DE202016102429U1 - Plant cultivation kit comprising a seed pellet of dry, compressed substrate material packed in a stand-up pouch - Google Patents

Abstract

Plant cultivation kit (1) comprising: - plant seeds (6); A substrate material (5); and - a sealed stand-up pouch (2) delimiting a volume (10) in which the seed (6) and substrate material (5) are packaged, the pouch (2) comprising at least one layer made of waterproof material so that the stand-up pouch (2) can stand upright and form a water-impermeable vessel for germinating and growing the plants, characterized in that the substrate material (5) is in the form of a pellet (3) of dry compressed substrate material (5) the seed (6) is connected so that the seed (6) can start to germinate after the pellet (3) has expanded within the bag (2) by coming in contact with water (14) which enters the seed Stand bag (2) was poured.

Description

The invention relates to a plant growing set in which a number of seeds and a quantity of substrate material are packed together so that a user can easily start to cultivate plants, especially edible plants such as herbs and vegetables.

Such plant cultivation kits are known in different embodiments. Most of them are intended to be sold to customers who want to grow the fresh herbs on the windowsill in their kitchen, for example.

For example, an attachment kit is known which comprises a plastic or stone planter in which a bag filled with a wet compost amount and a small bag filled with seed are placed. The compost and seed are packed separately in watertight bags, otherwise the seed would prematurely start to germinate in the compost. The structure of planter and bags with compost and seedlings is held together for example by a cardboard box and a plastic packaging. If a consumer wants to use this set, he must remove the packaging, remove the bags from the container, open the compost bag and fill the planter to a certain level with a compost amount. Then the seed bag has to be opened and the seeds are spread on the compost in the planter. Then, the seed must be covered with a thin layer of the remaining compost and the seed compost must be slightly compressed. If deemed necessary, the consumer may pour a small amount of water on the seed compost. Thereafter, the seed should begin to germinate and grow into plants suitable for consumption.

A disadvantage of this is that the packaging of the structure consisting of planter and bags for compost and seed takes up much space during transport and storage. In addition, it is relatively heavy, and it is possible, for example, that the compost and / or the seed bag fall out of the vessel and get lost. Moreover, it is disadvantageous to the environment that a plurality of bags and packages are needed to hold the parts together and separate them. Finally, it is not easy for the consumer to use the set in such a way that the environment is not polluted with composting material.

In another example, a wet compost is packed into a stand-up pouch along with a small seed bag. In this case, the seed is packed separately in a watertight bag, since, as in the previous example, otherwise the seed would be tempted to germinate in the compost. The stand-up pouch includes at least one layer made of water-impermeable material so that water from the compost can not evaporate or soak the environment. In addition, the water-impermeable layer allows the stand-up pouch can be used directly as a planter. If the consumer wants to use this set, he has to cut and open the stand-up pouch on top. Then he has to take out the seed bag. He must remove part of the compost material. Then he can open the seed bag and distribute the seed over the compost remaining in the stand-up pouch. Then he has to cover the seeds with the compost material that he has previously taken from the stand-up pouch. Then he can easily squeeze such seed compost and, if deemed necessary, pour a small amount of water on the seed compost. According to this, the seed should begin to germinate and grow into plants that are suitable for consumption. A disadvantage here is that the arrangements of the filled with a moist compost amount of stand-up pouch and the seed bag are still relatively heavy and still occupy a relatively large amount of space during transport and loading. Finally, it is still troublesome for the consumer to get ready for cultivation without polluting the environment.

The present invention aims to overcome one or more of the disadvantages described above and / or to provide a useful alternative. In particular, the invention aims to provide a user-friendly plant growing kit which can be transported and stored in a compact and lightweight condition and which can be used without polluting the environment.

This goal is achieved by means of a plant growing kit according to claim 1. The kit includes plant seeds, a substrate material and a sealed stand-up pouch. The stand-up pouch defines a volume in which the seed and substrate material are packaged. The stand-up pouch comprises at least one layer made of waterproof material so that the stand-up pouch is able to stand upright and form a watertight planter. According to the invention, the substrate material is formed in the form of a dry, compressed substrate material comprising pellets comprising seed associated therewith. The pellet of dry, compressed substrate material with directly associated seed is called a seed pellet. The seed pellet was packed directly into the stand-up pouch. The seed is only able to start germination after the stand-up pouch has been opened and the pellet has been given the opportunity to expand in the stand-up pouch where it is contacted with water poured into the stand-up pouch.

