Shape-optimized horticultural pot

Abstract

The horticultural pot (10) comprises a lateral wall (12) defined around a longitudinal axis (X) and having a first thickness (H1 ). The wall (12) has at least one thinned portion (14) with a second thickness (H2) less than said first thickness (H1 ).

Description

[0001] Shape-optimized horticultural pot

[0002] The present invention relates to an improved horticultural pot.

[0003] In prior art, a horticultural pot is already known, designed to receive a plant.

[0004] A horticultural pot is intended to provide a confined space for root development and plant growth. The use of a horticultural pot makes it possible to control growing conditions, such as soil type, drainage and water quantity.

[0005] In some cases, notably in the case of biodegradable pots, the pot is intended to be buried while containing the plant. This is particularly useful for avoiding damage to the plant when transplanting, by planting the pot directly into the ground rather than transplanting the plant from the pot into the ground. Such a pot is called a "plantable pot".

[0006] When such a plantable pot is used, the plant's roots must be able to grow through the walls of the pot into the soil.

[0007] One of the aims of the invention is to provide an improved plantable pot, in that it easily allows roots to pass through its walls as they grow.

[0008] To this end, the invention related to a horticultural pot, comprising a lateral wall defined around a longitudinal axis and having a first thickness, characterized in that the lateral wall comprises at least one thinned portion having a second thickness less than said first thickness.

[0009] Since the thinned portions have less resistance, it is easy for the plant's roots to penetrate the lateral wall through these thinned portions, which fragment easily at the start of biodegradation.

[0010] A horticultural pot according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following features, taken alone or in any technically conceivable combination.

[0011] - The lateral wall has a generally circular cross-section.

[0012] - The lateral wall comprises a plurality of thinned portions, preferably equally distributed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis.

[0013] - Each thinned portion is arranged substantially halfway up the lateral wall.

[0014] - The lateral wall is solid.

[0015] - The second thickness is less than or equal to 80% of the first thickness, for example substantially equal to 75% or 67% of the first thickness.

[0016] - The lateral wall having a continuous inner face and an outer face, each thinned portion forms a recess on the outer face.

[0017] - The horticultural pot comprises a domed bottom wall with a concavity facing the interior of the pot. - The bottom wall comprises, on an outer face, at least three stabilizing fins, extending in height in the direction of the longitudinal axis from the outer face of the bottom wall to a straight edge perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0018] - The bottom wall comprises a plurality of drainage holes and / or drainage slots, preferably equally distributed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis.

[0019] - The lateral wall has a flange, provided at a first end in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0020] - The horticultural pot forms a plantable and biodegradable pot.

[0021] The invention also relates to a manufacturing method for manufacturing a horticultural pot, characterized in that it comprises an injection step, the injection being implemented in a mold configured to form the lateral wall having the first thickness and comprising at least one impression shaped to form the at least one thinned portion having the second thickness.

[0022] Preferably, the injection step uses a mold comprises:

[0023] - grooves shaped to form at least three stabilizing fins on the bottom wall of the pot, and / or

[0024] - pins to form drainage holes on the bottom wall, and / or shapes to form drainage slots on the bottom wall; and / or

[0025] - a circumferential groove to form a flange.

[0026] The invention also relates to a mold configured to manufacture a horticultural pot, the mold being configured to form the lateral wall having the first thickness and comprising at least one impression shaped to form the at least one thinned portion having the second thickness less than said first thickness.

[0027] Various aspects and advantages of the invention will be highlighted in the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the enclosed figures, among which :

[0028] - Figure 1 is a profile view of a horticultural pot according to an example of embodiment of the invention;

[0029] - Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view, along plane ll-ll, of the pot shown in figure 1 .

[0030] Figures 1 and 2 show a horticultural pot 10 according to an example of embodiment of the invention.

[0031] The horticultural pot 10 has a lateral wall 12 defined around a longitudinal axis X. The lateral wall 12 has, in the example described, a general shape of revolution about the longitudinal axis X. In the example shown, the lateral wall 12 has a generally circular cross-section, which is preferred for reasons of ease of shaping, in particular ease of filling a mold when molding the pot 10.

