AU2016101060A4 - Improvements in trellis systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A trellis system comprises at least two mesh pieces (10, 20), the mesh pieces being connected by means of a connector (50), preferably a helically wound wire or the like, wherein at least one mesh piece (10) comprises a centre panel (12) and two integral side panels or wings (14, 16) wherein the plane of the wings is at an angle, preferably an obtuse angle, with the plane of the main panel. FFIG, 2 -------------

Description

"Improvements in trellis systems"

Technical Field [0001] This invention relates to improvements in trellis systems.

Background [0002] Gardeners have been using a wide range of different types of support to grow and train plants such as vegetables and flowers for many years. These range from a simple wooden stake to more complicated steel and plastic frames. The majority of the steel and plastic frames are stand-alone items, particularly those used for growing vegetables. Most vegetable support systems tend to act as a cage and simply contain the plant. The supports tend to lack flexibility to suit different shapes and types of plants.

[0003] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

Summary [0004] In a first broad aspect, the present invention provides a trellis system comprising at least two mesh pieces, the mesh pieces being connected by means of a, preferably helically wound, wire or the like, wherein at least one first mesh piece comprises a centre panel and two integral side panels or wings wherein the plane of the wings is at an angle, preferably an obtuse angle, with the plane of the main panel.

[0005] Advantageously, the present invention provides a flexible system for trellising that can be configured to suit different sizes and shapes of plants and also adjusted and extended as the plant grows taller. Advantageously, the use of separate ties may be dispensed with.

[0006] The wires forming the mesh may be non-smooth, typically contoured/ribbed rather than smooth to provide grip for plants.

[0007] The trellis system may further include flexible ties extending form one side of the first mesh piece to an opposite side thereby forming an enclosure for a plant within the trellis. The ties may comprise hook and loop fasteners.

[0008] The connector is preferably a helically wound wire.

[0009] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Brief Description of Drawings [0010] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a component of a trellis system;

Figure 2 is a top view of the component shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a front view of an extension component of the trellis system;

Figure 4 is a dimetric view of the component shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a dimetric view of the component shown in Figure 1 with the extension of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a front view of a component of a trellis system;

Figure 7 is a top view of the component shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a front view of an extension component of the trellis system;

Figure 9 is a dimetric view if the component shown in Figure 6 with the extension of Figure 8; Figure 10a is an isometric view of a connector;

Figure 10b is a front view of the connector shown in Figure 10a;

Figure 11 is a dimetric view of the component shown in Figure 1 with the extension of Figure 3; Figure 12 is an enlarged view of detail A shown in Figure 11;

Figure 13 is an isometric view of a further connector;

Figure 14 is a dimetric view of the component shown in Figure 6 with the extension of Figure 8;

Figure 15 is an enlarged view of detail B shown in Figure 14;

Figure 16 illustrates the use of components to form a first trellis arrangement;

Figure 17 illustrates the use of components to form a second trellis arrangement;

Figure 18 illustrates the use of components to form a third trellis arrangement;

Figure 19 illustrates the use of components to form a fourth trellis arrangement;

Figure 20 illustrates the use of components to form an Α-frame trellis;

Figure 21 shows a pictorial view of a similar trellis arrangement as is shown in Figure 19; and

Figure 22 is a pictorial view illustrating hook and loop ties and ribbing of the wire forming the mesh.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments [0011] Referring to the drawings, Figures 1, 2 and 4 shows a first main piece 10 of a trellis system. The component is an open framework or mesh defining large rectangular openings and having three panels, a centre panel 12 and two symmetrically arranged side panels or wings 14, 16 oriented at an obtuse angle of about 135° to the centre panel. The piece defines four “push-in” feet which are extensions of the wire making up the panels which can be pushed into ground. The feet are offset and with the angled wings provide strength and rigidity to the components compared with flat panels. The wire is ribbed to define a contoured surface which makes it easier for the plants to grip the wire. The ribs/contours are best seen in Figure 21.

[0012] Figure 3 shows a flat extension piece or panel 20. Figure 5 shows the extension panel 20 connected to the first component piece 10 using spiral connectors 50, described in more detail below.

[0013] Figures 6 and 7 show a second main piece 30 which again is formed from a mesh defining large rectangular openings and having three panels, a centre panel 32 and two symmetrically arranged side panels or wings 34, 36 oriented at an angle of about 135o to the centre panel. The centre panel 30 is wider than the centre panel 12 of the first main piece.

Figure 8 shows a flat extension panel/piece 40. Figure 9 shows the extension panel 40 connected to the second main piece 30 using spiral connectors 50.

[0014] Figures 10a and 10b show a connector 50 which as shown comprises a helically wound relatively stiff wire. The length of the connector is equal to the width of one square of the mesh.

[0015] Figures 11 and 12 show the spiral connector used to connect the extension panel 20 to the first component piece 10.

[0016] Figure 13 shows a second connector 60 which as shown comprises a helically wound relatively stiff wire. The length of the connector 60 is twice the length of connector 50 and is equal to the width of two square of the mesh. Figures 14 and 15 show the spiral connector used to connect the extension panel 40 to the first component piece 30.

[0017] Figures 16 and 17 show assemblies of number of main pieces 30 connected together side by side in line using connectors 60. In Figure 16, each main piece also has an associated extension panel 40 attached to it.

[0018] Figures 18 and 19 and 21 show the assemblies of Figures 5 and 9 including hook and loop ties 70. These ties help secure the plant within the wings providing increased security and support. The ties can be adjusted and moved as the plant grows and matures. As is best seen in Figure 22 the ties are flexible/floppy, but can be tightened as shown in Figure 21.

[0019] Figure 20 illustrates the use of main piece components back to back and connected at the top to form an A-frame trellis [0020] The wire forming the panels is preferably galvanised for longer life, although it is possible to use uncoated steel instead as well as painted or plastic coated steel.

[0021] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A trellis system comprising at least two mesh pieces, the mesh pieces being connected by means of a, preferably helically wound, wire or the like, wherein at least one first mesh piece comprises a centre panel and two integral side panels or wings wherein the plane of the wings is at an angle, preferably an obtuse angle, with the plane of the main panel.
2. 2. A trellis system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mesh forming the pieces comprises a metal whose surface in non-smooth and most preferably ribbed.
3. 3. A trellis system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including flexible ties extending form one side of the first mesh piece to an opposite side thereby forming an enclosure for a plant within the trellis
4. 4. A trellis system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the ties comprise hook and loop fasteners.
5. 5. A trellis system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the connector is a helically wound wire.