Notwithstanding the fact that the seed is directly attached to the substrate material, the seed is unable to germinate prematurely as long as the pouch remains sealed. This is due to the dryness of the pellet and the watertightness of the sealed bag. The pellet of dry, compressed substrate material advantageously does not trigger premature germination of the seed. Therefore, it is necessary to first open the pack and pour water into it. The pellet of dry substrate material with associated seed has the advantage that it is much easier to make the kit ready for germination and cultivation. For example, a consumer only needs to open the stand-up pouch, remove the seed pellet, pour some water into the stand-up pouch, and place the seed pellet back in the pouch. Here, the seed pellet can only float freely on the water surface in the stand-up pouch. After some time, the substrate material should have absorbed the water, expanding in such a way that it fills the lower part of the volume inside the bag.

The use of the seed pellet has the advantage that as long as no water is poured into the stand-up pouch, the hands of the user or the environment are not polluted, even if the pellet is taken out of the stand-up pouch and temporarily placed on a work surface or the like , Another advantage is that floating the pellet at the water surface and subsequently expanding the pellet within the pouch automatically helps to properly position the seed. It is not necessary to open the seed bag and sow the seed from this bag over the substrate material. The construction of the seed pellet and the stand-up pouch makes the entire mounting set lightweight and compact during transport and storage. The seed and substrate material can now be packed together in the stand-up pouch. This helps to save packaging material, which is environmentally friendly. Advantageously, the seed pellet has such dimensions and is designed so that it can expand in the stand-up bag to the extent that it comes into contact with water, that at least half of the volume within the bag settles with relatively loose and relatively moist substrate material, wherein the seed is automatically positioned at or near the top of the substrate material. The seed pellet can thus be easily and automatically converted into a mass of moist expanded substrate material with the seed contained therein, the seed being automatically positioned at or near an upper portion of the expanded substrate material. This also has the advantage of making it easier for a user to keep the seed undamaged and free of disease and bacteria. A user can simply pick up the pellet itself at its peripheral edges and drop it to a volume of water within the bag. Meanwhile, the seed does not need to be touched directly by the user. The seed can then start to germinate directly and start growing out of the pouch. Alternatively, it is also possible for the user to easily squeeze the seed into a desired depth in the substrate material once the substrate material has sufficiently expanded in the stand-up pouch after it has come into contact with water. After that, the seed can start to germinate and grow out of the stand-up pouch.

The seed may be partially or completely enclosed within the dry, compressed substrate material. In one embodiment, one or more narrow holes or openings are provided within the pellet in which one or more seeds are placed. Each seed grain can then be joined to the pellet in such a way that it does not fall out of the hole or opening. For example, one or more seeds may be introduced into one or more holes or openings along with a minor amount of a suitable adhesive. Here, the depth of the holes or openings may be formed such that the seeds are automatically at the desired depth when the pellet expands. These depths differ depending on the seed type used. As a general rule, the holes and openings preferably have a depth that is twice as large as the size of the seed grains used.

In another advantageous embodiment, the pellet has seed which adheres to the pellet on an upper surface. This makes it possible during production to first compress the substrate material and to dry it in the form of suitable pellets. The seed may then adhere to the pellet in a subsequent manufacturing process. For the attachment of the seed to the pellet, all types of adhesive can be used, such as biodegradable glue that is substantially free of water.

It should be noted that dry bottom plates with seeds attached to the top surface are already known as garbage cans. But here are the plates Packed in a thin plastic wrap and then connected by means of a cardboard box with an outer side of the barrel. However, confusion may sometimes be caused because the packaged plate with the attached seed is mistaken for biscuits, especially if the carton no longer envelops it as soon as someone begins to use the churn. In addition, it is not possible to use the plate without first providing any kind of suitable planter with an internal volume corresponding to the plate in its expanded state.

As indicated above, the pellet of the invention is made from dry compressed substrate material. Here, the term "dry" is defined such that the pellet comprises at least 85 weight percent dry matter and at most 15 weight percent water. Up to a maximum water content of 15%, the pellet still has a dry handle and is dry enough to prevent premature germination of the seed. At the same time, the pellet still contains a small amount of water, up to a maximum water content of 15%, which is sufficient to hold the substrate material together in its compressed pellet form. The pellet is preferably so dry and compressed that it occupies less than 25% of the volume within the bag, while it can expand at least four times within the bag when placed in contact with water therein, so that at least 75% of the Volume of the bag are filled in the expanded state.

