GB2555624A

GB2555624A - Hanging basket bracket

Info

Publication number: GB2555624A
Application number: GB1618646.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Foster Stephen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-11-04
Filing date: 2016-11-04
Publication date: 2018-05-09
Anticipated expiration: 2036-11-04
Also published as: GB2555624B

Abstract

A bracket suitable for holding a hanging basket for plants, comprising a generally triangular backplate 101, a first and a second side 120, 130, extending from the backplate and converging at a point X distal from the backplate, and at least one hook 140. The backplate has fixing positions 110, 112, 113, 114, for mounting the bracket to a planar surface. In some embodiments the fixing points are on side projections from the main backplate (fig 4a, 112 & 113). The backplate itself has a first and second arm 102, 103, diverging from a member 105, and has an optional third arm 104 which creates the enclosed triangle shape. The first and second sides each have an upper member 121, 131, a lower member 122, 132, and may have a structural member 123, 133 between the upper and lower member of each arm. The bracket structure may support a variety of items such as a water reservoirs, a solar panel, or a nest box, within the internal space created by the sides.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Stephen Richard Foster

Buckingham Rise, Allesley Park, COVENTRY, CV5 9HE, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

A47G 7/04 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

US 5826848 A US 5351842 A

US 20090302180 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL A01G, A47B, A47F, A47G Other: WPI, EPODOC (72) Inventor(s):

Stephen Richard Foster (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Stephen Richard Foster

Buckingham Rise, Allesley Park, COVENTRY, CV5 9HE, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Hanging basket bracket

Abstract Title: Hanging basket bracket with triangular backplate (57) A bracket suitable for holding a hanging basket for plants, comprising a generally triangular backplate 101, a first and a second side 120, 130, extending from the backplate and converging at a point X distal from the backplate, and at least one hook 140. The backplate has fixing positions 110, 112, 113, 114, for mounting the bracket to a planar surface. In some embodiments the fixing points are on side projections from the main backplate (fig 4a, 112 & 113). The backplate itself has a first and second arm 102, 103, diverging from a member 105, and has an optional third arm 104 which creates the enclosed triangle shape. The first and second sides each have an upper member 121, 131, a lower member 122, 132, and may have a structural member 123, 133 between the upper and lower member of each arm. The bracket structure may support a variety of items such as a water reservoirs, a solar panel, or a nest box, within the internal space created by the sides.

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Hanging Basket Bracket

The present invention relates to hanging basket brackets for mounting on a vertical wall or similar supporting structure.

Hanging basket brackets, available in a wide range of sizes and designs, are used to, suspend a plant basket or pot at a distance from a supporting structure, for example the wall of a bu ilding, such that flowers contained in and around the basket or pot do not come into contact with said structure, even in windy conditions.

The majority of hanging baskets are between 30cm (12”) and 50cm (20”) in diameter, requiring brackets with hook-to-wall dimensions between 25cm (10”) and 40cm (16”) respectively. Heavy-duty brackets often claim to be capable of supporting basket weights up to 35Kg.

Hanging basket brackets can be manufactured using a wide range of materials, providing the required strength and rigidity can be achieved, but the majority are made from wrought iron, plain carbon steel, or cast iron. Some are cast to shape in one piece, but the majority are fabricated, usually by welding, from various steel sections, including round rod, and flat and square section bar.

Existing bracket designs usually consist of a backplate, and a cantilever type framework extending from the backplate in a vertical plane, to a hook at a location distal from the backplate. The backplate often consists of a simple rectangular plate, of width typically between 15 and 25mm, with a fixing hole at the upper and lower ends, for attaching vertically to the supporting structure, for example a brick wall. In its simplest form the framework is formed by an upper member extending outwardly from the upper end of the backplate and a lower member extending from the lower end of the backplate, both members converging to meet at a point, with one member usually extending beyond this point to form a hook. The two members and backplate form a structure approximating to a triangular shape, and one or more additional members are often arranged within the bounds of this structure, connecting at least 2 of the sides, to increase strength and rigidity. Whilst this design is relatively strong in a vertical plane it is weak in the horizontal plane. In windy conditions horizontal forces can cause the flower basket suspended from the hook to swing from side to side, exerting sideways forces on the hook, which in turn causes a large torque to be applied to the backplate about a vertical axis. For this reason it is usually necessary to position the backplate fixings in solid brickwork, as opposed to the softer mortar joints between the brickwork, otherwise the fixings may eventually be pulled from the wall. Even when fixing into solid brickwork the forces on the wall fixings (e.g. screws), may lead to catastrophic failure of the fixings by fatigue, in extreme cases. It is often undesirable to place fixings into solid brickwork, unless absolutely necessary, as the brickwork is then permanently damaged.

Other brackets have a wider backplate, with 2 fixing positions at both top and bottom, in a rectangular arrangement. Typically the backplate will be up to 6cms wide, with horizontal fixing hole spacings up to 5cms. Other brackets may have side arms projecting horizontally from each side of a narrow backplate, providing fixing positions typically spaced up to 6cms apart. With these designs it may not be a requirement to fix into solid brickwork, but with the number and spacing of the fixing positions it may be unavoidable for some of the fixings. By attaching the backplate more rigidly to the supporting structure, these designs reduce the likelihood of failure at the fixings, but in windy conditions the high torsional forces are applied instead to the welds, or other means of joining the framework to the backplate. As a result these joints may eventually fail by fatigue.

It is now widely acknowledged that Global warming will lead to increases in average wind speeds around the world. The hanging basket brackets described above are designed to accommodate the down ward loads applied to them by the weight of the hanging basket, but have severe limitations when subjected to the horizontal forces encountered in windy conditions.

It is an object ol'the invention to provide an alternative design of bracket that will address, or significantly mitigate, the limitations of existing brackets, and provide enhanced rigidity and load supporting capability.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a bracket of generally ‘three dimensional’ construction where the backplate of the bracket is formed by first and second arms, diverging from a bottom fixing position to form a ‘V’ type shape, and having an upper cross member connecting the two arms towards the upper ends. Further fixing points are positioned either towards the upper ends of the first and second arms or towards the ends of the upper cross member. First and second sides extend outwardly from the first and second backplate arms respectively, converging, with respect to a hori zontal plane, to meet at one or more points along one edge of each side. At least one hook is provided at a location distal from the backplate, for the purpose of supporting a plant basket. The term ‘three dimensional’ in the present context describes a bracket where the structural components of the bracket surround a ‘volume’.

In a preferred embodiment the backplate, formed by first and second arms and the upper cross member, approximates in shape to an isosceles triangle. The first and second sides are preferably identical in design, and form a mirror image about a plane passing vertically through the center of the backplate to the hook at the front of the bracket. Each side approximates to a triangle in shape, comprising an upper member, a lower member and the appropriate backplate arm. The upper member extends from the upper part of the appropriate backplate arm and the lower member from the lower part of the same backplate arm, and the upper and lower members converge towards a common position. Each side is inclined at the same, or similar, angle as the backplate arm, with respect to the vertical. At least one additional ‘structural’ member is included in the design of each side, primarily to add strength, rigidity and aesthetic enhancement. The structural member forms a triangulating connection between either the upper and lower members of the side, the upper member and the backplate arm, the lower member and the backplate arm, or the upper member, the lower member and the backplate arm. The structural member may be a single piece of material, for example a scroll, or a pattern or shape formed by a number of pieces joined together, or a shaped piece of plate, for example formed by laser cutting, or any other piece of metalwork known to a person skilled in the art. At least one hook is provided at a location distal from the backplate, formed either by extending and shaping the upper or lower members from each side beyond the common position, or by adding one or more additional hook shaped members attached to the front of the structure formed by the sides.

