EP0316422B1 - Process and device for the preservation of plants - Google Patents

Process and device for the preservation of plants Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0316422B1
EP0316422B1 EP88905169A EP88905169A EP0316422B1 EP 0316422 B1 EP0316422 B1 EP 0316422B1 EP 88905169 A EP88905169 A EP 88905169A EP 88905169 A EP88905169 A EP 88905169A EP 0316422 B1 EP0316422 B1 EP 0316422B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
receptacle
stem
retention
retention element
bearing zone
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP88905169A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0316422A1 (en
Inventor
Félicien BERNARDY
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to AT88905169T priority Critical patent/ATE67382T1/en
Publication of EP0316422A1 publication Critical patent/EP0316422A1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G33/00—Religious or ritual equipment in dwelling or for general use
    • A47G33/04—Christmas trees 
    • A47G33/12—Christmas tree stands
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G33/00—Religious or ritual equipment in dwelling or for general use
    • A47G33/04—Christmas trees 
    • A47G33/12—Christmas tree stands
    • A47G2033/1233—Christmas tree stands as insert for a plant pot
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G33/00—Religious or ritual equipment in dwelling or for general use
    • A47G33/04—Christmas trees 
    • A47G33/12—Christmas tree stands
    • A47G2033/128—Christmas tree stands for trees having a root ball
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G33/00—Religious or ritual equipment in dwelling or for general use
    • A47G33/04—Christmas trees 
    • A47G33/12—Christmas tree stands
    • A47G2033/1286—Christmas tree stands comprising watering means, e.g. a water reservoir

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for preserving plants with a large stem, in particular of the Christmas tree type, in accordance with the preamble of claim 1. It also relates to a preservation device of the type described in the preamble of claim 2.
  • Containers 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 wedging means and the pot is stabilized by external stays of a large size.
  • a device is also known, of the type indicated at the beginning (see US-A-3052437). This fir fastening device only allows immobilization of an already cut trunk, using an invariable opening collar and three small clamping screws.
  • the clod or container when the tree is provided with a clod or container, usually the clod 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 tree's stem, which risks tilting or overturning.
  • 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 make it possible to preserve for a prolonged period, in the fresh state and vigorous, a tall-stemmed plant, especially a Christmas tree, in the poor conditions of a home 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 make the danger of fire which they represent greatly disappear.
  • 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.
  • the support member must be adaptable to most pots and plant containers used on the market.
  • a device 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 upward 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 aforementioned hooking means further comprise wing nuts 12 which serve to tighten the retaining element 6 against the rim 11 of the container 1.
  • the attachment rod 9 serves 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 passage of the stem, 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 telescopic 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.
  • 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 spaced apart 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.
  • fixing means cooperating with the rods 17 and 18 nuts are finally provided.
  • the fixing means 17 to 22 simultaneously form the clamping means which, when they are tightened, subject the two retaining elements to forces of mutual approach, so that the plant stem arranged between them can be clamped in a manner appropriate 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 rod 2A shown in phantom) 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 smaller diameter than that of the rods 2A, they always have at least two contact points. with the support zone 13 (in FIG. 1, see the rod 2B shown in solid lines and the rod 2C represented 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the support area 13 could also be V-shaped.
  • a potential additional support area 23 formed by a recess made up of two inclined V-shaped faces.
  • 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 a ribbing similar to that illustrated in FIG. 9 for zone 13.
  • a holding member 24 in the form of a point on which the Christmas tree stem can be pricked, when a previously cut stem has been used. Since 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 stabilization of the container and therefore of the tree planted inside the latter.
  • the bar 6 is in a position hooked at its two ends to the edge of the container 1.
  • the bar 7 is moved away enough from the bar 6 by progressive 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, only allows the fixing of previously cut rods.
  • the container is filled with water and ballasted with it. This water is kept constantly at this filling level, such as that illustrated by reference 26 in FIGS. 5 to 8.
  • the support member 5 comprises a first retaining element in the form of a telescopic 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 any known type .
  • 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 supply water from the tree, as ballast for the device, which therefore remains compact and very stable.
  • a fir tree provided with its roots and supported in a preservation device according to the invention experiences a freshness and an altogether unusual vigor, which fir trees provided with some roots and a clod of earth and whose 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.
  • 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 this one is more capable of retaining only the fir tree introduced into the container.
  • the tree was thus kept in the boiler room of his home, that is to say in the worst conditions that can exist.
  • the conservation device and method used also make it possible to reduce or eliminate the amount of earth displaced during the uprooting of the tree. This makes it possible not to remove quantities of soil from the original soil, which in the long run represents a significant factor in the depletion of this soil.
  • 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.
  • the process according to the invention allows the fir trees to be stored inside under conditions of greater fire safety.

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  • Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)
  • Agricultural Chemicals And Associated Chemicals (AREA)
  • Cultivation Of Plants (AREA)

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

La présente invention est relative à un procédé de conservation de plantes à tige de grande dimension, en particulier de type sapin de Noël, conforme au préambule de la revendication 1. Elle concerne également un dispositif de conservation du type décrit dans le préambule de la revendication 2.The present invention relates to a method for preserving plants with a large stem, in particular of the Christmas tree type, in accordance with the preamble of claim 1. It also relates to a preservation device of the type described in the preamble of claim 2.

