GB2364623A

GB2364623A - Plant support

Info

Publication number: GB2364623A
Application number: GB0014264A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barry Philip Mccomb
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-06-13
Filing date: 2000-06-13
Publication date: 2002-02-06
Also published as: GB0014264D0

Abstract

The plant support comprises at least one base part (8) with at least one socket (20), a tubular sleeve (9) having an outside diameter which forms a close fit when inserted into the socket (20) and a pointed part (10) which enables a push fit within the inside diameter of the tubular sleeve. In use the pointed part (10) is used to penetrate both sides of a growbag, the pointed part (10) is then removed and replaced by a cove (12).

Description

<Desc/Clms Page number 1> IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS FOR SUPPORTING PLANTS This invention relates to improvements in means for providing structural support to plants. Traditionally, plants and in particular horticultural plants are often supported against damage due to high winds or self-weight, by tying their stems to stakes or canes, which are driven into the ground, usually, one adjacent to each plant.

As an alternative to planting directly in the ground, bags filled with mixtures of soil and compost are available, called growing bags. These bags enable people, who perhaps have no garden, to plant crops and flowers on say a balcony, patio or similar hard standing. The bags are generally purchased sealed and have to be manhandled and transported home, so their size and in particular their depth is limited.

In use a growing bag is normally laid on a flat surface, apertures are then cut in the uppermost side and seeds or plants are placed within the soil, which is contained within the bag. As the plants grow they will usually need supporting, not only against wind damage, but also due to lack of support to the roots resulting from the shallow depth of the soil within the bag and that it is not generally well compacted.

There are products available for supporting plants in growing bags; some require the temporary removal of soil from the bag to enable a cane-supporting base to be placed within the bottom of the bag. When back-filled, the limited soil weight on the base within the bag offers only a degree of support to the cane. As these bases are designed to

accommodate natural canes of varying diameter they tend to be bulky and being within the bag can reduce root space for the plants. Further, if at the end of the growing season, the bases are to be retained, they may have to be separated from the soil and roots, which can prove a time consuming and untidy operation.

An object of this invention is to provide an adaptable, self contained support system in the form of a kit of parts, which allows inexpensive, easy, clean and stable support for plants, even when they are contained within a growing bag that is sited on a hard-standing. According to the present invention there is provided a means for supporting plants, typically but not exclusively, in growing bags. The invention comprises a base part, or parts, that may be circular or other shape on plan, in which is incorporated a means for engaging a sleeve projection, typically a collar boss or bosses as a means of forming a socket or sockets. There is also a separate tubular sleeve component that has an outside diameter, which forms a close fit when inserted into the boss socket on the base. A separate pointed part is also provided, its end opposite the point forms a shouldered projection with a diameter that enables a push fit within the inside diameter of the sleeve. The base and sleeve of the invention could be formed as a single component but are preferably separated as described to simplify and economise on tooling and packaging. In addition to the above parts, the assembly incorporates a rod or cane that serves as a plant support cane, the diameter of which forms a fit within the sleeve - with the point removed.

In use, one end of the sleeve part is fitted into the socket of the base and the point is then fitted to the opposite end of the sleeve, this being the top end. Normally three such assemblies, in this preferred form, would be required as most growing bags accommodate three plants. The assembly or assemblies are then placed, normally in-line on a flat surface with pointed ends uppermost; a sealed growing bag is then dropped or lowered onto the point or points, which penetrate fully through the bag and its contents. The point is then removed from each sleeve end protruding through the top side of the growing bag and one end of each cane is inserted fully into each sleeve to complete the installation, all without opening the growing bag or removal or spillage of any soil. Alternatively, the canes may be fitted at a later date when the plants are sufficiently established to warrant support. A protective sleeve cap is included for this option in order to prevent injury in the unlikely event of persons or pets falling onto the projecting sleeves.

It has been found that the base or bases are weighted down more effectively when placed under the bag rather than in it. This is due in part, to the soil within the sealed bag being undisturbed thus compacted and that its mass reaction to lifting is spread well beyond the periphery of each base by the part of the membrane forming the underside of the bag itself.

The base design may be extended to include two, three or more cane sleeve sockets, the only limitation of this arrangement being that the location of the canes would be predetermined by the relative location of the sockets thus perhaps restricting application. Other ways of achieving the bag piercing effect of the detachable points would include the forming of the top end of the sleeve itself into a sharp edge, for example, by cutting it at an acute angle, like that of a hypodermic syringe. A potential problem with this arrangement

however would be that soil could enter and block the open end of the sleeve as it penetrates through the bag and its contents, thus obstructing the passage of the cane when subsequently inserted. Such a fixed point could also pose a danger should a person or pet fall upon it.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective, the assembled cane supports in stages of installation within a growing bag.

