GB2420262A

GB2420262A - Collapsible shelter for garden and potted plants

Info

Publication number: GB2420262A
Application number: GB0425667A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bernard Franklin Jory
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-11-22
Filing date: 2004-11-22
Publication date: 2006-05-24
Anticipated expiration: 2024-11-22
Also published as: GB2420262B; GB0425667D0

Abstract

A cloche type protection system for garden and potted plants comprises a collapsible frame having a number of flexible supporting legs 5 which extend from a central hub 1 and which are drawn together by a drawstring 6 and clasp 8. A separate cover [11, Figure 9] is placed over the frame and is fastened by drawstrings and clasp [8,19,20, Figure 9]. The frame is secured to the ground by staples. Brackets 7 may be fitted to the free end of each leg 5 to provide attachment means for the drawstring 6 and means for supporting a plant pot above the ground. Different methods of attaching the legs to the hub are disclosed.

Description

( 2420262

ALL SEASONS GARDEN AND POTTED PLANT PROTECTION

SYSTEM

This invention relates to a device which will greatly help in the protection of plants against adverse weather conditions such as frost, rain, direct sunlight, insect infestation and dust infiltration whether in pots, containers or, planted directly into the ground soil.

When these conditions occur, many garden and plant enthusiasts will want to protect their more delicate, sensitive, tropical or young plants against the changing weather conditions of their particular country. The invention is also very useful in helping to protect plants, which could be damaged by local situations for example, local building or spraying which can produce dust and pollutants. The invention is very easily and quickly assembled and disassembled. For retail display, transportation and storage purposes, the invention could be packed in flat plastic bags taking up little space and being light in weight.

The invention will now be described so1y by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings and lists of parts and components.

FIG 1 Shows the components of the frame structure in its non-erected form in 3 Dimensional view.

FIG 2 Shows a side view of the top half of the non-erected frame structure.

FIG 3 Shows the under view of the non-erected frame structure less drawstring 6, brackets 7, and, locking clasp 8.

FIG 4 Shows the top hub 1 with cut-away side view and one rib 5, erected and placed in slot 4, secured by ball and socket joint 9, and resting against angle and tension ridge 10.

FIG 5 Shows the underside view of top hub with all ribs erected in place FIG 6 Shows frame structure with ribs 5, in place and drawstring 6, nontightened but securing ribs 5, in place via brackets 7.

FIG 7 Shows frame structure after being placed over potted plant with drawstring 6, tightened and brackets 7, placed under pot.

FIG 8 Shows cover 11, in open position before placement over frame with drawstring 19, 20, non-tightened.

HG 9 Shows cover 11, having been placed over frame and tightened at top and bottom, with drawstrings.

HG 10 Shows open side views of top hubs 1, 13, ribs 5 and tension ridges 10, 14, enabling different rib 5, exit angles from hubs 1, 13, with rib 5, locked into position.

HG 11 Shows side, front and 3 dimensional views, of bottom bracket 7, producing particular exit angle of rib 5.

HG 12 Shows side, front and 3 dimensional views of different bottom bracket 15, producing different exit angle of rib 5, as compared to angle in FIG 11.

FIG 13 Shows frame cover 11, in fixed positions showing different shaped formed by using different angles provided by using different exit angles produced by methods described in FIGURES 10,11,12,13 and 14.

FIG 14 Shows an alternative method of erection consisting of a top hub 17, with sockets 31, and locking stud holes 25.

FIG 15 Shows hub-socket 31, and rib 18, with locking mechanism on either, or each end of rib 18.

HG 16 Shows rib 18 after being inserted into socket 31, with locking stud 28, in place.

This locking system is one of many typical systems that could be used for the required purpose.

The angle of the hub-sockets 31 could be at different degrees, so as to produce a different exit angle of the rib 18, from the hub 17, thereby creating different frame shapes.

A further alternative system is whereby the frame as shown in HG 6, would be created by means of an umbrella type frame. The frame is erected in the same was as an umbrella, with long ribs to create this shape and the brackets 7, or 15, and drawstring 6, and locking clasp 8, applied. Once the frame has been erected to the shape in FIG 6, the central frame rod becomes removable by various means, such as a thread or conventional locking/unlocking system. The remaining erection would continue as in FIGURES 7, 8 and 9.

The assembly of the invention is as follows: The frame assembly as in FIG 1, is held by the top hub 1, while, each rib 5, is raised outward and locked into position in the locking slots 4, FIG 2, forming a frame as in FIG 6. The drawstring at this stage, would be extended and holding the ribs 5, in place. The frame is now placed over the pot and plant and the drawstring 6, is tightened, bringing the bottom brackets 7, to the outside base of pot, the brackets 7, are then pushed under the base of pot by slightly tilting the pot. The brackets 7 act as feet 23, FIG 11, for the pot as well as holding each rib 5, in place, resulting structure as in FIG 7, after drawstring has been fully tightened.