Un des inconvénients des sapins de Noël est bien connu, ils se dessèchent rapidement, leurs aiguilles tombent alors sur le sol et leur utilisation à l'intérieur est donc de courte durée. D'autre part, il s'agit de plantes parfois de grande dimension qu'il est malaisé d'introduire dans un récipient, tel qu'un pot, et surtout de maintenir de manière stable en position dressée.One of the drawbacks of Christmas trees is well known, they dry out quickly, their needles then fall on the ground and their use inside 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.

On connaît des récipients munis de moyens de retenue de la tige du sapin introduit. Ces moyens permettent uniquement l'introduction d'une tige coupée de sapin au travers d'un passage d'ouverture limitée prévu au centre du récipient. Là, la tige est ensuite calée par des moyens de coinçage et le pot est stabilisé par des étais externes d'un grand encombrement.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 wedging means and the pot is stabilized by external stays of a large size.

Ces récipients ne permettent pas l'introduction de la tige de sapin garnie de ses racines, d'une motte de terre ou d'un conteneur rempli de terre. L'introduction de la tige par le passage central du pot n'est pas aisé si le sapin est d'un grand poids et plusieurs personnes sont habituellement nécessaires pour cette opération. Enfin le récipient utilisé à une forme spécifique, obligatoire et n'importe quel pot ne peut pas être utilisé dans ce but.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 any pot cannot be used for this purpose.

On connaît aussi un dispositif, du type indiqué au début (voir US-A-3052437). Ce dispositif de fixation de sapin ne permet qu'une immobilisation d'un tronc déjà coupé, à l'aide d'un collier à ouverture invariable et de trois petites vis de serrage.A device is also known, of the type indicated at the beginning (see US-A-3052437). This fir fastening device only allows immobilization of an already cut trunk, using an invariable opening collar and three small clamping screws.

Par ailleurs lorsque le sapin est muni d'une motte ou d'un conteneur, habituellement on plante la motte ou le conteneur dans un récipient plus large et on ajoute de la terre pour le remplir. On étaye éventuellement le sapin comme on peut, puis on ajoute de l'eau pour humidifier modérément la terre sans qu'elle ne se liquéfie. Dès que l'on ajoute trop d'eau, la terre ne retient plus la tige du sapin qui risque de s'incliner ou de se renverser.Furthermore, when the tree is provided with a clod or container, usually the clod 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 tree's stem, which risks tilting or overturning.

Il est donc, dans ces conditions, impossible d'alimenter correctement le sapin en eau, ce qui explique son dessèchement rapide, en particulier lorsqu'il est soumis aux très mauvaises conditions climatiques de l'intérieur chauffé d'un salon ou d'un hall de réception, etc.....It is therefore, under these conditions, impossible to properly supply the tree with water, which explains its rapid drying, especially when it is subjected to very bad weather conditions inside the heated interior of a living room or reception hall, etc .....

On a par ailleurs observé que, trempé uniquement dans l'eau, une tige dépourvue de ses racines pouvait présenter un aspect de fraîcheur amélioré, un peu plus longtemps que les tiges enfouies dans de la terre humidifiée. Toutefois cette amélioration est de courte durée et elle est tout à fait insuffisante, car, comme les fleurs coupées dans l'eau, les sapins dont la tige est coupée périclitent à un certain moment.It has also been observed that, soaked only in water, a stem devoid of its roots could present an improved aspect of freshness, a little longer than the stems buried in moist soil. However, this improvement is short-lived and it is completely insufficient, because, like flowers cut in water, fir trees whose stems are cut decline at a certain point.

Enfin, la vente des sapins avec motte ou conteneur est une solution peu écologique puisqu'elle détériore et fait disparaître rapidement le sol d'où l'on arrache ces sapins.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.

La présente invention a pour but de remédier aux inconvénients précités par la mise en oeuvre d'un procédé et d'un dispositif de conservation ainsi que d'un organe de support qui permettent de conserver pendant une période prolongée, à l'état frais et vigoureux, une plante à grande tige, en particulier un sapin de Noël, dans les mauvaises conditions d'un intérieur de maison. Le procédé et le dispositif suivant l'invention doivent permettre de supprimer le dessèchement rapide des sapins de Noël et de faire grandement disparaître le danger d'incendie qu'ils représentent. Le mode et le dispositif de support et de fixation doivent en outre être simples, même pour des personnes peu fortes, et le dispositif doit surtout être universel, c'est-à-dire adaptable à n'importe quel type de sapin, coupé ou non, avec motte de terre ou conteneur ou rien qu'avec les racines. Enfin, l'organe de support doit être adaptable à la plupart des pots et récipients à plante utilisés sur le marché.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 make it possible to preserve for a prolonged period, in the fresh state and vigorous, a tall-stemmed plant, especially a Christmas tree, in the poor conditions of a home 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 make the danger of fire which they represent greatly disappear. 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.

