NL2024667B1

NL2024667B1 - Vertical plant growth wall with assembly of portable open trays and pre-shaped substrate slabs that together are detachably positionable inside a mounting profile.

Info

Publication number: NL2024667B1
Application number: NL2024667A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Tigelaar Roelof; Tigelaar Halbe; Bubberman René
Original assignee: Tigelaar Beheer B V
Priority date: 2020-01-14
Filing date: 2020-01-14
Publication date: 2021-10-14
Also published as: NL2024667A

Abstract

A vertical plant growth wall (1), comprising a pre-shaped substrate slab (2) comprising a plurality of plant growing recesses (3) that, in a vertical position, are arranged in the substrate slab at a front side (22) thereof, a portable open tray (4) that comprises a base wall (42), arranged to cover the back side of the substrate slab and side walls (43, 44, 45, 46), arranged to cover respective lateral sides of the substrate slab, wherein the portable open tray (4) is configured to, in the vertical position, hold the pre-shaped substrate slab (2) while leaving the front side (22) of the substrate slab (2) substantially free, and a mounting profile (5), for example an aluminium extrusion profile, arranged to support the portable open tray (4) and the substrate slab (2) in the vertical position.

Description

P34324NLOO/MBA/RR Title: Vertical plant growth wall with assembly of portable open trays and pre-shaped substrate slabs that together are detachably positionable inside a mounting profile.

The present invention relates to a vertical plant growth wall for growing plants or other crop indoors or outdoors. Background of the invention Vertical growth devices are known from prior art. For example, EP 2919578 discloses a growth device, comprising cavities in rigid plant receiving parts for taking up crop, and a rear wall part. A capillary cloth is provided between the receiving parts and the rear wall part, which is in communication with an adjacent water reservoir to provide roots of the plants with water and nutrients. For sufficient air supply to the roots of the plant, the rear wall part may be provided with one or more aeration openings. The device may be further provided with a plastic or metal strengthening plate to provide the relatively thin-walled construction with sufficient stiffness.

It has, however, been found that this growth device is difficult to maintain, as the plant receiving parts in such devices have limited volumes, not exceeding the size of a small plant pot, which limits the plants in the development of their roots. Therewith, the maximum available space for a substrate of each plant is defined by the dimensions of the cavity in the plant receiving part. Additionally, if the plant-receiving parts protrude outwardly from the device, the crops may be susceptible to frost damage, especially when the root volume is limited. Furthermore, due to the relatively small volume of the cavities in the plant receiving parts, the substrates have limited water retention capacity. To provide the plants with sufficient water, the device requires a capillary mat for the transport of water from an adjacent water reservoir towards the roots of the plants. However, the capillary action of a capillary mat may decrease after a while. In addition, depletion of the adjacent water reservoir, or incorrect positioning of the capillary mat in the water reservoir, can cause the plants to dry out.

Alternatively, WO 2011/025384 discloses a growth device for crops, comprising a substrate that is contained in a fluid impermeable casing which is largely surrounding the substrate material. A front wall of the casing comprises plant-receiving openings in which the roots of plants can be inserted, such that they can grow further into the substrate.

In principle, this device allows for a larger substrate volume. However, the roots of the plants need to grow from the plant-receiving openings in the front wall into the substrate. Before a robust plant is obtained, for example a plant that is perceived as beautiful and healthy, a plant that is fixed to the substrate by means of its roots and/or a plant that is sufficiently rooted to prevent dehydration, the plant needs to be cultivated in the device for a certain time in order to develop sufficient root growth. Furthermore, the maximum stem volume of the plant - that is, the maximum volume of the plant portion between the roots of the plant and the portion of the plant outside of the substrate - remains constricted by a size of the plant-receiving openings in the casing of the device.

The substrate is covered by the front wall of the casing, which may hamper gas diffusion and may cause retention of heat within the substrate. Fresh air needs to be provided to the substrate through additional openings in the casing, for example in a back wall thereof, which over time may get blocked due to plant growth.

Furthermore, water can be provided through holes in the casing only. Insufficient water may be able to penetrate through the substrate, for example due to blockage of the openings in the casing and/or gas accumulation within the casing. As a result, the substrate requires frequent watering. A malfunction in the irrigation system or a moment of insufficient attention from a maintainer may directly result in damage of a significant number of the plants. Additionally, the distribution of fluids, such as water, oxygen and nutrients should be uniform throughout the device. An uneven distribution of fluids may result in uneven growth or health of the plants in the device. For example, a kink in a water supply line may block the supply of water. WO 2011/025364 comprises separate water supply lines which need to be fixed to the device at regular distances to minimise this risk.

Additionally, due to the construction of this growth device, the water supply line is located very closely nearby the substrate, possibly in contact with the substrate. Therefore, when using tap water for irrigation, the water supply system might well be categorised as liquid class 5 according to Dutch standards NEN 1006. This then might require the use of a so-called break tank, which imposes additional costs and spatial requirements. Moreover, for installation of embodiments of this known vertical growth device, a casing needs to be built at a desired deployment location of the vertical growth device. Subsequently, the casing can be filled with the substrate, after which holes need to be drilled in the front wall of the casing to provide the plant-receiving openings. Therewith, the size of the holes is constrained by the substrate type and the material of the casing. Then, additional openings required for irrigation and drainage are to be drilled in the casing. Finally, plants are planted within the plant- receiving openings, wherein the size of the plants is limited by the dimensions of the plant- receiving opening and the depth of the casing wall. For this reason, smaller plants such as young plants are planted in the device, usually seedlings, after which initial intensive care for young plants is required. Replacement of the plants may be tedious as it needs to take place at the location of the wall or surface provided with the vertical growth device. Furthermore, roots will have grown throughout the substrate, which hampers the provision of new plants and may even render a replacement of the plants to be impossible. As a workaround, the entire substrate may be replaced. However, to accomplish this, the growth device needs to be disassembled, whereby the casing is opened, such that the substrate can be removed out of the casing and a new substrate can be provided. The casing then first needs to be reassembled before new plants can be provided in the plant-receiving openings. This is a time-consuming procedure that potentially causes nuisance and substrate spills, while the procedure has to take place at the deployment location of the vertical growth device, such as an office building.

EP2564688A discloses a vegetated panel comprising at least two growth media, such as rock wool or glass wool. The panel includes a frame that holds the growth media. In an embodiment, recesses are provided on the frame such that holes in the growth media and at least a portion of each growth medium is free. Openings corresponding to planting holes in the growing media may be provided to allow plants to grow through the openings. The grow media may be covered with a cover layer of plastic provided with openings to allow the plants to pass through. In one embodiment, the frame is provided with apertures on the back for aesthetic reasons and to make the panel lighter.

US2018/0206413A discloses a wall system with brackets to which components can be attached. The components have a front side with openings for plants and an open back side. The components are filled with a growth medium such as Grodan.

US2011/0107667 discloses a plant wall comprising modules for accommodating an inert growth medium, such as Grodan. In an embodiment, each of the modules comprises a front face with recesses formed therein through which plants can grow.

KR20160088043 relates to a vertical vegetation device, comprising a module having at least one coupling groove allowing multiple modules to be placed on or next to each other to form a vertical wall, and a seat in which a vegetation mat can be placed against a surface of the main body.

For the reasons mentioned above, the known vertical plant growth walls require frequent maintenance, continuous monitoring of the device, including substrate humidity level and other substrate conditions, and even then still requires a regular replacement of the plants as the natural conditions required for a plant are replicated only to a limited extend. Additionally, the handling of the growth devices during installation or maintenance can be strenuous, as any supporting elements and rigid wall surfaces comprised in the device and the casing may result in an impractically large weight. Furthermore, it is noted that the construction of the growth devices, consisting of a casing and additional reinforcing elements, is relatively complex, which, in addition to the time-consuming installation and maintenance procedures, further increases the costs for production, installation and maintenance of the vertical growth device.

Object of the invention The present invention aims to overcome those disadvantages at least partly or to provide a usable alternative. For example, it is an object of the present invention to provide a user- friendly vertical plant growth wall that is easier to handle, to maintain and/or to install, or better replicates a natural environment that is required for plants to thrive, and that more in particular improves diffusion of fluids through the substrate, has a higher liquid retention capacity and/or allows for a larger root and stem volume of the plants.

