Abstract:
A container ( 1 ) for supplying plant roots with nutrient solution without the use of soil has a basic shape which is selected from the group of basic shapes comprising cubes, cuboids, ellipsoids, spheres, rings, pyramids, cones, prisms and cylinders as well as combinations and parts of these shapes and asymmetrical shapes. The container ( 1 ) has an interior, which is provided for accommodating the plant roots, and a separating slot ( 8 ), which is arranged at a boundary of the container interior and is designed to subject at least one plant to clamping-in action, while at the same time allowing said plant to grow.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a container, suitable for supplying plant roots with nutrient solution in the absence of soil, that is to say, a hydroponic or aeroponic container. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A hydroponic container is known, for example, from WO 2011/016856 A1. It relates in this case to a vertical, column container, the front of which has a slot through which the plants can emerge. 
         [0003]    DE 10 2008 030 26 B4 discloses an aeroponic root spraying pot, in which a root grid system is located which is composed of a plurality of individual components. 
       OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    It is the object of the invention to further develop a hydroponic or aeroponic system in comparison to the said state of the art, in particular with regard to a wide range of applications and user friendliness, as well as favourable growth conditions for a great variety of plants. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention is attained according to the invention by a container having the features of claim  1 , as well as by a process for supplying plant roots with nutrient solution in the absence of soil according to claim  30 . Advantages and embodiments elucidated hereinafter in connection with the process shall apply mutatis mutandis to the device as well, that is to say the hydroponic or aeroponic container, and vice versa. 
         [0006]    The container of any geometry has an interior space, suitable to accommodate plant material. In particular, a root system may be located in the interior of the container. If, in addition, a substrate is provided in the interior of the container, for example, in the form of granulate, where supplying the roots with nutrients is effected by means of a nutrient solution, including in sprayed form, this is referred to as hydroponics. If, on the other hand, only an aerosol is provided for supplying the roots with water and nutrients, such is referred to as aeroponics. The interior of the container is in both cases bounded by at least one separating slot, which clamps at least one plant or part of the plant, while at the same time allowing said plant to grow. The clamping effect is in this case brought about in a manner which, on the one hand, affords mechanical support, without, on the other hand, resulting in damaging the plant. Clamping is brought about in that the plant or the plant part is subjected to mechanical pressure on at least two sides, in which context such pressure, as well as the locations where the pressure acts on the plant or the plant part, may vary widely according to the type of plant and dimension. 
         [0007]    According to a possible embodiment, the container includes at least one column body, under which column body or column bodies a basic container is accommodated. The cross-section of the basic container—viewed from above, that is to say in the longitudinal direction of the column body—is larger than the cross-section of the single column body or of each individual one of the column bodies. Each column is connected to the basic container in a detachable manner. A cover may be provided on the basic container, on which it is optionally possible to walk. In an advantageous embodiment, a plurality of separating slots, through which plants may grow out in the direction of the interstices between the column bodies, is provided on the surface of each column body which may be open or closed on its upper side. 
         [0008]    According to a further possible embodiment, a basic container body constituting the main component of the container is formed as a structural element suitable to establish a wall, consisting, in particular, of artificial stone. Like in all other embodiments, the container designed as structural element is likewise sufficiently water-resistant for its use as hydroponic or aeroponic container. The mechanical stability of the structural element may be comparable to the stability of conventional masonry bricks. The structural element may be made from materials such as concrete, expanded concrete, metal, for example steel or light metal, or a composite of different materials. In all cases, a wall thickness of the basic container body may decrease towards a coverable container aperture. The basic container body may also be designed as the edge- or corner element of a wall. On the lower edge of the front of the structural element which can be closed by a cover, an edge strip may be present which ensures that a specific maximum amount of liquid can accumulate in the container. A plurality of similar or different structural elements may be adapted to interconnect, for example by tongue and groove connections or other form-fitting connections. 
         [0009]    Instead of for establishing a wall or cladding a wall, for example in the form of a tile, the basic container body may also be designed as a roof tile or shingle suitable to cover the roof of a building. For the manufacture of such a roof tile or shingle, which permits roof greening, all aforesaid materials are considered acceptable as well, including fired clay. The roof tile or shingle, like the structural element, may include a feed and a discharge system for feeding and discharging liquids, in particular water, making available a liquid-conducting connection between structural elements or, respectively, roof tiles or shingles in close contact with one another. The container designed as wall element or roof element may further include power- or data lines, connected, in particular, to sensors and/or actuators integrated in the container. 
         [0010]    According to a further embodiment of the container, only one single plant, in particular a tree, is accommodated therein. In this case the container includes a multi-part, adjustable support device for the plant, fixed to a basic container body. By contrast, the support device may also be fitted to an object outside the container. This applies also to modified embodiments, wherein a plurality of plants, in particular trees, are supported individually in the container. 
