Plant container made of profiled material

Abstract

The invention relates to a plant container for predefined dimensioning of the installation locations, which container allows integrated watering and draining. A plant container is provided which is composed of individual parts, a profiled body (1) being provided which consists of two side walls (2) and a base (3) made of a continuous profiled material which can be cut to any specifiable length so that the length of the plant container can be adapted to specified dimensions, and the profiled body comprising two opposite open sides, each open side being connected to an end piece (4) so that a plant space (5) is enclosed by the profiled body (1) with end pieces (4), which plant space can be filled with solid material only from the open side (31) opposite the base (3), longitudinal chambers (13), which can be filled with liquid, in the form of water channels having openings (14) to the inner region of the profiled body (1) being provided in the side walls (2) of the profiled body (1) in the upper region facing away from the base (3), so that the plant space (5) can be watered from the longitudinal chambers (13) via the openings (14).

Description

[0001] Planter made of profile material

[0002] The invention relates to a planter made of profile material.

[0003] Plant pots come in an almost unlimited variety of shapes.

[0004] In addition, demountable plant pots are known from the state of the art.

[0005] For example, DE 102 19 049.6 A1 discloses a demountable container, in particular a plant pot, with staves connected to one another via tongue and groove joints, whereby

[0006] • the container is truncated cone-shaped and is held together exclusively by the tongue and groove joints of the staves,

[0007] • grooves (11) and / or tongues (12) are provided on the long sides (10) of the staves (1) to form the tongue-and-groove connections.

[0008] • the tongues (12) are formed parallel to their longitudinal direction in cross-section such that they are widened away from the stave and are provided with an undercut on both sides of the tongue on the stave side, and that the grooves (11) are given an analogous opposite shape for receiving the tongues (12) or

[0009] • the tongues (12) are formed parallel to their longitudinal direction in cross-section such that they are provided with a convex rounding (121) on the stave side and with a concave undercut (122) on both sides of the tongue on the stave side, and that the grooves (11) are provided with an analogous counter-rotating rounding to accommodate the tongues (12).

[0010] • at least one stave (13) which is provided with a groove (11) on both sides, so that two grooves of adjacent staves face each other, into which a separate tongue (16) is inserted, which is designed in a mirror image on both sides, and

[0011] • the springs (12) at their thickest extension points have a thickness (a) of approximately half the stave thickness (d).

[0012] A disadvantage of all known planter designs is their predetermined dimensions during production. That is, the length, width, height, and volume are fixed during manufacture. When planter locations have predetermined dimensions, such as the length of a balcony, it's difficult to find suitable planters, even when combining several planters.

[0013] If several planters are combined, it is also complex to set up integrated irrigation and drainage systems because these must be connected separately for each planter.

[0014] The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a plant container, in particular for a wide variety of predetermined dimensions of the installation sites, which enables integrated irrigation and drainage.

[0015] This task is solved by manufacturing planters from cut-to-length profiles of different materials, preferably produced by folding, drawing, or pressing, and matching end pieces and connectors. The profiles and the end pieces and connectors vary in size and shape.

[0016] The profile material can be aluminum, for example, with a powder coating applied to the aluminum.

[0017] Depending on the material and requirements, the profile walls and the profile base can be manufactured in a single layer or as a single-, double-, or multi-chamber system, whereby the chambers are preferably designed as longitudinal chambers over the entire length of the profile.

[0018] These profiles are produced by the meter, the length of which is limited only by production and transport conditions. During processing, they can be cut to length as required (i.e., by sawing into any desired length), joined with suitable end pieces, and thus manufactured into stable troughs or boxes, preferably 2-3 m long. It is also possible to join or extend profiles using suitable connectors. The profiles must be connected to the end pieces or connectors with a force-fitting and positive fit, preferably by welding, gluing, screwing, or self-locking plug connections.

[0019] When using longitudinal chambers, openings from these chambers can optionally be incorporated into the interior or planting area of ​​the profile, through which liquids can be transported into the interior or planting area. The plants can then be supplied with water, fertilizer, or other substances as desired.

[0020] The fluids are fed into the longitudinal chambers and, optionally, the longitudinal chambers of several planters are connected to each other via one or more connections on the profiles or end pieces of the planters. Existing hose connection systems and adapters (state-of-the-art) or screw connections can be used.

