CA2296802A1 - Raised garden bed frame - Google Patents
Raised garden bed frame Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2296802A1 CA2296802A1 CA002296802A CA2296802A CA2296802A1 CA 2296802 A1 CA2296802 A1 CA 2296802A1 CA 002296802 A CA002296802 A CA 002296802A CA 2296802 A CA2296802 A CA 2296802A CA 2296802 A1 CA2296802 A1 CA 2296802A1
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- Prior art keywords
- side walls
- opposing
- opposing side
- tools
- bed frame
- Prior art date
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
- Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
- Y02A40/25—Greenhouse technology, e.g. cooling systems therefor
Landscapes
- Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)
Abstract
Raised garden beds of wood assembled with hand tools such as a hammer and screwdriver are known. In this invention, raised garden bed frame of plastic is assembled without tools by using plastic lumber having opposing sides and opposing ends connected to form the bed frame by using interlocking dovetail lock, mushroom lock, or "T"
lock connectors or a spike. Internal cross braces may be interlocked in the same manner as the opposing sides and ends. Frames may be interconnected to make an extended frame of greater length. Rails may be added to the side and end walls to strengthen the frame and for use as a lifting handle.
The frame also may include hoop brackets installed without tools, in which hoops can be inserted to serve as support for a sun screen or enclosure for the raised garden bed. End panels may be added as a barrier to undesirable weather or to complete the enclosure.
lock connectors or a spike. Internal cross braces may be interlocked in the same manner as the opposing sides and ends. Frames may be interconnected to make an extended frame of greater length. Rails may be added to the side and end walls to strengthen the frame and for use as a lifting handle.
The frame also may include hoop brackets installed without tools, in which hoops can be inserted to serve as support for a sun screen or enclosure for the raised garden bed. End panels may be added as a barrier to undesirable weather or to complete the enclosure.
Description
yl~,~~oUU DfON 13: d4 FAt ChaceRuttenbereFreedman (~UUS!U31 Additionally, raised beds warm faster and dry earlier, frequently allowing earlier planting.
This allows raised beds to grow plants more closely than in upraised agricultural areas. Raised beds also can be easier to weed, fertilize and otherwise maintain.
A variety of techniques have been used to make raised beds. Some raised beds have no frames, walls or other supports, and are merely mounds of earth. Such raised beds obviously are less durable, and require additional effort to maintain the raised status of the bed. Frames have been made of rock, concrete and other earth works. These are very expensive and labor intensive. Wood raised bed frames are also well-known. These frames, however, are expensive and labor intensive to make, are heavy, subject to rot and deterioration, cannot be disinfected easily and are not very reusable. They frequently require cutting, and use of hand tools to install. Plastics and other newer materials have been used to make raised bed frames, but current devices also require significant labor costs and use of tools to assemble.
The present invention employs plastic or similar low cost generally rectangular planer materials with connection means that allow assembly of the raised bed frame without the use of tools. This permits relatively simple and quick installation, and can greatly reduce labor costs, tool use and effort necessary to install the frames. The plastic frame generally is lighter than current devices , and is easy to assemble, disassemble, disinfect and reuse.
Summar~r of the Invention The present invention is directed to a new raised garden bed frame that is assembled without tools. The frame is made of predominately planer rectangular plastic members that join to form a bed frame. The frame is created by using an interlocking "dovetail" lock, "mushroom" lock or "T" lock, or similar lock near the comers of the frame.
Alternatively, the sides and ends may be interlocked with a spike or rod. Internal cross braces may be included U1:2.1:2W oo MON 15:.14 FA1 ChaceRuttenbersFreedman ~6o8:051 and interlocked in the same manner as the sides and ends.
Frames may be interconnected to make an extended frame of greater length. A
rail may be added to the frame to strengthen it and for use as a lifting handle. The frame also may include hoop brackets installed without tools, in which hoops can be inserted to serve as support for a flexible sun screen or enclosure for the raised garden bed. End panels may be added as a barrier to undesirable weather conditions, such as wind, cold and precipitation.