         [0011]    The assembly of several, identical or different containers does not in all cases require that the individual containers, such as, for example, a masonry brick, are load-bearing, that is to say, able to receive a further, in particular, multiple load in addition to their own weight. Rather, support structures are feasible in which a plurality of non-load-bearing basic container bodies are provided. The basic container bodies are in this context supported by a support structure, which can be connected to further load-bearing structural elements, thus forming the load-bearing structure. At least one part of the support structure can be attributed to the container. 
         [0012]    In a particularly simple design, the hydroponic or aeroponic container is configured as a pipe, in which a longitudinal slot is present. The longitudinal slot may be straight or may present a different configuration, for example, undulated or serrated. Additional elements, such as clamping elements, may be provided in order to keep the longitudinal slot in an intended position, thereby lending support to plants. When growing the plants, the pipe may be in vertical or horizontal position or in any intermediate position. The longitudinal slot may be covered by a single-part or multi-part cover, the said cover being able to also take on functions of a clamping or supporting element. 
         [0013]    A hose, slit on top in longitudinal direction, can likewise be used as container. In this case as well, the slot is not necessarily straight. As a result of the roll-up facility, this embodiment is especially transport-friendly as well as storage- and assembly-friendly. The hose also lends itself to be moved on uneven surfaces. In general, the hose may be used in any desired position, even suspended, for hydroponic or aeroponic cultures. 
         [0014]    In order to stabilise the container being in the form of a hose, an endoskeleton or an exoskeleton may be provided. A spiral which can be compressed to very compact dimensions for transport purposes is particularly suitable as an exoskeleton. In both types of design of the skeleton a feed line can be suspended therefrom, which supplies the plants growing out of the hose with nutrient solution. Embodiments are also feasible, wherein the feed line is fitted directly on the hose, for example by using eyelets or press-studs, or lying freely on the substrate. The inner diameter of the hose is preferably larger, several times over, compared with the outer diameter of the feed line through which the nutrient solution is fed, for example by spraying, dropping or atomising. For precise feeding, stub lines may be provided on the feed line, which terminate inside the hose. 
         [0015]    Discharge of liquid from the hose may be provided for either over the entire length of the hose or only at individual, lower-lying locations of the hose. Apertures at the appropriate, lower-lying locations may be provided for this purpose in situ, that is to say after positioning the hose, for example by punching out and subsequent edge trimming. 
         [0016]    A stable and gentle fixation of plants, protruding through the longitudinal slot, i.e. the separating slot of the hose, is attained in that a lip is provided on the separating slot, extending in the longitudinal direction of the hose, such lip being positioned orthogonally to the adjacent wall sections of the hose, that is to say, pointing in radial direction when viewed in cross-section. 
         [0017]    Subdividing the lip into individual lip regions in spaced-apart relationship from one another continues to ensure the easy roll-up ability of the hose. The flat configuration of the lip regions also permits easy mounting on the separating slot of clamps holding together the lips, spacers or other ancillary components. This applies likewise to embodiments in which the container is not in hose form. 
         [0018]    Instead of a skeleton, or in addition to a skeleton, a foam material may be inserted in the hose, which affords mechanical stability to the hose. Particularly low evaporation losses can be attained in that cover segments are positioned on the separating slot of the hose, which cover the separating slot at least in part. 
         [0019]    A particularly stable embodiment of the container provides that a vegetation area is formed thereon, which is, in particular, represented by a lawn area. In this case, a grating or an arrangement of gratings is positioned on the interior of the container, in which context the separating slots may be formed by gratings, notably on the edges. A plurality of gratings may be superimposed. Sufficiently stable supporting elements are provided underneath the gratings. In addition to the grating or an arrangement of gratings composed of a plurality of gratings, a textile mat or a plurality of textile mats may be arranged on the container. The vegetation area may also be designed as an inclined surface or as a vertical surface—for example, for façade greening purposes. 
         [0020]    In all cases where the hydroponic or aeroponic container is not installed into a surrounding structure, it may be advantageous to equip the container with a load sensor, which detects the overall weight of the container, including plants. Depending on the type of fixation of the container, the load sensor may, for example, be fitted in the floor region or on a hook, from which the container can be suspended. Particularly in cases where the orientation of the container is variable, it is advantageous for the container to have apertures which can be closed by plugs. 
         [0021]    For covering a basic container body, covers are suitable which, depending on the design, may vary widely, and the same applies to the container. In a simple embodiment, the cover consists of a continuous, i.e. non-segmented surface, in which case at least one separating slot is formed between the basic container body and the cover. The cover may either be detachable from the basic container body or connected to the latter by a hinge. 
         [0022]    Further developed embodiments of the container provide multi-part covers structured by individual cover segments. Individual cover segments may in this context either be provided in loose form or interconnected by hinges. In both cases, a frame is optionally present which encompasses the cover segments, the said frame being either rigid or—analogously to the movably interconnected cover segments—established by frame segments which are interconnected by hinges. 