[0021] When using longitudinal chambers for the supply of liquids, the end pieces seal at least the liquid-carrying longitudinal chambers in a liquid-tight or watertight manner and the connecting profile pieces connect at least the liquid-carrying longitudinal chambers of the connected profiles to one another in a liquid-tight or watertight manner.

[0022] Optionally, openings can be installed at the bottom of the profile to drain excess water. If these openings are installed in a raised area, an area at the bottom remains moist or even standing water, while the area above is drained through the opening.

[0023] Depending on the profile, the planters can be mechanically secured in their structure against removal and / or environmental influences.

[0024] The perforation provided can also be used as a mount for cantilevered storage in various hanging installation options. Plastic profiles can be reinforced with metal inserts. Depending on the length, this can create a fully or partially cantilevered planter protected from deformation.

[0025] These planters can be used both indoors and outdoors.

[0026] The advantage of this technical solution compared to all known forms of planters is that by cutting the two side walls of the profile body / the continuous profile material that are connected to the base to any desired length, the length of the planter can be varied and therefore very flexible.

[0027] With predetermined dimensions of the location for planters, e.g. the length of a balcony, it is no longer difficult to find suitable planters.

[0028] The advantage of this technical solution is that it enables integrated irrigation and drainage over the entire specified length of a planter and that several of these planters can be erected as a green wall on flat land and on slopes, for example to separate large areas of view or to visually structure areas.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings and exemplary embodiments. They show:

[0030] Fig. 1 : a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a planter according to the invention,

[0031] Fig. 2: a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a planter according to the invention,

[0032] Fig. 3: a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a planter according to the invention,

[0033] Fig. 4: a section of the third embodiment of a planter according to the invention according to Fig. 3, Fig. 5: a detailed view of a first embodiment of an end piece,

[0034] Fig. 6 to Fig. 9: Detailed representation of four designs of walls,

[0035] Fig. 10: a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of a planter according to the invention,

[0036] Fig. 11: a detailed view of a second embodiment of an end piece,

[0037] Fig. 12: a section of the fifth embodiment of a planter according to the invention according to Fig. 10,

[0038] Fig. 13: the section according to Fig. 12 in a slightly more rotated view,

[0039] Fig. 14: a representation of an embodiment of the connection of an irrigation system,

[0040] Fig. 15: a detailed view of a connecting piece between two planters,

[0041] Fig. 16: a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a fastening of a plant container,

[0042] Fig. 17: a schematic representation of a sixth embodiment of a planter according to the invention mounted on a slope,

[0043] Fig. 18 to 26: schematic representations of further different embodiments of fastening and holding systems of a plant container,

[0044] Fig. 27 to 34: schematic representations of irrigation units for a plant container,

[0045] Fig. 35: schematic representation of a detail of the planter according to

[0046] Fig. 36: schematic representation of an embodiment of a post with brackets for holding plant pots,

[0047] Fig. 37 to 39: schematic detailed representations of fastenings of and on the post according to Fig. 36,

[0048] Fig. 40: a schematic representation of a seventh embodiment of a plant container according to the invention in cross section; Fig. 41: a schematic representation of an eighth embodiment of a plant container according to the invention in cross section and

[0049] Fig. 42: a schematic representation of a ninth embodiment of a plant container according to the invention in cross section.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 to 34, in particular Fig. 1 to 4, 10, 12, 13, 28 to 32 and 34, endless profiles in the form of a profile body (1) are used to manufacture the planter, which can be designed in different forms as a single-layer design with one or more chambers (see Fig. 6 to 9), wherein the chambers can be perforated if irrigation is provided.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a U-shaped cross section of the endless profiles of the profile body (1) is preferred, which corresponds to a gutter profile.

[0052] The planter shown in Fig. 1 is a profile body (1) composed of individual parts, wherein the profile body (1) has two open sides and consists of side walls (2) and a base (3) made of a profile material (so that a U-shape is formed), which can be manufactured (= cut to length) in any predetermined length, so that the length of the planter can be designed in different ways and thus adapted to predetermined dimensions.

[0053] Each of the two open sides of the (U-shaped) profile body (1) is connected to an end piece (4) or a connecting piece in a force-locking and form-locking manner, so that the profile body (1) encloses a planting space (5) which can only be filled with solid material from the open side (31) facing away from the ground (3).