According to a further aspect of the invention the up per cross member extends beyond the first and second backplate arms, and may be positioned either at the top end of the backplate arms or a short distance from the ends of the backplate arms. Fixing positions are located towards the ends of the upper cross member, beyond the outer edges of the first and second backplate arms, such that upper side members can be joined to the backplate arms closer to the upper ends of the arms.

According to yet another aspect of the invention a single additional fixing position, giving four fixing positions in total, may be added in the center of the upper cross member. This may be of particular benefit when fixing into mortar joints, where the mortar is significantly softer than the surrounding brickwork, or where the bracket is being subjected to particularly high loads, for example where the bracket is being used to support very heavy plant baskets.

A further aspect of the invention provides a bracket where the upper cross member is omitted from the construction of the backplate, and the two upper fixings are positioned towards the upper ends of the backplate arms.

A still further aspect of the invention provides a bracket where the bottom of the backplate has two small side arms with a fixing position located in each, replacing or in addition to the single fixing position described in earlier aspects of the invention.

A still further aspect of the invention provides a bracket where the bottom of the ‘V’ shaped backplate is truncated and replaced by a bottom backplate member of generally horizontal form, having one or more lower fixing positions. The shape of the backplate in this aspect of the invention approximates to an isosceles trapezium.

Any combination or permutation of upper and lower fixing positions described in the above aspects of the invention may be used in further aspects of the invention, and any number o f additional fixing positions may be added in any position on the backplate.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a bracket where the first and second arms of the backplate are ‘outwardly’ curved with respect to the centerline of the backplate and may be shaped further with a pattern, for example a wavy pattern, on outer and/or inner edges.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a bracket where the first and second arms of the backplate are ‘inwardly’ curved with respect to the centerline of the backplate and may be shaped further with a pattern, for example a wavy pattern, on outer and/or inner edges.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a bracket where the upper cross member of the backplate is curved, either inwardly or outwardly, with respect to the center of the backplate and may be shaped further with a pattern, for example a wavy pattern, on outer and/or inner edges.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a bracket where the upper cross member of the backplate is curved, outwardly along the outer edge, and inwardly along the inner edge, with respect to the center of the backplate, providing an area for mounting, for example a house number, a house name, or any other adorning design feature.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention each lower member of the first and second sides is formed from round rod, and has an upward curling scroll at the lower end, joined to the lower part of the first and second backplate arms, a straight middle section, and a further downward curling scroll at the outermost end. The straight sections of the two members touch along their entire lengths and are joined together in a number of positions to form a strong rigid connection. The scroll at the outermost end of each lower member has an angular displacement with respect to the scroll at the backplate end of the member, such that the two outermost scrolls together form the supporting hook of the bracket. The upper side members and structural members of the first and second sides are also formed from round rod. The upper side members each have a downward curling scroll at the inner end, joined to the upper part of the first and second backplate arms, and an upward curling outermost end. The two upper side members converge to a common position behind the two lower side members, towards the upper end of the straight sections, where all four members are joined together. Each side has a single structural member, scrolled at both ends to form a ‘C’ type shape. The structural members connect the upper and lower members of each side.

In an alternative aspect of the invention the outermost scrolls forming the hook are removed and the straight sections of the lower members terminate close to the common position, where they are joined to the upper side members. A third ‘common’ lower member extends from the bottom of the ‘V’ section of the backplate, at the j unction of the first and second backplate arms, continues centrally, in front of, and in contact with, the two lower members of the first and second sides, over at least a portion of their length, and projects beyond the framework formed by the two sides. The common lower member is shaped to form a bracket hook at the distal end.

In another alternative aspect of the invention the straight middle section of each lower side member is replaced by a series of undulations, where the apex of each ofthe undulations form a straight line, such that the two lower members touch at each apex, where they can be joined to make a strong connection.

In yet another alternative aspect of the invention the middle section of each of the lower side members is curved, with curvature away from the backplate along the plane of the sides. Contact between the two lower members occurs in a single position, towards the middle of the curved sections, where the sides may be joined.

In yet another alternative aspect of the invention the middle section of each of the lower side members is curved, with curvature towards the backplate along the-plane ofthe sides. Contact between the two lower members occurs close to the transition between the curved middle section and the outermost scrolled end of each lower member, where they may be joined. Depending on geometry, there may also be a second contact point between the two lower members, close to the transition between the curved middle section and inner scrolled end of each lower member, where the sides may also be joined.

Other aspects of the invention provide first and second sides where the two lower members of the sides are either fully or partially replaced by a common lower member. In one aspect ofthe invention the two lower members are fully replaced by a common lower member and the common lower member is joined to the backplate towards the bottom of the Ύ’ section, at the junction of the first and second backplate arms. The common lower member extendsforwards and upwards, and the two upper side members converge to a position behind the common lower member, at an upper position, where all three members are joined. The outer end of the common lower member extends beyond this point and is shaped to form a hook for supporting the hanging basket. In one aspect of this invention the bottom of the backplate projects downwards, beyond the position where the common lower member is joined to the backplate, and provides at least one fixing position. In yet another aspect of this invention the bottom ofthe backplate has two small side arms with a fixing position in each, replacing, or in addition to, the single fixing position described in earlier aspects of the invention.

In a further aspect of the invention where the two lower side members are partially replaced by a common lower member, the two lower members form the bottom part ofthe first and second sides and are joined to first and second arms of the backplate. These lower members extend forward and upward from the backplate and converge towards a position where they touch at a point or along a length, and beyond this position the two lower members terminate and are replaced by, and joined to, a single common lower member. The common lower member continues to extend outwardly, as described in the previous aspect of the invention, to form the bracket hook.

In each aspect ofthe invention, where a hook has been formed by one or more lower side members, or a common lower member, this may be replaced by one or more hooks formed from one or more separate hook members, joined to the outer ends of the upper or lower side members, or any other part of the bracket structure.

Ih each aspect of the invention one or more additional ‘top support’ members may be added to the bracket structure, extending from the upper cross member of the backplate to a common upper position where the first and second sides converge and are joined together. In a preferred embodiment a single central top support member extends from a position on the upper cross member, mid-way between the backplate arms, passing over the common upper position, where it is joined to the side members, and extending beyond this structure to form the bracket hook.