A Brief DescriQtion of the Drawings These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following descriptions, and its drawings where:
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the assembled garden bed frame, with rails;
Fig. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the garden bed franne, with rails;
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an alternative assembled garden bed frame, with hoop brackets;
Fig. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of an alternative garden bed frame, with hoop brackets;
Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the garden bed frame with rails, hoops, shade screen and end panel;
Fig. 6 shows a sectional view along the 6-6 axis in Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of an alternative garden bed frame with hoop brackets, hoops, shade screen and end panel;
Fig. 8 shows a sectional view along the 8-8 axis in Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 shows a side view of a side wall of the garden bed frame;
Fig. 10 shows a top plan view of a side wall of the garden bed frame;
_3_ r,~1:2,~:2U0U riON iJ:d4 FAt ChaceRuttenbersFreedman C~UU7~UJ1 Fig. l0A is an enlarged view of the projecting end of the "dovetail" lock design;
Fig. lOB is an enlarged view of the projecting end of the 'mushroom" lock design;
Fig. l OC is an enlarged view of the projecting end of the ' 'T" lock design;
Fig. 11 is a top plan view of an end wall of the garden bed frame;
Fig. 1 lA is an enlarged view of the recessed end of the "dovetail" lock design;
Fig. 11B is an enlarged view of the recessed end of the "mushroom" lock design;
Fig. 11 C is an enlarged view of the recessed end of the "T" lock design;
Fig. 12 is a top plan view of an end wall;
Fig. 12A is an enlarged view of the side to end wall dovetail receiving connector;
Fig. 13 is a side view of an end wall;
Fig. 14 is a side view of a cross brace;
Fig. 15 is a top plan view of a cross brace;
Fig. 15A is an enlargement of a cross brace to side wall projecting connector;
Fig. 16 is an exploded view of an alternative garden bed frame joined by spikes;
Fig. 17 is a top plan view of an alternative garden bed frame side;
Fig. 18 is a side view of an alternative garden bed frame side;
Fig. 19 is a top plan view of the hoop rod holder;
Fig. 20 is a front view of the hoop rod holder;
Fig. 21 is a side view of a hoop rod holder;
Fig. 22 is a top view of a hoop rod holder;
Fig. 22A is an enlarged top view of a hoop lock connector dovetail lock;
Fig. 23 is a front view of a hoop lock connector;
Fig. 24 is a side view of a hoop lock connector;
01: 2~1: 2ob0 MON 1~: ~1.1 FAX ChaceRuttenbereFreedman ~ «~~~~ «~1 Fig. 25 is a top view of a hoop lock connector;
Fig. 25A is an enlarged to view of a hoop lock connector dovetail lock;
Fig. 26 is a front view of a hoop lock connector;
Fig. 27 is a side view of a hoop lock connector;
Fig. 28 is a front view of a hoop rod;
Fig. 29 is a front view of an end panel;
Fig. 30 is a top view of a continuous frame cross wall;
Fig. 30A is an enlargement of a continuous frame cross wall end lock;
Fig. 31 is a side view of a continuous frame cross wall;
Fig, 32 is a front view of a continuous frame cross wall;
Fig. 33 is a plan view of a side rail;
Fig. 34 is a front view of a side rail;
Fig. 35 is a side view of a side rail;
Fig. 36 is a plan view of an end rail;
Fig. 37 is a front view of an end xail;
Fig. 38 is a side view of an end rail.
Description of the Best Mode As shown in Figs. 1 & 2, one embodiment of the raised garden bed frame 10 comprises primarily rectangular and planar opposing bed frame side walls 11 & 12, and opposing primarily rectangular and planar bed frame end walls, 13 & 14. The bed frame may have one or more primarily rectangular and planar cross braces, 15. Side walls (11 &
12) are connected at their respective ends by approximately perpendicular end walls (13 & 14).
One or more cross braces, 15, lnay be placed between the side walls (11 & 12) approximately parallel to the 01:2.1:2000 MON 13:.14 FAY ChaceRuttenbereFreedman I~o09~031 end walls (13 & 14).
