GB2527132A

GB2527132A - A seedling device and associated method

Info

Publication number: GB2527132A
Application number: GB1410643.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jerome A Schneir
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-13
Filing date: 2014-06-13
Publication date: 2015-12-16
Also published as: GB201410643D0

Abstract

A seedling device 1 and apparatus 2 for germinating a seed into a plant with one or more roots comprising, sides arranged to bound at least one section of a growth medium or media, which are arranged with material impermeable to the roots, where the device has fluid permeable vertical ends. The apparatus for this device is fluid impermeable at least in part and configured so as to suspend the device. The device is configured to be arranged suspended within the apparatus vertically and laterally with an end in liquid 5. The device may further comprise internal ribbing formed so as to agitate water upwards. Further, the device may have an intermediate collar.

Description

A SEEDLING DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a device for growing from seed, and associated method; more particularly but not exclusively a device for growing from seed, in use with dedicated apparatus.

BACKGROUND

When growing seedlings growers often have limited space and transplanting the seedlings is often very difficult.

Seeds need to be grown in a growth medium with access to moisture, and when the seed has developed and sprouted roots, transplanted to a larger growing area.

Systems are necessary therefore for developing seeds in these early stages, combining space-efficient conditions with flexibility for the grower or user to change or move the seeds as appropriate according to time, conditions or seeds.

Plant retailers typically sell six-pack seedlings with soil, wherein a user must plant all or gingerly separate the seedlings after putting in water, which requires care and is difficult and may lead to only planting or keeping the best seedlings/roots.

PRIOR ART

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Granted United States patent US 6 261 466 (BISSONNETTE et al) discloses a device for growing a plant or germinating a seed into a plant, wherein said plant may have one or more roots, said device comprising: a) a vessel for containing a liquid b) a means for removably suspending said plant in a gas above said liquid; c) a means for elevating a first portion of said liquid above the remaining liquid in said vessel and into said gas wherein said first portion of liquid falls through said gas into said remaining liquid; and d) a means for contacting a second portion of said liquid with said plant, seed, or a growth medium contacting said plant or seed and allowing said second portion of liquid to return to the remaining liquid; whereby said one or more roots are permitted to grow in said gas and in said remaining liquid.

Granted United States patent GB 2353 195 (WINDMILL) discloses a method for the germination and/or original growth of seedlings which comprises providing a substantially flat frame comprising an array of polyhedral orifices, inserting a tube of biodegradable material in some or all of said orifices, placing the frame over a tray, removing said frame, thereby leaving the tubes to constitute an array in the tray, filling some or all of said tubes with dry compost, and then planting seeds, or transplanting seedlings in the compost-filied tubes.

United Kingdom patent application GB 2 233 540 (COOKE) discloses a capillary seed propagating system comprising narrow open ended tubes, each filled with a water absorbent material in which is embedded a single seed close to one end, this being the top end when the tubes are compactly placed together for germination in an upright position within a suitable propagation container with their bottom ends immersed in water, means are incorporated in tube construction to prevent root restriction, Granted Swedish patent SE 469 105 (CARLQVIST) relates to a sowing tube for forest and garden cultivation, in which a seed or a sprouting plant is intended to be situated inside the tube. According to the invention, the invention is characterized by the combination of the following features: A. The sowing tube comprises a liquid-absorbent material 2 for sucking up moisture; B. The sowing tube comprises an evaporation protection 6; 10 for preventing the moisture from leaving the tube too quickly; C. The sowing tube comprises an upwardly open duct, which connects the liquid-absorbent material 2 with the atmosphere to allow rain and other moisture to enter the tube.

In contrast the present invention provides a space-efficient means of growing initial seedlings easily in a controlled and controllable manner.

SUMMARY

According to the present invention there is provided a seedling device and apparatus for germinating a seed into a plant with one or more roots, said device comprising: sides arranged to bound at least one section of a growth medium or media, which sides are arranged with material impermeable to the roots, wherein the device has fluid-permeable vertical ends; the apparatus is fluid impermeable at least in part and configured so as to suspend the device; and wherein the device is configured to be arranged suspended within the apparatus vertically and laterally with an end in liquid.

The device is ordinarily used with a dedicated apparatus as claimed herein, but may be arranged in use in any perforated apparatus arrangeable at a height over liquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of preferred embodiments of a plurality of devices in use with an apparatus; Figure 2 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiments shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of an apparatus as shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 3; Figures 5 show exploded isometric views of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows plan views of the apparatus embodiment shown in FigureS; Figure 7 shows a sectional view of the apparatus and a device as shown in Figure 1; Figure 8 shows a side view of the apparatus and devices as shown in Figure 1; Figures 9 show sketches of the apparatus and device in use. And

Figures 10 show different embodiments of the device.

