EP0316422A1

EP0316422A1 - Process and device for the preservation of plants.

Info

Publication number: EP0316422A1
Application number: EP88905169A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Felicien Bernardy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-06-02
Filing date: 1988-06-01
Publication date: 1989-05-24
Anticipated expiration: 2008-06-01
Also published as: DE3864982D1; BE1000638A7; ATE67382T1; CA1317458C; US5048230A; WO1988009638A1; EP0316422B1

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/BE88/00020 Sec. 371 Date Jan. 27, 1989 Sec. 102(e) Date Jan. 27, 1989 PCT Filed Jun. 1, 1988 PCT Pub. No. WO88/09638 PCT Pub. Date Dec. 15, 1988.A conserving device for plants includes a receptacle, a support member formed of two retaining elements of which at least the first one is provided with fasteners enabling it to be fixed in a detachable and/or movable manner to the receptacle, and fixing elements which are provided for connecting the second retaining element, in a detachable and/or movable manner, to the receptacle or to the first retaining element as well as tightening elements which submit both retaining elements to forces for bringing them mutually together in such a manner that the trunk of the plant disposed between the two retaining elements is tightened in a manner adapted to its diameter.

Description

Support for Christmas tree or the like.

The present invention relates to a method for preserving plants with a large stem, in particular of the Christmas tree type, comprising introducing the stem of the plant into a container and immobilizing it in the container in a stable manner. upright position, as well as a regular supply of water. It also relates to a preservation device comprising a container into which the plant stem is introduced, this container being formed from a bottom, from which protrudes upward a peripheral envelope, and being open upwards, and retaining means capable of holding said rod in the upright position in the container, as well as means for stabilizing the container on the ground. The invention also relates to a support member used for such conservation.

One of the disadvantages of Christmas trees is well known, they dry out quickly, their needles then fall to the ground and their use indoors is therefore short-lived. On the other hand, these are sometimes large plants that it is difficult to introduce into a container, such as a pot, and especially to maintain stably in the upright position.

Containers are known which are provided with means for retaining the rod of the introduced fir tree. These means only allow the introduction of a cut fir tree through a limited opening passage provided in the center of the container. There, the rod is then wedged by means of wedging and the pot is stabilized by external stays of a large bulk.

These containers do not allow the introduction of the fir stem with its roots, a clod of earth or a container filled with soil. The introduction of the stem through the central passage of the pot is not easy if the tree is of a great weight and several people are usually necessary for this operation. Finally, the container used has a specific, obligatory shape and no matter which jar cannot be used for this purpose.

In addition, when the tree is provided with a plug or a container, usually the plug or container is planted in a larger container and soil is added to fill it. You can possibly prop up the tree as much as you can, then add water to moisten the soil moderately without liquefying it. As soon as too much water is added, the soil no longer retains the stem of the fir tree, which risks tilting or overturning.

It is therefore, under these conditions, impossible to properly supply the tree with water, which explains its rapid drying, in particular when it is subjected to very bad climatic conditions of the heated interior of a living room or 'a reception hall, etc.

It has also been observed that, soaked only in water, a stem devoid of its roots could present an aspect of improved freshness, a little longer than the stems buried in moistened earth. However, this improvement is short-lived and it is completely insufficient, because, like flowers cut in water, fir trees whose stem is cut peri¬ clit at a certain time. Finally, the sale of fir trees with clod or container is an unecological solution since it deteriorates and quickly makes the soil disappear from which these trees are uprooted.

The present invention aims to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by the implementation of a method and a preservation device as well as a support member which allows to try to keep for a prolonged period, in the state fresh and vigorous, a plant with a large stem, in particular a Christmas tree, in the poor conditions of a house interior. The method and the device according to the invention must make it possible to eliminate the rapid drying out of Christmas trees and to do a great deal disappear the fire danger they represent. The mode and the support and fixing device must also be simple, even for weak people, and the device must above all be universal, that is to say adaptable to any type of tree, cut or no, with clod or container or just with the roots. Finally, the support member must be adaptable to most pots and plant containers used on the market.