The side walls (1 l, 12) may be connected to the end walls (13, 14) by a connecting means such as the ''dovetail" lock shown in Figs. l0A and 11A, the "mushroom"
lock shown in Figs. 1 OB and 11 B, the "T" lock shown in Figs. 1 OC and 11 C. In the preferred embodiment, a projecting coru~ector (16) is attached to or made as a part of the end of each side wall, and a corresponding receiving connector (17) is attached to or made part of the end of each end wall, so that the side and end walls can be connected by sliding the side wall and end wall together.
Alternatively, the receiving connector (17) can be connected to the side wall and the projecting connector (16) connected to the end wall, but this arrangement was found to be slightly less efficient and makes the continuous frame feature described below much more difficult.
The side walls (11, 12) and end walls (13, 14) can be made out of eomrnon plastics, including polyurethane. The preferred embodiment uses plastic lumber made of recycled plastics, which may be predominantly polyoleflns. This material, commonly known as polyboard, is a solid co-mingled plastic composition, non-toxic, impact resistant and not water soluble. It can be colored, and its inertness contributes to its longevity and ability to be disinfected, The typical method for making connectors ( 16, 17, 18 & 19) are by routing the side and end walls after they are formed by ea-trusion. The walls and connectors could be formed by casting or molding, but this process could be more expensive.
The walls of the frame should be sturdy enough to support the pressure of the earth in the raised bed and other anticipated forces, such as gardeners walking on the bed.
As shown in Figs. 5, 7, 19, 20 & 21, a hoop rod holder 37 may be used to hold a hoop rod 26 which supports hoop cover material 27. The hoop rod holder (3 7) has a hoop rod holder clip 38 which attaches to the side wall (11 & 12) and held in place by gravity and friction. The U1: 2~t- 2U00 h40N 13:.1.1 FAQ ChaceRuttenbersFreedman ~UloU31 hoop rod clip (38) is attached to a hoop rod holder tube 39, the hollow irA
the center of which forms a hoop rod mounting hole (21) into which the hoop rod (26) is inserted.
In the preferred embodiment, the hoop rod clip (38) is made of 18 gauge steel and the hoop rod holder tube (39) is 1 1/8 inch outside diameter, with .049 inch thick wall mechanical tubing. These dimensions and material can vary greatly and should be sized to hold the hoop rod (26) without breaking.
Alternatively, as shown in Figs. 5, 7, 22, 23A, 24, 25, 26 & 27, a hoop lock connector 20 having a generally circular hoop rod mounting hole 21 may be used to support a hoop rod 26, which supports a hoop cover material 27. As shown in Figs. 5 & 7, a hoop cover material supported by the hoop rods forms a screen for the raised bed frame. The hoop rod connector (20) and the bed frame side walls (1 l, 12) have "dovetail" lock (22, 23), 'mushroom" lock 24, 25, "T" lock or similar locks connectors, similar to those used to connect side wall to end walls. The hoop lock connector (20) slides into a hoop lock connector slot 28 on the sidewall (11,12) or end wall (13, 14). As shown in Fig. 27, the hoop lock connector (20) has a drain hole 40 to permit water to drain. The hoop lock connectors shown in Figs. 21, 22A, 23 and 24 differ from those in Figs. 25, 25A, 26 & 27 in that the former have a hoop lock connector lip 41 for cosmetic purposes.
The hoop lock connector (20) can be made by routing extruded stock of polyurethane and similar plastics. Alternatively, molding or casting is possible, but may be too expensive.
Hoops can be made of flexible plastic rods or wood.
The hoop cover material (27) ordinarily would be made of polyurethane for cost considerations, As shown in Fig. 16, an alternative garden bed frame may be made by interlocking the _7_ O1r2~1:2U0o DiON 13:~t.1 F~~ ChaceRuttenbersFreedman ~Olii031 side walls (1 I & 12) and the end walls (13 & 14) with a spike 32, The spike is inserted in spike mounting holes 44 near the corners of the frame. Figs. 1 G, 17 & 18 show the interlocking tabs 45 on the side walls and end walls. Different size interlocking tabs are satisfactory.