DETAI LED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right," "left," "top," and "bottom" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "a" and "one," as used in the claims and in the corresponding portions of the specification, are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. This terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. The phrase "at least one" followed by a list of two or more items, such as "A, B, or C," means any individual one of A, B or C as well as any combination thereof.

In one approach, there is provided a seedling device and apparatus for germinating a seed into a plant with one or more roots. The seedling device for germinating a seed into a plant with one or more roots has sides arranged to bound at least one section of a growth medium or media. The sides are arranged with material impermeable to the roots. The device has fluid-permeable vertical ends. The apparatus is fluid impermeable at least in part and configured so as to suspend the device. The device is configured to be arranged suspended within the apparatus vertically and laterally with an end in liquid. The device is ordinarily used with a dedicated apparatus but may be arranged in use in any perforated apparatus arrangeable at a height over liquid.

In some embodiments a decomposable device may allow direct planting of the device into further growth media, after germination and removal from the apparatus.

Ideally the growth medium is added in use, according to need and user preference.

In some embodiments the material of the sides may contain microscopic perforations or porous strain holes so as to allow oxygen into the medium.

In some embodiments the uppermost piece of medium is solely used to keep seeds from coming out, such as floating out with too much surface water.

Preferably, as a consequence in some embodiments the medium used above the seed differs to that under the seed, wherein the medium above may be arranged as a displaceable or temporary top or cover, for example comprising a transparent, fluid permeable lip or cap.

In some embodiments the device may include or come pre-packaged with a section of growth medium arranged lowermost, onto which a seed is placed in use, and subsequently capped.

Preferably the device is tubular or cylindrical and elongate to allow roots to form.

Preferably the device is circular in section, for example having one continuous side to create plural sides, so as to permit rotation of the device in use to maximise light use.

In some further embodiments the device is supplied in a more bulbous on non-continuous form, for example so as to allow extra growth medium or training in relevant parts.

In some embodiments an upper part of the device is wider in order to maintain the device suspended in the apparatus.

In some embodiments in order to promote effective suspension the device has a first wider end, arranged upper or uppermost in use, and a second narrower end, arranged lower or lowermost in use.

Said second end may comprise a narrower, partial or smaller perforation or perforations, for example preferably providing a rim, lip or stop to the medium, but still sufficient to permit entrance of moisture to the growth medium.

In some embodiments the device may be shaped with a triangular profile or frustro-conical form. In other embodiments the device may have an intermediate collar, for example formed in the sidewall or attached in use, for example comprising a rubber, silicone or elastomer band.

The growth medium may be envisaged as a variety of different media for differing embodiments, for example in preferred embodiments comprising open cellular structure foam or other absorbent material arranged to transfer liquid upwards from the apparatus.

The device may be translucent or transparent wholly or partly, in order that light can reach the seed through the device. Preferably the growth medium allows passage of light energy.

Preferably the growth medium is arranged towards either end, about the seed in use, wherein the seed may be inserted between two layers of medium in use.

At least one part of the growth medium may be displaceable in order that a seed may be placed intermediate two sections of medium. In other embodiments the seed may be inserted in use into the medium, for example wherein the medium is granular.

Preferably the growth medium has wicking properties, so as to wick moisture towards the distal end.

In some embodiments the devices may comprise internal ribbing, rifling, spurling, spirals so as to agitate moisture upwards.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus to maintain a plurality of the devices suspended in liquid.

Preferably therefore the apparatus comprises an elongate shape; having two opposing ends one of which is open or contains at least one lacuna. Preferably the shape is tubular, cylindrical with a wider footprint than height, said footprint described by a base.

Preferably said apparatus base comprises a concave, scalloped or bowl-like container, with a water-impermeable periphery rising around a fluid impermeable base. In this way water or fluid may be added to the base in order to be absorbed or sucked up into the devices.

In preferred embodiments the base's periphery is rigid at least in part, extending above a level of water or fluid contained therein. In preferred embodiments the base comprises a flat section surrounded by at least one orthogonally upstanding peripheral wall.

Advantageously therefore the fluid is prohibited from exiting the base and the devices are capable of suspension on or with respect to the periphery.

Preferably the apparatus further includes a plate, which plate supports, suspends or maintains the devices in, on or with respect to, the base. Ideally the plate is arranged to maximise available space within the base footprint, maximising space-saving utility of the apparatus, for example being substantially equivalent in footprint.