In a further embodiment of the invention the backplate is formed from flat section bar, and consists of first and second arms forming a ‘V’ type shape, and an upper cross member extending beyond the first and second arms, with fixing positions located towards each end, beyond the outer edges of the first and second arms. The bottom of the backplate is truncated and replaced by a horizontal lower backplate member, with a lower fixing position towards each end of the member. The bracket sides each consist of a lower side member, gently curved along it’s length and curved inwardly, along the plane of the sides, towards the backplate, and a straight upper side member, all formed from flat section bar. The upper and lower side members have plain ends, as opposed to the scrolled ends described in previous embodiments. The upper side members extend horizontally from the intersection of the upper cross member with the first and second side arms, adjacent to the upper fixing positions, converging to a common position at a location distal from the backplate. The lower side members extend outwardly and upwardly from a position on the lower backplate member, between the two lower fixing positions, diverging and then converging, due to the curved form of the members, to meet at the common position where they are joined to the upper side members. The curved aspect of the two lower side members produces a ‘front wall’ between the two members of biconvex shape. At least one ‘structural’ member is included in the design of the front wall, forming a connection between the two lower side members, primarily to add strength, rigidity and aesthetic enhancement. In one aspect of the embodiment a forged flower member connects the lower side members across the center of the front wall, and two further structural members, in the form of circular rings, made from round rod, connect the lower side members towards the upper and lower ends of the front wall. Structural side members are each fabricated from round rod , where six circular rings are arranged around an inner ring, and joined at all contact points to form a strong rigid structure. The structural side members are incorporated into each side and joined to the upper and lower side members and the appropriate backplate arm. Additional structural side members, in the form of rings, are positioned between the upper and lower side members, and between the lower side members and backplate arms. Two hooks, formed from fiat bar,,extend outwardly from the common position. The hooks are shaped so that the inner hook is joined to the underneath of the lower side members and the outer hook to the upper surfaces of the upper side members.

In each aspect of the invention the first and second sides may have an outwardly curved profile, or a design or combination of structural or non-structural members giving the impression of an outwardly curved profile.

In each aspect of the invention the first and second sides may have an inwardly curved profile, or a design or combination of structural or non-structural members giving the impression of an inwardly curved profile.

In each aspect of the invention the volume enclosed by the backplate and first and second sides of the bracket may be used to contain, or support, a water reservoir, for the purpose of dispensing water to the hanging plant basket supported from the bracket. Water could be dispensed to the plants at a constant rate, for example a drip feed.

In each aspect of the invention the volume enclosed by the backplate and first and second sides of the bracket may be used to contain, support, or house other equipment, including for example, but not limited to, security lights, and security cameras, with the advantage that these devices are partially hidden from the view of an intruder by the framework of the hanging basket bracket.

In each aspect of the invention the upper surface, sides, or extremities of the hanging basket bracket may be used to support a solar panel, for the purpose of supplying electricity to equipment contained, supported or housed within the volume enclosed by the backplate and first and second sides.

In each aspect of the invention the volume enclosed by the backplate and first and second sides of the bracket may be used to contain, support, or house a garden plant.

In each aspect ofthe invention the volume enclosed by the backplate and first and second sides of the bracket may be used to contain, support, or house any type or shape of nesting box for birds or insects. In each aspect of the invention the hanging basket bracket may be mounted in an inverted position.

In each aspect of the invention the backplate may be formed by joining together a number of pieces of flat, square or rounded section bar, or any other section of bar, or by cutting the backplate shape from a single piece of sheet material, for example by using laser or water jet cutting. The backplate may be curved or stepped such that only a part of the backplate is in contact with the supporting surface when mounted. Other decorating features may be applied or added to the backplate material, including but not limited to chamfered, rounded or scalloped edges, and surface patterns including hammered, fluted or embossed effects applied by forging, rolling, casting or other methods. Other designs may be applied to the backplate members in the form of shaped cutouts. Other adornments may be added to the backplate, for example scrolls, flower or leaf shapes etc. in order to improve the aesthetic appearance of the bracket. In a preferred embodiment the backplate first and second arms and upper cross member form a ‘frame’ with an open interior space, but additional designs may be supported within this space, for example silhouette shapes. Alternatively the backplate could be formed from a single piece of material, with no cutouts, having the same outer shape as a ‘framed’ backplate.

In each aspect of the invention, other component members of the bracket, and in particular the structure formed by first and second sides extending from the backplate, may be formed from round rod, flat bar, square bar or any other cross section of material (and any combination of cross sections), and may be shaped by forging, casting, cold pressing, bending, twisting etc. to form a wide range of designs, including, but not limited to scrolls. Any ofthe side members may be formed from a single piece of material , or a number of pieces of material joined together. Additional cast, forged or cold pressed designs, for example flowers, leaves, rosettes, baskets etc., or designs cut from sheet material, for example silhouettes, may be added to, or included in, the side designs, either within or outside the bounds ofthe side members, and these may be structural in nature, or non-structural and simply for adornment.

All component parts of the invention may be formed, shaped and joined using techniques famil iar to a person skilled in the art of wrought i ronwork, but need not be limited to iron based materials. Other materials, including, for example aluminium alloys, could be formed and fabricated using similar techniques.

In each aspect ofthe invention the preferred method of fabricating or joining the various parts of the hanging basket bracket is by welding, but any other means of fabrication could be used, including but not limited to hot forging, riveting, collars, high strength structural adhesives etc., providing the finished bracket has the strength and rigidity required to support the plant basket in all weather conditions.

In each aspect ofthe invention one or more coatings may be applied to the surfaces of the bracket to give protection from corrosion. This may be particularly important for brackets manufactured from iron-based materials, where protective coatings may include zinc galvanization, paints, and powder coatings, for example.

In preferred embodiments of the invention the distance between fixing positions in both a vertical and horizontal aspect may be selected to be multiples of brick heights and lengths, so that when mounting to a brick wall there is the option of fixing into the mortar joints ofthe wall, offering a wider range of mounting positions, without permanently damaging the brickwork. Standard metric bricks in the United Kingdom are 215mm wide and 65mm high and standard mortar joint thickness is I Omm, but sizes may be different in other countries and different fixture spacings may be preferred in different countries. In a preferred embodiment of the invention having two upper fixing positions and a single bottom fixing position, a horizontal upper fixture spacing of 225mm, and vertical fixture spacing of 300mm might be used for example. A vertical spacing of 300mm gives the option of fixing into the horizontal mortar joints at both upper and lower positions, with the flexibility that any sideways position may be selected for mounting. In the event that the vertical height of the bracket is limited or restricted for any reason, the horizontal spacing of 225mm, between upper fixings, gives the option of locating the upper fixings in the vertical mortar joints either side of a single brick, but in this ease the lower fixing would be made into brickwork, and the sideways position of the bracket would be limited by the brickwork arrangement. Whilst the above fixture spacings provide the flexibility to mount into mortar joints, the mortar in the joints must be of sufficient strength to support both the bracket and the hanging basket, and the bracket may be mounted onto the brickwork if preferred.

Other preferred features and aspects of the invention will be readily apparent from the claims and the following description of several preferred embodiments, which description is made, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :Figures 1, la and lb show a schematic perspective view, a front view, and atop view, respectively, of a basic hanging basket bracket incorporating a backplate and supporting structure formed from flat bar.

Figures 2 and 2a show a schematic perspective view, and lower front view, of a hanging basket bracket where the backplate has been formed from flat bar, and the supporting structure formed from round rod using scrolled forms.

Figures 3 and 3a show a schematic perspective view, and front view, of a hanging basket bracket where the backplate and supporting structure are formed from flat bar, but with the upper cross member of the backplate omitted, and the supporting structure incorporates a partial common lower side member.

Figures 4 and 4a show a schematic perspective view, and front view, of a hanging basket bracket where the backplate is formed from a single piece of sheet material, and supporting structure formed from round rod. This embodiment incorporates a third common lower member to form the basket hook.