As shown in Figs. 5, 7 & 28, a hoop rod (26) is an option that may be added to the garden bed frame. In this embodi~x~ent, the hoop rod is 3/4 inch EMT (.90 inch O.D.) bent to provide two hoop rod legs 46 and hoop rod spans 47 which rise to a hoop rod peak 48. These components of the hoop rod may be of any rigid, durable material, and separately made but joined during use, but in the preferred embodiment they are made ficom a single piece of EMT
for cost efficiency and ease of manufacture and assembly. Plastic tubing may be used, The hoop rod is sized to fit the hoop rod mounting holes (21), and is peaked to allow precipitation to run off the hoop cover material (27) supported by the hoop rod (26).
As shown in Figs. S, 7 & 29, the garden bed frame may have end panels (31) fitted at one or both ends of the frame. the panel may be plexiglass or similar material. Transparent material is preferred, though not necessary. Glass, wood or similar materials could be used, The end panel is sized to fit against the hoop rod (26), and has an end panel tab 49 that is sized to fit inside the side walls and is held in place against the rail (34) or end wall (13) by the weight of soil. As shown in Figs. 6 & 8, the end panel is held against the hoop rod by an end panel clip 36, as shown in Figs. 6, 8. The clips (36) are made of polyurethane, though other materials are acceptable.
As shown in Figs. 30, 31 & 32, an extended bed can be made by substituting a continuous frame cross wall 42 for an end wall (13 or 14). The continuous frame cross wall (42) has at each end a pair of continuous frame cross wall end locks 43, Figs.
30 & 30A, which are of the size and shape of one of the side to wall lock connectors shown in Figs. 11 A, 11 B 8z _g_ ol~ 2~i: 2000 DiON 13:.15 FAQ ChaceRuttenberGFreedman X012: 031 11C. The preferred embodiment uses the dovetail shape in Fig. lA. Side walls (11 & 12) are connected to each of the four side to wall lock connectors (43) in the cross wall (42). This can be continued to create bed of virtually limitless length, without tools, and inexpensively, As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 5 and 6, the preferred embodiment also includes side rails (33 j and end rails (34) which fit over the side walls (11, 12) and end walls (13, 14). These rails (33, 34) give the bed (10) more strength and can be used as handles for the frame (lOj. The rails also improve the appearance of the frame (10). Rails may be constructed from recycled plastic lumber.
The rails have rail hoop rod mounting holes (35) sized to fit the hoop rvd (26) to support the hoop rod, and as a substitute for the hoop rod connector (20) and hoop rod holder (37).
This allows raised beds to grow plants more closely than in upraised agricultural areas. Raised beds also can be easier to weed, fertilize and otherwise maintain.
A variety of techniques have been used to make raised beds. Some raised beds have no frames, walls or other supports, and are merely mounds of earth. Such raised beds obviously are less durable, and require additional effort to maintain the raised status of the bed. Frames have been made of rock, concrete and other earth works. These are very expensive and labor intensive. Wood raised bed frames are also well-known. These frames, however, are expensive and labor intensive to make, are heavy, subject to rot and deterioration, cannot be disinfected easily and are not very reusable. They frequently require cutting, and use of hand tools to install. Plastics and other newer materials have been used to make raised bed frames, but current devices also require significant labor costs and use of tools to assemble.
The present invention employs plastic or similar low cost generally rectangular planer materials with connection means that allow assembly of the raised bed frame without the use of tools. This permits relatively simple and quick installation, and can greatly reduce labor costs, tool use and effort necessary to install the frames. The plastic frame generally is lighter than current devices , and is easy to assemble, disassemble, disinfect and reuse.
Summar~r of the Invention The present invention is directed to a new raised garden bed frame that is assembled without tools. The frame is made of predominately planer rectangular plastic members that join to form a bed frame. The frame is created by using an interlocking "dovetail" lock, "mushroom" lock or "T" lock, or similar lock near the comers of the frame.
Alternatively, the sides and ends may be interlocked with a spike or rod. Internal cross braces may be included U1:2.1:2W oo MON 15:.14 FA1 ChaceRuttenbersFreedman ~6o8:051 and interlocked in the same manner as the sides and ends.