However when close together the devices risk intermingling of roots, so the user will then need to cut to free the various seedlings, which takes energy from the seedlings. Ideally therefore in preferred embodiments of the apparatus the plate includes depending sleeves to hold the devices, said sleeves being impermeable to the roots and depend lower than the devices, wherein advantageously roots are discouraged from intermingling. In some embodiments the sleeves are a variety of heights.

Consequently the plate preferably interacts with the base at its periphery wherein the plate may include a lip, engaging over the base periphery for example. In other embodiments a single base may be arranged to support plural plates, for example wherein the base may comprise intermediate or spaced apart pillars or walls, so as to allow use of a plurality of independently displaceable plates with bases in use. For example single devices may comprise single device-holding in some embodiments, acting primarily as a sheath or similar.

Ideally the plate allows sufficient spacing to permit passage of light from multiple directions to effect lighting on the device from multiple directions.

In some embodiments, for example where a fixed light source is envisaged, the tray may comprise a tightly arranged grid, perforated mesh or similar, wherein the devices may be arranged semi-permanently and/or rotated in the plate.

In some embodiments the plate is arranged to rotate in the base, for example wherein the plate and/or base is circular in footprint. In this way the plate may be rotated to maximise light conditions for the devices. In some embodiments the plate may include a handle, and/or Nylon (RTM) or self-lubricating gaiter, gasket, coating or layer.

In yet further embodiments the plate may allow multiple arrangements, for example wherein spacing may be manipulated or adjusted. For example the plate may consist of a series of parts assembled in use into rungs and intermediate lacunae.

Ideally the device, plate and base are all made of relatively rigid material such as plastics to allow cost-effective construction and fluid-impermeability.

The plate or base may have a liquid addition portion, for example a larger lacuna, displaceable flap or detachable section.

In some embodiments the base and plate may be integrally formed or bonded.

In some embodiments the plate may be attached in use to the base, for example hinged to the base or configured with screwthread attachment.

In some embodiments the base may include a displaceable bung or plug, enabling release of stale liquids from the apparatus in the bottom In further embodiments in addition or the alternative at least one displaceable plug is arranged in or on a side, for addition of nutrients and/or further liquids.

In some embodiments the device may be formed of a bipartite construction, including a living hinge or similar and detent mechanism for closure.

The plate may comprise multiple device supporting parts, for example wherein the parts may comprise lacunae or fingers or clipping parts, arranged to maintain plural devices spaced apart and suspended in relation to a base, bowl or container.

In preferred embodiments the device is formed of a solid inorganic material such as glass or plastics, wherein preferably said material is capable of effectively allowing light transfer therethrough.

In some embodiments the devices may comprise biodegradable material, for example being formed of cardboard tubes.

The plate may include partitions, and/or sections that are colour coded for recognition and arrangement of larger batches.

According to a third aspect of the present invention the invention comprises a method of growing or nurturing seedlings, comprising sandwiching a seed in a growth medium, suspending the growth medium containing the seed in a liquid, and removing the seed from the growth medium so as to transfer to a planting area.

With reference to the figures there is shown a preferred embodiment of a device 1, or number of devices; in use with an apparatus 2.

The growth medium comprises: rock wool and rock wool plugs, that has been through a specialized process to lower its naturally high pH; coco coir or stripped coconut fibre heat treated and sterilized; HEC balls manufactured from clay and work like rock wool; peat moss and sphagnum and perlite; and sponge material.

The apparatus 2 comprises a base 3 and a plate 4, which base is part-filled in use with a liquid, and which plate sits into or onto the base, and holds the device so as to maintain the device at an intermediate height above the base bottom 5.

The apparatus base comprises a concave, scalloped or bowl-like container, with a water-impermeable periphery or wall rising around this fluid-impermeable base. Fluid is added to the base in order to be absorbed or sucked up into the devices by the growth medium. The apparatus is circular in footprint of around a diameter of 2 inches.

The device has a diameter of approximately 1/3 Inch and length of 1 1⁄2 inches. The perforation is approximately 1⁄4 inch in diameter.

The plate includes a plurality of lacunae 6 with intermediate spacing set to allow light to pass around, through or between the devices and allow easy manipulation or displacement of the devices. Different embodiments may include a plurality of variant lacunae, and/or a plurality of variant spacings between lacunae.

The plate sits on the base with vertical movement prohibited by gravitational force, and horizontal movement prohibited by provision of minimal clearance to the sides between the plate and base when the apparatus is assembled.

The plate includes a lip 8 which sits on the base's side 9.