Figures 5 and 5a show a schematic perspective view, and front view, of a hanging basket bracket constructed from a combination of flat bar and round rod. A single shared common lower member replaces the two lower side members shown in Figures 1 to 4 and is shaped to form the basket hook.

Figures 6, 6a, and 6b show a schematic perspective view, a front view, and a top view, of a hanging basket bracket constructed using a backplate formed from a single piece of sheet material, with a supporting structure formed from flat bar and square section bar. As in Figure 5 a single shared common lower member replaces the two lower side members, but in this embodiment a single central top support member has been included, and is shaped to form the basket hook.

Figures 7 and 7a show a schematic perspective view, and front view, of a hanging basket bracket constructed from a combination of flat bar and round rod. This embodiment incorporates a front wall into the design of the supporting structure.

8.

Figures 8 and 8a show a schematic perspective view, and front view, of a hanging basket bracket where the backplate is formed from a single piece of sheet material, and the supporting structure formed from a combination of round rod and square section bar. The lower side members are formed from composites of a number of individual short scrolls formed from round rod, rather than single pieces of material.

Figures 9(a) to (e) show examples of a number of alternative backplate designs.

Figure 10 shows typical mounting positions on a brick wall.

Referring firstly to Figures 1, la and lb, a very basic design of the invention is indicated generally at 100. The bracket 100 includes a backplate 101, formed by first and second arms 102, 103 diverging from a bottom backplate member, 105, and has an upper cross member 104, connecting the two arms at the upper ends. First and second sides, 120 and 130, extend outwardly from the backplate arms and converge to meet at a position ‘X’. The first and second sides, 120 and 130, are identical in design, and each has an upper member 121, 131, a lower member 122, 132, and a structural member 123, 133, respectively. A single hook, 140, is attached to the distal ends of the lower members 122 and 132.

In this embodiment the backplate is fabricated from separate pieces of flat bar, where the upper cross member 104, and bottom backplate member 105, overlap the two arms 102, 103, such that once mounted on a supporting surface, for example a brick wall, the upper cross member is not directly in contact with the brickwork. Upper fixing holes 112,113, pass through both the upper cross member 104, and the arms 102, 103 respectively. An additional fixing hole, 114, is positioned mid-length of the upper cross member, 104, and passes through a spacer, 108. A bottom fixing hole, 110, passes through the bottom backplate member 105. All fixing holes 110,112,113 and 114 may be countersunk to accept a standard fixing screw.

Upper side members 121, 131 are joined to the upper ends of the backplate arms 102, 103, and have twisted intermediate sections and scrolled outer ends, these features being purely ornamental. The extended ends of the upper side members are preferably jo ined together at the point of contact. The lower side members 122, 132 are straight, with scrolls at the inner ends, where they are joined to backplate arms 102,103, but they could equally be plain ended. The lower side members 122,132 are in contact along the straight section, terminating at ‘X’ where they are joined to the upper side members 121, 131. Each side 120, 130 is generally inclined at the same angle as the backplate arm 102, 103 from which it extends, and the lower side members, 122, 132 are thus similarly inclined, making it difficult to form a basket hook by extending and shaping these members. For this reason a separate single basket hook, 140, is joined to the lower side members 122, 132 at the distal end.

Each side 120,130 includes a structural member 123, 133, which in this embodiment is formed into a scrolled shape. The main purpose of the structural members is to add strength and rigidity to the side structures. It should be understood that the enhanced strength and rigidity of the invention results from multiple triangulation within the entire structure. The greatly increased horizontal strength of the bracket results from the triangular form of the structure as viewed from above in Figure lb, and in this respect the ratio of the distance between upper side members 121, 131 at the backplate, and the distance from the backplate, 101, to the hook position, 140, is an important consideration. Additional horizontal rigidity could be achieved, if required, by adding a further structural member between the upper side members, 121, 131, at, for example, the mid-length positions, Ύ’ and ‘Z’ in Figure 1 b.

Figures 2 and 2a show an alternative design of the invention with many similarities to the embodiment shown in figure 1. The backplate, 101, is of almost identical construction, having a slightly different bottom backplate member, 105, which covers the joint between backplate arms 102 and 103. Whereas the previous embodiment was manufactured entirely using flat bar, this embodiment uses round rod to fabricate the extending side structures. All side members are formed with scrolls at both ends. The lower side members 122,132 extending from backplate arms 102,103, are in connection along the straight section, and are joined to upper side members 121, 131 at ‘X’, before extending outwardly to form the basket hook, 140. This necessitates having the scroll at the outer end of each lower member offset by a certain angle to the scroll at the opposite end of the member (see Fig 2a), and is made possible by the use of round rod. Forged flowers 125, 135 are attached to the structural members 123, 133 of the sides 120, 130, and additional scroll members 124,134 to the upper side members 121,131 in order to enhance the appearance of the bracket.

'Figures 3 and 3a show another alternative design of the invention, having a number of different features. The bracket 100 includes a backplate 101, formed by first and second arms 102, 103 diverging from a bottom position, where the joint between first and second arms is hidden by a bottom backplate member, 105, containing fixing point 110. In this embodiment the upper backplate member is omitted, and upper fixing holes 112, 113, are positioned towards the upper ends and the arms 102, 103 respectively. Backplate arms 102, 103 and bottom backplate member 105, are formed from flat bar as before but with a scalloped edge pattern along each forward facing edge.

Bracket sides 120, 130 are fabricated using flat bar with rounded edges. Upper side members 121,

131, extend from the backplate arms 102,103 in a similar way to the embodiment in Figure 1, but these members have scrolls formed at both ends. Lower side members 122, 132 each have a scroll at one end, extending from the backplate arms 102,103 respectively, followed by a short straight section. The straight sections are in connection, and joined at a number of points, and terminate at a point Ύ’. At point Ύ’ the lower side members are replaced by a single common lower side member 151, which is joined to, and forms a continuation of members 122, 132 and extends to meet upper side members 121,131 at ‘X’, extending further to form the basket hook, 140. The transition to a single common lower member, 151 allows this section of the bracket to be forwardly curved, which is not possible with the two individual lower members as they are not forwardly orientated in a common direction.

The structural members 123, 133 of Figures 1 and 2 are replaced in this embodiment by a scrolled pattern fabricated from three separate scroll sections. Structural member, 123 is made up of individual scrolls 126, 127, and 128, joined at each point of contact to form a strong rigid member. Likewise structural member, 133 is formed from individual scrolls 136,137 and 138. These structural members 123, 133 are incorporated into the construction of sides 120,130 such that they are in connection with, and joined to upper side members 121,131, backplate arms 102, 103, and lower side members 122,

132, and 151, to form a strong rigid structure. As well as being structural, the scroll patterns formed in structural members 123,133 enhance the appearance of the bracket.

In the embodiment of Figures 4 and 4a an alternative design of backplate, 101, is shown, formed from a single sheet of material, with the advantage that the entire backplate is in a single plane, with no joints. This type of backplate can be manufactured quickly and reproducibly by methods such as laser and water jet cutting. In this design the upper fixing positions 112,113 are located on small side arms, so that the entire upper length of the bracket arms 102,103 remains available for mounting and joining the bracket sides 120, 130. The upper member of the backplate, 104, is upwardly curved in this embodiment, but could equally be straight or downwardly curved. Two lower fixing points, 110 and 111 are included, again located on small side arms, leaving the bottom area of the backplate available for attaching elements of the bracket sides and hook assemblies.