Summary of the invention According to the present invention this object is achieved by a vertical plant growth wall according to claim 1. The wall comprises a substrate comprising a plurality of plant growing recesses that, in a vertical position, are arranged in the substrate at a front side thereof, a substrate retaining element that, in the vertical position, delimits at least a back side of the substrate and at least a portion of the lateral sides extending between the back side and the front side of the substrate, and a mounting profile, arranged to support the substrate retaining element and the substrate in the vertical position. The mounting profile is, for example, an aluminium extrusion profile. According to the inventive thought the substrate is a pre-shaped substrate slab, and the substrate retaining element is a portable open tray that comprises a base wall, arranged to cover the back side of the substrate, and side walls, arranged to cover respective lateral sides of the substrate, wherein the portable open tray is configured to, in the vertical position, hold the pre-shaped substrate slab while leaving the front side of the substrate slab substantially free.

The vertical plant growth wall with its user- and plant friendly combination of a mounting profile that supports one or more portable open trays that each hold an own pre- shaped substrate slab, is destined to be held in a vertical position against a vertical mounting surface. In this vertical position, the front side of the substrate slab is arranged vertically or substantially vertically like somewhat inclined, for example a position that corresponds to a slightly tilted wall or roof.

The vertical plant growth wall can advantageously be deployed on any mounting surface. Such a mounting surface may, for example, be formed by a plurality of separate mounting poles that are spaced apart from each other, such as a plurality of wooden, concrete, aluminium or steel posts/profiles, or be formed by a conventional facade, roof, wall or ancther substantially vertically orientated mounting surface. The vertical growth wall may be built up from bottom to top, or from top to bottom. The vertical growth wall may be fully suspended spaced above such a ground floor, or alternatively comprise a portion of the mounting profile that is in contact with a ground surface, such as a ground floor.

Owing to the invention the substrate slabs may be pre-shaped, for example in a mould, and subsequently be placed in the portable open tray. After this, plants may be provided in the plant growing recesses. Advantageously, plants may be provided in the portable open tray before the portable open tray can subsequently be vertically positioned 5 inside the mounting profile, with the plants already placed in the substrate slab. It is also possible to have the plants grow in the substrate slab inside a greenhouse or the like, before positioning the assembly of tray and slab in the mounting profile. profile.

The vertical plant growth wall thus may provide an alternative to a conventional planter, pot or container, while forming an attractive fence, hoarding, wall or roof surface.

Moreover, the vertical plant growth wall may be used for cladding of a conventional wall or other surface, such as a concrete or brick surface, to provide such a conventional surface with a more attractive and natural appearance.

Additionally, the vertical plant growth wall may have a heat-regulating and sound- absorbing effect and shield said surface from sunlight. Supplied water can optimally be buffered by the pre-shaped substrate slab and evaporated by the plants, for example in case of an outdoor application, while creating a natural air humidity, for example in case of an indoor application. In addition, supplied water can automatically get filtered by the substrate slab, the plants and micro-organisms before its release, thus resulting in a cleaner environment and reducing the load on water treatment facilities. The vertical plant growth wall may also provide for nutrition of plants, microorganisms and insects and thus increase biodiversity. Finally, the plants may help to reduce the level of particulate matter and CO. in the air. Therewith, the vertical plant growth wall provides a more attractive, pleasant and healthier living environment.

The person skilled in the art will understand that, in addition to decorative plants, the growth wall according to the invention is well suited for herbs. Additionally, suitable crops may be arranged in the vertical plant growth wall or air-purifying plants.

The pre-shaped substrate slab preferably has a thickness from its front side to its back side when vertically orientated, that is smaller than a height and/or width of the pre-shaped substrate slab, for example the width and/or height of the front side. As such, the front side of the substrate slab is provided with sufficient surface area, such that multiple plant growing recesses can be arranged therein. The plants can easily be provided in the plant growing recesses, which may therefore be referred to as plant receiving parts. With that the pre- shaped substrate slab preferably also extends beyond the initial plant receiving parts, such that the plants may develop further and are able to form more new roots further in the substrate slab, not being limited by the original shape of the plant growing recess.

Additionally, a relative thick one common pre-shaped substrate slab for a plurality of plants to grow in will result in a relative large volume of the pre-shaped substrate slab. This may provide frost protection for the plant roots, when the vertical growth wall is installed outside. Additionally, the large volume may increase the total liquid absorption capacity of the pre- shaped substrate slab. At the same time, still a large surface area of the pre-shaped substrate slab is in open contact with the environment. The beneficial effects of this may be further enhanced by a sophisticated composition and structure of the substrate material, as will be explained hereinafter.

The plant growing recess could, for example, comprise a cylindrical shape extending from the front surface into the pre-shaped substrate slab. Additionally or alternatively, the shape could be tapered or square. The shape may, for example, be adapted to the type of plants and could have a shape approximately equal to the shape of a common plant plug of a plant that is to be provided therein. However, a corresponding shape is not a requirement, as the root ball of a plant may usually be flexible enough to absorb a difference in shape.

The substrate slab is pre-shaped, such that the substrate slab may be installed within the growth wall relatively easy. As being pre-shaped, the outer dimensions of the substrate slab and/or the plant-growing recesses and/or any additional shapes may be obtained during manufacturing of the substrate slab in a mould, that is to say before application of the substrate slab within the open tray of the vertical plant growth wall. The substrate slab may be pre-shaped by different techniques, for example by compression of the substrate material in a mould, and/or by mixing the substrate material with a binder material or bonding agent and having it harden inside a suitable mould.

Additionally or alternatively, the substrate may be prepared to adopt to the required open tray shape upon installation of the vertical growth wall The substrate slab may, for example, expand slightly upon moisturizing and/or by providing plants in the growing recesses. This may result in additional retention of the substrate slab within the portable open tray, which may be helpful because of the portable open tray being positioned vertically and open at the front side.

Pre-shaping the substrate slab has an additional advantage of creating a certain stability, such that the substrate slab may remain substantially unaffected from any external influences that can be expected during use. For example, the placement of the substrate slab within the open tray and together into the mounting profile of the growth wall, the provision of plants within the substrate slab, the irrigation of the substrate slab to provide the plants with water and nutrients, the ingrowth of roots or the influence of gravity, may not or hardly alter the outer shape of the substrate slab due to its stability. As such, the substrate slab may be handled without too much carefulness being necessary and easy during installation and maintenance of the vertical plant growth wall due to pre-shaping. This stability also facilitates the substrate slab to be suspended in the aimed vertical position without disintegrating and allows for the front side of the substrate slab to be substantially open. Additionally, it is no longer required to cover all sides of the substrate slab with a covering element, such as a casing, foil or sheet for holding the substrate slab together and/or for avoiding that pieces of the substrate slab fall apart during deployment in the vertical position.

According to the present invention, the pre-shaped substrate slab is separated from the mounting surface and reliably held by the portable open tray. The retaining element delimits at least the back side of the substrate slab and at least a portion of the lateral sides extending between the back side and the front side of the substrate slab. The tray avoids contact between the substrate slab and the mounting surface. Therewith, ingrowth of roots on the mounting surface and decay of the mounting surface, for example due to humidity or acidity of the substrate, is avoided.

The open tray could, for example, comprise a material that is substantially fluid tight. As such, fluid flow between the substrate slab and the mounting surface is avoided, and leakage of any substrate contents, such as liquids, fertilisers or any other substances that may be present in the substrate towards the mounting surface is prevented.

According to the inventive thought, the substrate retaining element is a portable open tray. The portable open tray comprises a base wall, which may cover the back side of the substrate, when the substrate slab is arranged in the portable open tray, and side walls, and side walls, which may cover the respective lateral sides of the pre-shaped substrate slab, when the substrate slab is arranged in the portable open tray.

The portable open tray may, for example, be substantially rectangular and comprise four side walls, that is to say two opposing horizontal side walls and two opposing vertical side walls.

However, the portable open tray may also have a different shape. For example, a side wall of the portable open tray may be arranged at an acute angle with respect to an adjacent side wall of the portable open tray, or some of the side walls may include an angled and/or curved section, when the portable open tray is arranged in the vertical position. This way, the portable open tray may also be suitable for covering a portion of a facade just below an inclined eave or roof, or for forming a vertical growth wall that has outer edges that are not completely vertical. Consequently, the base wall of the portable open tray may be adapted accordingly to correspond with the side walls.

Additionally, the base wall may comprise an angle and/or a curvature along a plane defined by the base wall. This way, the portable open tray may also form a corner section of a vertical growth wall, and/or be used to cover a fagade that does not extend entirely straight along a flat plane, such as a curved fagade or a facade comprising an avant-corps.