[0054] When irrigation is planned, the profile body (1) (= the gutter profile) has water channels = longitudinal chambers (13) that are connected to perforations / openings 14 in a fluid-conducting manner, so that a planting space (5) can be irrigated (see Figs. 1 to 4 and Fig. 10 with details in Figs. 12, 13, and 14). For this purpose, the profile body (1) contains fluid-fillable longitudinal chambers (13), and the side walls (2) and the base (3) are single-walled or multi-walled (see Figs. 6 to 9).

[0055] At least one of the longitudinal chambers (13) has openings (14) towards the planting space (5) and / or openings (141) in directions outside the planting space (5) (see Fig. 1 to 4 and Fig. 32), the holes (141) serving as an overflow.

[0056] In addition, the profile body (1) (= the gutter profile) has holes (15) for securing the position / fastening (see Fig. 1).

[0057] The profile bodies (1) (= gutter profiles), cut to length according to specifications, are each sealed at the ends with a cover (4) corresponding to the profile (by gluing, welding, or screwing). As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 11, the two covers (4) have holes (41) machined as through-holes or sealed zones with cross markings, which can later be activated as water channels (opened as holes 41) (see the schematic representation in Fig. 11).

[0058] If irrigation is planned, adapters for connecting a water supply are provided on the water channels, e.g. as screw-in coupling adapters, in order to enable a connection to (known) irrigation units via hose pieces or pipes (see the schematic representation in Fig. 14, as well as Figs. 27 to 34) or to each other via connecting pieces (see the schematic representation in Fig. 15).

[0059] The end pieces (4) and the connecting pieces have openings (41) where they adjoin the longitudinal chambers (13) of the profile body (1), allowing fluid to flow through the profile body (1) into the planting chamber (5) and out into its surroundings. The openings (14) in the longitudinal chambers (13) and the openings (41) in the end pieces (4) are designed so that they can be opened once as needed.

[0060] The openings (13 and 41) have connections for a standardized or customary connection system for introducing, passing on or discharging liquids into or from the longitudinal chambers (13), wherein the connection system is a hose or pipe.

[0061] The openings (14 and 42) can be used for fastening the end pieces (4) and / or the connecting pieces to the profile body (1) and / or for inserting brackets.

[0062] Mounting holes or folds for wall brackets or holders on posts are provided on the profile body (1) of the planter (Fig. 18 to 24 and Fig. 34 and 35).

[0063] The planters consisting of a profile body (1) and two end pieces (4) are intended for self-supporting installation or suspension and can be provided with position securing devices known per se, although this does not exclude other designs.

[0064] When setting up, it can also be adapted to an “inclined plane” (see Fig. 17), in which several plant containers are stacked slightly offset along their long side or are held by (known) posts with brackets (see Fig. 16 and 36).

[0065] The end pieces (4) and the connecting pieces have openings (41) at the points where they adjoin the longitudinal chambers (13) of the profile body (1), so that liquid conduction paths lead through the profile body (1) into the planting space (5) and out into its surroundings.

[0066] The openings (14) in the longitudinal chambers (13) and the openings (41) in the end pieces (4) are designed so that they can be opened only once as needed. The openings (13 and 41) have connections for a standardized or conventional connection system for the introduction, forwarding, or discharge of liquids into or from the longitudinal chambers (13), wherein the connection system is a hose or pipe.

[0067] The openings (14 and 42) can be used for fastening the end pieces (4) and / or the connecting pieces to the profile body (1) and / or for inserting brackets.

[0068] At the bottom, the planters (particularly if they are made of plastic and not of aluminum or another metal or metal alloy) may have a metal insert (6) for stabilization and protection against deformation, as shown in Figures 40 to 42.

[0069] It is advantageous if the longitudinal chambers (13), as shown in Figures 40 to 42, are provided with connecting pieces (7) for detachably connecting the longitudinal chambers (13) to standard water supply systems. These connecting pieces (7) can also be used to fluidically couple several of the plant containers according to the invention (see Figure 14), particularly when the individual plant containers are offset in stages on slopes with the function of a green wall (see Figure 17).

[0070] It is further advantageous if the first area of ​​the planting space (5) and the second area of ​​the planting space (5), as shown in Figures 40 to 42, have an insert (8) in the form of a porous intermediate floor, so that a water reservoir is formed between the floor (3) and the insert (8), which is connected to the planting space (5) via the pores. A float of a level measuring system can be arranged in the area between the floor (3) and the insert (8) in order to monitor the water level according to the state of the art (mechanically or electronically) and, if necessary, also to control it, so that independent irrigation is ensured. Depending on the type of planting, in particular to prevent waterlogging of the plants in the planting space (5), the wall area of ​​the side walls (2) between the floor (3) and the insert (8) or even in the floor itself can be provided with through-holes to drain the plant container.