This problem is solved, according to the invention, by implementing a method as described at the beginning, this method comprising the attachment to the container of the rod in a manner adapted to its diameter, even when the rod is still filled of its roots, a clod of earth or a container, and the stabilization of the container by filling it with water which is used not only to feed the plant and keep it alive and fresh, but also to ballast the recipient.

There is also provided, according to the invention, a device for preserving plants with a large stem, in particular of the Christmas tree type, as described at the beginning, this device comprising, as retaining means, a support member consisting of two retaining elements, at least the first of which is provided with attachment means making it possible to detachably and / or detachably fix it to the container, and fixing means capable of connecting the second retaining element, detachably and / or removable, to the container or to the first retaining element, so that the two retaining elements are arranged on either side of the rod, as well as clamping means which subject the two retaining elements to forces of approach mutual, so that the stem of the plant disposed between the two retaining elements is tightened in a manner adapted to its diameter, that the stem has been previously cut at its base o u whether it is still furnished with its roots, a clod of earth or a container filled with earth.

Finally, according to the invention, a support member is provided which comprises two retaining elements, the first of which is provided with hooking means making it possible to fix it so detachable from any container, and fixing means capable of detachably and / or removably connecting the second retaining element to the first retaining element, so that the two retaining elements are arranged on either side of the rod, whether the latter is still outside the container intended to receive it or is already inside the latter, and whether the first retaining element is already attached to the container by its hooking means or not, and clamping means which subject the two retaining elements to forces of mutual closeness so that the stem of the plant arranged between them is clamped in a manner adapted to its diameter, that the stem has been previously cut at its base or that it is still furnished with its roots, a clod of earth or a container.

Other details and particularities of the invention will emerge from the description given below, without implied limitation, with reference to the appended drawings, as well as from the claims which follow.

FIG. 1 represents a top view of an embodiment of a preservation device according to 1 invention.

Figure 2 shows a sectional view along line II-II of Figure I, on an enlarged scale.

Figures 3 and 4 show a side view and a plan view of an embodiment of the holding member, provided at the bottom of the container.

Figures 5 to 8 illustrate the universality of application of a device according to the invention.

FIG. 9 represents a perspective view of a device according to the invention before the introduction of the rod.

FIG. 10 represents a perspective view of a fir stem provided with a support member according to the invention before the introduction of the stem into a container.

Figure 11 shows a top view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention.

In the various drawings, identical or analogous elements are designated by the same reference. In Figures 1, 2 and 5 to 8, a device is illustrated for storing large stem plants, in particular Christmas trees. This device comprises a container 1 into which the stem 2 of the plant is introduced. This container 1 is formed by a bottom 3 from which protrudes upwards a peripheral envelope 4. The illustrated container is of the plastic or metallic bucket or ceramic pot type, but it is understood that its shape and the material from which it is made is not critical. The container must of course be opened upwards to allow the introduction of the plant stem. The device according to the invention further comprises, in its embodiment illustrated in the aforementioned figures, a support member 5. As is clear in particular from FIG. 1, this member comprises two retaining elements 6 and 7. The first retaining element 6 is provided with hooking means which make it possible to attach it detachably or removably to the container.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, these attachment means comprise elongated holes 8 provided at the ends of the retaining element 6, so as to allow an adjustment of the length of the retaining element 6 to the diameter of container 1 and lateral adjustment to the plant. The aforementioned hooking means further comprise hooking rods 9 threaded at one end and in the form of a hook 10 at the opposite end. This hook is designed to be able to bear from below on the rim 11 of a current container for plants and the illustrated shape of this hook is only given by way of example. The threaded rods 9 can be slid through the holes 8 and the above-mentioned hooking means further comprise wing nuts 12 which serve to tighten the retaining element 6 against the rim 11 of the container 1. When one of the hooking means is detached and the nut 12 on the other is slightly loose, it is even possible that the hooking rod

9 serve as a pivot axis for the retaining element 6 (see FIG. 9). This arrangement therefore allows a detachable or simply removable fixing of the retaining element 6 on the container 1. This fixing can also take place before or after the introduction of the rod into the container, since even in the fixed position of a side he can leave the opening of the container free for the stem to pass, even if it is still provided with its roots, a clod of earth or a container.