Frames may be interconnected to make an extended frame of greater length. A
rail may be added to the frame to strengthen it and for use as a lifting handle. The frame also may include hoop brackets installed without tools, in which hoops can be inserted to serve as support for a flexible sun screen or enclosure for the raised garden bed. End panels may be added as a barrier to undesirable weather conditions, such as wind, cold and precipitation.
A Brief DescriQtion of the Drawings These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following descriptions, and its drawings where:
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the assembled garden bed frame, with rails;
Fig. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the garden bed franne, with rails;
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an alternative assembled garden bed frame, with hoop brackets;
Fig. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of an alternative garden bed frame, with hoop brackets;
Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the garden bed frame with rails, hoops, shade screen and end panel;
Fig. 6 shows a sectional view along the 6-6 axis in Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of an alternative garden bed frame with hoop brackets, hoops, shade screen and end panel;
Fig. 8 shows a sectional view along the 8-8 axis in Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 shows a side view of a side wall of the garden bed frame;
Fig. 10 shows a top plan view of a side wall of the garden bed frame;
_3_ r,~1:2,~:2U0U riON iJ:d4 FAt ChaceRuttenbersFreedman C~UU7~UJ1 Fig. l0A is an enlarged view of the projecting end of the "dovetail" lock design;
Fig. lOB is an enlarged view of the projecting end of the 'mushroom" lock design;
Fig. l OC is an enlarged view of the projecting end of the ' 'T" lock design;
Fig. 11 is a top plan view of an end wall of the garden bed frame;
Fig. 1 lA is an enlarged view of the recessed end of the "dovetail" lock design;
Fig. 11B is an enlarged view of the recessed end of the "mushroom" lock design;
Fig. 11 C is an enlarged view of the recessed end of the "T" lock design;
Fig. 12 is a top plan view of an end wall;
Fig. 12A is an enlarged view of the side to end wall dovetail receiving connector;
Fig. 13 is a side view of an end wall;
Fig. 14 is a side view of a cross brace;
Fig. 15 is a top plan view of a cross brace;
Fig. 15A is an enlargement of a cross brace to side wall projecting connector;
Fig. 16 is an exploded view of an alternative garden bed frame joined by spikes;
Fig. 17 is a top plan view of an alternative garden bed frame side;
Fig. 18 is a side view of an alternative garden bed frame side;
Fig. 19 is a top plan view of the hoop rod holder;
Fig. 20 is a front view of the hoop rod holder;
Fig. 21 is a side view of a hoop rod holder;
Fig. 22 is a top view of a hoop rod holder;
Fig. 22A is an enlarged top view of a hoop lock connector dovetail lock;
Fig. 23 is a front view of a hoop lock connector;
Fig. 24 is a side view of a hoop lock connector;
01: 2~1: 2ob0 MON 1~: ~1.1 FAX ChaceRuttenbereFreedman ~ «~~~~ «~1 Fig. 25 is a top view of a hoop lock connector;
Fig. 25A is an enlarged to view of a hoop lock connector dovetail lock;
Fig. 26 is a front view of a hoop lock connector;
Fig. 27 is a side view of a hoop lock connector;
Fig. 28 is a front view of a hoop rod;
Fig. 29 is a front view of an end panel;
Fig. 30 is a top view of a continuous frame cross wall;
Fig. 30A is an enlargement of a continuous frame cross wall end lock;
Fig. 31 is a side view of a continuous frame cross wall;
Fig, 32 is a front view of a continuous frame cross wall;
Fig. 33 is a plan view of a side rail;
Fig. 34 is a front view of a side rail;
Fig. 35 is a side view of a side rail;
Fig. 36 is a plan view of an end rail;
Fig. 37 is a front view of an end xail;
Fig. 38 is a side view of an end rail.
Description of the Best Mode As shown in Figs. 1 & 2, one embodiment of the raised garden bed frame 10 comprises primarily rectangular and planar opposing bed frame side walls 11 & 12, and opposing primarily rectangular and planar bed frame end walls, 13 & 14. The bed frame may have one or more primarily rectangular and planar cross braces, 15. Side walls (11 &
12) are connected at their respective ends by approximately perpendicular end walls (13 & 14).