         [0023]    In the course of the plant growth or when replanting the container, it may be useful to change the spacing between the cover segments, in which context a tight closure of the interior of the container should remain ensured. This can be attained in that two cover segments are interconnected by a foldable foil strip. In regions where a separating slot must remain, that is to say either between two cover segments or between the cover and basic container, the separating slot can be closed to a large extent, for example by using a foam strip. If a variable length of the foam strip is of particular significance, notably in order to allow plant growth in a specific longitudinal direction of the container, individual sections of the foam strip may be interconnected by a foldable strip. The foldable strip, which in the folded state can be inserted into the slot at the cover surface, may either be made of material penetrable by roots or of material non-penetrable by roots. 
         [0024]    Both in embodiments including foam strips and embodiments without foam strips a spacer or a number of spacers may be inserted into the separating slot. Such spacer may include a passage aperture connecting the interior of the container to the exterior space. 
         [0025]    Particularly gentle conditions for plant growth are attained in that the separating slot is bounded by lips which are upright in relation to the adjacent container regions, that is to say tilted by 90°. The adjacent container regions may be regions of the cover or of the basic container body. The lips are particularly suited for fitting a foam strip as well as for fitting clamps. The lips, like the adjacent regions of the container or its cover, are preferably also composed of a planar material, the wall thickness of the lip not being greater than the wall thickness of the adjacent container or cover region. 
         [0026]    In all geometric configurations of the container, water-feed elements may be provided in the interior of the container. Such water-feed elements are also effective in cases, in which the nutrient solution is passed into the interior of the container in the form of an aerosol. The water-feed elements may be liquid-tight or partially permeable. A partially permeable configuration is, in particular, considered useful for embodiments which provide a supply of nutrient solution in the form of a liquid flow. The water-feed elements may either be permanently installed in the container, in particular form an integral part of the container, or may be adapted to be removed from the container. A plurality of water-feed elements, arranged in series, are, for example, fitted in alternating fashion to opposing container walls. 
         [0027]    In some cases it may be sufficient if merely the supply of nutrient solution is brought about in a defined manner, while the discharge of liquid takes place exclusively in a non-defined manner, for example by evaporation or via the plants. In contrast thereto, numerous embodiments of the container do, however, provide both a defined supply as well as a defined discharge from the container. The discharge duct is in this case not necessarily positioned at the lowest point of the container. Rather, the discharge duct may also be provided at a higher location in order to attain the formation of a sump inside the container. In the case of supplying the container with liquids, the introduction of the nutrient solution is mostly performed from above, above the roots. In aeroponic embodiments, the nutrient solution may be fed to the container as an aerosol from above, from the side or from below. The nutrient solution is, for example, supplied to the container from a basic container, provided, in particular, underneath the container, or from any other source via a feed duct. 
         [0028]    In addition to the separating slots, the container may include further apertures, which are, however, not provided as apertures for plants, but as other apertures, for example, inspection apertures or harvesting apertures. In order to keep such an aperture closed for the most part, it may, for example, be formed by overlapping foil sections. 
         [0029]    The aeroponic and hydroponic container, apart from a water supply, may also include an energy supply, in particular, a power supply and/or compressed air supply. Depending on the application, either a connection to a supply grid or an autonomous supply system, in particular by means of a battery, may be provided. 
         [0030]    Inside the container a very wide range of actuator elements may be provided, for example an automatically-actuated valve such as a magnetic valve, a pump, a mist generator, an atomiser, or an air-conditioning device. The air-conditioning device may be suited for heating and/or cooling of the container. 
         [0031]    The sensors provided inside the container may be, for example, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, conductivity sensors and/or pH-sensors. Data recorded by such sensors are statistically evaluated through an advantageous process management in order to control the actuators provided inside the container based on such evaluation. 
         [0032]    In what follows, working examples of the invention are elucidated in more detail by way of a drawing. There is shown in: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0033]      FIGS. 1 to 6  Various cuboid hydroponic containers, 
           [0034]      FIGS. 7 to 10  Cuboid hydroponic containers including a multi-part cover, 
           [0035]      FIGS. 11 to 15  Diverse cover embodiments of hydroponic containers, partially including the container, 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  A cylindrical hydroponic container, 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  A spherical hydroponic container, 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  A hydroponic container, provided for a single tree, 
           [0039]      FIGS. 19 and 20  Various hydroponic containers, each composed of a plurality of basic shapes; 
           [0040]      FIGS. 21 to 25  Various hydroponic containers provided as structural elements, 
           [0041]      FIGS. 26 to 28  Various hydroponic containers, designed as corner elements for use in a wall, 
           [0042]      FIG. 29  A hydroponic container, designed as a roof tile; 
           [0043]      FIGS. 30 and 31  Hydroponic containers providing lawn areas, 
           [0044]      FIGS. 32 to 41  Details of hydroponic lawn-area containers, 
           [0045]      FIGS. 42 to 47  Hose-like hydroponic containers; 
           [0046]      FIG. 48  A hydroponic container adapted to be integrated into a load-bearing structure, 
           [0047]      FIGS. 49 and 50  Details of nutrient supply systems of hydroponic containers, 
           [0048]      FIGS. 51 to 57  Details of flexible, sealing cover designs on hydroponic containers. 
       