The portable open tray leaves the front side of the substrate slab, wherein the plants are arranged, substantially free, that is, in open communication with the outer environment outside of the substrate slab. As such, not only the plant receiving parts of the substrate slab are in contact with the outer air, or only those limited portions of the front side of the substrate slab that are located near openings in a wall of a surrounding casing, but substantially the whole front side of the substrate slab. The frontal surface area of the slab is relatively large compared to the volume, and gas diffusion from the outer environment into the substrate slab may be improved throughout the whole substrate slab. This may result in significant better ventilation. If desired or deemed necessary a small part of the front side may even get covered without affecting the gas diffusion negatively too much, for example, due to fixation brackets or small protrusions located near edges around the side walls of the open tray.

As the root volume of the plants is not limited by the shape of the plant growing recesses, roots can grow through the entire substrate slab, even up to the front side thereof and there may also grow out of and back into the substrate slab at any location to form new plant portions. In this way, the entire front side of the substrate slab may quickly get covered by plants, also outside the original plant-receiving parts.

The portable open tray can be handled easily. For example, its dimensions may be chosen such that it allows for convenient carrying and holding during installation and maintenance of the vertical growth device.

The portable open tray may have the substrate slab placed therein and provided with plants before or after mounting. As such, plants may be bred inside the substrate slab before deployment of the vertical plant growth wall, if desired, while plants may also be provided in the substrate slab after installation of the wall. This way, the installation procedure may be optimised for the type of plants that are to be provided in the growth wall. Additionally, easy installation of the vertical plant growth wall is facilitated. For example, for indoor installation of the wall, it may be undesirable to provide the plants and the substrate slab separately in order to avoid substrate spills. With the present invention it becomes possible to provide the plants in the plant growing recesses in the substrate slab in the portable open tray beforehand. However, if desired, it is possible to provide the trays separately, without pre-grown plants, such that an even lighter installation becomes possible.

The side walls of the portable open tray may be free of any undercuts, with respect to the front side of the substrate, such that the pre-shaped substrate slab can be placed into and withdrawn from the portable open tray in a single push/pull movement.

In addition, the portable open tray can easily be placed on a ground surface in a horizontal position, that is with the substrate slab resting on its base wall, and this base wall resting on the ground surface. In the horizontal position, the front of the substrate slab is facing upwards, so that plants can easily be placed in the substrate slab and start growing in the substrate slab before installation of the vertical growth wall, if desired.

The invention further comprises a mounting profile, arranged to fixate the one or more open trays and the substrate slabs held therein in the vertical position. The mounting profile may comprise any elements or means to hold the open tray containing the substrate slab in the vertical position, for example by attaching it to the mounting surface. For example, the attachment to the mounting profile may be such that it prevents rotation movements and/or translation movements, for example, translations in at least two directions.

The vertical growth wall may be arranged vertically, or have an inclination, depending on the inclination of the mounting surface.

Thus, by providing the vertical plant growth wall according to the present invention, a cost-efficient multiple-purpose construction is obtained that can be used standalone and on multiple surfaces, indoors and outdoors. The installation of the open trays with the substrate slabs and the plants therein can be done on the spot, or beforehand, when pre-growth of the plants is desired. Additionally, the natural environment of the plants is replicated to a large extent as the substrate slab is form retaining, while the open front side allows for new shoot development and free ventilation with the ambient air in the environment. Therefore, the vertical plant growth wall is easier to handle and better replicates the natural environment of a plant. Therewith, the plants will sustain longer and it becomes possible to successfully maintain a beautiful vertical surface for a long time.

In an embodiment, a portion of the mounting profile may be configured to hold a first one of the side walls of the portable open tray, such that the portable open tray is pivotable around the first one of the side walls, when the first one of the side walls is held by the portion of the mounting profile, for an opposing second one of the side walls of the portable open tray to be attached to an opposing second portion of the mounting profile by means of at least one connecting element. This way, the substrate slab and plants can be provided while the tray is in the horizontal position, for example resting on a horizontal ground surface. After mounting the mounting profile to the mounting surface at a desired height, for example by screwing, the open tray can easily be lifted and carried towards a desired location at the mounting profile. The tray may then be placed in the mounting profile using a simple rotation movement. After placing a first one of the side walls of the open tray in the profile, such that the first one of the side walls is at least partially constrained in its movement by the mounting profile, the tray may be rotated around the first one of the side walls. For example, by pivoting the tray around a rotation axis that is defined by the surface area of the first one of the side walls that is in contact with a first portion of the mounting profile, more specifically by pivoting around an edge of the first one of the side walls. The tray may then be pivoted towards the vertical position, wherein a second one of the side walls of the portable open tray, for example a side wall which is located opposite to the first one of the side walls, may be attached to a second portion of the mounting profile, for example a second portion of the mounting profile that is located opposite to the first portion of the mounting profile. Such a movement of the portable open tray to position the portable open tray in the mounting profile allows for a relatively easy installation of the portable open tray, further simplifying the installation and maintenance of the vertical growth wall.

In an embodiment, the first and second portions of the mounting profile may be arranged vertically or horizontally. The first portion of the mounting profile may hold the first one of the side walls through various coupling means, such as complementary coupling elements, press studs, Velcro or pin-hole connections, provided the tray is capable of pivoting around the first one of the side walls while held by the mounting profile. The second portion of the side walls may be attached to the second one of the side walls by any connecting element that is able to fixate the portable open tray in the vertical position. The at least one connecting element could, for example, comprise a clamping or snap-fit connection. Preferably, the connecting element comprises a screw or a bolt, as such elements are capable of providing a reliable connection.

In a further embodiment, the first portion of the mounting profile may comprise a limitation surface with a projecting front edge to delimit the first one of the side walls of the portable open tray in frontal direction. As such, the first portion of the mounting profile is provided with a limitation surface that constrains a translation movement of the portable open tray in at least one direction, for example in a horizontal or vertical direction. As a front edge is projecting from the limitation surface, a translation movement of the portable open tray may be further constrained in another direction, for example in a frontal direction. Furthermore, movement in a rearward direction may be constrained by the mounting surface that may be present on a rear side of the mounting profile. As such, the portable open tray cannot be moved in a frontal direction after the first one of the side walls has been provided in the mounting profile, and the tray can be mounted in the mounting profile easily by pivoting the tray around the first one of the side walls and connecting the second one of the side walls. Additionally or alternatively, the limitation surface may be provided with a projecting rear edge to delimit movement of the first one of the side walls of the portable open tray in rearward direction.

In an embodiment, the portable open tray and the pre-shaped substrate slab may comprise complementary male and female coupling means. Therewith, the pre-shaped substrate slab may be held firmly in place inside the portable open tray, even when arranged in the vertical position. Furthermore, the complementary male and female coupling means ensure that the pre-shaped substrate slab does not slump down, collapse or deform in the portable open tray, for example due to the weight of the pre-shaped substrate slab when moist.

The complementary male and female coupling means thus improve a pre-shaped substrate slab with a front side that is substantially free. As such, the need of previous art to cover all sides of the substrate with a covering element such as a casing, foil or sheet to hold the substrate together during deployment in the vertical position, is further avoided.

The male and female coupling means could comprise any combination of elements that cooperates by means of a corresponding shape. The male and female coupling means could be arranged on any side of the pre-shaped substrate slab that faces the portable open tray, for example at the back side that is covered by the base wall of the tray. This would allow for providing the pre-shaped substrate slab through the open side of the tray, which may be advantageous for easy installation.

In a further embodiment, the female coupling means may comprise at least one coupling recess arranged in the back and/or lateral sides of the pre-shaped substrate slab, and the male coupling means comprise at least one protrusion extending from the base and/or side walls of the portable open tray. The male and female coupling means may have any corresponding shape, for example a shape that is substantially cylindrical, square and/or tapered. The male coupling means could, for example, extend along one of the side walls of the portable open tray and/or extend from the base wall into the pre-shaped substrate slab as a standalone protrusion, whereby corresponding female coupling recesses are arranged in the respective sides in the pre-shaped substrate slab. As such, the male and female coupling means increase contact surface between the pre-shaped substrate slab and the tray, therewith increasing the friction force between their respective surfaces. Furthermore, a larger contact surface may increase adhesion forces between the substrate slab and the tray, for example when the substrate is moist. As a result, the substrate slab is held more firmly in place and the stability and fixation of the substrate slab may be further improved when arranged in the vertical position.

Preferably, the male and female coupling means may be free of any undercuts, with respect to the front side of the substrate slab, such that the pre-shaped substrate slab can be placed into and withdrawn from the portable open tray in a single push/pull movement.