One or more cross braces, 15, lnay be placed between the side walls (11 & 12) approximately parallel to the 01:2.1:2000 MON 13:.14 FAY ChaceRuttenbereFreedman I~o09~031 end walls (13 & 14).
The side walls (1 l, 12) may be connected to the end walls (13, 14) by a connecting means such as the ''dovetail" lock shown in Figs. l0A and 11A, the "mushroom"
lock shown in Figs. 1 OB and 11 B, the "T" lock shown in Figs. 1 OC and 11 C. In the preferred embodiment, a projecting coru~ector (16) is attached to or made as a part of the end of each side wall, and a corresponding receiving connector (17) is attached to or made part of the end of each end wall, so that the side and end walls can be connected by sliding the side wall and end wall together.
Alternatively, the receiving connector (17) can be connected to the side wall and the projecting connector (16) connected to the end wall, but this arrangement was found to be slightly less efficient and makes the continuous frame feature described below much more difficult.
The side walls (11, 12) and end walls (13, 14) can be made out of eomrnon plastics, including polyurethane. The preferred embodiment uses plastic lumber made of recycled plastics, which may be predominantly polyoleflns. This material, commonly known as polyboard, is a solid co-mingled plastic composition, non-toxic, impact resistant and not water soluble. It can be colored, and its inertness contributes to its longevity and ability to be disinfected, The typical method for making connectors ( 16, 17, 18 & 19) are by routing the side and end walls after they are formed by ea-trusion. The walls and connectors could be formed by casting or molding, but this process could be more expensive.
The walls of the frame should be sturdy enough to support the pressure of the earth in the raised bed and other anticipated forces, such as gardeners walking on the bed.
As shown in Figs. 5, 7, 19, 20 & 21, a hoop rod holder 37 may be used to hold a hoop rod 26 which supports hoop cover material 27. The hoop rod holder (3 7) has a hoop rod holder clip 38 which attaches to the side wall (11 & 12) and held in place by gravity and friction. The U1: 2~t- 2U00 h40N 13:.1.1 FAQ ChaceRuttenbersFreedman ~UloU31 hoop rod clip (38) is attached to a hoop rod holder tube 39, the hollow irA
the center of which forms a hoop rod mounting hole (21) into which the hoop rod (26) is inserted.
In the preferred embodiment, the hoop rod clip (38) is made of 18 gauge steel and the hoop rod holder tube (39) is 1 1/8 inch outside diameter, with .049 inch thick wall mechanical tubing. These dimensions and material can vary greatly and should be sized to hold the hoop rod (26) without breaking.
Alternatively, as shown in Figs. 5, 7, 22, 23A, 24, 25, 26 & 27, a hoop lock connector 20 having a generally circular hoop rod mounting hole 21 may be used to support a hoop rod 26, which supports a hoop cover material 27. As shown in Figs. 5 & 7, a hoop cover material supported by the hoop rods forms a screen for the raised bed frame. The hoop rod connector (20) and the bed frame side walls (1 l, 12) have "dovetail" lock (22, 23), 'mushroom" lock 24, 25, "T" lock or similar locks connectors, similar to those used to connect side wall to end walls. The hoop lock connector (20) slides into a hoop lock connector slot 28 on the sidewall (11,12) or end wall (13, 14). As shown in Fig. 27, the hoop lock connector (20) has a drain hole 40 to permit water to drain. The hoop lock connectors shown in Figs. 21, 22A, 23 and 24 differ from those in Figs. 25, 25A, 26 & 27 in that the former have a hoop lock connector lip 41 for cosmetic purposes.
The hoop lock connector (20) can be made by routing extruded stock of polyurethane and similar plastics. Alternatively, molding or casting is possible, but may be too expensive.
Hoops can be made of flexible plastic rods or wood.