The first retaining element 6, as illustrated in FIG. 1, is a bar made of a resistant material of any kind. Its length is at least equal to that of the upper opening of the containers commonly used for planting Christmas trees indoors. Instead of the elongated holes 8 described above, other common arrangements, known to the specialist, can be provided to adapt the length of the bar 6, such as for example a teiescopic arrangement (see FIG. 11). It is also possible, as illustrated in FIG. 1, for the bar 6 to be formed of two interlocking parts 6A and 6B (at 6C), so that the bar 6 can be placed at the bottom of the container when it is not in use . The second retaining element 7 of the support member of the device according to the invention is, in its embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a bar made of a resistant material of any kind. Its length is advantageously less than the opening of the container. - In FIG. 1, fixing means are provided for detachably and / or detachably connecting the bar 7 to the bar 6. These means comprise two rods 17 and 18 which project parallel to one side of the bar 6. These stems 17 and 18 are mutually separated by a distance greater than the usual maximum diameter of the fir stems to be stored inside. Their length is sufficient so that, when the fir rod is in abutment against the bar 6 between them, they still protrude at least slightly beyond said rod. The free ends of these rods 17 and 18 are threaded and are capable of sliding through perforations 19 and 20 provided correspondingly in the bar 7. As fixing means cooperating with the rods 17 and 18, nuts are finally provided. with ears 21 and 22 to be screwed onto the threaded free ends of the rods 17 and 18 which protrude beyond the perforations 19 and 20 of the bar 7. This arrangement therefore makes it possible to arrange the two retaining elements 6 and 7 of on either side of the rod, connecting them mutually. If you loosen only one of the nuts 21 or 22 and loosen the other slightly, it is also possible to pivot the bar 7 around the axis formed by one of the rods 17 or 18 (see figure 9). In the embodiment illustrated in the figure

1, the fixing means 17 to 22 simultaneously form the clamping means which, when tightened, subject the two retaining elements to forces of mutual approach, so that the stem of the plant disposed between them can be clamped in a way suited to its diameter.

The bar 6 has, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, a support area 13 for the rod 2 of the tree. This first support zone 13 is shaped substantially in the center of the bar 6 in the form of a lateral recess. The first support zone 13, in a plan view, has substantially the shape of an arc of a circle whose diameter corresponds approximately to the maximum diameter of the plant stems to be stored inside (see stem 2 A shown in lines mixed in Figure 1). This support zone 13 is also provided, at its bottom, with a vertical groove 14. In this way, when the rods have a diameter smaller than that of the rods 2A, they always have at least two points contact with the support area 13 (in Figure 1, see the rod 2B shown in solid lines and the rod 2C shown in broken lines). The support zone 13 can advantageously be provided with anti-friction means, such as for example a ribbing as illustrated in FIG. 9.

In the middle of one of its faces, the bar 7 has a projection 15, the top of which is provided with a recess forming a second support zone 16 for the tree stem. The height and width of this projection 15 are provided so that it can possibly penetrate into the recess forming the first support zone 13, when the bars 6 and 7 are tightened around a rod of small diameter, as the rod 2C. The dimensions of the projection 15 are however such that it cannot come into contact with the first support zone 13. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the second support zone 16 is formed by two sections arranged perpendicular to one another by forming a V-shaped recess. In this way, this zone of support is always in contact with the tree stem at at least two points, in the tightening position of the stem. In this position, therefore, four contact points are always obtained between the support member and the shaft of the shaft, which makes it a very secure attachment. It is obvious that other embodiments of the support zones could be envisaged. For example, the support area 13 could also be V-shaped.