On résout ce problème, suivant l'invention, en mettant en oeuvre un procédé tel que décrit au début et présentant les particularités indiquées dans la partie caractérisante de la revendication 1.This problem is solved, according to the invention, by implementing a method as described at the start and having the features indicated in the characterizing part of claim 1.

On prévoit aussi, suivant l'invention, un dispositif de conservation de plantes à tige de grande dimension, en particulier du type sapin de Noël, tel que décrit au début, ce dispositif présentant les particularités indiquées dans la partie caractérisante de la revendication 2. Des formes de réalisation particulières de ce dispositif ressortent des revendications 3 à 16.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 start, this device having the characteristics indicated in the characterizing part of claim 2. Particular embodiments of this device appear from claims 3 to 16.

D'autres détails et particularités de l'invention ressortiront de la description donnée ci-après, à titre non limitatif, avec référence aux dessins annexés, ainsi que des revendications qui suivent.

  • La figure 1 représente une vue du dessus d'une forme de réalisation de dispositif de conservation suivant l'invention.
  • La figure 2 représente une vue en coupe suivant la ligne II-II de la figure 1, à l'échelle agrandie.
  • Les figures 3 et 4 représentent une vue latérale et une vue en plan d'une forme de réalisation d'organe de maintien, prévu au fond du récipient.
  • Les figures 5 à 8 illustrent l'universalité d'application d'un dispositif suivant l'invention.
  • La figure 9 représente une vue en perspective d'un dispositif suivant l'invention avant l'introduction de la tige.
  • La figure 10 représente une vue en perspective d'une tige de sapin munie d'un organe de support suivant l'invention avant l'introduction de la tige dans un récipient.
  • La figure 11 représente une vue du dessus d'une autre forme de réalisation de dispositif suivant l'invention.
    Sur les différents dessins, les éléments identiques ou analogues sont désignés par la même référence.
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.
  • Figure 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of the preservation device according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 shows a sectional view along line II-II of Figure 1, 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.

Sur les figures 1, 2 et 5 à 8, est illustré un dispositif de conservation de plantes à tige de grande dimension en particulier de sapin de Noël. Ce dispositif comprend un récipient 1 dans lequel la tige 2 de la plante est introduite. Ce récipient 1 est formé d'un fond 3 à partir duquel fait saillie vers le haut une enveloppe périphérique 4. Le récipient illustré est du type seau en matière plastique ou métallique ou pot en matière céramique, mais il est bien entendu que sa forme et la matière dont il est réalisé n'est pas critique. Le récipient doit bien sûr être ouvert vers le haut pour permettre l'introduction de la tige de la plante.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 upward 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.

Le dispositif suivant l'invention comprend en outre, dans sa forme de réalisation illustrée sur les figures précitées, un organe de support 5. Ainsi qu'il ressort en particulier de la figure 1, cet organe comprend deux éléments de retenue 6 et 7. Le premier élément de retenue 6 est pourvu de moyens d'accrochage qui permettent de le fixer de manière détachable ou amovible au récipient. Dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré sur la figure 1, ces moyens d'accrochage comprennent des trous allongés 8 prévus aux extrémités de l'élément de retenue 6, de façon à permettre un ajustement de la longueur de l'élément de retenue 6 au diamètre du récipient 1 et un ajustement latéral à la plante. Les moyens d'accrochage précités comprennent en outre des tiges d'accrochage 9 filetées à une extrémité et en forme de crochet 10 à l'extrémité opposée. Ce crochet est prévu pour pouvoir prendre appui par le bas sur le rebord 11 d'un récipient courant pour plantes et la forme illustrée de ce crochet est uniquement donnée à titre d'exemple. Les tiges filetées 9 peuvent être glissées au travers des trous 8 et les moyens d'accrochage susdits comprennent en outre des écrous à oreilles 12 qui servent à serrer l'élément de retenue 6 contre le rebord 11 du récipient 1. Lorsque l'un des moyens d'accrochage est détaché et que l'écrou 12 de l'autre est un peu desserré, il est même possible que la tige d'accrochage 9 serve d'axe de pivotement pour l'élément de retenue 6 (voir figure 9). Cet agencement permet donc une fixation détachable ou simplement amovible de l'élément de retenue 6 sur le récipient 1. Cette fixation peut en outre avoir lieu avant ou après l'introduction de la tige dans le récipient, puisque même en position fixée d'un côté, il peut laisser l'ouverture du récipient libre pour le passage de la tige, même si celle-ci est encore pourvue de ses racines, d'une motte de terre ou d'un conteneur.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 aforementioned 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 attachment means is detached and the nut 12 on the other is slightly loosened, it is even possible that the attachment rod 9 serves 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 passage of the stem, even if it is still provided with its roots, a clod of earth or a container.