In an embodiment, the portable open tray could, for example, be produced through vacuum forming or injection moulding and the pre-shaped substrate slab could, for example, be produced by compression of a substrate material in a pre-formed mould that creates the at least one coupling recess. Thereby, the male and female coupling means can be manufactured using any methods known in the state of the art, allowing for an efficient production of the vertical growth wall. Additionally or alternatively, the pre-shaped substrate slab could be arranged with male coupling means, when the portable open tray is provided with female coupling means.

In an even further embodiment, the complementary male and female coupling means may comprise a lower portion that extends in a direction having an acute angle with respect to a vertical direction, and an upper portion that extends in a horizontal direction. As such, the complementary male and female coupling means may have a shape that is at least partially conical. The upper portion of the cone may be formed by the upper half of the male and female coupling means, for example, by the upper semicircle of a protrusion that extends from the base wall having a cylindrical shape. The lower portion may then be formed by the corresponding lower semicircle of said protrusion, having an at least partially conical shape. The acute angle increases the contact surface between said protrusion and the substrate slab, while the horizontal upper portion acts as a supporting surface that supports the substrate slab above it. Therewith, this embodiment of the complementary male and female coupling means has advantageously been found to potentially further increase stability and fixation of the pre-formed substrate slab within the portable open tray, while avoiding any undercuts that may hamper placement or withdrawal of the substrate.

In an embodiment, the side walls of the portable open tray may extend from the respective sides of the base wall, while widening away from each other. The side walls may, for example, extend from the base wall at a blunt side wall angle with respect to the tray, such that the surface area of the base wall of the tray is smaller than the surface area of the front side of the substrate. As such, the contact area between the portable open tray and the pre- formed substrate slab is increased, compared to a perpendicular angle, which may be beneficial for holding the pre-formed substrate slab in the portable open tray. Furthermore, as the portable open tray becomes more narrow towards the base wall, the substrate slab may be held within the portable open tray by an additional lateral compression force. By dimensioning the side angle of the lateral sides of the substrate with respect to the back side of the substrate, for example by having a side angle that is larger than the side wall angle of the tray, the lateral sides of the substrate may be clamped in the portable open tray after placing the pre-shaped substrate slab therein.

Furthermore, a widening shape of the side walls avoids any undercuts, such that the pre-shaped substrate slab can be placed into and withdrawn from the portable open tray in a single push/pull movement.

In an embodiment, the portable open tray may comprise water inlet openings arranged in an upper side wall of the tray, and outlet openings arranged in a lower side wall of the tray.

By having water inlet openings in the upper side wall of the tray, fluid may be provided to the substrate slab.

For example, irrigation or precipitation water may enter the portable open tray through the inlet openings, after which it may be absorbed by the substrate slab.

The substrate slab may continue to absorb water and act as a buffer vessel from which the roots of the plants may extract sufficient water.

Additionally, any elements dissolved in the water, such as fertilizer, may be taken up by the roots.

In order to allow excess fluid to drain off when the substrate has attained its maximum saturation level, the lower side wall of the tray may be provided with water outlet openings.

In a further embodiment, the total surface area of the water inlet openings may be larger than a total surface area of the water outlet openings.

As such, the total maximum flow of water into the tray can be larger than the total maximum flow of water out of the tray.

After a period of drought, for example when precipitation is lacking, and/or when an irrigation system is malfunctioning, the substrate slab may dry out, thereby limiting its water absorption capacity.

As a result, only a limited amount of water will be absorbed by the dried-out substrate slab.

By having a larger inflow into the tray compared to an outflow out of the tray, water will be in contact with the substrate slab for a longer time, allowing the substrate slab to absorb the water slowly.

This may cause the moisture level of the substrate slab to increase slowly, restoring its original absorption capacity.

Therewith, the difference between the water inlet and outlet openings increases the self-restoring capacity of the vertical growth wall.

The water outlet openings may also be maximized.

In an embodiment, at least one of the side walls of the portable open tray is provided with an outwardly projecting rim.

The rim may project from the respective side walls in a direction away from the portable open tray, for example protruding outwardly away from the side walls at a perpendicular angle with respect to the respective side walls.

The rim may be provided on one or multiple side walls, and may perform different functions: First, the rim may provide the portable open tray with a handle grip, allowing the portable tray to be gripped during installation and maintenance of the vertical growth wall. Furthermore, the rim may provide additional strength to the portable open tray, increasing the strength of the tray during handling and/or when placed in the vertical growth wall. Additionally, when multiple trays are positioned adjacent to each other, the rims of two adjacent portable open trays may be arranged such, that one rim extends in front of an adjacent rim. Therewith, a nice visual finish is provided. The rim may also form a contact surface with the mounting profile. The rim could, for example, define the rotation axis on the first one of the side walls, around which the tray is pivoted during placing in the mounting profile, when the first one of the side walls is arranged in a first portion of the mounting profile. Additionally or alternatively, the rim may be provided on the second one of the side walls, and form a contact surface that delimits movement of the tray with respect to a second portion of the mounting profile, for example a second portion of the mounting profile that is located opposite to the first portion of the mounting profile. Finally, the rim may form a dam in order to limit liquid flow in certain direction, for example during irrigation. The rim could prevent fluid from running along a side of the tray where a water flow may be undesirable, for example on a front side thereof.

In a further embodiment, multiple side walls can be provided with a rim, while at least one side wall is not. The at least one side wall could, for example, comprise the lower side wall. As such, the lower portion of the portable open tray may be arranged on a horizontal limitation surface of the mounting profile. Therewith, a stable contact between the tray and the mounting profile is achieved. The lower side wall of the portable open tray, in the current embodiment, may be delimited in frontal direction due to a vertical projection extending from the limitation surface, while an upper side wall of the portable open tray may be delimited in distal direction due to its outwardly projecting rim. As such, a pivoting movement of the portable open tray upon placement of the lower side wall on the limitation surface of the mounting profile is possible, such that the upper side wall is rotated rearwardly until it is delimited by its rim. As such, this embodiment allows for easy installation of the portable open tray in the mounting profile.

In an embodiment, the portable open tray can be attachable to the mounting profile by means of at least one fixation bracket, wherein the fixation bracket then may extend along the front side of the pre-shaped substrate slab. The fixation bracket may be attached to the portable open tray before or after providing the plants. The fixation bracket may, for example, be arranged such that it leaves the front side of the substrate and/or the plant-growing recesses substantially free. As the fixation bracket extends along the front side of the substrate, it can be reached during installation and maintenance of the vertical growth wall,

for example after pivoting the portable open tray in the mounting profile. Therewith, the fixation bracket may provide for a convenient coupling of the tray with the mounting profile.

The fixation bracket may, for example, consist of a metal, such as stainless steel or aluminium.

In a further embodiment, the fixation bracket may be connectable to the base wall of the portable open tray by means of one or more connection members that extend through the pre-shaped substrate slab from its front side to its back side. Therewith, the connection members provide the substrate slab with additional support. The connection members could, for example, comprise at least one thread.

In an even further embodiment, the connection members that extend through the pre- shaped substrate slab from its front side to its back side may comprise two ends, and be provided with a thread on each of the two ends. The thread may be an inner thread, extending from one of the ends into the connection member, or an outer thread projecting outwardly from one of the ends. For fixation of the fixation bracket and/or the portable open tray with the connection members, the fixation bracket and/or the portable open tray may be provided with apertures, through which a bolt can extend for fixation in the inner thread of the connection member and/or through which the outer tread can extend for fixation of the outer thread with a nut. This way, the portable open tray and/or the fixation bracket may be clamped between the connection member and the bolt and/or the nut.

Additionally or alternatively, at least one fixation bracket in this embodiment may comprise a U-shape, comprising two vertical legs connected via a horizontal middle portion.

The two vertical legs may have a size that is unequal, for example having a shorter leg and a longer leg. The length of the middle portion may be sized such that the U-shaped fixation bracket may be slid around the portable open tray, such that one of the vertical legs faces the front side of the substrate slab, and the other one of the vertical legs faces the base wall. As such, the fixation bracket may be moved around the portable open tray easily and be fixed around the tray, for example by clamping between the vertical legs.