Figure 2 illustrates the separated components of the cane-supporting base assembly. Figure 3 shows in perspective, the cane-supporting base assembled with its point. Figure 4 shows in perspective, the cane-supporting base assembled with a cane. Referring to Figure 1. Typical arrangements of three of the cane-supporting bases are shown in their order of assembly in typical unison with a growing bag.

Base assembly 5 comprises of a base 8, sleeve 9 and removable point 10 and shows their relative positions after a growing bag 11 has been purposefully dropped onto them. The base 8 is located beneath the growing bag 11; with sleeves 9 penetrating vertically from the base socket 20 through the bag and its contents to project through the upper side of the bag with the aid of the point 10, which is shown attached. Base assembly 6 comprises the same arrangement as 5, but with the point removed from the sleeve in preparation for inserting into it, a cane 12. Base assembly 7 comprises the same arrangement as 6 except that a cane 12 has been inserted into the sleeve 9 and a safety

cap 13, tie 14, via tie loop 15 are shown fitted to the cane, all of which serve to support plant 16.

Figure 2 illustrates the separate components that form a cane supporting base assembly, comprising base part 8, which incorporates a socket 20, the inside diameter of which has a taper to form an interference fit around the sleeve 9 when its inserted into the socket. The base 8 is shown as a moulded conical disc, this being found most efficient and economical but may be of other material or form, as considered suitable for the purpose. The annular neck 19, which forms the top of base socket 20, is shaped as a tapered shoulder, increasing vertically from the inside diameter of the socket to that of the outside diameter of the collar boss 21. This is provided so that following the smooth passage of the pointed sleeve as it penetrates through the bag, the resilient membrane of the underside of the bag comes into contact with the tapered shoulder of the socket boss. Thus a close fitting perforation around the smaller diameter of the sleeve through the underside of the bag is achieved, whilst the shoulder of the boss, which is not intended to penetrate the bag, raises the actual perforation above the floor level on which the bag is sited. This is to prevent water draining from the bottom of the bag via this necessary perforation.

Figure 3 Indicates the assembled state of the individual components previously described, this being their required state to enable penetration of the growing bag when dropped or lowered onto the assembled base points 10.

Figure 4 shows the final base and cane assembly as it would be, once installed in position as shown in figure 1I7. It includes a cane 12,a sliding tie loop 15 and a cane top safety cap 13. The point 10 has been removed from the sleeve 9, having served its function of penetrating the growing bag, the cane is then inserted into the protruding top end of sleeve 9. Tie loop 15 and safety cap 13 are then fitted to the cane to complete the installation.

Removal of the bases from the bag is easily and cleanly accomplished by withdrawing the canes from the sleeves, rolling or lifting the bag a little and withdrawing the base and sleeve assembly or assemblies from under the growing bag.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An assembly for supporting plants, comprising at least one base part in which is incorporated means for engaging a sleeve projection forming at least one socket, a tubular sleeve component having an outside diameter which forms a close fit when inserted into the at least one socket, and a pointed part whose end opposite the point thereof forms a shouldered projection with a diameter which enables a push fit within the inside diameter of the tubular sleeve component.
2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least the tubular sleeve component and at least one base part are formed separately.
3. An assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pointed part is formed separately.
4. An assembly according to claim 1 or claim 3 when dependent upon claim 1, wherein the at least one base part and tubular sleeve component are formed as a single component.
5. An assembly according to any preceding claim including a rod or cane which serves as a plant support cane and whose diameter forms a fit within the tubular sleeve component with the pointed part removed therefrom.

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6. An assembly according to any preceding claim including a protective sleeve cap which is arranged to replace the pointed part within the inside diameter of the tubular sleeve component.
7. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein said means for engaging a sleeve projection forms a plurality of sockets.
8. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the pointed part is omitted, with the top end of the tubular sleeve component being formable into a sharp edge, such as that of a hypodermic syringe needle.
9. An assembly for supporting plants, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
10. A combination comprising an assembly according to any preceding claim and a plant growing bag, wherein the at least one base part is located beneath the growing bag and the tubular sleeve component extends through the growing bag.
11. A combination according to claim 10, wherein the pointed part is push-fitted on to the upper end of the tubular sleeve component.

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12. A combination according to claim 10 when dependent upon claim 5 or any of claims 6 to 8 when dependent upon claim 5, wherein the rod or cane is fitted in the top end of the tubular sleeve component.