Le premier élément de retenue 6, tel qu'illustré sur la figure 1, est une barre en un matériau résistant de nature quelconque. Sa longueur est au moins égale à celle de l'ouverture supérieure des récipients couramment utilisés pour la plantation de sapins de Noël à l'intérieur. Au lieu des trous allongés 8 décrits ci-dessus, on peut prévoir d'autres agencements courants, connus du spécialiste, pour adapter la longueur de la barre 6, comme par exemple une disposition télescopique (voir figure 11). On peut aussi prévoir, comme illustré sur la figure 1, que la barre 6 soit formée de deux parties 6A et 6B emboîtables (en 6C), de façon à pouvoir disposer la barre 6 au fond du récipient lorsqu'elle n'est pas utilisée.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 telescopic 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 .

Le deuxième élément de retenue 7 de l'organe de support du dispositif suivant l'invention est, dans sa forme de réalisation illustrée sur la figure 1, une barre en un matériau résistant de nature quelconque. Sa longueur est avantageusement inférieure à l'ouverture du récipient.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.

Sur la figure 1, des moyens de fixation sont prévus pour relier de manière détachable et/ou amovible la barre 7 de la barre 6. Ces moyens comprennent deux tiges 17 et 18 qui font saillie parallèlement d'un côté de la barre 6. Ces tiges 17 et 18 sont mutuellement écartées d'une distance supérieure au diamètre maximal habituel des tiges des sapins à conserver à l'intérieur. Leur longueur est suffisante pour que, lorsque la tige du sapin est en appui contre la barre 6 entre elles, elles fassent encore au moins légèrement saillie au-delà de ladite tige. Les extrémités libres de ces tiges 17 et 18 sont filetées et elles sont capables de coulisser au travers de perforations 19 et 20 prévues de manière correspondante dans la barre 7. Comme moyens de fixation coopérant avec les tiges 17 et 18, on prévoit enfin des écrous à oreilles 21 et 22 à visser sur les extrémités libres filetées des tiges 17 et 18 qui font saillie au-delà des perforations 19 et 20 de la barre 7. Cet agencement permet donc de disposer les deux éléments de retenue 6 et 7 de part et d'autre de la tige, en les reliant mutuellement. Si l'on ne détache qu'un des écrous 21 ou 22 et qu'on desserre légèrement l'autre, il est aussi possible de faire pivoter la barre 7 autour de l'axe formé par une des tiges 17 ou 18 (voir figure 9).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 spaced apart 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 rotate the bar 7 around the axis formed by one of the rods 17 or 18 (see figure 9).

Dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré sur la figure 1, les moyens de fixation 17 à 22 forment simultanément les moyens de serrage qui, lorsqu'ils sont serrés, soumettent les deux éléments de retenue à des forces de rapprochement mutuel, de façon que la tige de la plante disposée entre eux puisse être serrée d'une manière adaptée à son diamètre.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the fixing means 17 to 22 simultaneously form the clamping means which, when they are tightened, subject the two retaining elements to forces of mutual approach, so that the plant stem arranged between them can be clamped in a manner appropriate to its diameter.

La barre 6 présente, dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré sur la figure 1, une zone d'appui 13 pour la tige 2 du sapin. Cette première zone d'appui 13 est façonnée sensiblement au centre de la barre 6 sous la forme d'un évidement latéral. La première zone d'appui 13, dans une vue en plan, a sensiblement la forme d'un arc de cercle dont le diamètre correspond approximativement au diamètre maximal des tiges de plantes à conserver à l'intérieur (voir tige 2A représentée en traits mixtes sur la figure 1). Cette zone d'appui 13 est aussi pourvue, dans son fond, d'une rainure verticale 14. De cette manière, lorsque les tiges ont un diamètre plus petit que celui des tiges 2A, elles disposent toujours d'au moins deux points de contact avec la zone d'appui 13 (sur la figure 1, voir la tige 2B représentée en traits plein et la tige 2C représentée en traits interrompus). La zone d'appui 13 peut avantageusement être pourvue de moyens anti-friction, comme par exemple d'un nervurage tel qu'illustré sur la figure 9.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 rod 2A shown in phantom) 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 smaller diameter than that of the rods 2A, they always have at least two contact points. with the support zone 13 (in FIG. 1, see the rod 2B shown in solid lines and the rod 2C represented 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.

Au milieu d'une de ses faces, la barre 7 présente une saillie 15 dont le sommet est pourvu d'un évidement formant une deuxième zone d'appui 16 pour la tige du sapin. La hauteur et la largeur de cette saillie 15 sont prévues de façon qu'elle puisse éventuellement pénétrer dans l'évidement formant la première zone d'appui 13, lorsque les barres 6 et 7 sont serrées autour d'une tige de petit diamètre, comme la tige 2C. Les dimensions de la saillie 15 sont toutefois telles qu'elle ne puisse entrer en contact avec la première zone d'appui 13.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.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré sur la figure 1, la deuxième zone d'appui 16 est formée de deux pans disposés perpendiculairement l'un à l'autre en formant un évidement en forme de V. De cette manière, cette zone d'appui est toujours en contact avec la tige du sapin en au moins deux points, en position du serrage de la tige. Dans cette position on obtient donc toujours quatre points de contact entre l'organe de support et la tige de l'arbre, ce qui en fait une fixation très sûre. Il est évident qu'on pourrait envisager d'autres formes de réalisation des zones d'appui. Par exemple la zone d'appui 13 pourrait également être conformée en V.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.

