water storage space S formed by the gap between the container 1 and the plant container 2, and the lower part of the plant container 2 is submerged in this water W for plant cultivation, a so-called bottom water state (see Figure 7).

[0065] In addition, in this embodiment, due to its structure, the water collection space S between the plant container 2 and the container 1 is isolated from the outside, so that the occurrence of pests such as mosquito larvae in the water W of this water collection space S is prevented as much as possible.

[0066] In addition, this embodiment presents a novel appearance due to the combination of the container 1 and the plant container 2, and furthermore, the container 1, which serves as the exterior, has a high degree of freedom in design, allowing for designs (shapes and patterns) with high commercial value to be applied.

[0067] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the structure for growing the plant P is excellent in functionality and design.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper opening edge 2" or outer peripheral surface of the plant container 2 is provided with a protrusion 2b that protrudes outward, and this protrusion 2b of the plant container 2 is engaged with the upper opening edge 1" of the container 1, creating a hanging state in which the bottom 2a of the plant container 2 does not abut against the bottom 1a of the container 1, thereby ensuring the hanging state of the plant container 2 from the container 1 described above.

[0069] In addition, in this embodiment, the protrusion 2b is configured by providing a flange-shaped portion that protrudes outward from the upper opening edge 2'' or the outer peripheral surface of the plant container 2, so that the above-mentioned functional effects can be reliably achieved.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the container 1 is composed of a cylindrical first component part 1A and a second component part 1B that is connected to the lower end of the first component part 1A, has a larger diameter than the first component part 1A, and has a bottomed structure, so that a stable loading state can be obtained.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the container 1 is transparent or light-transmitting, and the boundary portion X between the first component part 1A and the second component part 1B is configured to be positioned above the bottom part 2a of the plant container 2 in the suspended state, so that the water level WL of the water W for plant cultivation can be easily and satisfactorily adjusted when performing the plant cultivation method in the lumbering state described above.

[0072] Moreover, this embodiment has a cylindrical cover body 3 with a top that is open at the bottom, and this cover body 3 is configured to be fitted onto the first component part 1A of the container 1 from above, with the lower opening edge part 3″ being placed on the second component part 1B, so that the plant P can be grown well and the appearance is good.

[0073] In addition, in this embodiment, since the top surface 3A and the side peripheral surface 3B of the cover body 3 are provided with the ventilation holes 3a, a good growing environment for the plants P can be obtained.

[0074] In addition, in this embodiment, the container 1 is made of glass, so it has a high-class feel and a good appearance.

[0075] In addition, in this embodiment, since the outer surface of the container 1 is covered with the silicone resin 4, the container 1 is less likely to be damaged, and a stable mounting state can be obtained.

[0076] Incidentally, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and the specific configuration of each component can be designed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] X border area 1 container 1' top opening 1” Top Opening Edge 1a bottom 1A First component 1B Second component 2 plant containers 2” Top Opening Edge 2a bottom 2a' Water flow section 2b Projection 3 Cover body 3A Top section 3B Side peripheral part 3” lower opening edge 3a Ventilation hole 4. Silicone Resin

Claims

1. A plant cultivation container comprising a container having an opening at the top and a plant container which is placed into the container through the top opening of the container, the plant container being configured so that when the plant container is placed inside the container through the top opening, the plant container is engaged with the container so that the bottom of the plant container does not abut against the bottom of the container and is in a hanging state.

2. 2. The plant cultivation container according to claim 1, wherein the upper opening edge or outer peripheral surface of the plant container is provided with a protrusion that protrudes outward, and the protrusion of the plant container is engaged with the upper opening edge of the container so that the bottom of the plant container is suspended and does not abut against the bottom of the container.

3. 3. The plant cultivation container according to claim 2, wherein the protruding portion is configured by providing a flange-shaped portion protruding outward from an upper opening edge portion or an outer peripheral surface of the plant container.

4. 4. The plant cultivation container according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises a cylindrical first component and a second component connected to a lower end of the first component, the second component having a larger diameter than the first component and a bottomed structure.

5. 5. The plant cultivation container according to claim 4, wherein the container is transparent or light-transmitting, and the boundary between the first component and the second component is configured to be positioned above the bottom of the plant container in a hanging state.

6. 5. The plant cultivation container according to claim 4, further comprising a cylindrical cover body with a top that is open at the bottom, the cover body being configured to fit over a first component part of the container from above so that the edge of the lower opening is placed on the second component part.

7. 6. The plant cultivation container according to claim 5, further comprising a cylindrical cover body with a top that is open at the bottom, the cover body being configured to fit over a first component part of the container from above so that the edge of the lower opening is placed on the second component part.

8. 7. The plant cultivation container according to claim 6, wherein the cover body has a top surface and a side peripheral surface provided with ventilation holes.

9. 8. The plant cultivation container according to claim 7, wherein the cover body has a top surface and a side peripheral surface provided with ventilation holes.

10. 4. The plant cultivation container according to claim 1, wherein the container is made of glass.

11. 11. The plant cultivation container according to claim 10, wherein at least an outer surface of the container is coated with a silicone resin.

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