GB2104365A - Cloches - Google Patents

Abstract

A cloche framework, to be covered in transparent sheeting, comprises wire hoops 10 which are interconnected by means of wire links 12 which are pivotally connected to the hoops by means of coiled end portions 18 and 20. In the erected framework the hoops and links provide a tunnel-like structure with the hoops at spaced-apart positions determined by the links. The framework can be collapsed longitudinally into a generally flat form by raising alternate hoops and bringing together the alternate hoops and the remaining hoops into two bunches, with the links extending between the two bunches. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Cloches This invention is concerned with improvements in or relating to cloches, suitable for use in grwing small plants.

Cloches are known which comprise a light metal framework, covered by flexible transparent sheeting (for example of a polyethylene plastics material) providing an elongate, tunnel-like, shelter for a row of plants. Such cloches are usually temporary structures which can be erected as and where required, and most known cloches comprise frameworks which have to be disassembled to reduce their size for transportation and storage. Such disassembly is time-consuming and necessitates the storage of separate components, which can become separated and lost. Furthermore, reassembly of the cloche is also time-consuming.

It is an object of the present invention to provide, especially with a view to ease of installation and removal and convenience in transportation and storage, an improved cloche framework.

The invention provides in one of its aspects a framework for a cloche, the framework comprising a plurality of hoops which are interconnected by means of links which are pivotally connected to the hoops, the construction being such that in the erected framework the hoops and the links provide a tunnel-like structure with the hoops at spacedapart positions along the structure as determined by the links, and the construction further being such that the erected framework can be collapsed longitudinally into a generally flat form by raising alternate hoops relative to the remaining hoops and bringing together said alternate hoops and said remaining hoops into two bunches of hoops between which the links extend.

Preferably the hoops and the links are all of the same nominal sizes and the link length is much the same as the maximum hoop width.

A preferred material form for the construction of the hoops and the links is wire of a gauge in the range 1 3 to 9 SWG. Most preferably steel wire of 11 SWG is used.

When formed from wire. the links may conveniently comprise coiled end portions whereby they are pivotally mounted on the hoops. The arrangement is preferably such that an endmost link can be slipped from the two hoops which it connects, to release the associated endmost hoop and shorten the erected framework.

When the framework is erected, a sheet of a transparent covering material can be placed over the framework and secured. Various provisions have been made in known cloches for securement of the covering material, but it is a further object of the present invention to provide a cloche framework comprising improved fastening means whereby the material can be secured in a simple and efficient manner.

The invention provides in another of its aspects a framework for a cloche, the framework comprising a plurality of hoops, which in the erected framework are spaced-apart along the length of a tunnel-like structure so provided, and fastening means whereby a covering of a flexible material can be secured in position over the framework, said fastening means comprising a plurality of clips mounted on some at least of the hoops and each clip comprising a clamping portion which is resiliently urged to trap a portion of covering material against the hoop on which the clip is mounted.

The clips are preferably formed as sheet metal pressings, the clamping portion being in the general form of a clamping plate. For greater grip on covering material, the plate may be recessed to accomodate closely the adjacent portion of the hoop, so increasing the area over which the material is trapped (as compared with the area which would be trapped if the plate where not recessed).

There now follows a detailed description, to be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, of a collapsible framework for a cloche which illustrates the invention by way of example.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a view in perspective of an end portion of the framework when erected; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of a procedure involved in collapsing the erected framework into a generally flat form; and Figure 3 shows in perspective, on a larger scale than Fig. 1, a spring clip of fastening means of the framework.

The framework (Fig. 1 ) comprises a plurality of hoops 10 which are interconnected by means of links 1 2. In the erected framework, the hoops and the links provide a tunnel-like structure with the hoops maintained at spaced-apart positions along the structure as determined by the links.

The hoops 10 and the links 1 2 are all made from steel wire of 11 SWG, and are all of the same nominal sizes. The hoops are generally U-shaped, comprising a semi-circular portion 1 4 connecting two short straight parallel arms 1 6 (which are adapted to be inserted into the ground in use of the cloche). The links, which are of a length much the same as the diameter of the semi-circular portions 1 4 of the hoops (i.e. the maximum hoop width), comprise coiled end portions 1 8 and 20 whereby they are pivotally mounted on, and connected to, the hoops.The arrangement is such that an endmost link (that furthest to the left, in Fig. 1) can (after removal of spring clips 22 to be described hereinafter) be slipped from the two hoops which it connects, to release the associated end most hoop and shorten the erected framework; this can be repeated, along the whole length of the framework, as may be required to give a shortened framework of a desired length.

The framework comprises fastening means.

comprising the spring clips 22. whereby a covering of a flexible transparent covering material (e.g. polyethylene) can be secured in position over the erected framework. The clips 22 are mounted on the arms 1 6 of the hoops (one clip on each arm is preferred, though fewer clips might in some circumstances be found adequate). The ,ips are formed as elongate. sheet metal. pressings and (as best seen in Fig. 3) each comprises a clamping portion in the general form of a clamping plate 24. A rear face of the clamping plate 24 is resiliently urged into engagement with an adjacent portion of the hoop, in order that it can trap a portion of covering material against the hoop.The plate 24 is recessed In its rear face (indicated at 26) to accomodate closely the adjacent portion of the hoop, in order that it and the hoop will grip the covering material over a substantial surface area between them.

The clamping plate 24 extends from a forwardly bowed portion 28, which in turn extends from a mounting portion 30. The arm 1 6 of the hoop extends through an aperture 32 in the bowed portion 28 of the clip and beneath a retaining strap 34 pressed out from a front face of the mounting portion 30.

As illustrated by Fig. 2, the construction of the framework is such that the erected framework can be collapsed longitudinally into a generally flat form. By raising alternate hoops A, C, E, etc. relative to the remaining hoops B, D, etc., the hoops A, C, E, etc. and the hoops B. D, etc. can be brought together (as indicated by the arrows) into two bunches of hoops between which the links extend. For a particularly neat collapsed form, the hoops B, D, etc. can be rotated through 1 80 about the links (to the positions shown in Fig. 2) during (or after) collapse of the framework. To reerect the framework, the collapsing procedure is simply reversed. The links 1 2 having a length much the same as the diameter of the semi-circular portions 1 4 of the hoops. the fully collapsed framework has a generally circular form.

Claims (7)

1. A framework for a cloche, the framework comprising a plurality of hoops which are interconnected by means of links which are pivotally connected to the hoops. the construction being such that in the erected framework the hoops and the links provide a tunnel-like structure with the hoops at spacedapart positions along the structure as determined by the links, and the construction further being such that the erected framework can be collapsed longitudinally into a generally flat form by raising alternate hoops relative to the remaining hoops and bringing together said alternate hoops and said remaining hoops into two bunches of hoops between which the links extend.

2. A framework according to claim 1 in which the hoops and the links are of wire.

3. A framework according to claim 2 in which the links comprise coiled end portions whereby they are pivotally mounted on the hoops.

4. A framework according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in which an endmost link can be slipped from the two hoops which it connects, to release the associated end most hoop and shorten the erected framework.

5. A framework for a cloche substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

6. A cloche comprising a framework according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a sheet of a transparent covering material secured over the framework.

7. A pack comprising links and hoops adapted to be assembled to form a framework according to any one of claims 1 to 5.