Sur la barre 7, il est prévu, sur la face opposée à la deuxième zone d'appui 16,une zone d'appui potentielle, supplémentaire, 23 formée par un évidement constitué de deux pans inclinés en forme de V. A la différence de l'évidement formant la zone d'appui 16, la zone d'appui 23 n'est pas évidée dans une saillie de la barre et peut avantageusement être utilisée pour de grosses tiges de plantes, en installant la barre 7 sur les tiges de fixation 17 et 18 en position renversée (voir la position de la barre 7A représentée en traits mixtes sur la figure 1).On the bar 7, there is provided, on the face opposite to the second support area 16, a potential additional support area 23 formed by a recess made up of two inclined V-shaped faces. 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).

Toutes ces zones d'appui 16 et 23 peuvent naturellement être pourvues, d'une manière non représentée, de moyens anti-friction, tels qu'un nervurage analogue à celui illustré sur la figure 9 pour la zone 13.All these support zones 16 and 23 can naturally be provided, in a manner not shown, with anti-friction means, such as a ribbing similar to that illustrated in FIG. 9 for zone 13.

On peut aussi prévoir, au fond 3 du récipient, un organe de maintien 24 en forme de pointe sur lequel la tige du sapin peut être piquée, lorsqu'on a utilisé une tige préalablement coupée. Comme cet organe n'est pas nécessaire dans les autres cas, on prévoit son logement dans un évidement 25 du fond 3, dans lequel il peut être enfoncé et dont il peut ensuite être aisément retiré.It is also possible to provide, at the bottom 3 of the container, a holding member 24 in the form of a point on which the Christmas tree stem can be pricked, when a previously cut stem has been used. Since 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.

Les moyens de stabilisation du dispositif suivant l'invention sont constitués par de l'eau dont le niveau supérieur 26 est représenté sur les figures 5 à 8. L'eau sert donc non seulement de milieu d'alimentation pour les sapins mais aussi de moyen de stabilisation du récipient et donc du sapin planté à l'intérieur de ce dernier.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 stabilization of the container and therefore of the tree planted inside the latter.

Le dispositif de conservation qui vient d'être décrit va être mis en oeuvre de la manière suivante:The preservation device which has just been described will be implemented in the following manner:

La barre 6 est en position accrochée à ses deux extrémités sur le bord du récipient 1. La barre 7 est écartée suffisamment de la barre 6 par un dévissage progressif des écrous 21 et 22. La tige est alors introduite dans le passage formé entre les barres 6 et 7 et les deux tiges de fixation 17 et 18. Ce processus, comme l'état antérieur de la technique, ne permet que la fixation de tiges préalablement coupées.The bar 6 is in a position hooked at its two ends to the edge of the container 1. The bar 7 is moved away enough from the bar 6 by progressive 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, only allows the fixing of previously cut rods.

On peut avantageusement plutôt détacher complètement l'organe de support 5 du bord du récipient 1, en dévissant complètement les écrous 12. De même on détache complètement la barre 7 de la barre 6. La tige 2, encore hors du récipient, est passée entre les tiges de fixation 17 et 18 de la barre 6 puis la barre 7 est revissée sur les tiges 17 et 18. Après serrage de la tige 2 entre les barres 6 et 7, ainsi qu'il est illustré sur la figure 10, le tout est placé sur le récipient, et la barre 6 est accrochée à nouveau au bord du récipient par serrage des écrous 12. Cette façon de procéder, ainsi que celle décrite ci-dessous, n'est plus limitée à des tiges coupées, mais permet toutes les mises en pot illustrées sur les figures 5 à 8.Advantageously, it is rather possible to 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 Figures 5 to 8.

On peut aussi détacher la barre 6 à une extrémité et desserrer légèrement l'écrou 12 à l'autre extrémité, de façon à faire pivoter la barre 6 vers l'extérieur, autour de l'élément de crochet 9, 10. Cette opération permet de largement dégager l'ouverture du récipient. De même l'un des écrous 21 ou 22 est détaché et la barre 7 est dégagée d'une des tiges de fixation 17 ou 18, tandis que l'autre écrou n'est que desserré. Cela permet un pivotement vers le bas de la barre 7 autour de l'une des tiges de fixation. La position ainsi obtenue est illustrée sur la figure 9. Dans cette position la tige 2 peut être enfoncée dans le récipient et puis, par pivotement des barres et revissage des écrous, les deux barres peuvent être serrées de part et d'autre de la tige.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 down around one of the fixing rods. The position thus obtained is illustrated in FIG. 9. In this position the rod 2 can be pressed 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 .