On the bar 7, there is provided, on the face opposite to the second support area 16., a potential support area, supplémen¬ silence, 23 formed by a recess consisting of two inclined sides in the shape of a V. A Unlike the recess forming the support zone 16, the support zone 23 is not hollowed out in a projection of the bar and can advantageously be used for large plant stems, by installing the bar 7 on the fixing rods 17 and 18 in the inverted position (see the position of the bar 7A shown in phantom in Figure 1). All these support zones 16 and 23 can naturally be provided, in a manner not shown, with anti-friction means, such as ribbing similar to that illustrated in FIG. 9 for zone 13.

One can also provide, at the bottom 3 of the container, a holding member 24 in the form of a point on which the stem of the tree can be pricked, when a previously cut rod has been used. As this member is not necessary in other cases, provision is made for it in a recess 25 in the bottom 3, into which it can be inserted and from which it can then be easily removed. The stabilization means of the device according to the invention consist of water, the upper level 26 of which is shown in FIGS. 5 to 8. The water therefore serves not only as a supply medium for the fir trees but also as a means to stabilize the container and therefore the tree planted inside the latter. The preservation device which has just been described will be implemented as follows:

The bar 6 is attached in position at its two ends on the edge ^* of the container 1. The bar 7 is spaced sufficiently from the bar 6 by a gradual unscrewing of the nuts 21 and

22. The rod is then introduced into the passage formed between the bars 6 and 7 and the two fixing rods 17 and 18. This process, like the prior art, allows only the fixing of previously cut rods. One can advantageously rather completely detach the support member 5 from the edge of the container 1, by completely unscrewing the nuts 12. Similarly, the bar 7 is completely detached from the bar 6. The rod 2, still outside the container, is passed between the fixing rods 17 and 18 of the bar 6 then the bar 7 is screwed back on the rods 17 and 18. After tightening of the rod 2 between the bars 6 and 7, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the whole is placed on the container, and the bar 6 is hooked again to the edge of the container by tightening the nuts 12. This procedure, as well as that described below, is no longer limited to cut rods, but allows all the potting illustrated in the figures

5 to 8.

It is also possible to detach the bar 6 at one end and slightly loosen the nut 12 at the other end, so as to pivot the bar 6 outwards, around the hook element 9, 10. This operation allows to largely open the opening of the container. Similarly, one of the nuts 21 or 22 is detached and the bar 7 is released from one of the fixing rods 17 or 18, while the other nut is only loose. This allows the bar 7 to pivot downwards around one of the fixing rods. The position thus obtained is illustrated in FIG. 9. In this position the rod 2 can be pushed into the container and then, by pivoting the bars and screwing the nuts back, the two bars can be tightened on either side of the rod .

After all these operations, or before them, the container is filled with water and ballasted with it. This water is kept con- constantly at this filling level, such as that illustrated by the reference 26 in FIGS. 5 to 8.

Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 11. Unlike the device according to FIG. 1, the support member 5 comprises a first retaining element in the form of a teiescopic bar. 6. The second retaining element is a spring 27, for example of the leaf type, which can be fixed, not on the bar 6, but on the upper edge of the container, by fixing means 28 of a known type , any. The clamping means is here formed by the spring itself, and simultaneously by the bar 6 which can be brought closer to the spring 27.

The great advantage of a device according to the invention and of its support member is therefore to allow the placement of a fir tree in a container regardless of the state of its stem, with or without roots. It also makes it possible to use the tree feed water, as ballast for the device, which therefore remains relatively compact and very stable.

Unexpectedly, a fir tree provided with its roots and supported in a preservation device according to the invention experiences a freshness and an entirely unusual vigor, which fir trees provided with some roots and a clod of earth and of which the earth is only humidified in a common way. Indeed, the latter, if they are adequately supplied with water, can continue to live for a certain time inside a dwelling. However, this feeding cannot be done under the conditions really required by a fir tree so that it is in perfect vigor and freshness, because then the feeding water liquefies so much the compost added in the container that it is not more capable of retaining only the fir tree introduced into the container.