In this embodiment the bracket sides 120, 130 are fabricated using round rod. Upper side members 121, 131, are each formed with scrolls at both ends, and extend from the upper ends of backplate arms 102, 103, adjacent to upper fixing positions 112, 113. The lower side members 122, 132 are each formed with a scroll at the lower end, and a gently curved middle upper end, with the scroll and curve formed in the same plane. The scroll at the lower end of each member 122,132, is attached to backplate arms 102, 103 respectively, and the curved upper sections make contact at a single point ‘Z’, where they are joined. The upper ends of the lower side members 122,132 are joined to the scrolled outer ends of the upper side members 121,131 respectively. A third lower member, 151 extends from a position midway between the two lower fixing points, 110, 111, at the bottom of the backplate, and continues centrally, in front of the two lower side members 122, 132, projecting beyond the framework formed by the two sides to form a bracket hook, 140, at the distal end. The third lower member, 151 has a central section with a similar curvature to lower members 122, 132, and is in contact with, and joined to these members close to position ‘Z’.

Structural members 123,133 are included in the sides, and each consists of two scrolled members,

126, 127, and 136, 137 respectively, shaped and positioned to give multiple contact points with the upper 121,131, and lower 122,132, side members and the backplate arms 102,103. This design provides four contact/joining positions between each side 120, 130 and backplate arms 102,103 providing strength and rigidity to the bracket structure.

Figures 5 and 5a show yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, where the supporting framework formed by first and second sides 120, 130, and bracket hook member 140 include a combination of flat bar and round rod. In this embodiment the backplate is fabricated from separate pieces of flat bar, where the two arms 102,103, overlap the upper cross member 104, and lower backplate member 105, such that once mounted on a supporting surface, for example a brick wall, the upper cross member and lower member are in contact with the brickwork, and bracket arms 102, 103 are supported away from the wall. Upper fixing holes 112,113, are positioned towards the ends of the upper cross member 104, which extends either side of bracket arms 102, 103. Lower backplate member, 105 has two fixing holes 110, 111 positioned towards the ends of the member, and lying either side of the bottom of the bracket.

This embodiment of the invention differs from previous embodiments in that the two sides 120,130, extending from backplate arms 102,103 share a common lower member 151, which has a scrolled end attached to the bottom of the backplate, and extends upwardly and outwardly, terminating at a scrolled bracket hook, 140.

Upper side members 121, 131 having scrolled inner ends, are joined to the upper ends of bracket arms 102, 103, and extend forward converging towards a position ‘X’ at the back of the common lower member 151. The common lower member, 151 is formed from wider flat bar material than the upper side members 121, 131, as the upper members are positioned side by side at the back of the common lower member. Structural side members 123,133 are each fabricated from three scroll elements 126,

127, 128, and 136,137,138 respectively, surrounding circular elements 129, 139, with all elements being formed from round rod. The various elements of the structural members 123, 133 are joined at all points of contact forming a strong rigid structure, and these structural members are installed into sides 120, 130, each joined at a total of six points of contact with the upper members 121, 131, common lower member, 151, and backplate arms 102,103.

Figures 6, 6a and 6b show a further alternative embodiment of the invention. The backplate, 101, is a single piece of material that may be, for example, machined from flat plate using laser or water jet cutting techniques. This backplate has a number of features differing ftom previous embodiments. The backplate arms, 102 103 are curved in a concave manner and each has a wavy outer edge, and smooth inner edge, but any other edge pattern could be applied to one or both edges of each backplate arm. The upper member, 104, has an elliptical shape in this embodiment, providing a space for mounting, for example, an oval house number plate, but alternative shapes could be provided for mounting other shapes of object, for example house name plates etc. Alternatively a silhouette shape could be cut into ’this area of the backplate. A cutout pattern, 106, is formed at each end of the upper member, 104, to further enhance the appearance of the bracket. The upper fixing positions 112, 113 are positioned on small side arms, leaving the upper ends of the bracket arms 102,103 available for mounting and joining the bracket sides 120, 130. Two lower fixing points, 110, 111 are included, also positioned on small side arms, leaving the bottom area of the backplate between the lower fixing points available for attaching elements of the bracket.

The two sides of the bracket 120, 130 have a common lower member, 151, formed from flat bar material scrolled at the lower end where it is joined to the bottom of the backplate, between the bottom fixing positions 110, 111. Upper side members 121, 131, are fabricated from a single piece of flat bar in this embodiment, and formed, twisted (at a position ‘Z’) and bent to pass around the upper end of the common lower member, 151, at a position ‘X’, where the two pieces are joined. The inner ends of the upper side members, 121, 131 are scrolled and joined to the upper ends of bracket arms 102, 103. A single central top support member, 152, extends from the bottom edge of the upper cross member 104 of the backplate, and passes over, and is joined to, the upper end of the common lower member, 151, at position ‘ X’, continuing forward, beyond the side structure, to form the bracket hook, 140. The top support member, 152, is shaped with a wavy edge pattern adjacent to the bracket hook, 140, for decoration.

In this embodiment, structural side members, 160,170, each comprise a series of five parallel square section side members 161, 162, 163, 164, 165 and 171, 172, 173, 174, 175 respectively, joining the upper side members 121, 131 to the common lower member 151 on each side of the bracket. Each set of side members 160, 170 are curved to generally reflect the shape of backplate arms 102,103, producing sides 120, 130 that are concave in shape. This shape is best viewed from the front of the bracket as shown in Figure 6a. A number of hexagonal shaped members, 166, 167, 168 and 176, 177,

178, formed from square section bar, are in connection between some.of the adjacent parallel side members, providing additional strengthening of the structure, and further enhancing the appearance of the bracket.

Figures 7 and 7a show a further alternative embodiment of the invention. The bracket 100 includes a backplate 101, formed by first and second arms 102,103 diverging from a bottom backplate member, 105, and terminating at an upper cross member, 104. The bottom of the backplate forms a truncated ‘V’ shape in this embodiment. Upper fixing holes 112,113, are positioned towards the ends of the upper cross member 104, which extends either side of bracket arms 102, 103. Lower backplate member, 105 has two fixing holes 110,11I positioned towards the ends of the mem ber. In this embodiment the backplate is fabricated from separate pieces of flat bar, all having scalloped front edges, with all backplate members 102,103,104 and 105 lying in the same plane and joined at the rear of the touching edges.

Each bracket side 120, 130 consists of a straight upper side member, 121, 131, and a lower side member, 122, 132, which curves inwardly towards the upper side member and backplate. These side members are formed from flat bar, and have plain ends, as opposed to the scrolled ends used in previous embodiments. The lower side members 122, 132 are attached to the front of the lower backplate member, 105, at the bottom of the backplate. The upper members 121, 131, and lower members 122,132 extend and converge to a position ‘ X’ where they are joined. In this embodiment two hooks 140,141 are formed at the distal end of the bracket. Both hooks are formed from flat bar and shaped so that the inner hook, 141, is joined to the underneath of the lower members 122,132, and the outer hook, 140, to the upper surfaces of the upper members 121, 131» and the hook members run side by side over a portion of the length ‘Z’, over which length they may be joined along the edges to increase the overall strength of the hooks.