[0032] Alternatively, the lateral wall 12 could have any other conceivable shape, for example a generally square or rectangular cross-section, preferentially with rounded corners.

[0033] The lateral wall 12 extends, in height, between a first end 13a at which the opening of pot 10 is located, and a second end 13b at which a bottom wall 16 is located.

[0034] The lateral wall 12 is generally frustoconical in shape, being inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis X. In particular, the diameter of the lateral wall 12 is greater at its first end 13a than at its second end 13b.

[0035] Preferably, the lateral wall 12 is solid, i.e. it has no through-holes.

[0036] For example, the lateral wall 12 has an angle of between 5 and 10°, for example 8°, with the longitudinal axis X. Such an angle makes it easier to stack several pots for storage and / or transport.

[0037] Advantageously, the lateral wall 12 has a flange 15 at its first end 13a. This flange 15 increases the rigidity of the pot 10, and also makes it easier to unstack several stacked pots.

[0038] For example, the flange 15 extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X from the edge of lateral wall 12 at its first end 13a. Alternatively, flange 15 could have a different inclination.

[0039] Preferably, the flange 15 is solid and / or flat, for improved grip. By "flat", we mean that the flange 15 has a thickness (taken in the longitudinal direction X) which is less than its length (taken perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction X).

[0040] Advantageously, the flange 15 has a length of between 1 and 5 mm, preferably 2 mm.

[0041] In the embodiment shown, the flange 15 forms an angle with the lateral wall 12, but it could alternatively form a rounded shape.

[0042] In addition, the flange 15 may have a free end with a straight or rounded crosssection.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the lateral wall 12 has an inner face 12a, delimiting the inside of the pot, and an outer face 12b opposite the inner face 12a. The inner 12a and outer 12b faces are preferably substantially parallel to each other.

[0044] The inner face 12a is continuous, i.e. it has no shoulders or other discontinuities. The lateral wall 12 has a first thickness H1 (which is for example defined as the distance between the inner 12a and outer 12b faces, taken perpendicularly to these inner and outer faces, substantially at the same level of the lateral wall 12).

[0045] The lateral wall 12 comprises at least one thinned portion 14 having a second thickness H2 less than said first thickness H1 .

[0046] Preferentially, the second thickness H2 is less than or equal to 80% of the first thickness H1 , for example substantially equal to 75% of the first thickness H1 , or substantially equal to 67% of the first thickness H1 .

[0047] For example, the second thickness H2 is 0.5 mm less than said first thickness H1. For example, H2 = 1 .5 mm and H1 = 2.0 mm. In another example, H2 = 1 .1 mm and H1 = 1 .6 mm. In another example, H2 = 0.7 mm and H1 = 1.2 mm. Such values are suitable, for example, for a pot with a height of less than 75 cm.

[0048] Preferably, the lateral wall 12 comprises a plurality of thinned portions 14, for example equally distributed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis X on the periphery of the pot 10, i.e. the thinned portions 14 are all angularly separated by the same angle from adjacent thinned portions 14, and separated by portions of first thickness H1. The pot 10 preferably comprises between four and twelve thinned portions 14, these occupying between 10 and 50% of the total surface area of the lateral wall 12, preferably between 10 and 25%. In the example described, the horticultural pot 10 has six thinned portions 14.

[0049] All the thinned portions 14 are preferably located at the same height, considered in the direction of the longitudinal axis X. Thus, each thinned portion 14 is an angularly offset image of the other thinned portions 14.

[0050] Preferably, each thinned portion 14 is located halfway up the lateral wall 12, i.e. each thinned portion 14 has at least one point located at equal distance from each end 13a, 13b of the pot 10 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0051] The thinned portions 14 form zones of lesser resistance, through which the roots of a plant placed in the pot 10 can spread out once these thinned portions 14 have been fragmented.