In an embodiment, the mounting profile may comprise a duct configured to receive a nut, wherein a complete rotation of the nut around an axis of rotation defined by its thread is locked, such that the fixation bracket can be clamped to the mounting profile by a bolt corresponding to the nut. The fixation bracket may be provided with apertures, through which a bolt can extend for fixation of the bolt with the nut. Having a duct configured to receive a nut, eases the installation of the vertical growth wall, as it removes the need to perform additional actions for fixation of the fixation bracket to the mounting profile during installation, for example by drilling a hole in the profile or by carefully positioning a self-drilling screw on the profile, which may be tedious, especially at heights. This way, it becomes possible to perform the required assembly, including attaching the fixation bracket to the portable open tray and providing the duct in the profile with a nut, before attachment of the mounting profile to the mounting surface, for example while standing on a ground surface. As such, the vertical growth wall may then be installed easily, for example by subsequent fixation of the mounting profile on the mounting surface, pivoting the partable open tray into the mounting profile, and rotation of a bolt within said nut.

Additionally, the nut may be moved within the duct, such that the position of the nut can be adjusted and readjusted to a desired position of the fixation bracket and/or a position of the portable open tray.

In an embodiment, the mounting profile may comprise horizontally extending profiles that at their upper sides define a horizontal water collection gutter and/or that at their lower sides define a horizontal water supply duct arranged to fixate a water supply line at the mounting profile, preferably integrally formed in a rigid extrusion profile, more preferably made of aluminium. The person skilled in the art will understand that, in addition to water, any other substance may be provided through the water supply line and/or through the water collection gutter, such as dissolved lime and nutrients. Furthermore, the water supply duct and/or the water collection gutter may additionally or alternatively be arranged vertically, if the mounting profile is arranged in a vertical position. Therewith, sideways escape of water is prevented.

In an embodiment, the mounting profile may comprise horizontally extending profiles. A horizontal mounting profile has the advantage that the portable open tray may be provided on top of an upper side of the mounting profile, for example with the first one of the side walls of the portable open tray on a limitation surface of the mounting profile. This way, the vertical growth wall may be suspended in the air, such that no horizontal ground surface is required for support. In case of one or more vertical mounting surfaces are provided, e.g. individual wooden posts, the mounting surfaces are connected by means of the mounting profile, which may be advantageous for the rigidity of the vertical growth wall. Furthermore, any fluids flowing out of the substrate may be collected by the mounting profile, when the mounting profile is arranged horizontally.

In an embodiment, a water collection gutter can be defined at the upper side of the mounting profile. As such, fluid may be collected directly underneath the portable open tray,

and splashing of free-falling liquid is prevented. Fluid may, for example, comprise excess water that has not been absorbed by the pre-shaped substrate slab and flows out of the portable open tray through a water outlet opening arranged in the lower side wall thereof. Fluid may also comprise precipitation that has flown around the tray, for example along its two vertical side walls. The water collection gutter may extend along a straight line along the mounting profile in longitudinal direction, such that any collected water may flow in this direction. This way, the gutter could discharge water at its outer ends, for example at the ends of the mounting profile.

Furthermore, in case multiple mounting profiles are provided on the mounting surface, with portable open trays arranged between them, the gutter may provide discharge and/or buffering capacity at every horizontally extending profile of the mounting profile. This prevents most of the water from running downwards, whereby the substrate located in a partable open tray on a lower mounting profiles receives a larger amount of water, and has a higher humidity as a result. The provision of a gutter at multiple heights may ensure an even drainage and buffering of water for each substrate, irrespective of its respective mounting height.

In an embodiment, a water supply duct can be arranged at the lower side of the mounting profile. A water supply line may be fixed in the duct, for example by clamping the water supply line in the duct. This way, water provided to the water supply line may be delivered to the substrate slab for irrigation of the plants. The water supply line may, for example be coupled to a pump that pumps out of a water collection reservoir, and/or to a regulator, such as a valve, that regulates inflow of water into the water supply line, for example from a public water distribution network. The water supply line may be provided with apertures, small branches, drip hoses, nozzles or nebulisers, for local release of water into the substrate.

The water supply line, for example a tylene tube, may be relatively flexible with respect to the mounting profile. Such flexibility could facilitate compression of the water supply line between a regular configuration, wherein the cross section of the water supply line is substantially circular, and a compressed configuration, wherein the cross section of the water supply line is substantially oval. The duct may be dimensioned such, that the wall distance between two sides of the duct is slightly larger than a minimum distance between two respective outer sides of the water supply line, when arranged in the compressed configuration, while being equal to or slightly smaller than the minimum distance between two respective outer sides of the water supply line, when arranged in the regular configuration. This way, the water supply line may be inserted in the duct, while the flexibility of the water supply line and/or the provision of fluid pressure inside the water supply line ensure it to return to the regular configuration.

Additionally or alternatively, the water supply line may be introduced in the duct without compression, by sliding insertion therein in a longitudinal direction. As such, the water supply line may be slid into the water supply duct in the mounting profile from one end of said profile. Therewith, no flexibility of the water supply line is required for sliding insertion.

When arranged in the duct, the water supply line is delimited in its movement in horizontal and/or vertical direction, thus, the risk of having any kinks in the water supply line is reduced. Furthermore, for example when the duct extends along the mounting profile in a straight line, a friction between the duct and a water supply line provided therein may be limited, such that the water supply line is able to expand and/or contract in said direction, for example due to temperature differences and/or solar radiation. This further reduces the risk of kinks in the water supply line and increases the reliability of the vertical growth wall.

As the water supply line may be arranged in the water supply duct, no additional fixation means, such as screws, clips or clamps, are necessary for fixation of the water supply line. The water supply line may be removed out of the duct without any required tools, for example by pulling the water supply line. As such, easy replacement and/or maintenance of the water supply line is facilitated.

Additionally, no plants, substrate or any portable open tray need to be taken out of the mounting profile for replacement of the water supply line, and the water supply line may remain arranged in the profile when a portable open tray is taken out of the mounting profile. This further eases installation and maintenance of the vertical growth wall.

When the water supply line is arranged in the water supply duct, and a portable open tray is arranged in the mounting profile, the water supply line and the portable open tray are positioned such that an air gap exists between them. Therewith, the substrate may be sufficiently far removed from the water supply line to avoid contact with the water supply line, such that the water supply system advantageously might well no longer be categorised as liquid class 5 according to the Dutch standards NEN 1006. In this case, when using tap water for irrigation, the so-called break tank in the water supply system might well no longer be required, which may save costs and space.

In an embodiment, the mounting profile, including its ducts, such as a nut duct, the water supply duct and/or the water collection gutter, can advantageously be formed by an integral extrusion profile. As such, the mounting profile can be manufactured out of one single component, and the production and installation of the mounting profile may be more efficient.

In an embodiment, the mounting profile can be made out of a material that is relatively light, compared to its bending strength, such that the wall can be installed easily, and/or that allows for an efficient production. Advantageously, the material is relatively inert, such that corrosion, for example due to acidity of humidity of the substrate, may be reduced without the need for additional protection techniques, such as a coating or shielding layer. The mounting profile could, for example, be made out of a material that can be produced by means of extrusion, for example a metal, such as aluminium, or magnesium, or a plastic, such as PVC, PE, PP, ABS, PS, PC, PU, POM or PMMA.

In a further embodiment, the mounting profile may preferably be made of aluminium.

Aluminium has been found to offer an advantageous balance between cost and strength.

In an embodiment, the vertical growth wall further may comprise a drain channel for draining fluid out of a horizontal water collection gutter of the mounting profile and a drain manifold, comprising a lower port, configured to be connected to a lower drain channel, and a side port, configured to be connected to the horizontal water collection gutter, and at least one manifold connection element, which extends from the drain manifold in the direction of the side port, wherein the mounting profile and the manifold connection element comprise complementary coupling means, comprising at least one connection duct arranged in the mounting profile, for attaching the drain manifold to the mounting profile. This way, the horizontal water collection gutter may be connected to a drain channel, for example a vertical drain channel, to discharge water out of the gutter by means of gravity.

The drain manifold may be provided at both ends of the water collection gutter, or on one end only. Alternatively, the drain manifold may completely be omitted, for example in the case of an outdoor installation.

The drain manifold may, for example, be produced via injection moulding. It has been found that ABS material offers an advantageous properties for such production.

The drain manifold may be connected to the mounting profile by means of complementary coupling means. It has been found advantageous if the complementary coupling means comprise at least one connection duct arranged in the mounting profile. The connection duct could, for example, extend longitudinally along the mounting profile. This way, the mounting profile be may shortened, for example by cutting of a piece, while the connection duct remains available. Therewith, a complementary element, or screw, may be inserted in the connection duct for fixating the drain, irrespective of the length of the mounting profile.