The plate has a sidewall 12 which lowers the lacunae below and to intermediate on the base side, making the devices less prone to damage and/or toppling and the apparatus more stable as a whole.

The plate supports and maintains the devices with respect to the base and is arranged to maximise available space within the base's footprint, maximising space-saving utility of the apparatus.

The base has a radiused bottom 10.

The device also has a radiused bottom 11 and single central perforation 110 in tube 101. The tube 101 is in use with two pieces of solid-state growth medium 103,102.

In Figures 10 different variants of tube shape are shown, wherein a collar 105 may be secured or incorporated externally on the tube, or the tube may include enlarged sections 104, or wherein the tube varies in diameter as shown in Figure ba. Such tubes may be formed in glass or vitreous material, and/or any collar may comprise a rubber band. In any event the device is thereby prevented from moving in the apparatus.

The lacunae include rims 7, radiused and arranged to both grip the device and advantageously allow rocking of the device in the lacuna during insertion or extraction, so as to aid by providing flexibility for both. Such rims are comprised by depth of the plate, whereas in some embodiments may be comprised by depending or extending sleeves upstanding from the plate.

The apparatus thereby provides a seed growing system that helps gardeners with limited space transplant seedlings into larger pots. The apparatus takes up minimal space indoors allowing hundreds of seedlings to be grown in a very little space, being beneficial for both home and commercial growers.

The plate, device and base are transparent plastics such as abs (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) polyethylene.

Two pieces of growth medium comprising sponge hold the seed in place. The single hole in the bottom of the devices allows water in to the sponge growth medium.

In use the user will: 1 Place the seed in the device, on top of the bottom piece of sponge; 2 Insert the second piece of sponge to hold the seed in place; 3 Fill the base half full with water, with plate displaced or placed; 4 Place the device into the apparatus. The water will soak up into the sponge; When the seed has begun to grow, remove with tweezers ready to be planted; and 6 Plant the seed and watch it grow.

In use a toothpick probe is used to displace the medium from the device bottom, because roots have expanded and/or come out the end of the device -so making the medium tight to the device.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A seedling device and apparatus for germinating a seed into a plant with one or more roots, said device comprising: sides arranged to bound at least one section of a growth medium or media, which sides are arranged with material impermeable to the roots, wherein the device has fluid-permeable vertical ends; the apparatus is fluid impermeable at least in part and configured so as to suspend the device; and wherein the device is configured to be arranged suspended within the apparatus veitically and laterally with an end in liquid.
2. A device for use with an apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein the device is of elongate form.
3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the device is circular in section.
4. A device according to any of the preceding claims 2 or 3 wherein an upper part of the device in use is wider in order to maintain the device suspended in the apparatus.
5. A device according to any of claims 2 to 4 having a first substantially open end, arranged uppermost in use, and a second substantially less open end, arranged lowermost in use.
6. A device according to claim 5 wherein said second end is perforated.
7. A device according to claim 6 wherein said second end comprises a peripheral rim.
8. A device according to any of claims 5 to 7 wherein the second end is narrower than the first.
9. A device according to any of the preceding claims 2 to 8 wherein the device is partly or wholly transparent.
10. A device according to any of the preceding claims 2 to 9 comprising an intermediate collar.
11. A device according to any of the preceding claims 2 to 10 having internal ribbing so as to agitate moisture upwards.
12. A device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.
13. A suspension apparatus configured for suspending a device according to any of the preceding claims 2 to 12.
14. An apparatus according to claim 13 comprises a plate, which plate supports, suspends or maintains at least one device with respect to a base.
15. An apparatus according to claim 14 comprising a concave base with a water-impermeable periphery.
16. An apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 18 comprising a displaceable plate arranged to receive a plurality of devices.
17. An apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the plate includes depending sleeves to hold devices.
18. An apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the sleeves depend to different heights.
19. An apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 22 of a circular footprint.
20. An apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 23 at least one displaceable plug is arranged peripherally.
21. An apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 24 at least one displaceable plug is arranged in the base.
22. An apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.
23. Apparatus comprising an apparatus and device or devices with reference to any of the preceding claims.
24. A method for using a device according to any of claims 2 to 12 with a growth medium.
25. A method according to claim 24 wherein the growth medium is solid-state and absorbent.
26. A method according to claim 24 wherein the growth medium is of cellular structure.
27. A method of germinating seedlings utilising at least one device according to any of claims 1 to 13 and an apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 23.
28. A method according to any of preceding claims 24 to 27 with reference to Figure 9.