[0052] Advantageously, each thinned portion 14 forms a recess on the outer face 12b. Such a recess allows air to be retained between two stacked pots, thus facilitating unstacking.

[0053] In the example described, each thinned portion 14 has a general shape inscribed in a V-shape, for example comprising a central zone from which two branches extend upwards. This shape is suitable for a user to hold the jar 10 securely, without the risk of breakage during handling.

[0054] Preferably, the bottom wall 16 is domed, with a concavity facing the inside of the pot 10. This shape is optimized for retaining water at the bottom of the pot 10 while optimizing deep root development. This shape is also optimal for injection-molding the pot 10, as will be described later, and particularly for demolding.

[0055] Advantageously, the junction between the lateral wall 12 and the bottom wall 16 is rounded. This shape is also optimal for injection-molding the pot, and particularly for demolding.

[0056] To ensure that the pot 10 remains stable despite the rounded shape of the bottom wall 16, this bottom wall 16 has at least three, and preferably fewer than six, stabilizing fins 18 on an outer face of the bottom wall 16, each extending radially lengthwise. Each fin 18 extends in height, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal axis X, from the outer face of the bottom wall 18 to a straight edge 18a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0057] The bottom wall 16 further comprises a plurality of drainage holes 20, preferably between three and twelve drainage holes 20, for example six drainage holes 20, preferably equally distributed laterally and more preferably circumferentially around the longitudinal axis X, i.e. the drainage holes are all angularly separated by the same angle from adjacent drainage holes.

[0058] The drainage holes 20 can be of different shapes and sizes, preferably circular. Besides, the greater number of holes facilitates root development and preferably deep development and water flow.

[0059] The drainage holes 20 are located radially away from the longitudinal axis X, so that the domed shape of the bottom wall 16 retains its water retention function. For example, the drainage holes 20 are located approximately two-thirds of the distance between the longitudinal axis X and the lateral wall 12.

[0060] Alternatively, the bottom wall 16 has drainage holes 20 distributed over several concentric circumferences.

[0061] Alternatively, the bottom wall 16 has drainage slots, instead of the drainage holes or in addition to drainage holes 20.

[0062] For example, the bottom wall 16 comprises six drainage holes 20 and three drainage slots, distributed circumferentially, the slots dividing the bottom wall 16 into three thirds, each third comprising two drainage holes. Such an arrangement favours root passage.

[0063] According to another aspect, the invention concerns a manufacturing method for manufacturing a horticultural pot according to the invention. It should be noted that the horticultural pot 10 according to the invention is preferably produced by injection molding, and so the manufacturing method comprises at least one molding step, in a mold comprising at least one impression intended to form the at least one thinned portion 14, preferentially the at least four thinned portions 14. For example, the mold has one impression conformed to form six thinned portions 14. Preferably, the mold also features pins to form the drainage holes 20, and / or shapes to form drainage slots, and / or grooves to form the stabilizing fins 18, and / or a lateral groove to form the flangel 5. The shapes to form drainage slots are preferentially elongated and / or slim.

[0064] Preferably, the injection point for molding is located at the apex of the domed shape of the bottom wall 16, on the longitudinal axis X.

[0065] Preferably, cooling of the part in the mold prior to ejection takes place at a temperature of between 30 and 60°C, and for a time of between 5 and 60 seconds.

[0066] The horticultural pot 10 can be made from any conceivable material, in particular any thermoplastic composite material, and preferably from a biosourced and biodegradable material.

[0067] For example, the material comprises between 20 and 60% by weight of a vegetable filler, and between 40 and 80% by weight of a biodegradable polymer.

[0068] Preferably, the material also comprises between 0 and 30% by weight (preferentially between 10 and 20%) of one or more agents promoting horticultural cultivation. These agents may be, for example, fertilizing agents, biostimulation agents and / or biocontrol agents.

[0069] By “fertilizing agent” is meant a substance, or mixture of substances, of natural or synthetic origin, used in agriculture, horticulture and forestry to improve soil structure and fertilize cultivated plants.