Après toutes ces opérations, ou avant elles, le récipient est rempli d'eau et lesté par celle-ci. Cette eau est maintenue constamment à ce niveau de remplissage, tel que celui illustré par la référence 26 sur les figures 5 à 8.After all these operations, or before them, the container is filled with water and ballasted with it. This water is kept constantly at this filling level, such as that illustrated by reference 26 in FIGS. 5 to 8.

Une autre forme de réalisation de dispositif suivant l'invention est illustrée sur la figure 11. A la différence du dispositif suivant la figure 1, l'organe de support 5 comprend un premier élément de retenue sous la forme d'une barre télescopique 6. Le deuxième élément de retenue est un ressort 27, par exemple du type à lame, qui peut être fixé, non pas sur la barre 6, mais sur le bord supérieur du récipient, par des moyens de fixation 28 d'un type connu, quelconque. Le moyen de serrage est ici formé par le ressort lui-même, et simultanément par la barre 6 qui peut être rapprochée du ressort 27.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 telescopic 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 any known type . 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.

Le grand avantage d'un dispositif suivant l'invention et de son organe de support est donc de permettre le placement d'un sapin dans un récipient quelle que soit l'état de sa tige, avec ou sans racines. Il permet par ailleurs de se servir de l'eau d'alimentation du sapin, comme lest pour le dispositif, qui reste donc peu encombrant et très stable.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 supply water from the tree, as ballast for the device, which therefore remains compact and very stable.

D'une manière inattendue, un sapin muni de ses racines et supporté dans un dispositif de conservation suivant l'invention connaît une fraîcheur et une vigueur tout à fait inhabituelle, que ne connaissent pas les sapins munis de quelques racines et d'une motte de terre et dont la terre n'est qu'humidifiée d'une manière courante. En effet, ces derniers, s'ils sont alimentés convenablement en eau, peuvent continuer à vivre un certain temps à l'intérieur d'une habitation. Toutefois, cette alimentation ne peut se faire dans les conditions réellement requises par un sapin pour qu'il soit en parfaite vigueur et fraîcheur, car alors l'eau d'alimentation liquéfie tellement le terreau ajouté dans le récipient que celui-ci n'est plus capable de retenir seul le sapin introduit dans le récipient.Unexpectedly, a fir tree provided with its roots and supported in a preservation device according to the invention experiences a freshness and an altogether unusual vigor, which fir trees provided with some roots and a clod of earth and whose 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 this one is more capable of retaining only the fir tree introduced into the container.

Le demandeur a planté fin décembre un sapin muni de racines, sans terre, en mettant en oeuvre un dispositif de conservation suivant l'invention. Le sapin a ainsi été maintenu dans la salle de chaufferie de son habitation, c'est-à-dire dans les plus mauvaises conditions qui puissent exister. Or, deux mois après, on a pu constater non seulement que le sapin vivait toujours, mais aussi qu'il avait en outre bourgeonné et émis des branches jusqu'à 14 cm de longueur, et qu'il n'avait en rien perdu de son éclat. D'autre part, il n'a pas cessé pendant toute cette période d'embaumer la maison de l'odeur très particulière de ce résineux, que l'on peut percevoir en se promenant dans des forêts de sapin après une forte pluie. On n'a pas pu observer une perte d'aiguilles anormale autour du sapin.The applicant planted a fir tree with roots, without soil at the end of December, using a conservation device according to the invention. The tree was thus kept in the boiler room of his home, that is to say in the worst conditions that can exist. However, two months later, we saw 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 to embalm the house with the very particular odor of this coniferous tree, which one can perceive while walking in fir forests after a heavy rain. An abnormal loss of needles could not be observed around the tree.

Le dispositif et le procédé de conservation mis en oeuvre permettent en outre de réduire ou de supprimer la quantité de terre déplacée lors de l'arrachage du sapin. Cela permet de ne pas retirer du sol d'origine des quantités de terre ce qui, à la longue, représente un facteur non négligeable d'appauvrissement de ce sol. D'autre part, les sapins sans motte ne nécessitent pas un coupage court des racines, comme l'exige la réalisation de la motte. Des radicelles plus nombreuses peuvent accompagner le sapin livré.The conservation device and method used also make it possible to reduce or eliminate the amount of earth displaced during the uprooting of the tree. This makes it possible not to remove quantities of soil from the original 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.

Enfin, comme on peut l'imaginer, le procédé suivant l'invention permet la conservation des sapins à l'intérieur dans des conditions de plus grande sécurité contre l'incendie.Finally, as can be imagined, the process according to the invention allows the fir trees to be stored inside under conditions of greater fire safety.

On peut par exemple envisager des zones d'appui de formes différentes ou prévoir uniquement trois points de contact entre la tige et ces zones d'appui (voir figure 11).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).

On peut aussi envisager un deuxième élément de retenue en forme de pince élastique, qui, au lieu d'être fixé, comme le ressort 27 de la figure 11, sur le récipient, serait à rattacher au premier élément de retenue.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, would have to be attached to the first retaining element.