The cover 11, as in FIG 8, is placed over the pot and plant, positioned and, top 19, and bottom 20, cover drawstrings, are tightened forming shape as in FIG 9. At this point a further drawstring could be added around the outside equatorial plane of the spherical cover and tightened to produce further shaping and reinforcement of the structure. Further reinforcement also would come from strings attached to the equatorial drawstring and, tensioned and secured to the ground by means of long staples pushed into the soil.

The pot and plant are now protected and, easy inspection is made accessible, by loosening top drawstring 19, of cover 11, and lowering around frame exposing plant. This is also useful if you wish the plant to receive natural weather conditions temporarily such as direct sunlight or light rain for instance. (I-

Ref. 7,15 With regard to the brackets 7, 15, it may be preferable to manufacture these as part of the ribs 5, 18.

Ref. 9 With regard to joint 9, many simple and conventional joints could be used here to achieve the required action at this joint 9. The locking and swivel action must be prevalent, however, in any joint used, a ball and socket joint 9, has been illustrated for working purposes.

Ref. 22 Many systems could be used here to produce passage and retention of drawstring 20.

Ref. 19, 20 It is also possible to create the structure by simply threading the drawstring 6, through holes in the base of the ribs 5, 18, and bringing the ribs 5, 18, against the base of the flower pot by tightening drawstring 6, without the use of brackets 7, 15.

Ref. 5, 18, 2 The amount of ribs 5, 18 can be of any amount with a minimum of three in any of the frames.

In the case of a plant, which is directly in the ground, the assembly would be the same as up to HG 6 at this point the frame is place over the plant and onto the soil. The drawstring 6 is tightened to required tension and long staples are secured over each drawstring bracket and pushed down into the soil, securing the frame. The cover 11, is then placed and secured over frame as in FIG 8, and 9, and tightened to requirements.

The invention could be made from plastic, wood, metal or natural materials. The ribs 7, 15, could be hollow solid, round or flat, providing they have the ability to be bent and, produce tension.

The cover 11 ideally should be made of horticultural fleece sheet as this material is semi- waterproof, permeable, strong and stretchable, but other materials with similar properties could be used. Also, any materials used should have the capability to remain stable in either very cold or very hot temperatures as in varying weather conditions. (T

LIST OF PARTS & COMPONENTS TO ACCOMPANY DRAWThGS 1. TOPHUB 2. HUB TOP 3. HUB SIDE 4. RIB SLOT 5. RIB 6. DRAWSTRING 7. RIB AND DRAWSTRING BRACKET WITH COMBINED POT FOOT 8. LOCKABLE DRAWSTRING CLASP 9. BALL AND SOCKET JOINT 10. ANGLE AND TENSION RIDGE 11. FRAME COVER 12. HEM 13. TOP HUB (DEEPER) 14. ANGLE AND TENSION (RIDGE WITH DIFFERENT ANGLE) 15. RIB AND DRAWSTRING BRACKET WITH POT FOOT (DIFFERENT ANGLE) 16. HOLE FOR STAPLE 17. TOP HUB 18. RIB WITH LOCKNG STUD AND TENSION ARMS MECHANISM 19. DRAWSTRING 20. DRAWSTRING 21. SOCKET FOR RIB 22. DRAWSTRING TUBE 23. POT FOOT 24. PLANT 25. HOLE FOR STUD 26. SOCKET FOR RIB 27. SPLAYED TENSION ARMS 28. LOCKING STUD 29. POT FOOT 30. DRAWSTRING TUBE 31. SOCKET FOR RIB

Claims

1. A garden or potted plant protection system comprising an assembled collapsible frame to which are attached to its base, brackets, drawstring, drawstring clasp, a separate cover with adjustable drawstrings and clasps, long staples for securing to ground creating a total protective cover over garden plant or potted plant.

2. A garden or potted plant protection system according to claim 1, in which the frame is of self - assembly, comprising a central top hub with locking female fixings and ribs with male fixings at each end and brackets with female fixings.

3. A garden and/or potted plant protection system according to Claim 1, in which the collapsible frame would be provided by means of an umbrella type frame with a removable central rod.

3. A garden or potted plant protection system according to claim 1, in which the frame is provided by means of an umbrella frame with removable central slide rod.

4. A garden or potted plant protection system according to claim 1, and 2, in which no bottom brackets are used and holes in the base of the ribs are used to receive a drawstring. 7.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAiMS: A garden andlor potted plant protection system comprising a collapsible frame having a plurality of supporting ribs extending from a top central hub, wherein, a drawstring with a drawstring clasp, is attached to the free ends of the ribs, a separate cover with drawstrings and clasps, creating a protective cover over garden and/or potted plants.

2. A garden and/or potted plant protection system according to Claim 1, in which the frame is of self-assembly, comprising a central top hub, a plurality of supporting ribs, a plurality of brackets, which will provide attachment for the drawstrings and, will also raise and act as support for a flower pot.