[0070] By "biostimulant agent” is meant a fertilizer replacement product compatible with more sustainable and reasoned agriculture. Typical biostimulants include algae, plant extracts and trace elements, such as Activ Nutrition or Rezist products.

[0071] By “biocontrol agent” is meant an agent that can be used to control diseases, crop pests (insects, viruses, bacteria, mites, etc.) and weeds.

[0072] Preferably, the material also comprises between 0 and 10% by weight of at least one compatibilizer. These compatibilizers could help in obtaining an optimum morphology, interfacial interaction and properties of the composition of the invention, in particular for some hardly soluble biodegradable polymers (for example, for a composition comprising lignocellulosic matrices and PHAs). Examples of typical compatibilizers are hexamethylene diisocyanate and / or acetyl tributyl citrate.

[0073] For example, the material comprises between 20 and 60% by weight of a solid residue of digestate from methanization or composting, and between 40 and 80% by weight of a biodegradable polymer chosen from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Said composition is advantageous it that allows a straightforward process, with appropriate flow and suitable viscosity. It is further highly versatile as it may be used for further manufacturing a variety of forms and may allow adjusting thickness and / or ductibility.

[0074] Besides, the material has a good degradation capability in the soil, and facilitates the root passage.

[0075] The material is environmentally friendly”, and allows a waste recovery, from compost and methanization digestate. Besides, the presence of compost or methanization residues facilitates the fertilization.

[0076] Besides, the material is suitable for an industrial-scale production.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1 . A horticultural pot (10), comprising a lateral wall (12) defined around a longitudinal axis (X) and having a first thickness (H1 ), characterized in that the lateral wall (12) comprises at least one thinned portion (14) having a second thickness (H2) less than said first thickness (H1 ).

2. The horticultural pot (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the lateral wall (12) has a generally circular cross-section.

3. The horticultural pot (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lateral wall (12) comprises a plurality of thinned portions (14), preferably equally distributed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis (X).

4. The horticultural pot (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each thinned portion (14) is arranged substantially halfway up the lateral wall (12).

5. The horticultural pot (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral wall (12) is solid.

6. The horticultural pot (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second thickness (H2) is less than or equal to 80% of the first thickness (H1 ), for example substantially equal to 75% or 67% of the first thickness (H1 ).

7. The horticultural pot (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the lateral wall (12) having a continuous inner face (12a) and an outer face (12b), each thinned portion forms a recess on the outer face (12b).

8. The horticultural pot (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a domed bottom wall (16) with a concavity facing the interior of the pot (10).

9. The horticultural pot (10) according to claim 8, wherein the bottom wall (16) comprises, on an outer face, at least three stabilizing fins (18), extending in height in the direction of the longitudinal axis from the outer face of the bottom wall to a straight edge (18a) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X).

10. The horticultural pot (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the bottom wall (16) comprises a plurality of drainage holes (20) and / or drainage slots, preferably equally distributed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis (X).1 1 . The horticultural pot (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the lateral wall (12) has a flange (15), provided at a first end (13a) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (X).

12. The horticultural pot (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, forming a plantable and biodegradable pot.

13. A manufacturing method for manufacturing a horticultural pot (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an injection step, the injection being implemented in a mold configured to form the lateral wall (12) having the first thickness (H1 ) and comprising at least one impression shaped to form the at least one thinned portion (14) having the second thickness (H2).

14. The manufacturing method according to claim 13, in which the injection step uses a mold comprising:- grooves shaped to form at least three stabilizing fins (18) on the bottom wall (16) of the pot (10), and / or- pins to form drainage holes (20) on the bottom wall (16), and / or shapes to form drainage slots on the bottom wall (16); and / or- a circumferential groove to form a flange (15).

15. A mold for carrying out the method of claim 13 or 14, configured to manufacture a horticultural pot (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , the mold being configured to form the lateral wall (12) having the first thickness (H1 ) and comprising at least one impression shaped to form the at least one thinned portion (14) having the second thickness (H2) less than said first thickness (H1 ).

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