    
    
     DETAILS DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       [0049]    Parts corresponding to one another or parts having the same effect, in principle, are in all cases denoted by the same reference numeral. For purposes of linguistic abbreviation, reference is made to “hydroponic containers”. With a very wide range of geometries, this may, in fact, refer to a hydroponic or an aeroponic container. 
         [0050]      FIG. 1  shows a simple version of a container, denoted by reference numeral  1 , for supplying plant roots with nutrient solution, that is to say, a hydroponic or aeroponic container. A basic cuboid container body is denoted by  2 ; a cover adapted to be placed thereon is denoted by  3 . In addition, a feed duct  4 , also referred to as feed line, and a discharge duct  5  are discernible. Various embodiments of the distribution of nutrient solution in the container  1  are apparent from  FIGS. 2 and 3 : In the embodiment according to  FIG. 2 , the nutrient solution is distributed in the interior of the container by a spray nozzle  6  and in the embodiment according to  FIG. 3  by a spiral-shaped spray or drip coil  7 . 
         [0051]    The aperture of the container  1  is not necessarily provided at the upper end of the basic container body  2 , as is the case in the embodiments according to  FIGS. 1 to 3 . Rather, the aperture, as in the example according to  FIG. 4 , may also be situated on a lateral surface of the basic container body  2 . In  FIG. 4  a serpentine-shaped, that is to say sinusoidal separating slot  8  can further be seen within the cover  3 . Plants, which grow through the separating slot  8 , are at the same time stabilised by the latter. Further configurations of separating slots  8 , namely a straight separating slot  8  and a serrated separated slot  8  can be seen in  FIG. 5 . Particularly configurations of separating slots  8  which are not straight offer the advantage that the container  1  can easily be bent open, which facilitates the introduction of objects, in particular of plant material into the interior of the container. In all types of the separating slot  8  the plants are clamped in by the latter in a gentle manner. 
         [0052]      FIG. 6  shows a very simple version of the support device of the cover  3  on the basic container body  2 , namely by means of a rubber band  9 . Such fixation can likewise be attained with other container configurations. As the cover  3  in the embodiment according to  FIG. 6  forms a closed surface, separating slots  8  are exclusively present between the cover  3  and the basic container body  2 . 
         [0053]    Various versions of segmented covers  3  are apparent from  FIGS. 7 to 15 . Some, for example, completely detachable or pivotal cover segments, are in this context always denoted by the reference numeral  10 . The cover segments  10  are either connected to the basic container body  2  directly or via a frame  11 . In  FIGS. 7, 8 and 10  a straight spraying pipe  12  is installed in the interior of the container in a horizontal position. Different types of hinges  13 ,  14 , according to  FIGS. 11 to 13 , connect the respective cover segments  10  to one another and/or a cover segment  10  to the basic container body  2 . In the working example according to  FIG. 11 , fixations, which may serve as hinges  13  as well, are realised in a simple manner by using strings or strips, preferably of flexible design, retained on cone-shaped or similar contours of the container  1 . In this way, the cover segments  10  can be removed particularly easily from the basic container body  2  as well. 
         [0054]    Instead of a closed frame  11 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , an open U-shaped frame  11  as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , may be used as well, which significantly improves handling. In the case of  FIG. 13  the frame  11  is composed of frame segments  15  which are interconnected by hinges  16 . 
         [0055]    In the working example according to  FIG. 16 , the basic container body  2  is cylindrical and covered by a circular disc-shaped cover  3 . Like in the working examples according to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , in this case as well plants can be so cultivated that they grow out of the container interior through a separating slot  8  between the basic container body  2  and the cover  3 . 
         [0056]    The container  1  according to  FIG. 17  has a spherical configuration, the cover  3 , in the form of a segment, being adapted to be removed from the container surface. Instead of a single segmented cover  3 , as outlined in  FIG. 17 , a plurality of cover segments  10 , in each case describing a section of a spherical surface, may likewise be detachable from the basic container body  2 . In an extreme case, the entire spherical container  1  may be composed of cover segments  10 , which mutually support one another. This applies analogously also to other configurations of the container  1 . The container of any geometry may also be configured in the form of a skeleton or may contain, for example, a skeleton composed of steel mats and/or steel bars, which may further perform a support function for ducts, for example liquid ducts and/or data lines. 