The pellet can have all shapes and dimensions. However, according to a preferred embodiment, it is disk-shaped and has a cross-sectional area which is smaller than twice the width of the upper side of the stand-up bag. This allows the user to float the pellet freely on top of the amount of water poured into the stand-up pouch. In addition, the disc shape of the pellet allows it to float on top of the water in the intended position without tipping, for example so that the seed remains on the top side of the pellet. The disk shape along with the smaller cross-sectional area allows the substrate material to be correctly positioned in the stand-up pouch in both the vertical and horizontal directions during expansion.

In another embodiment, a level indicator is provided on the stand-up pouch to indicate what amount of water the user needs to fill in the pouch so that the pellet expands therein. This indicator can be provided on an outer or inner side of the bag.

In one variant, the attachment set may comprise an information plate which is designed to be inserted into the substrate material after expansion. The sign can simply be packed in the stand-up pouch together with the seed pellet, without the risk of damaging or soiling the sign or the information printed on it. This makes it possible to produce such a shield from an environmentally friendly material. The stand-up pouch can be made from a single or multiple layers. Preferably, it comprises on its inner side a plastic film such as PET, PP or PE or the like, to form the layer of water-impermeable material. Apart from such a water-impermeable layer, the bag may comprise one or more other layers of flexible films laminated therewith. For example, the outer side may be a layer that is easy to print with all sorts of information, for example how to use the attachment set.

The stand-up pouch according to the invention can have all shapes and dimensions, these are chosen depending on the type and amount of plants grown therein. At a minimum, the stand-up pouch is formed to stand upright in a stable position. In a manner known per se, see, for example US 3,380,646 , A stand bag on opposite sides, which consist of flexible, but still relatively rigid material. A flexible reinforcing plate may be formed along a lower side edge of the stand bag. This reinforcing plate can be inserted and folded normally between the side walls. The side walls can be sealed together along the other side edge. If such a stand-up pouch is not filled, it can be folded flat. This makes it easier to print on this after production.

The reinforcing plate is preferably formed integrally with the side walls. This can also be formed as a folded strip which is inserted between the side walls and thus sealed. The reinforcing plate and the side walls are preferably sealed together so that non-rectangular transitions are achieved at the lower side wall. Preferably, substantially elliptical seal lines are achieved at the lower side edges along which the reinforcing plate can extend.

Further preferred embodiments are described in the dependent subclaims.

The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a sealed mounting kit according to the invention;

2 the set off 1 with the opened on the upper side pouch and its contents lying on the side shows;

3 an open stand-up bag filled with a quantity of water and the seed shows that it is falling into the stand-up bag;

4 a stand-up pouch 3 shows after the pellet has expanded in it and the plants have begun to grow out of the seed;

5a -F possible use of the set 1 to 4 demonstrate;

6 a top and a cross-sectional view of 1 shows;

7 a deeper side of the bag 2 shows, after water has been poured into it and its reinforcing plate starts to unfold; and

8th a perspective view of the bag from 2 with the fully unfolding reinforcing plate shown by dashed lines in the stand-up pouch.

In 1 to 6 the complete attachment set has the reference number 1 on. The set 1 includes a stand-up pouch 2 , a seed pellet 3 and an information sign 4 , In 1 is the stand-up pouch 2 sealed and both the seed pellet 3 as well as the shield 4 are packed in it.

The seed pellet 3 comprises a substantially dry cylindrical piece made from a quantity of compressed substrate material 5 is made.

On an upper surface, the pellet comprises 3 a plurality of adherent seed grains 6 , which adhere in small quantities to the upper surface.

At the top of a bag 2 are provided dilute areas, which are formed here by two notches to make it easier for the user the stand-up pouch 2 to cut open and tear down, if desired, the set 1 to prepare for cultivation.

After the stand-up pouch 2 opened, can the seed pellet 3 and the sign 4 be taken out. The next step may be a certain amount of water in the stand-up pouch 2 be poured into it. Pouring the water on the bottom of the bag 2 causes it to be pushed down so that it can be stably placed in an upright orientation on a supporting surface. Subsequently, the seed pellet 3 with the seed 6 on the surface in the opened stand-up pouch 2 be lowered, see 3 , The seed pellet 3 then floats on the water and should slowly absorb the water and thus expand so that it forms a substantial part of the volume 10 inside the bag 2 with pronounced loosened wet substrate material 5 crowded. For some seed it can be beneficial for the germination process that seeds 6 over the substrate material 5 to distribute and / or the seed 6 Carefully insert something into the substrate material 5 to press. For other seeds, it is already sufficient for the germination process if it remains on top of the expanded substrate material. The shield 4 can then do so with its pointed part in the substrate material 5 pressed that a user can read or see what will grow there. The seed 6 will then start to germinate and plant 12 grow.