The applicant planted at the end of December a fir tree with roots, without soil, by "using a conservation device according to the invention. The fir tree was thus kept in the boiler room of his home, that is that is to say in the worst conditions that can exist. However, two months later, we could see not only that the tree was still alive, but also that it had also budded and emitted branches up to 14 cm in length, and that it had lost none of its luster. On the other hand, it did not stop during this whole period of embalming the house with the very particular odor of this coniferous tree, which one can perceive while walking in fir forests after a heavy rain . We could not observe an abnormal loss of needles around the tree.

The device and the conservation method used also make it possible to reduce or eliminate the amount of earth displaced during the uprooting of the tree. This allows not to remove from the original soil quantities of soil which, in the long run, represents a significant factor in the depletion of this soil. On the other hand, fir trees without clods do not require a short cutting of the roots, as required to make the clod. More rootlets can accompany the tree delivered.

Finally, as can be imagined, the method according to the invention allows the fir trees to be stored inside under conditions of greater fire safety.

It should be understood that the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above and that many modifications can be made without departing from its scope.

One can for example consider support zones of different shapes or provide only three points of contact between the rod and these support zones (see Figure 11).

It is also possible to envisage a second retaining element in the form of an elastic clamp, which, instead of being fixed, like the spring 27 in FIG. 11, on the container, should be attached to the first retaining element. Provision may be made to add, to the feed water, a composition of additives suitable for the cultivation of the plant concerned.

Finally, it is obvious that the method and the conservation device as well as the support member described above can also be used for the conservation of plants outdoors.

Claims

1. A method for preserving plants with a large stem, in particular of the Christmas tree type, comprising the introduction of the stem of the plant into a container and its immobilization in the container in a stable manner, in the upright position, as well as a regular supply of water, characterized in that it comprises the attachment to the container of the stem, in a manner adapted to its diameter, even when the stem is still furnished with its roots, of a clod of soil or a container, and stabilization of the container by filling it with water which is used not only to feed the plant and keep it alive and fresh, but also to ballast the container.

2. Device for preserving plants with a large stem, in particular of the Christmas tree type, comprising a container (1) into which the stem (2) of the plant is inserted, this container (1) being formed of a bottom (3), from which protrudes upward a peripheral envelope (4), and being open upwards, and retaining means capable of holding said rod in the upright position in the container (1), as well as means for stabilizing the container on the ground, characterized in that it comprises, as retaining means, a support member (5) consisting of two retaining elements (6, 7, 27), of which at least the first (6 ) is provided with hooking means (8, 9, 10, 12) enabling it to be detachably and / or removably attached to the container (1), and fixing means (17-22; 28) capable of connecting the second retaining element (7, 27), detachably and / or removable, from the container

(1) or to the first retaining element (6), so that the two retaining elements (6, 7, 27) are arranged on either side of the rod (2), as well as means of clamping (17-22; 27) which subject the two retaining elements (6, 7, 27) to forces of mutual closeness, so that the plant stem (2) disposed between the two retaining elements (6, 7, 27) is clamped in a manner adapted to its diameter, whether the stem has been previously cut at its base or whether it is still furnished with its roots, a clod of earth or a container filled with earth .

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the two retaining elements (6, 7) each have at least one bearing zone (13, 16, 23) against which the rod (2) is applied in the position tightening the rod, and in that these zones (13, 16, 23) are shaped so that, in this position, there are always at least four points of contact between the rod (2) and the retaining elements (6, 7).

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that one of the retaining elements (6) has a first support zone (13) whose shape is adapted to cooperate with a rod (2A) of maximum diameter for the plants to be stored indoors and in that the other of the retaining elements (7) is provided with a second support zone (16, 23) which can be arranged opposite the first zone support (13), these support areas being shaped so as to allow, under the effect of the clamping means (17-22), an adjustment of their distance to values much less than the maximum diameter mentioned above.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first bearing area (13) has a vertical groove (14) approximately in the middle.

6. Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that each of the retaining elements or one of them (7) has several potential bearing areas (16, 23) for adaptation the diameter of the rod.

7. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the above-mentioned fixing means (17-22) simultaneously form the said clamping means.

8. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the first retaining element (6) is a bar, in one or more pieces, of length at least equal to that of the upper opening of the container (1) and in that it carries said attachment means (8-10, 12) at each of its ends.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the length of the bar to the dimension of the opening of the container. 10. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the hooking means of the first retaining element (6) comprise elongated holes (8) provided at the two ends of the latter, elements hook (9, 10) capable of cooperating with the upper bor d (11) of the container

(I) and passing through said elongated holes (8) and clamping nuts (12) to be screwed to the threaded upper end of the hook elements (9,

10).

11. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the first retaining element

(6) is hooked at one of its ends to the edge (11) of the container (1) by a hooking means (8-10, 12) allowing the first retaining element (6) to pivot around this means of hanging.

12. Device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the bar (6) has on one of its lateral faces a recess in the form of an arc of a circle whose radius corresponds approximately to the maximum radius d 'a plant stem kept inside, this recess forming the aforementioned first support zone (13), the latter possibly being able to be provided with anti-friction means, such as ribbing.

13. Device according to one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that the second retaining element (7) has, opposite the first retaining element (6), a projection (15) whose top is provided with a recess forming said second support zone (16), the length and the height of this projection (15) being provided so as to allow its penetration into a recess, shaped on the first retaining element to serve as the first zone of support (13), without authorizing contact with this first support area (13).

14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the second retaining element (7) has, opposite the projection (15) above, a recess forming a potential additional support area (23), in position overturned from the second retainer (7).

15. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 14, characterized in that the above-mentioned fixing means comprise two rods (17, 18) which project parallel to one of the retaining elements (6), at a distance greater than the diameter of the plant stem, and over a length greater than this diameter, in that the free ends of these stems (17, 18) are threaded and passed through perforations (19, 20) provided so corresponding on the second retaining element (7) and in that locking nuts (21, 22) are screwed onto the ends of these rods (17, 18) projecting outside these perforations (19, 20).

16. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 15, characterized in that the second retaining element (7) is connected to the first retaining element (6) by one of its ends, so as to be capable of pivoting relative to the first retaining element (6).

17. Device according to any one of reven¬ dications 2 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the retaining elements (27) is made of an elastic resistant material, the elastic force of which serves as a force of mutual approach retaining elements (6, 27).

18. Device according to any one of reven¬ dications 2 to 17, characterized in that the container stabilization means comprise a ballasting of the container formed essentially by water (26), with which the container (1) is filled, this water serving simultaneously as a feeding medium for the plant and being possibly mixed with a little liquefied earth.

19. Device according to claim 18, carac¬ terized in that, when the rod is cut, the stabilization means optionally further comprise holding elements (24), if necessary removable, provided at the bottom (3) of the container.

20. Support member used for the conservation of large stem plants, in particular of the Christmas tree type, comprising two retaining elements (6, 7), the first of which (6) is provided with attachment means (8-10, 12) for detachably fixing it to a container (1) any, and fixing means (17-22) capable of detachably and / or removably connecting the second retaining element (7) to the first retaining element (6), so that the two retaining elements ( 6, 7) are arranged on either side of the rod (2), whether the latter is still outside a container intended to receive it or is already inside the latter, and that the first retaining element is already attached to the container by its attachment means or not, and clamping means (17-22) which subject the two retaining elements to forces of mutual approach so that the plant stem disposed between they are tightened in a way adapted to its diameter, whether the stem has been previously cut at its base or whether it is still furnished with its roots, a clod of earth or a container.

21. Support member according to claim 20, characterized in that the two retaining elements (6, 7) each have at least one bearing zone (13, 16, 23) for the stem of the plant in the position of tightening thereof and in that these zones are shaped so that, in this position, there are always at least four points of contact between the rod and the retaining elements (6, 7).

22. Support member according to either of claims 20 and 21, characterized in that the first retaining element (6). Has means for adjusting its length.