         [0057]    In contrast to the working examples according to  FIGS. 1 to 17 , the container according to  FIG. 18  is designed for a single plant only, namely a tree. The container  1  according to  FIG. 18  includes a multi-part, adjustable support device  17 , which in the present case is fitted directly to the basic container body  2 . 
         [0058]      FIGS. 19 and 20  show embodiments, wherein a single column body  18  or a plurality of column bodies  18  is/are assembled with a basic container  19  provided underneath the latter. The basic container  19  is in this context configured as a watertight trough. The cuboid column body  18  in the case of  FIG. 19  includes two overlapping foil sections  20  on one lateral face, between which an access slot  21  is formed. The separating slots  8  are provided on another lateral face of the column body  18 . 
         [0059]    In the case of  FIG. 20 , the column bodies  18  are cylindrical, separating slots  8  being provided around half the circumference of the column body  18 . The other half of the circumference is configured as a closed, white, optimally light-reflecting surface. A cover surface  22  on the basic container  19 , visible in  FIG. 20 , is designed to be walked on. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 21 to 23  show a first working example of a container  1 , the basic container body  2  of which is made of concrete. The basic container body  2  is thus suitable as a structural element for establishing a wall. At its rear wall, denoted by  23 , the basic container body  2  is configured at its thickest; the wall thickness decreases towards the cover  3 . The discharge duct  5  in the example according to  FIGS. 21 to 23  exits from the basic container body  2  on the rear wall  23 . In contrast thereto, the discharge duct  5  in the working example according to  FIG. 24  is positioned at the bottom of the basic container body  2 , in which case, at this location, a transfer of liquid into a feed duct, not shown, of a further structural element situated underneath the latter may be provided. In the design according to  FIG. 25 , the basic container body  2  is provided with a screw connection point  24  on its rear wall  23 , permitting, for example, the container  1  to be screwed-on to a load-bearing structure. The container  1  can therefore also be used as a wall cladding element, for example a tile. 
         [0061]    The containers  1  according to  FIGS. 21 to 25 , inside a structure, can be combined with each of the containers  1  according to  FIGS. 26 to 28  or with commercially-available wall stones, for example, concrete blocks, bricks, sand-lime bricks or expanded concrete blocks. In this case, the container  1 , in the case of  FIG. 26 , acts as an inner corner element, in the case of  FIG. 27  as an upper edge element and in the case of  FIG. 28  as an exterior corner element of a wall. The discharge duct  5  can in all cases be provided either on the underside or on the rear wall  23  of the respective container  1 . By way of a raised edge, that is to say, a lip, on the front face of the container  1 , a defined quantity of water can accumulate therein. 
         [0062]    In the example according to  FIG. 29 , the container  1  is configured in the form of a roof tile. A nose  25  is visible on the underside of the container  1 , which serves to retain the container  1  on a roof structure, like a conventional roof tile. The discharge duct  5 , comparable to the working example according to  FIG. 24 , may be provided to transfer liquid into a further roof tile-shaped container  1 . A discharge duct can likewise be connected to the container  1 , which continues inside the building. 
         [0063]      FIGS. 30 to 41  show various features of containers  1  suitable for surface greenery. Instead of a cover, a grating  26  is in this case placed onto the basic container body  2 . Grass seeds can germinate over the grating  26  or between two superimposed gratings  26 . Support means  27  may form integral parts of the basic container body  2 , like in the example according to  FIG. 30 , and directly carry the grating  26 . According to  FIG. 31 , a plurality of basic container bodies  2  are provided in a larger collecting trough  28 , supported there in turn by supporting elements  29 . The interior spaces of the basic container body  2  are connected to the interior of the collecting trough  28 , underneath the basic container body  2 , via feed ducts  4  and discharge ducts  5 . In this space underneath the basic container body  2  a pump  30  is also present, generally referred to as actuating element, which supplies each basic container body  2  with nutrient solution. Alternatively, each container  1  may be equipped with a pump  30  of its own. 
         [0064]    Above the grating  26  ( FIGS. 30, 31 ), underneath the grating  26  ( FIGS. 32, 33 ,  FIG. 39 ) or in sandwich fashion above and underneath the grating  26  ( FIGS. 40, 41 ) a textile mat  31  may be provided. The term “textile mat”, regardless of the manufacturing process, also encompasses, apart from mats of natural- and/or artificial fibres, layers of paper or cardboard or other flexible, non-waterproof materials, including composite materials. 