On peut prévoir d'ajouter, à l'eau d'alimentation, une composition d'additifs rappropriée pour la culture de la plante concernée.Provision may be made to add, to the feed water, a composition of additives suitable for the cultivation of the plant concerned.

Enfin, il est évident que le procédé et le dispositif de conservation ainsi que l'organe de support décrits ci-dessus peuvent aussi être mis en oeuvre pour la conservation de plantes à l'extérieur.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 (16)

1. A process for the preservation of plants with large-sized stems, in particular of the Christmas tree type, comprising the introduction of the plant stem into a receptacle, the filling of the receptacle, before or after the introduction of the plant stem, with water which serves not only to feed the plant and to preserve its vigour and freshness but also to ballast the receptacle and thus to stabilise it, the immobilisation of the plant in the receptacle in a stable manner by fastening the stem to an upper peripheral edge of the receptacle with the aid of retention means, and also a regular supply of water to the receptacle, characterised in that it comprises the introduction of the plant provided with its roots, if desired also furnished with a lump of earth or a container, the application, bearing against the stem, before or after its introduction, of a bearing zone of a first retention means fastened or to be fastened to the receptacle, the arrangement of a bearing zone of a second retention means on the side of the stem opposite that against which the first retention means is applied and a progressive bringing together of the two retention means so as to clamp the stem between the said bearing zones in a manner adapted to its diameter.
2. A device for the preservation of plants with large-sized stems, in particular of the Christmas tree type, comprising a receptacle (1) into which the plant stem (2) is introduced, this receptacle (1) being formed from a base (3), from which a peripheral shell (4), which defines an upper peripheral edge and is open towards the top, projects upwards, a supporting member (5) consisting of retention elements (6, 7, 27), by means of which the said stem is held in the upright position in the receptacle (1), attachment means (8, 9, 10, 12) enabling a first retention element (6) to be fastened to the upper peripheral edge of the receptacle, in a detachable and/or removable manner, means (17-22; 28) for fastening a second retention element (7, 27) so that the two retention elements (6, 7, 27) are disposed on either side of the stem (2), and also means for stabilising the receptacle (1), in the form of ballasting formed principally by water (26), characterised in that the two retention elements (6, 7) each have at least one bearing zone (13, 16, 23) for the stem (2), even provided with its roots, and if desired furnished with a lump of earth or a container, in that the abovementioned fastening means (17-22; 28) join the second retention element, in a detachable and/or removable manner, to the receptacle (1) or to the first retention element (6), and in that the device additionally comprises tightening means (17-22; 27) which cause a progressive mutual bringing together of the two retention elements (6, 7, 27) so that the plant stem (2) disposed between the latter is clamped between their bearing zones in a manner adapted to its diameter.
3. A device according to claim 2, characterised in that the bearing zones (13, 16, 23) are shaped so that, in the clamping position, there are always, in cross-section, at least four points of contact between the stem (2) and the retention elements (6, 7).
4. A device according to claim 3, characterised in that one of the retention elements (6) has a first bearing zone (13), the shape of which is adapted to cooperate with a stem (2A) of maximum diameter for the plants to be preserved indoors, and in that the other retention element (7) is provided with a second bearing zone (16, 23) which can be arranged facing the first bearing zone (13), these bearing zones being shaped so as to enable, under the effect of the tightening means (17-22), an adjustment of their distance down to values much lower than the aforementioned maximum diameter.
5. A device according to claim 4, characterised in that the first bearing zone (13) has a vertical groove (14) approximately at its centre.
6. A device according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that each of the retention elements, or one of them (7), has a plurality of potential bearing zones (16, 23) for the purpose of adaptation to the diameter of the stem.
7. A device according to any of claims 2 to 6, characterised in that the abovementioned fastening means (17-22) simultaneously form the abovementioned tightening means.
8. A device according to any of claims 2 to 7, characterised in that the first retention element (6) is a bar, made of one or more pieces, with a length at least equal to that of the top opening of the receptacle (1), and in that it carries the said attachment means (8-10, 12) at each of its ends.
9. A device according to claim 8, characterised in that it comprises means for adjusting the length of the bar to the size of the receptacle opening.
10. A device according to any of claims 2 to 9, characterised in that the first retention element (6) is attached at one of its ends to the edge (11) of the receptacle (1) by an attachment means (8-10, 12) enabling a pivoting of the first retention element (6) about this attachment means.
11. A device according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that the bar (6) has, on one of its lateral faces, a recess in the form of an arc of a circle, the radius of which corresponds approximately to the maximum radius of a stem of a plant preserved indoors, this recess forming the abovementioned first bearing zone (13), it being possible, if desired, to provide the latter with anti-friction means, such as ribbing.
12. A device according to any of claims 4 to 11, characterised in that the second retention element (7) has, facing the first retention element (6), a projection (15), the vertex of which is provided with a recess forming the said second bearing zone (16), the length and the height of this projection (15) being provided so as to enable its penetration into a recess, fashioned on the first retention element in order to serve as first bearing zone (13), without permitting contact with this first bearing zone (13).
13. A device according to claim 12, characterised in that the second retention element (7) has, opposite the abovementioned projection (15), a recess forming a potential additional bearing zone (23), in the inverted position of the second retention element (7).
14. A device according to any of claims 2 to 13, characterised in that the abovementioned tightening means comprise two rods (17, 18) which project parallel from one of the retention 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 rods (17, 18) are threaded and passed through perforations (19, 20) provided in a corresponding manner on the second retention element (7), and in that locknuts (21, 22) are screwed onto the ends of these rods (17, 18) projecting beyond these perforations (19, 20).
15. A device according to any of claims 2 to 14, characterised in that the second retention element (7) is joined to the first retention element (6) by one of its ends, so as to be capable of pivoting relative to the first retention element (6).
16. A device according to any of claims 2 to 6, characterised in that at least one of the retention elements (27) is made of a strong elastic material, the elastic force of which serves as a force for mutually bringing together the retention elements (6, 27).
EP88905169A 1987-06-02 1988-06-01 Process and device for the preservation of plants Expired - Lifetime EP0316422B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT88905169T ATE67382T1 (en) 1987-06-02 1988-06-01 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRESERVING PLANTS.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BE8700612A BE1000638A7 (en) 1987-06-02 1987-06-02 SUPPORT FOR CHRISTMAS TREE OR THE LIKE.
BE8700612 1987-06-02