Structural side members 123, 133 are each fabricated from round rod, where six circular rings are arranged around an inner ring, and joined at all contact points to form a strong rigid structure. The structural side members 123, 133 are incorporated into each side, 120, 130 and joined to the lower side members 122, 132 at two positions on each side, and to the upper members, 121, 131, and backplate arms 102, 103, at a single position on each side. Additional rings 126,136 are positioned between the upper, 121, 131 and lower, 122, 132 side members, with further rings 127, 137 between the lower side members, 122, 132 and backplate arms, 102, 103. As well as enhancing the appearance of the bracket the structural side members 123, 126, 127, and 133,136, 137 greatly increase the strength and rigidity of the bracket.

A preferred method of manufacture, for this embodiment of the invention, involves constructing each bracket side 120, 130, as a separate entity in a flat plane, such that once these sides are joined to the backplate arms 102,103, the lower members 122, 132 are in contact at top and bottom ends, and the curved aspect of the lower members results in the formation of a ‘front’ wall, 150. A flower member, 155, connects the lower members 122, 132 in a central position and twp further structural front wall members, in the form of circular rings 153, 154, connect the lower members in an upper and lower position, coinciding in position with the side rings, 126, 136 and 127, 137. These three structural front wall members 153, 154, 155 provide further strength and rigidity to the overall bracket structure and further enhance the appearance of the bracket.

Figures 8 and 8a show yet another alternative embodiment of the invention at 100. The backplate,

101, is a single piece of material that may be machined from flat plate using laser or water jet cutting techniques, for example. In this embodiment the backplate, 101, is a simple triangular shape, with rounded corners, formed by first and second arms 102, 103, diverging from a bottom fixing position,

110, and an upper cross member, 104. Fixing holes 112,113, are positioned at the upper corners of the bracket, with a fourth fixing position, 114, at the mid-point of the upper cross member.

The main difference between this and previous embodiments is that the sides 120, 130, have lower side members 122, 132, formed from composites of a number of individual pieces, in this case short scrolls formed from round rod, rather than single pieces of material. Each lower side member 122, 132 is formed from six short scroll pieces 181, 182,183,184, 185, 186, and 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, joined together in a line, with each scroll piece joined to the adjacent piece at two points. A seventh scroll piece 187, 197, is attached to the upper end of each composite lower side member, 122, 132, extending outwardly and shaped to form a single bracket hook, 140. The bottom edge of the lower side members 122, 132 forms a series of undulations, where the apex of each of the undulations are in a straight line, such that the two lower members touch at each apex, where they are be joined to form a strong connection. Upper side members 121,131, are formed from square section bar and have scrolled inner ends, which are joined to the upper ends of the first and second bracket arms 102, 103, at points slightly below fixing positions 112, 113. These upper side members are curved and extend forward to positions ‘X’ and Ύ’ where they are joined to lower side members 122, 132, and hook members, 187, 197. Structural side members 123, 133, are each formed from four short scroll pieces 126, 127, 128, 129 and 136, 137, 138, 139, joined together in a circular type composite formation, and positioned in the sides 120,130 between the upper 121,131, and lower 122,132 side members.

The above embodiments of the invention demonstrate by way of example a small number of the possible designs that may be used to construct the hanging basket bracket. The backplate designs used in the above embodiments could be substituted with a wide range of other possible designs, as demonstrated by, but not limited to, further examples shown in Figures 9(a) to 9(e). Many of the components used in the construction of all aspects of the above embodiments, including backplates, could be replaced by alternative material sections, for example the flat bar members 121,131,122,132 used in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 and 7a could be replaced with round rod members. A large number of designs, formed and shaped using techniques familiar to a person skilled in the art of wrought ironwork, could be used to construct the structural members of the sides. Additional cast, forged or cold pressed shapes, for example flowers, leaves, rosettes, baskets etc., or designs cut from sheet material, for example silhouettes, may be added to, or included in, the side designs, either within or outside the bounds of the side members, and these may be structural in nature, or non-structural and simply for adornment. The basket hooks shown in the above embodiments are by way of example only, and may be substituted with a wide range of different cross-sections of material, shapes and designs and one or more additional hooks could be included in many of the designs.

Figure 10 illustrates a number of different mounting configurations, for a preferred embodiment of the invention, on a brick wall, compared with mounting configurations for two typical ‘conventional’ bracket designs. For the purposes of this example the bricks are standard UK metric sized bricks of width 215mm and height 65mm, using a standard mortar joint thickness of 10mm. The preferred embodiment includes a backplate with two upper fixing positions and a single bottom fixing position, where the horizontal upper spacing of the fixings is 225mm, and the vertical spacing is 300mm. The spacing between the fixing positions in both a vertical and horizontal aspect is selected to be multiples of brick heights and lengths, so that when mounting to a brick wall there is the option of fixing into the mortar joints of the wall, offering a wider range of mounting positions, without damaging the brickwork. This requires that the mortar be of sufficient strength to support the combined weight of the hanging basket bracket and the flower basket.

Figure 10(a) shows a section of brickwork for example between two windows, or between a window and door, having a whole number of bricks, in this case three, spanning the section. In most cases it might be desirable to mount the hanging basket bracket in a mid-width position across the section for the purposes of symmetry. A vertical fixture spacing of 300mm spans four brick courses and gives the option of fixing into the horizontal mortar joints at both upper and lower positions, with the flexibility that any sideways position may be selected for mounting, as shown by ‘A’. In the event that a particular vertical bracket height was required for any reason, the upper fixture spacing of 225mm gives the option of locating the upper fixings in the vertical mortar joints either side of a single brick, and the lower fixing Would need to be made into brickwork, as shown by ‘B’.

Imperial sized bricks used on older buildings in the UK may also be accommodated by these particular fixture spacings. For example, for an imperial sized brick 8.75 inches (222mm) wide x 3 inches (76mm) high the above fixture spacings would allow the upper fixings to be positioned in a horizontal mortar joint, or in vertical mortar joints either side of a single brick, and the lower fixing in a vertical mortar joint, without the need to fix directly into the brickwork, but with some limitations on mounting position. Whilst the fixture spacings used in the preferred embodiment, provide the flexibility to mount into mortar joints in many cases, occasionally the lower mounting position will need to be made into brickwork.

Figure 10(b) shows a wall section of three and a half bricks wide using standard UK metric sized bricks. A mid-width mounting position across the section of wall can be achieved as before with upper and lower fixing positions in horizontal mortar joints, as shown by ‘C’. Alternatively the bracket could be mounted into the bricks in all three mounting positions, as shown by ‘D’. This position might be necessary if the mortar joints lacked the required strength.

Figure 10(c) shows a number of mounting options for two typical ‘conventional’ bracket designs. The first has a simple rectangular backplate, with a single upper and lower fixing position. If the spacing between fixings were 300mm, for example, both fixings could be made into horizontal joints without damaging brickwork, but these brackets are rarely designed with any consideration given to mounting arrangement. In this example a vertical distance of 280mm between fixing positions is illustrated. A mounting position mid-width of the wall could be achieved as shown by ‘F’ with either the upper or lower fixing position in a horizontal mortar joint, and the other fixing into brickwork. Both fixings could be placed in mortar joints, as shown by Έ’, but this arrangement could not be used to mount in a mid-width position unless the wall has a whole number of bricks across the width. Alternatively both fixing positions can be made into brickwork, as shown by ‘G’, and the bracket placed almost anywhere on the wall. Although these examples suggest that one or both fixings may be made into mortar joints, in practice this may not be advisable, as in windy conditions large forces may be applied to the backplate, and fix ings, about a vertical axis, as already described. Even when the mortar joint appears to have sufficient strength to support the combined weight of the hanging basket bracket and the flower basket, these forces may eventually pull the fixings from the wall. For this design of bracket, it is usually advisable to fix into solid brickwork, even though doing so will permanently damage the brickwork.