         [0065]    In contrast to the horizontal arrangements of the container  1  suited for surface greening, vertical arrangements are possible as well, in particular for façade greening. Particularly in the latter case, a frame  11  encompassing the grating is advantageous. 
         [0066]    In the case of using the container  1  for creating a lawn area on the surface thereof, the components of container  1  are designed sufficiently stable so as to permit loads applied by persons or vehicles. A sufficiently thick textile mat  31  prevents that load-bearing structures of the container  1  are perceived as objectionable when stepping onto the lawn area. 
         [0067]      FIGS. 42 to 44  show different embodiments, wherein the container  1  is hose-like. The separating slot  8  is in this case formed as a longitudinal slot on the upper side of the hose-like container  1 . An endoskeleton  32  ( FIGS. 42, 45 ) or and exoskeleton  33  ( FIGS. 43, 44 ) may serve to mechanically stabilise the hose representing the container  1 . As it can be seen from  FIGS. 46 and 47 , lips  34 , formed by individual lip regions  35 , separated from one another, are provided on the separating slot  8 . The lip regions  35  ensure a particularly gentle contacting of plant parts at the separating slot  8  and do not appreciably limit the flexibility of the hose when it is rolled up. 
         [0068]      FIG. 48  shows a section of a load-bearing structure, overall denoted by  36 . The basic container body  2  is integrated into this load-bearing structure  36 , but does not as such represent a load-bearing element. Rather, the basic container body  2  is traversed by a support structure  37 , which is adapted to be connected to further structural elements, in order to complete the load-bearing structure  36 . The support structure  37  is in this case to be understood as a component of the container  1 . The load-bearing structure  36  may, for example, be a building structure or part of a building structure, for example a bridge or a façade. 
         [0069]      FIG. 49  shows a possible way of supplying nutrient solution to the container  1 , which, in this case, is configured as an aeroponic container. The nutrient solution is converted by an atomiser  38  into an aerosol, which can be received through the plant roots. The atomiser  38  can be used in all afore-mentioned configurations of the container  1 . The atomiser  38  accommodates an ultrasound source  39 , which is covered completely with liquid. Condensate forming inside the interior of the container is drained via the discharge duct  5 . 
         [0070]    In the working example according to  FIG. 50 , a plurality of water-feed elements  40  are discernible in the interior of the container  1  in the form of feed surfaces. The nutrient solution is in this case supplied in liquid form by the spray nozzle  6 . Water-feed elements  40  may additionally serve to retain substrate, not shown, in the designated regions inside the container  1 . 
         [0071]    The very wide range of basic configurations of the container  1  allows foam strips  41 , shown in  FIGS. 51 to 53 , to be inserted into the separating slot  8 . In order to be able to perform adjustments to different space requirements of the plants when the container  1  is in operation, the foam strip  41  is subdivided into individual sections  42 , which are interconnected by a foldable strip  43 . The foldable strip  43  may be configured as a foil, a foam element or as a composite element of foam material and foil, accordingly presenting different characteristics with regard to permeability to liquids and plant parts. The container  1  can be comfortably charged by initially placing the plant material onto the foam strip  41  and subsequently positioning the complete foam strip  41  into the container  1 . In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the foam strip is provided on a strip of firmer material during charging, for example in the form of a lip, and if this strip including the foam strip is subsequently introduced into the container  1 . 
         [0072]    Foam strips  41  are also used in the working example according to  FIG. 54 , showing a section of a completely fitted out container. The foam strips  41  rest in this case against the lips  34 , which form integral parts of the cover segments  10 . In comparison with the wall thickness of the cover segments  10 , the lips  34 , each situated in planes orthogonal to the cover segments  10 , provide a much broader abutment area for the foam strips  41  and thereby for the plants as well. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 55 to 57  show a possible flexible connection between two adjacent cover segments  10  at locations where the separating slot  8  is closed. The cover segments  10  are interconnected by a foldable foil strip  44  at the appropriate point. At the side lines of the cover segments  10  facing away from the foil strip  44 , lips may in each case be provided, such as shown in  FIG. 54 . 
         [0074]    Further text to follow. 
         [0075]    Prior Art—Description 
         [0076]    Nathaniel Storey
       Container (“tower”) with 1 slot at the front (in the centre)   Upper and lower aperture (adapted to be closed on the top)   Substrate (as “matrix”/foam material) in 2 halves (folded)   Suspension in drilled holes (various angles)       
 