In an embodiment, the connection between the horizontal water collection gutter and the drain manifold may comprise sealing means, such as a silicone sealant edge or a gasket.

This way, local expansion or shrinkage of the mounting profile may be compensated for, such that a watertight connection can be ensured at all times.

In a further embodiment, the drain manifold further may comprise an upper port, configured to be connected to an upper drain channel. This way, a drain channel, such as a vertical drain channel, may extend above and underneath the drain manifold. The upper port may be vertically aligned with the lower port, such that any fluid flowing through the upper drain channel, may flow to the lower drain channel unhindered, as if the drain manifold was not there. In case multiple mounting profiles are provided on the mounting surface, extending horizontally at different heights below each other, multiple gutters may be connected via multiple portions one drain channel, connected to the subsequent upper and lower ports of the respective drain manifolds.

In an embodiment, the vertical growth wall further may comprise a horizontal water collection gutter, connected to a controllable drain channel, and/or a controllable water supply, connected to a water supply line, and a sensor, arranged to determine a moisture content of the pre-shaped substrate slab, wherein a regulator is provided for controlling draining of water from the water collection gutter, and/or for controlling water supply to the water supply line in dependency of the moisture content determined by the sensor and/or for signalling a warning signal in case a moisture content deviation is detected by the sensor.

The horizontal water collection gutter may be the water collection gutter that extends in the mounting profile, or alternatively, an additional water collecting gutter located underneath the vertical growth wall. The drain channel could be made controllable, such that the discharge of water out of the gutter is limited, for example, by means of a valve located therein, for example an electric valve, or a mechanic valve, mechanically connected to the regulator. By limiting the discharge, water may remain in the gutter to provide for water buffering.

The controllable water supply may, for example comprise a pump that pumps water into the water supply line and/or a valve, that regulates the inflow of water from public water distribution network into the water supply line.

The sensor could be provided in the substrate, for example in the middle of the substrate, in a plant-growing recess, or nearby a side of the substrate. The sensor may comprise a capacitive, resistive and/or thermal humidity sensor arranged to determine the moisture of the substrate. Alternatively, the sensor may be arranged to determine other outdoor parameters, such as temperature or air humidity.

The regulator could be provided to regulate the water inflow towards and/or the water discharge from the substrate. For this, the regulator may be configured to regulate the controllable drain channel and/or the controllable water supply. The regulator could, for example comprise an electric unit that determines an estimated water need, based on the sensor signal, and activates an electric valve and/or pump. Alternatively, the regulator could be a floater located in the drain channel, the water supply line and/or the water collection gutter, mechanically operating a mechanical valve based on a water level.

Additionally or alternatively, the regulator may be provided to signal a warning signal in case of calamities. The regulator may, for example, issue an audible, visible or haptic warning signal, in case a deviating value is determined by the sensor. Such a warning signal could be provided by the regulator in case a deviation in the moisture content of the substrate is detected by the sensor. Such a deviation, could for example, indicate a malfunctioning of the water supply, leakage, or other problems.

The regulator may be provided to regulate continuously, and/or intermittently, for example after certain time intervals. Furthermore, the regulator may be provided with settings to adjust the regulation, for example by signalling a warning signal and/or controlling the water supply/draining only when a moisture content of the substrate determined by the sensor exceeds a certain bandwidth.

In an embodiment, the plant growing recesses may extend from the front side into the pre-shaped substrate slab in an angled downward direction towards the back side. As a result of this inclination, plants are automatically held within the plant growth wall due to gravity. Additionally, gravity may cause an additional friction force between the pre-shaped substrate slab and the plants and/or the substrate slab in which the plants are provided. These forces may provide for firm fixation of the plants in the respective recesses. As such, the plant- growing recesses allow for insertion and fixation of a plant, without the need for additional fixation of the plant within the substrate, for example by application of supplementary substrate material or by compression of the substrate around the plant-growing recesses.

In an embodiment, the pre-shaped substrate slab preferably may comprise a natural, permeable, hydrophilic material and a bonding agent. The substrate slab preferably comprises a natural material, such as an organic material, as it may be beneficial to replicate the natural environment of a plant. A permeable material may be advantageous at it allows for increased diffusion of fluids, such a liquids and gases, throughout the substrate slab. The permeability could, for example, be achieved by having a constant pore size and distribution across the substrate slab. Therewith, soil life may be improved and the roots of the plants may be provided with oxygen. By having a hydrophilic material, the liquid absorption and retention capacity of the substrate slab is increased, as more water may be absorbed by the substrate slab. As such, the vertical growth wall becomes less dependent on frequent irrigation and maintenance. According to the current embodiment, the substrate is arranged such that the roots of the plants may be provided with the optimum amount of water and oxygen, while excess water is allowed to drain of. A substrate slab having improved natural, permeable and hydrophilic properties better replicates the natural environment that is required for the plants to thrive, which here is particularly important because of the for most plants somewhat unnatural vertical orientation.

The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the vertical plant growth wall, comprising the steps of: - arranging the pre-shaped substrate slab with its plurality of plant growing recesses in the portable open tray, in particular with plants already placed into the plant growing recesses; - fixedly connecting the mounting profile to a wall, foundation poles or the like; - realisably positioning the portable open tray together with the pre-shaped substrate slab in the vertical position inside the mounting profile while leaving the front side of the pre-shaped substrate slab substantially free.

The method allows for arranging the pre-shaped substrate slab and the plants in the portable open tray at any location. The pre-shaped substrate slab may be provided in the portable open tray using a single push/pull movement. The plants may then be provided in the plant-growing recesses without requiring additional substrate material. As the pre-shaped substrate slab and the plants are then provided in the portable open tray, the substrate and the plants can be handled, transported and installed conveniently at any other desired location. At this location, comprising the mounting surface, such as a wall or foundation pole, the mounting profile is connected to the mounting surface. Subsequently, the portable open tray provided with the substrate and, optionally, the plants may be positioned in the mounting profile.

In an embodiment, the step of realisably positioning the portable open tray together with the pre-shaped substrate slab in the vertical position inside the mounting profile may comprise the steps of: - positioning a first one of the side walls of the portable open tray in a portion of the mounting profile, - pivoting the portable open tray around the first one of the side walls of the portable open tray, while the first one of the side walls is held by the portion of the mounting profile, - attaching an opposing second one of the side walls of the portable open tray to an opposing portion of the mounting profile.

As such, the portable open tray may be positioned inside the mounting profile by lifting it towards a desired height, and one simple pivoting movement. For extra reliability, e.g. in case of strong winds, one of the second side walls of the portable open tray may be attached to the mounting profile, for example by tightening a screw.

This embodiment of the method clearly reinforces the convenience of providing a vertical growth wall according to the inventive thought.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention are stated in the dependent sub claims.

List of figures Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will now be elucidated by a description of the embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1a schematically depicts a perspective view of a vertical plant growth wall according to an embodiment of the invention, while the portable open tray is arranged horizontally, befare positioning in the mounting profile; Figure 1b schematically depicts a front side view of the vertical plant growth wall of Figure 1a, while the portable open tray is positioned vertically in the mounting profile; Figure 2 schematically depicts a perspective view of a vertical plant growth wall according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein multiple portable open trays are positioned vertically in the mounting profile; Figure 3 schematically depicts a partially disassembled view of the vertical plant growth wall of Figure 2; Figure 4 schematically depicts a lateral side view of a cross section along line A-A of the vertical plant growth wall of Figure 2; Figure 5 schematically depicts a lateral side view of an encircled section AL of the mounting profile of Figure 4; Figure 6 schematically depicts a perspective view of a portable open tray, a pre- shaped substrate slab and fixation brackets according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 schematically depicts a lateral side view of a cross section along line B-B of the portable open tray and the substrate slab of Figure 6; and Figure 8 schematically depicts a perspective view of a horizontally extending profile of the mounting profile, the water supply line and the drain manifold of Figure 4. Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals are used to refer to corresponding components or to components, which have a corresponding function.