[0071] For aesthetic / design purposes in the dark, the planter can be provided with lighting (10) on the outer sides of the profile body, which is particularly advantageously attached / mounted as LED strips on the outer sides of the side walls (2) and / or the outer side of the base (3) (see Figures 40 to 42). This mounting can be achieved, for example, via an adhesive or rail system for the LED strips on the side walls (2) and / or the base.

[0072] It is advantageous for the planter if the side walls (2) and / or the base (3) are not solid, but are provided with supporting structures and / or cavities, which gives the planter greater resistance to mechanical deformation as a result of the pressure in the planting space (5) by the soil, the plants and the water [which can be further increased by the metal insert (6)], which is particularly important when using several planters with the function of a green wall in a plane or on a slope (see Fig. 17).

[0073] This reinforcement / stiffening is particularly important and advantageous when the planters are erected as a green wall on flat land or on slopes, for example to separate large areas of view or to visually structure areas, since the forces acting on the individual planters by the plants in the planter can be enormously high due to their size / large surface area.

[0074] All features presented in the description, the embodiments and the following claims can be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination with one another. - Openings (overflow) - Openings - Side wall - Floor - Open side facing away from the floor - End piece - Openings - Openings - Planting space - Metal insert - Connection piece - Insert / porous intermediate floor - Water reservoir - Lighting (LED)

Claims

1. Plant container composed of individual parts in the form of two side walls (2) with a base (3) and two end pieces (4), wherein the end pieces (4) are connected to each open side formed by the side walls (2) and the base (3), characterized in that • the two side walls (2) and the base (3) consist of a profile body (1) of a continuous profile material, which can be cut to any desired length, so that the length of the planter can be designed differently and thus adapted to given dimensions, and • in the side walls (2) of the profile body (1) in the upper area facing away from the base (3) there are liquid-fillable longitudinal chambers (13) in the form of water channels with openings (14) towards the interior of the profile body (1), so that a planting space (5) is enclosed by the profile body (1) with the end pieces (4), which can be irrigated by the longitudinal chambers (13) via the openings (14).

2. Plant container according to claim 1, characterized in that the side walls (2) and the base (3) are single-walled or multi-walled, the cross section of the profile body (1) being U-shaped.

3. Plant container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the longitudinal chambers (13) of several plant containers for the supply of liquids into the planting space (5) are connected to each other by a connecting piece connecting the profile bodies (1) to the connecting points and the free ends of the Profile bodies (1) are each provided with an end piece (4).

4. Plant container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the longitudinal chambers (13) of several plant containers are connected to one another in that the longitudinal chambers (13) pass through the end pieces (4).

5. Plant container according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the end pieces (4) and the connecting profile pieces are connected to the liquid-conducting longitudinal chambers (13) in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner and in a liquid-tight manner.

6. Plant container according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that openings for the drainage of excess water are provided at the bottom (3) of the profile body (1).

7. Plant container according to claim 6, characterized in that openings for the drainage of excess water are provided in elevations of the base (3), so that a first area of ​​the planting space (5) on the base (3) is moist to the point of standing water, while a second area of ​​the planting space (5) above these elevations is drained via the openings.

8. Plant container according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that openings (15 and 42) are provided for fastening the end pieces (4) and / or the connecting pieces to the profile body (1) and / or for fastening brackets.

9. Plant container according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the profile body (1) is made of metal or plastic.

10. Plant container according to claim 10, characterized in that the plastic profile body (1) has a metal insert (6) arranged in the base (3).

11. Plant container according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the longitudinal chambers (13) are provided with connecting pieces (7).

12. Plant container according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first region of the planting space (5) and the second region of the planting space (5) have an insert (8) in the form of a porous intermediate floor, so that a water reservoir is formed between the floor (3) and the insert (8).

13. Planter according to claim 12, characterized in that a float of a level measuring system is located in the water reservoir.

14. Plant container according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a lighting (10) is located on the outer sides of the side walls (2) and / or on the outer side of the base.

15. Use of a planter according to one or more of claims 1 to 14 for installation locations with predetermined dimensions of the planter on balconies and as a component of a wall.

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