A different ‘conventional’ design, having two upper and two lower fixing points is shown by Ή’ in Figure 10(c), with a vertical fixture spacing spanning three brick courses, and all four fixing points being made into the mortar joints, in this example. This is a more stable mounting configuration than the previous bracket, by virtue of having four fixing points, but due to the short horizontal distance between fixings at both upper and lower positions, higher forces will nonetheless be applied to the fixings in windy conditions, compared to the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 10(a) and (b). Furthermore the vast majority of these brackets are manufactured with little consideration given to fixture spacing, and in most cases they will not span a whole number of brick courses, and at least two of the fixings will have to be made into brickwork.

An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a hanging basket bracket of superior strength and rigidity, due to the three-dimensional design and triangulated construction, in both vertical and horizontal planes. By virtue of this rigidity, sideways torque forces on the fixing positions are small, even in windy conditions, compared to conventional brackets, and in preferred embodiments of the invention, fixing positions and spacings can be arranged such that most fixings can be made into the mortar joints of the wall, in order to minimize damage to the bricks.

Standard briek sizes vary from one country to another and different bracket sizes and fixture spacings may be required in order to accommodate other markets outside the UK.

The preferred features and aspects of the invention described above are primarily applicable to brackets for use on domestic buildings, where the flower baskets to be supported are between 30cm (12”) and 50cm (20”) in diameter. In these applications the distance from the backplate of the bracket to the hook position might be between 20cms and 50cms respectively. In order to achieve the required structural strength and rigidity, the ratio ofthe ‘maximum distance between the bracket sides’ to ‘the distance from the backplate of the bracket to the common position’ should not exceed 1:3. Much larger brackets might be applicable for use on commercial or public buildings.

Any combination ofthe features from the individual embodiments described above can be readily combined, as required.

Claims

1. A hanging basket bracket, comprising a mounting portion or backplate of generally triangular form for providing a means of mounting to a plane surface, and supporting a structure consisting of two sides extending away from the backplate, said two sides converging to a common position at a location distal from the backplate, and said structure having at least one basket hook adjacent said common position.

2. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 1 wherein the distance from the backplate of the bracket to the common position is between 15cms and 50cms.

3. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 2 wherein the distance from the backplate of the bracket to the common position is between 20cms and 45cms.

4. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 1 wherein the ratio of the ‘maximum distance between the sides’ to ‘the distance from the backplate of the bracket to said common position’ is a maximum of 1:3.

5. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 4 wherein the ratio of the ‘maximum distance between the sides’ to ‘the distance from the backplate of the bracket to said common position’ is preferably in the range I.: I and i :2.5.

6. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 1 wherein each of the two sides is defined by an upper and a lower member.

7. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 6 wherein the lower members of the two sides are inwardly curved with respect to the plane of each side, forming an additional forward facing, downwardly inclined area, bounded on two sides by said lower members.

8. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 6 wherein each of the two sides includes one or more structural members extending between said upper and lower members.

9. A hanging basket bracket according to cl aim 6 wherein each of the two sides includes one or more structural members in connection with an upper, or lower member, and the backplate,

10. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 6 wherein each of the two sides includes one or more structural members in connection with an upper member, a lower member, and the backplate.

11. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 7 wherein the forward facing, downwardly inclined area includes one or more structural members extending between the two lower side members.

12. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim including a solid backplate of generally 3 sided triangular shape.

13. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 1 wherein the backplate of the bracket is formed by first and second arms, diverging from a bottom position to form a ‘V’ type shape, with an included angle of between 5° to 90°.

14. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 13 wherein each of the two sides includes one or more structural members in connection with an upper, or lower member, and its respective backplate arm.

15. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 13 wherein each of the two sides includes one or more structural members in connection with an upper member, a lower member, and its respective backplate arm.

16. A hanging basket bracket according to claims 13 to 15 wherein the backplate of the bracket includes a cross member interconnecting the free ends of the first and second arms.

3 7. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the backplate of the bracket takes the form of a truncated ‘V’ shape (e.g. defining a trapezium).

18. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the edges of the backplate are curved or shaped e.g. wavy, in the plane of the backplate.

19. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the backplate includes cut-out sections, providing an additional decorative aspect e.g. silhouette effects.

20. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the backplate includes additional decorative members, for example floral shapes.

21. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 16 wherein one or more structural members extend from the backplate cross member to the common position.

22. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 21 where a structural member extends from the backplate cross member, beyond the common position to form a basket hook.

23. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim wherein an upper member from each of the two sides extends beyond the common position to form a basket hook.

24. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim wherein a lower member from each of the two sides extends beyond the common position to form a basket hook.

25. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim wherein a single lower member common to the two sides extends beyond the common position to form a basket hook.

26. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the two sides include additional decorative members, for example floral shapes.

27. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 7 wherein the forward facing, downwardly inclined area includes one or more decorative members, for example floral shapes.

28. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the backplate includes at least one mounting hole, for fixing the bracket to a plain surface, lor example a brick wall, using screws or bolts for example.

29. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 28 wherein the backplate shape includes one or more side projections in which the mounting holes are located.

30. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 28 wherein the mounting holes are arranged, and spaced, for fixing into the mortar joints of a brick wall, avoiding damage to the brickwork.

31. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the volume enclosed by the backplate and first and second sides of the bracket is used to contain or support a water reservoir, for the purpose of dispensing water to a hanging plant bracket supported by the bracket.

32. A hanging basket bracket according to claims 1 to 30 wherein the volume enclosed by the backplate and first and second sides of the bracket is used to contain, support or house security equipment, including security lights and cameras.

33. A hanging basket bracket according to claims 1 to 30 wherein the volume enclosed by the backplate and first and second sides of the bracket is used to contain a garden plant.

34. A hanging basket bracket according to claims 1 to 30 wherein the bracket is used to support a solar panel, for the purpose of supplying electricity to equipment contained, supported or housed within the volume enclosed by the backplate and first and second sides of the bracket.

35. A hanging basket bracket according to claims I to 30 wherein the volume enclosed by the backplate and first and second sides of the bracket is used to contain, support or house a nesting box for birds or insects.

36. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 13, consisting of a generally triangular backplate with rounded comers, fabricated from 3mm thick metal sheet, wherein the backplate is formed by first and second arms, diverging by 36° from a bottom position to form a ‘V’ type shape, and includes an upwardly curved cross member interconnecting the free ends of the first and second arms, the backplate having approximate dimensions of 25cms wide by 38cms high. A mounting hole is positioned towards each comer, such that the 2 upper holes span the width of a standard metric housebrick, and the vertical spacing between the upper holes and the lower hole spans 4 brick courses. Two sides extend from the backplate to a common position 30cms from the backplate, each consisting of an upper and lower side member formed from 08mm round metal bar shaped with scrolled ends, with a further scrolled structural member in connection between the upper and lower member of each side. The two lower side members are in contact and joined along the straight portion of their length and are shaped at the distall end from the backplate to form a single basket hook at a distance of 42cms from the backplate. This is accomplished by having the scrolls at each end of the lower side members offset by 24°. The constituent components of the bracket are joined by welding at the points of contact to form a structure with exceptional strength and rigidity by virtue of the triangulated geometry.

37. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 13, consisting of a generally triangular backplate, fabricated from 3mm thick metal sheet, wherein the backplate is formed by first and second arms, diverging initially by 10° from a bottom position to form a ‘V’ type shape, and where the first and second arms are curved outwardly in the plane of the backplate and have an undulating outer edge, such that the angle o f divergence increases progressively towards the upper ends, where an oval shaped cross member interconnects the free ends of the first and second arms. Adjacent to each interconnection the backplate includes a semi-circular side projection including a mounting hole. Two similar semicircular projections, each including a mounting hole, extend sideways from the bottom position of the backplate. The backplate has overall backplate dimensions of 29cms wide by 42ems high. The horizontal distance between the upper mounting holes is 27cms and the lower mounting holes is 5cms, and the vertical distance between the upper and lower mounting holes is 30cms, such that the vertical spacing between the upper and lower holes spans 4 brick courses. This gives the option of mounting into the mortar joints of a brick wall of standard UK metric brick size, avoiding damage to the brickwork. Two sides extend from the first and second arms of the backplate, each consisting of an upper side member formed from 15mm x 3mm flat bar, and a common lower side member formed from 20mm x 3mm flat bar. The common lower side member extends from a position on the backplate between the two lower fixing holes. All 3 members are scrolled at the backplate end, and curved along their length such that they converge to a common position at a distance of 40cms from the backplate, and form bracket sides approximating to a semiellipse in shape. Each of the two sides includes five structural members formed from 6mm square section bar extending between the upper and lower members, such that the structural members are equi-spaced and parallel to each other and to the respective backplate arm in side view, but gently curved to reflect the curvature of the backplate arm from a front view. Additional decorative members, in the form of 3 hexagonal shaped rings formed from 6mm square bar, are arranged in a triangular formation spanning adjacent structural members on each of the sides. A single curved structural member, formed from 20mm x 3mm flat bar extends from a central position at the base of the oval backplate cross member to the common position, extending beyond the common position to form a single basket hook at a distance of 45cms from the backplate. The constituent components of the bracket are joined by welding at the points of contact to form a structure with exceptional strength and rigidity by virtue of the triangulated geometry. The oval shaped backplate cross member can be used to mount a house number or name plate for example.

AMENDED CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS :

Claims

1. A hanging basket bracket, comprising a backplate of generally triangular form for providing a means of mounting to a plane surface, and supporting a structure consisting of two sides extending away from the backplate, said two sides converging to a common position at a location distal from the backplate, and said structure having at least one basket hook adjacent said common position.

3. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 1 wherein the ratio of the ‘maximum distance between the sides’ to ‘the distance from the backplate of the bracket to said common position’ is a maximum of 1:3.

4. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 3 wherein the ratio of the ‘maximum distance between the sides’ to ‘the distance from the backplate of the bracket to said common position’ is in the range 1:1 and 1:2.5.

5. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 1 wherein each of the two sides is defined by ; ·... an upper and a lower member.

• • · 6. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 5 wherein the lower members of the two sides are inwardly curved with respect to the plane of each side, forming an additional forward facing, downwardly inclined area, bounded on two sides by said lower members.

• • · · • 7. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 5 wherein each of the two sides includes one or more structural members extending between said upper and lower members.

• · · • · . · . 8. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 5 wherein each of the two sides includes one • ’·· or more structural members in connection with an upper, or lower member, and the backplate.

9. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 5 wherein each of the two sides includes one or more structural members in connection with an upper member, a lower member, and the backplate.

10. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 6 wherein the forward facing, downwardly inclined area includes one or more structural members extending between the two lower side members.

11. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim including a solid backplate of generally 3 sided triangular shape.

12. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 1 wherein the backplate of the bracket is formed by first and second arms, diverging from a bottom position to form a ‘V’ type shape, with an included angle of between 5° to 90°.

13. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 12 wherein each of the two sides includes one or more structural members in connection with an upper, or lower member, and its respective backplate arm.

14. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 12 wherein each of the two sides includes one or more structural members in connection with an upper member, a lower member, and its respective backplate arm.

15. A hanging basket bracket according to claims 12 to 14 wherein the backplate of the bracket includes a cross member interconnecting the free ends of the first and second arms.

16. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the backplate of the bracket takes the form of a truncated ‘V’ shape.

17. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 16 wherein the truncated ‘V’ shape defines a trapezium.

18. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the edges of the backplate are curved or shaped in file plane of the backplate.

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•...

19. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the backplate includes , e e β · cut-out sections, providing an additional decorative aspect.

20. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 19 wherein the additional decorative aspects J.. · resulting from cut-out sections comprise silhouette effects.” • · · •

21. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the backplate includes additional decorative members.

• · *

•. ·

22. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 21 wherein the additional decorative ·· members comprise floral shapes.

23. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 15 wherein one or more structural members extend from the backplate cross member to the common position.

24. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 23 where a structural member extends from the backplate cross member, beyond the common position to form the basket hook.

25. A hanging basket bracket according to any of claims 1 to 23 wherein an upper member from each of the two sides extends beyond the common position to form the basket hook.

26. A hanging basket bracket according to any of claims 1 to 23 wherein a lower member from each of the two sides extends beyond the common position to form the basket hook.

27. A hanging basket bracket according to any of claims 1 to 23 wherein a single lower member common to the two sides extends beyond the common position to form the basket hook.

28. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the two sides include additional decorative members.

29. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 28 wherein the additional decorative members comprise floral shapes.

30. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 6 wherein the forward facing, downwardly inclined area includes one or more decorative members.

31. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 30 wherein the decorative members comprise floral shapes.

32. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the backplate includes at least one mounting hole, for fixing the bracket to a plane surface.

33. A hanging basket bracket according to claim 32 wherein the backplate shape includes one or more side projections in which the mounting holes are located.

34. A hanging basket bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the volume enclosed by the backplate and first and second sides of the bracket is used to contain or support a water reservoir, for the purpose of dispensing water to a hanging plant basket supported by the bracket.

• ·

J '...

35. A hanging basket bracket according to any of claims 1 to 33 wherein the volume enclosed

.....· by the backplate and first and second sides of the bracket is used to contain, support or • * house security equipment, including security lights and cameras.

<’ · » • ·;.. ·

36. A hanging basket bracket according to any of claims 1 to 33 wherein the volume enclosed • by the backplate and first and second sides of the bracket is used to contain a garden plant.

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37. A hanging basket bracket according to any of claims 1 to 33 wherein the bracket is used to ! , · support a solar panel, for the purpose of supplying electricity to equipment contained, .»· · supported or housed within the volume enclosed by the backplate and first and second • ·' sides of the bracket.

38. A hanging basket bracket according to any of claims 1 to 33 wherein the volume enclosed by the backplate and first and second sides of the bracket is used to contain, support or house a nesting box for birds or insects.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1618646.2 Examiner: Lisa Robinson