Detailed description of the figures Figure 1a schematically depicts a perspective view of a vertical plant growth wall 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, while the portable open tray 4 is arranged horizontally, before positioning in the mounting profile 5. The substrate 2 is a pre-shaped substrate slab, comprising a plurality of plant growing recesses 3, which are arranged at a front side 22. The portable open tray 4 comprises a base wall 42, two opposing side walls 44, 46, which extend horizontally when the portable open tray 4 is arranged in the vertical position of Figure 1b, and two opposing side walls 43, 45, which extend vertically in said vertical position. For assembly of the vertical growth wall 1, the pre-shaped substrate slab 2 can be inserted into the portable open tray 4, for example using a simple push movement, such that a back side 21 of the pre-shaped substrate slab 2 and a portion of the lateral sides 23, 24, 25, 26 are covered by the pre-shaped substrate slab retaining element, which is the portable open tray

4. Furthermore, plants 90 may be placed in the plant growing recesses 3 of the pre-shaped substrate slab 2. For illustration purposes, in Figure 1b, some of the plant growing recesses 3 are provided with plants 90. Additionally, the mounting profile 5 is fixedly connected to a mounting surface 99, in this case a conventional wall. The mounting profile 5 may, for example, be attached to the mounting surface 99 by attachment means, such as a screw, bolts/nuts or rivets. The mounting profile 5 comprises a first portion 54 and a second portion 56, wherein the first portion 54 comprises a projecting front edge 51. For positioning the portable open tray 4 together with the pre shaped substrate slab 2 and plants 90 in the vertical position of Figure 1b, a first one 43 of the side walls 43, 44, 45, 46 of the portable open tray 4 may be inserted between the projecting front edge 51 and the wall 99, such that the portable open tray 4 is in contact with the first portion 54 along a line R-R extending along the first one 43 of the side walls 43, 44, 45, 46. By pivoting the portable open tray 4 in direction r around the axis defined by line R-R, an opposing second one 45 of the side walls 43, 44, 45, 46 of the portable open tray 4 may be arranged near a second portion 56 of the mounting profile 5. For attachment to each other, the mounting profile 5 and the second one 45 of the side walls are provided with apertures 59, 49, respectively, through which connection means 91 may be inserted, such as a bolt or a pin for forming a pin-hole joint. As such, the while the portable open tray 4 is positioned vertically in the mounting profile 5, rendering the front side view of Figure 1B. When arranged inside the mounting profile 5, the front side 22 of the pre-shaped substrate slab 2 is substantially free.

Figure 2 schematically depicts a perspective view and Figure 3 schematically depicts a partially disassembled view of a vertical plant growth wall 1 according to another embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 schematically depicts a lateral side view of a cross section along line A-A of the vertical plant growth wall of Figure 2, and Figure 4 schematically depicts a lateral side view of an encircled section AL of the mounting profile of Figure 4.

Herein, multiple portable open trays 4 are positioned vertically in the mounting profile 5, such that they together form a vertical surface. The portable open trays 4 comprise a pre- shaped substrate slab 2, provided with plant growing recesses 3. For illustration purposes, only one of the portable open trays is provided with plants 90 in the plant growing recesses 3.

As depicted in Figure 7, the plant growing recesses 3 extend from the front side 22 into the pre-shaped substrate slab 2 in an angled downward direction towards the back side.

The pre-shaped substrate slab comprises a natural organic, permeable, hydrophilic material and a bonding agent.

The mounting profile 5 comprises horizontally extending profiles 50, which are attached to a mounting surface 99 by means of screws 92 extending from a front side 53 of the horizontally extending profiles 50 into the poles 98, which together form the mounting surface 99. The horizontally extending profiles 50 comprise two horizontal notches 57 which extend along the length of the horizontally extending profiles. By preventing slipping away of a drill and/or screw, the notches 57 aid in positioning of a screw 92 and/or drill on the mounting profile 5.

The portable open trays 4 can be positioned in between each pair of subsequent profiles 50 that is directly located above each other. As such, the lower one of two respective subsequent profiles 50 forms a first portion 54 of the mounting profile 5, which comprises a horizontal limitation surface 52, on which a first one 45 of the side walls 43, 44, 45, 46 of the portable open tray 3 may be placed, and a projecting front edge 51 that delimits the first one 45 of the side walls in frontal direction. The upper one of two respective subsequent profiles 50 forms a second portion 56, for an opposing second one 43 of the side walls 43, 44, 45, 46 of the portable open tray 4 to be attached. As such, the portable open tray 4 is pivotable in a direction r around an axis R-R defined by a first one 45 of the side walls 43, 44, 45, 46, for positioning inside the mounting profile 5. For easing positioning, two vertical side walls 43, 45 and the upper side wall 46 of the portable open tray 4 are provided with an outwardly projecting rim 83. The rim 83 reinforces the portable open tray 4, eases handling of the portable open tray.

The portable open trays 4 and the pre-shaped substrate slabs 3 comprise complementary male and female coupling means, 47, 27, respectively. The complementary male and female coupling means allow for an easy insertion of the pre-shaped substrate slabs 3 in the portable open trays 4, while enlarging the contact surface between a back side 21 of the pre-shaped substrate slab 2 and the base wall 42 to improve the retention of the pre-shaped substrate slab 2 within the portable open tray 4. The complementary male and female coupling means 47, 27, comprise a protrusion 47 extending from a base wall 42 of the portable open tray 4, and a coupling recess 27 arranged in the back side 21 of the pre- shaped substrate slab 2. The complementary male and female coupling means 27, 47 comprise a lower portion 49 that extends in a direction having an acute angle with respect to the vertical direction, and an upper portion 48 that extends in a horizontal direction. The complementary male and female coupling means ensure that the pre-shaped substrate slab does not slump down in the portable open tray. As can be seen in Figure 7, the side walls 43, 44, 45, 46 of the portable open tray 4 extend from the respective sides of the base wall 42,

while widening away from each other. Therewith, easy and secure placement of the pre- shaped substrate slab 2 within the portable open tray 3 is possible, by means of a single push movement. Furthermore, water inlet openings 81 are arranged in the upper side wall 46 of the portable open tray 4, and water outlet openings 82 are arranged in the lower side wall 44 of the portable open tray 4. The surface area of water inlet openings 81 is larger than the surface area of the water outlet openings 82. The portable open trays 4 of Figures 2, 3 and 6 can be connected to the horizontally extending profiles 50 of the mounting profile 5 by means of an U-shaped fixation bracket 70. The fixation bracket 70 may be clamped around the portable open tray by means of its legs 71 and 72, which are unequal in length. A longer leg 71 extends along the front side 22 of the pre-shaped substrate slab 2, while leaving the front side 22 substantially free. A shorter leg extends around the base wall 42 of the portable open tray 4. For further fixation, the fixation bracket 70 is connectable to the base wall 42 of the portable open tray by means of connection members 75, which extend through the pre-shaped substrate slab 2, and are provided with an inner thread at an end near the fixation bracket, and an outer tread at an end near the base wall 42. The fixation bracket and the base wall 42 are provided with apertures 74, 49, respectively, through which a bolt or screw may be provided for fixation with the inner and treads of the connection member 75. Furthermore, the fixation brackets 70 are provided with an upper aperture 76, for fixation with the mounting profile 5. In order to provide for a releasable connection, the horizontally extending profiles are provided with a duct configured to receive a nut. In this nut duct 61, a hammerhead nut, corresponding to a bolt that fits through upper aperture 76 of the fixation brackets 70, may be provided. The nut duct 61 has a width w which is slightly larger than the width of the hammerhead nut, such that the hammerhead nut may be rotated slightly within the nut duct 61, while a complete rotation of the nut around the rotation axis defined by its thread is blocked. This way, the hammerhead nut may be inserted into the nut duct 61 through the frontal opening of the nut duct 61, while the hammerhead nut is already attached to the bolt corresponding to the hammerhead nut. Then, the fixation bracket 70 can be clamped to the mounting profile 5 by a tightening the bolt. As the hammerhead nut will rotate slightly within the nut duct 81, the hammerhead nut will not be aligned with the frontal opening of the nut duct 61, and may be clamped therein. Alternatively, the portable open trays may be connected to the mounting profile 5 in a different way, for example by connecting the second one 43 of the side walls 43, 44, 45, 46 of the portable open tray 4 with a horizontally extending profile by means of a screw.

The horizontally extending profiles 50 are arranged as integrally formed rigid extrusion profiles, made of aluminium. The horizontally extending profiles 50 comprise a horizontal limitation surface 52, on which a portable open tray 4 can be provided. A water collection gutter 58 is located as a lower portion within the limitation surface 52. As such, water may flow towards the water collection gutter 58, for example excess water flowing out of the portable open trays 4. At the lower sides, the horizontally extending profiles 50 also comprise a horizontal water supply duct 59 arranged to fixate a water supply line 60 at the mounting profile 5. Furthermore, reinforcement members 55 are provided that extend horizontally along the horizontally extending profiles 50. The reinforcement members 55 further increase the bending stiffness of the horizontally extending profiles 50, and therewith, a relatively light but strong construction is obtained.