         [0081]    Disadvantages:
       Only one slot per container   Front cannot be used fully for vegetation, since slots only part of the surface   No other sides or edges used   Slot at the front not flexibly adjustable   Smaller plants:
           No support on container wall   Not perfectly/accurately positionable   May fall out in the event of poor rooting (seeds as well)   May be flushed away by nutrient solution   Possibly missed by nutrient solution   
           Larger plants:
           Damage to stem at slot edges when pulling in together with substrate   Jamming possible, substrate (foam matrix) may possibly not fully enter the container   
           Substrate: Distribution of nutrient solution unpredictable       
 
         [0096]    Uncertain whether young plants, seedlings, seeds are always reached uniformly
       No substrate:
           Fixation unclear   Falls out—lopsided suspension   Increased loss through evaporation (in general)   Aerosols leave the container through the slot (moisture in the surroundings—negative for interior greenery)   
           General: Moisture enters/leaves through the slot in an uncontrolled manner       
 
         [0103]    Description 
         [0104]    Continuation Nathaniel Storey—(Prior Art) 
         [0105]    Discharge of liquid through slot (front)
       Increased evaporation   Dripping through the slot if handled incorrectly       
 
         [0108]    Entry of environmental impacts through the slot (rain, dust, pests, . . . ) 
         [0109]    Façade greening
       Too much of front container wall visible   Only slot can be greened   Young plants or narrow-growing plants cannot cover the front   No “lawn formation” possible on the front   Aesthetically usable to a very limited extent       
 
         [0115]    Cannot be walked on/driven on 
         [0116]    Cannot be integrated in structure in a load-bearing manner 
         [0117]    Cannot be rolled up 
         [0118]    When planning, hardly any play with lines and patterns, aesthetics 
         [0119]    Roots are the main point of fixation for plants on the container
       Accurately-located germination difficult/impossible   Roots of plants which already have roots are clamped between two substrate blocks during planting and are subsequently clamped with the latter into the container—damage to the roots—, little free space for root formation until new roots have been formed   Plant suffers in the event of damage to the roots   Fine roots are lost during planting       
 
         [0124]    Growing potatoes is difficult, no harvesting in operation 
         [0125]    Prior Art—Description 
         [0126]    Soil-bound façade planting
       Very heavy weight—difficult statics   Partial support required   The above causing very high cost       
 
         [0130]    Aerosol-based potato-growing (and similar plants)
       To date no separate vertical containers, which can be connected to base for maintenance and which can be operated separately (planting, harvesting, . . . )       
 
         [0132]    Container enclosing entire plants
       Limitation of growing space   Harvesting/care made more difficult through container       
 
         [0135]    Containers, which have a clamping effect, but with flexible apertures (circular rubber sheet, divided crosswise)
       Few plants possible per area   Spacings pre-defined, cannot be varied   No stable support of the plant (too flexible, possible shifting in all directions)   Rubber may damage roots during planting due to elastic rebound       
 
         [0140]    Hydroponics with grid
       Not designed in a manner to be walked on   Cannot be used vertically       
 
         [0143]    Object (main claim  1 .)—Description
       Root-friendly planting   Root-friendly support   Exact positioning when planting the container with seeds, seedlings, cuttings or plants.   Avoid shifting (including the prevention of forces caused by nutrient solution)   Facilitate mechanical planting   Floral/greening designs for different façade configurations, ceilings, artistic shapes       
 
         [0150]    Solutions
       Clamping the stem instead of the roots   Clamp parts without roots   Clamp to the container wall instead of to the substrate   Use a variety of bodies (both on the rear side and on the vegetation side)       
 
         [0155]    Advantage
       Healthier roots, because the latter are undamaged   Plant performs better, as roots do not need to reproduce (performing better more rapidly)   Plant patterns and spacing can be better planned       
 
         [0159]    Object (claim  2 .) Description
       Provide individual containers fed from below (notably for aeroponics)   Container can be planted, transported and harvested individually, can be separated (quarantine)   Containers placed next to one another can be handled ergonomically   Joint nutrient source (e.g. aerosols)       
 
         [0164]    Solution
       Basic container with apertures towards narrower individual containers from which basic container aerosols enter into the latter   Containers individually detachable from the basic container       
 
         [0167]    Advantages
       No suspension device and feeding required from above (preventing shadow-casting, saving on construction)   Can be handled from the side without having to bend down (because of being vertical)       
 
         [0170]    Object (claim  6 .) Description
       It should be possible to plant roofs in the absence of soil   Replacement of roof vegetation should be facilitated       
 
         [0173]    Solution
       Basic container body open towards the upper side and can be planted in the absence of soil   Feed ducts exit from the container       
 
         [0176]    Advantage
       Seasonal planting possible   Removal of dead plants   Simple watering at any time+for varying requirements       
 
         [0180]    Object (claim  3 .) Description
       Allow robust façade greening in the absence of soil   Using materials used in the building industry (structural properties, optics, . . . )   Allowing integration with structures   To be used as a varied loosening-up of a façade, without breaking up the façade area with containers   Facilitating change of greenery/vegetation       
 