The following methodological steps for plant cultivation 12 with the set 1 are in the 5a F shown schematically. In particular, it can be seen that the pellet 3 in 5d first on the in the stand-up pouch begins 2 poured water 14 to swim when the pellet 2 on the water 14 is lowered. Likewise is in 5e shown that the expanded loose wet substrate material 5 more than three quarters of the volume 10 inside the bag 2 fills in, while the seed 6 still lying on top.

In the 6 to 8th is even more clearly shown how the stand-up pouch 2 is trained. It includes opposite flat side walls 20 . 21 firmly attached to each other by an inwardly folded reinforcing plate 22 are connected. The side walls 20 . 21 are at their upper edges 24 sealed and lie along their margins 25 each other. At the position of the reinforcing plate 22 are the side walls 20 . 21 sealed at their upper side edges such that substantially an elliptical seal line 26 at a lower edge 27 is achieved. The reinforcement plate 22 can be along the elliptical seal line 26 expand when the stand-up pouch 2 with water 14 fills, after which he along a line 28 just below the top of the sealed edge 24 lies, was opened. This is in 7 and 8th shown. In addition to this illustrated embodiment, numerous variants are possible. For example, the stand-up pouch and the seed may have other shapes and / or dimensions. The pellet can handle all types of substrate material, such as Coconut fiber, compost, Tort, earth or mixtures thereof. The seed can include all types of plants such as herbs and vegetables.

The stand-up pouch may be made of a material comprising one or more individual layers or also of a material comprising one or more multilayers. It is possible to make a stand-up pouch with a window or the like and / or make it partially or completely of transparent material so that the user sees the inside seed pellet and / or sees how the pellet expands when contacted with water and / or sees the roots of the plants growing inside.

Therefore, the invention provides a plant growing kit which is ideally suited for growing edible herbs and vegetables, for example on the windowsill, so that they can be used directly during cooking. It's a really user-friendly attachment kit, since the only thing that really needs to be done is to open the stand-up pouch and pour in water. Because depending on the type of plant only a few weeks have to be waited and you can enjoy watching how they germinate and grow out of the original stand-up pouch by being bought. Before the start of use, the set has a low weight ratio and a limited volume. Nevertheless, the stand-up pouch is able to protect the seed pellet during transport and storage prior to its end use as a mounting kit.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 3380646 [0017]

Claims (10)

Plant cultivation kit ( 1 ) comprising: - plant seed ( 6 ); A substrate material ( 5 ); and - a sealed stand-up pouch ( 2 ), which is a volume ( 10 ), in which the seed ( 6 ) and the substrate material ( 5 ), whereby the stand-up pouch ( 2 ) comprises at least one layer made of waterproof material so that the stand-up pouch ( 2 ) can stand upright and forms a water-impermeable vessel for germinating and growing the plants, characterized in that the substrate material ( 5 ) in the form of a pellet ( 3 ) of dry compressed substrate material ( 5 ) is formed, with which the seed ( 6 ), so that the seed ( 6 ) can germinate after the pellet ( 3 ) within the bag ( 2 ) by adding water ( 14 ), which is in the pouch ( 2 ) was poured. Plant cultivation set according to claim 1, characterized in that the seed ( 6 ) at the top of the pellet ( 3 ). Plant cultivation kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pellet ( 3 ) less than 25% of the volume ( 10 ) of the bag ( 2 ), so that it at least four times within the bag ( 2 ) can increase when it is with water ( 14 ) was brought into contact. Plant cultivation kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pellet ( 3 ) is disc-shaped and has a cross-sectional area which is smaller than twice the width of the upper side of the bag ( 2 ). Plant cultivation kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fill level indicator on the stand-up pouch ( 2 ) to indicate what amount of water the user has in the stand-up pouch ( 2 ), so that the pellet ( 3 ) extends herein. Plant cultivation kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that this an information sign ( 4 ), which together with the pellet ( 3 ) within the bag ( 2 ) is packed. Plant cultivation kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stand-up pouch ( 2 ) comprises on its inside a plastic sheet. Plant cultivation kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stand-up pouch ( 2 ) comprises several layers of flexible film laminated together. Plant cultivation kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seed ( 6 ) Has herbal or vegetable seeds. Plant cultivation kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a dilute opening aid is provided, in particular a notch ( 8th ) at the top of the bag ( 2 ).

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