As depicted in Figure 8, the outer ends of the horizontally extending profiles 50 may be fitted with a cover plate 81 or a drain manifold 80. For this, the horizontally extending profiles 50 comprise connection ducts 62 that extend along them in longitudinal direction. The cover plate 81 and the drain manifold 80 are attached to the horizontally extending profiles 50 by means of coupling means that are complementary to the connection ducts 62. In the current embodiment, the coupling means comprise screws 83 that are driven in the connection ducts 62. As an alternative, other connection means may be used, such as glue, or protrusions extending from the cover plate 81 and/or drain manifold 80 that project in the direction of the horizontally extruding profiles to form a pin-hole connection. Furthermore, sealing elements 82 are clamped between the cover plate 81 / drain manifold 80 and the horizontally extending profiles 50 by screws 83. The sealing elements 82 ensure a fluid tight connection under all conditions. The drain manifold comprises an upper port 86, a lower port 84, and a side port (not shown). The side port allows water to flow from the horizontal water collection gutter 58 into the drain manifold 80, such that excess water may flow away through the lower port 84, into a lower drain channel, for example towards a sewage system or water reservoir 94. Multiple drain manifolds 80 may be connected by means of drain channels 85 connected to the lower port 84 and upper port 86 of two subsequent drain manifolds 80. The drain channels 85 are ribbed plastic tubes in the current embodiment, but may alternatively be provided as flexible hoses or rigid metal profiles. Alternatively, no cover plates 81 or drain manifolds 82 may be provided at all when water collection is not required, for example when installed outdoors.

In the current embodiment, the vertical growth wall 1 is further provided with a humidity sensor 97 arranged at one of the sides of the pre-shaped substrate slab 2, which determines a moisture content of the substrate. Furthermore, an external device 96 is provided, which is configured to communicate wirelessly with the humidity sensor 97 and the pump 95. The external device 96 functions as a regulator by activating the pump 95 based on a humidity determined by the sensor 97. The external device 96 is also configured to signal an audible, visible and haptic warning signal, in case a deviating moisture content is determined by the sensor. The settings, such as a bandwidth for the moisture content determined by the sensor that is allowed before the regulator activates the pump 95 and/or the warning signal, can be changed on the external device 96. Alternatively, a controllable drain and/or a wired regulator may be provided.

Besides the shown and described embodiments, numerous variants are possible.

For example the dimensions and shapes of the various parts can be altered.

Also it is possible to make combinations between advantageous aspects of the shown embodiments.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and therefore will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

-30- CONCLUSIONS

Vertical plant growth wall (1), comprising: - a substrate comprising a plurality of plant growth recesses (3) arranged, in a vertical position, in the substrate at a front side (22) thereof; - a substrate holding element which, in the vertical position, comprises at least a rear side (21) of the substrate and at least a portion of the lateral sides (23, 24, 25, 26) located between the rear side (21) and the extend front (22) of the substrate, bound; and - a mounting profile (5), for example an aluminum extrusion profile, arranged to support the substrate holding element (3) and the substrate in the vertical position, characterized in that the substrate is a preformed substrate mat (2), and the substrate holding element is a portable open tray (4) comprising: - a base wall (42) arranged to cover the rear (21) of the substrate mat (2); and - side walls (43, 44, 45, 46) arranged to cover the respective lateral sides (23, 24, 25, 26) of the substrate mat, the portable open tray (4) being arranged to, in the vertical position to keep the substrate mat (2) while leaving the front side (22) of the substrate mat (2) substantially free.

A vertical plant growth wall according to claim 1, wherein a portion (54) of the mounting profile (5) is adapted to hold a first (44) of the side walls of the portable open tray (4) such that the portable open tray can be tilted is around the first of the side walls when the first of the side walls is held by the portion of the mounting profile so that an opposite second (46) of the side walls of the portable open box can be attached to an opposite portion (56) of the mounting profile by means of at least one connecting element.

The vertical plant growth wall of claim 2, wherein the portion (54) of the mounting profile includes a boundary surface (52) having a projecting leading edge (51) about the first of the side walls (44) of the portable open tray in a forward direction. to limit.

A vertical plant growth wall according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable open tray (4) and the preformed substrate mat (2) comprise complementary male and female coupling means.

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Vertical plant growth wall according to claim 4, wherein the female coupling means comprise at least one coupling recess (27) provided in the rear and/or the lateral sides of the preformed substrate mat (2), and wherein the male coupling means comprise at least one protrusion extending from the base (42) and/or side walls (43, 44, 45, 46) of the portable open tray (4).

A vertical plant growth wall according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the complementary male and female coupling means comprise a lower portion (49) extending in a direction at an acute angle to a vertical direction, and an upper portion (48). ) that extends in a horizontal direction.

A vertical plant growth wall according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side walls (43, 44, 45, 46) of the portable open tray (4) extend from the respective sides of the base wall as they move away from each other.

A vertical plant growth wall according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable open container comprises water inlet openings (81) formed in an upper side wall (46) of the container, and water outlet openings (82) in a lower side wall (44) of the container. the tank, in particular wherein a total area of the water inlet openings is greater than a total area of the water outlet openings.

A vertical plant growth wall according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the side walls (43, 44, 45, 46) of the portable open tray is provided with an outwardly projecting rim (83).

A vertical plant growth wall according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable open tray is attachable to the mounting profile by means of at least one mounting bracket (70), the mounting bracket extending along a front side (22) of the preformed substrate mat, in the particularly wherein the mounting bracket is connectable to the base wall (42) of the portable open tray by means of one or more connecting means (75) extending through the preformed substrate mat from its front to its rear.

Vertical plant growth wall according to claim 10, wherein the mounting bracket is attached to the mounting profile (5), for which the mounting profile comprises in particular a channel (81) arranged to receive a nut, such that a complete

-32.

rotation of the nut is blocked such that the mounting bracket (70) can be clamped against the mounting profile by a bolt that corresponds to the nut.

A vertical plant growth wall according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting profile comprises horizontally extending profiles (50) which form a horizontal water collection gutter (58) on their higher sides and/or a horizontal water supply channel (59) on their lower sides. molding adapted to fix a water supply line (60) to the mounting profile, in particular formed entirely by a rigid extrusion profile, more particularly made of aluminum.

A vertical plant growth wall according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a discharge channel (85) for discharging liquid from a horizontal water collection gutter (58) of the mounting profile (5); - a discharge manifold (80), comprising: - a lower port (84) adapted to be connected to a lower discharge channel; - a side gate arranged to be connected to the horizontal water collection gutter; and - at least one manifold connecting element (83) extending from the discharge manifold towards the side port, the mounting profile and the manifold connecting element comprising complementary coupling means comprising at least one connecting channel (62) arranged in the mounting profile, for attaching the drain manifold (80) to the mounting profile, the drain manifold in particular comprising an upper port (86) adapted to be connected to a lower drain channel.

A vertical plant growth wall according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - an adjustable water supply (95), connected to a water supply line (60); - a sensor (97) arranged to determine a moisture content of the preformed substrate mat, a controller (96) being provided for controlling the water supply to the water supply line in dependence on the moisture content determined by the sensor and/or for issuing a warning signal in the event that a moisture content deviation is detected by the sensor.

-33-

A vertical plant growth wall according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plant growth recesses (3) extend from the front side (22) in the preformed substrate mat (2), in an oblique downward direction towards the rear side (21).

A vertical plant growth wall according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the preformed substrate mat (2) comprises a natural, permeable, hydrophilic material and a binding agent.

A method for manufacturing a vertical plant growth wall according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: - arranging the preformed substrate mat (2) with its plurality of plant growth recesses (3) in the portable open tray {4}, in particular with plants (90) already placed in the plant growth recesses; - fixing the mounting profile (5) to a wall (99), foundation piles (98), or the like; - releasably positioning the portable open tray (4) together with the preformed substrate mat (2) in the vertical position in the mounting profile (5), while leaving the front side (22) of the preformed substrate mat (2) substantially free.

A method for manufacturing a vertical plant growth wall according to claim 17, wherein the step of releasably positioning the portable open tray together with the preformed substrate mat in the vertical position in the mounting profile comprises the steps of: - positioning a first ( 44) of the side walls of the portable open box in a portion of the mounting profile (5), - tilting the portable open box around the first of the side walls of the portable open box, while the first of the side walls passes through the portion of the mounting frame is held, - fixing an opposite second (46) of the side walls of the portable open box to an opposite portion (56) of the mounting profile.