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0316422A1 EP0316422A1 (en) 1989-05-24
EP0316422B1 true EP0316422B1 (en) 1991-09-18

Family

ID=3882699

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88905169A Expired - Lifetime EP0316422B1 (en) 1987-06-02 1988-06-01 Process and device for the preservation of plants

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US5048230A (en)
EP (1) EP0316422B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE67382T1 (en)
BE (1) BE1000638A7 (en)
CA (1) CA1317458C (en)
DE (1) DE3864982D1 (en)
WO (1) WO1988009638A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0850585A1 (en) * 1996-12-19 1998-07-01 Société Crea Stand for Christmas tree or artificial shrub
EP0868877A1 (en) 1997-03-28 1998-10-07 Société Crea Decorative stand for Christmas trees or artificial shrubs
DK178958B1 (en) * 2016-01-22 2017-07-03 Silvamax As Method and system for producing a potted tree

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5507117A (en) * 1993-05-28 1996-04-16 County Line Limited Partnership, L.L.C. Tree stand
US5577701A (en) * 1995-04-17 1996-11-26 Plzak; Steve J. Christmas tree stand
GB2307170B (en) * 1995-11-18 1999-10-20 Philip Tsappi Improvement in or relating to a support device
US5707037A (en) * 1995-12-22 1998-01-13 County Line Limited, L.L.C. Tree stand
US6019341A (en) * 1996-05-13 2000-02-01 County Line Limited, L.L.C. Christmas tree stand
FR2757362B1 (en) * 1996-12-19 1999-01-22 Crea SUPPORT FOR CHRISTMAS TREES OR ARTIFICIAL SHRUBS
GB2355924B (en) * 1997-05-19 2001-09-05 Philip Tsappi Improvements in or relating to a support device
US6216997B1 (en) 1999-02-18 2001-04-17 Northwave Designworks Tree stand
AU2011100204A4 (en) * 2011-02-18 2011-03-31 Andrew James MOORE Container for use with a clothesline having a support post
CN103174915B (en) * 2013-02-01 2015-11-25 宁波东浩铸业有限公司 A kind of driling machine of machining control device support

Family Cites Families (7)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2617617A (en) * 1950-03-21 1952-11-11 Oscar J Krastel Christmas tree clamp and supporting standard
US2639877A (en) * 1950-08-04 1953-05-26 Delmer C Fox Christmas tree stand
US2904291A (en) * 1956-09-10 1959-09-15 John F Harbes Base for christmas trees
US3052437A (en) * 1960-07-14 1962-09-04 John R Schoen Christmas tree holder
US4310989A (en) * 1980-05-28 1982-01-19 Shannon Jr Edward J Tree stand
DE3524588A1 (en) * 1985-07-10 1987-01-15 Karlheinz Bous Stand with means for releasably attaching a rod to be arranged vertically
DE8625939U1 (en) * 1986-09-29 1986-12-18 Jung, Peter, 5451 Kurtscheid Clamping device for Christmas tree stand

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0850585A1 (en) * 1996-12-19 1998-07-01 Société Crea Stand for Christmas tree or artificial shrub
EP0868877A1 (en) 1997-03-28 1998-10-07 Société Crea Decorative stand for Christmas trees or artificial shrubs
DK178958B1 (en) * 2016-01-22 2017-07-03 Silvamax As Method and system for producing a potted tree

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US5048230A (en) 1991-09-17
DE3864982D1 (en) 1991-10-24
CA1317458C (en) 1993-05-11
WO1988009638A1 (en) 1988-12-15
BE1000638A7 (en) 1989-02-28
ATE67382T1 (en) 1991-10-15
EP0316422A1 (en) 1989-05-24

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