         [0186]    Solution
       Load-bearing design, using materials in the basic container body suitable for construction purposes   Convert visible fronts, at least in part or entirely, into façade greening by means of plantable elements (covers etc., gratings)       
 
         [0189]    Advantages
       Optical enhancement of façades   Acts as part of the façade when being looked at   Statics of the structure remain advantageous   Cost savings in relation to soil-bound façade greening (or, respectively, non-“airy” substrate instead of soil)   Assembly partially possible to be performed by bricklayers, no drilling etc. for fitting   Feeding etc. can be performed retroactively, e.g. from behind, or already through simple installation, if performed by joining technology, proceeding inwardly.       
 
         [0196]    Object (claim  4 )—Description
       Improve the statics   Enable wide growth at the font and root area behind       
 
         [0199]    Solution
       Stronger wall thickness in the rear portion   More hollow space in the front portion       
 
         [0202]    Advantages
       Higher structures possible above container   Higher load-bearing capacity       
 
         [0205]    Object (claim  5 .) Description
       Areas where walls end, should likewise be greenable, corners (concave, convex) as well should be joinable in alternating fashion       
 
         [0207]    Solution
       The section covering the container aperture is adapted to the modified partial surface of the façade       
 
         [0209]    Advantage
       A façade can be greened as a whole, including on outer and upper edges       
 
         [0211]    Object (claim  7 ) Description
       Grow larger-sized plants+trees without soil at any desired location   Ensure stability   Introduce roots without damaging them, protecting the roots when growing       
 
         [0215]    Solution
       Container with sufficient root space according to claim  1     Support device   Detachable cover       
 
         [0219]    Advantages
       Facilitating the transport of living trees or moving them to locations where less weight is tolerated   Christmas trees usable as living trees in the season and thereafter       
 
         [0222]    Object (claim  8 ) Description
       Design works of art of any dimension and shape with flowers or greenery   Greening of large structures and buildings retrospectively from the exterior, without interfering with such structures and buildings.       
 
         [0225]    Solution: See claim  8 . 
         [0226]    Advantage: Any location where a structure is to be erected, can be greened. Outdoor sculptures of large dimensions can be greened, including symbols+logos+script 
         [0227]    Object (claim  11 .) Description
       A container according to  1 . is to be adapted for transport and storage in the rolled-up state and deployed in a flexible manner       
 
         [0229]    Solution
       The hose includes a separating cut at the top in the flattened state       
 
         [0231]    Advantage
       Fewer storage and transport costs   Easier assembly   Can be installed in a manner adapted to the terrain       
 
         [0235]    Object (claim  20 .) Description
       Increased vegetation density (and even lawn areas) at the container front   Concealing the outer container wall by vegetation       
 
         [0238]    Solution
       Design segments so thinly and numerously that dense growth is able to emerge narrowly through a multitude of segment interstices (slots).       
 
         [0240]    Advantage
       Aesthetic use possible in façade greening (in the absence of soil)       
 
         [0242]    Object (claim  15 .) Description
       Minimal spaced-apart relationship between plants growing next to each other   Stable and tight container cover   Can be designed as a façade or area accessible to vehicles       
 
         [0246]    Solution
       Use of a grid or grating   Introduce plants between rods or allowing them to grow there through or letting them sprout prior to planting   Plant establishment/sprouting potentially horizontally at the outset       
 
         [0250]    Advantage
       Very dense plant carpet   Very strong hold due to rooting and growth through the gaps   Lawn area can be treated without soil   Less cost of irrigation   More tolerant to heat       
 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           1  Container 
           2  Basic container body 
           3  Cover 
           4  Feed duct 
           5  Discharge duct 
           6  Spray nozzle 
           7  Spray coil, drip coil 
           8  Separating slot 
           9  Rubber band 
           10  Cover segment 
           11  Frame 
           12  Spraying pipe 
           13  Hinge 
           14  Hinge 
           15  Frame segment 
           16  Hinge 
           17  Support device 
           18  Column body 
           19  Basic container 
           20  Foil section 
           21  Access slot 
           22  Cover surface 
           23  Rear wall 
           24  Screw connection point 
           25  Nose 
           26  Grating 
           27  Support means 
           28  Collecting trough 
           29  Supporting element 
           30  Pump 
           31  Textile mat 
           32  Endoskeleton 
           33  Exoskeleton 
           34  Lips 
           35  Lip region 
           36  Load-bearing structure 
           37  Support structure 
           38  Atomiser 
           39  Ultrasound source 
           40  Water-feed element 
           41  Foam strip 
           42  Section 
           43  Strip 
           44  Foil strip