The hoop cover material (27) ordinarily would be made of polyurethane for cost considerations, As shown in Fig. 16, an alternative garden bed frame may be made by interlocking the _7_ O1r2~1:2U0o DiON 13:~t.1 F~~ ChaceRuttenbersFreedman ~Olii031 side walls (1 I & 12) and the end walls (13 & 14) with a spike 32, The spike is inserted in spike mounting holes 44 near the corners of the frame. Figs. 1 G, 17 & 18 show the interlocking tabs 45 on the side walls and end walls. Different size interlocking tabs are satisfactory.
As shown in Figs. 5, 7 & 28, a hoop rod (26) is an option that may be added to the garden bed frame. In this embodi~x~ent, the hoop rod is 3/4 inch EMT (.90 inch O.D.) bent to provide two hoop rod legs 46 and hoop rod spans 47 which rise to a hoop rod peak 48. These components of the hoop rod may be of any rigid, durable material, and separately made but joined during use, but in the preferred embodiment they are made ficom a single piece of EMT
for cost efficiency and ease of manufacture and assembly. Plastic tubing may be used, The hoop rod is sized to fit the hoop rod mounting holes (21), and is peaked to allow precipitation to run off the hoop cover material (27) supported by the hoop rod (26).
As shown in Figs. S, 7 & 29, the garden bed frame may have end panels (31) fitted at one or both ends of the frame. the panel may be plexiglass or similar material. Transparent material is preferred, though not necessary. Glass, wood or similar materials could be used, The end panel is sized to fit against the hoop rod (26), and has an end panel tab 49 that is sized to fit inside the side walls and is held in place against the rail (34) or end wall (13) by the weight of soil. As shown in Figs. 6 & 8, the end panel is held against the hoop rod by an end panel clip 36, as shown in Figs. 6, 8. The clips (36) are made of polyurethane, though other materials are acceptable.
As shown in Figs. 30, 31 & 32, an extended bed can be made by substituting a continuous frame cross wall 42 for an end wall (13 or 14). The continuous frame cross wall (42) has at each end a pair of continuous frame cross wall end locks 43, Figs.
30 & 30A, which are of the size and shape of one of the side to wall lock connectors shown in Figs. 11 A, 11 B 8z _g_ ol~ 2~i: 2000 DiON 13:.15 FAQ ChaceRuttenberGFreedman X012: 031 11C. The preferred embodiment uses the dovetail shape in Fig. lA. Side walls (11 & 12) are connected to each of the four side to wall lock connectors (43) in the cross wall (42). This can be continued to create bed of virtually limitless length, without tools, and inexpensively, As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 5 and 6, the preferred embodiment also includes side rails (33 j and end rails (34) which fit over the side walls (11, 12) and end walls (13, 14). These rails (33, 34) give the bed (10) more strength and can be used as handles for the frame (lOj. The rails also improve the appearance of the frame (10). Rails may be constructed from recycled plastic lumber.
The rails have rail hoop rod mounting holes (35) sized to fit the hoop rvd (26) to support the hoop rod, and as a substitute for the hoop rod connector (20) and hoop rod holder (37).
Claims (22)
1. A method of creating a raised garden bed frame without tools, which comprises connecting opposing side walls to opposing end walls by an interlocking connecting means.
2. The method of Claim 1 in which the opposing side walls and opposing end walls are made of plastic lumber.
3. The method of Claim 2 in which the interconnecting means is connecting a dovetail projecting connector and a dovetail receiving connector.
4. The method of Claim 2 in which the interconnecting means is connecting a mushroom projecting connector and a mushroom receiving connector.
5. The method of Claim 2 in which the interconnecting means is connecting a "T" lock projecting connector and a "T" lock receiving connector.
6. The method of Claim 2 in which the interconnecting means is interlocking tabs on the side walls and end walls, the tabs having mounting holes, and inserting a spike through the mounting holes.
7, The method of Claim 2 in which the frame is strengthened by connecting one of more cross braces between the opposing side walls, and the frame has rails connected to each opposing side wall and opposing end wall.
8. The method of Claim 2 in which the raised garden bed frame is covered without tools by connecting one of more hoops to the opposing side walls, and covering the hoops with hoop cover material.
9. The method of Claim 8 in which the raised garden bed frame has opposing openings in the hoop cover material at each of the opposing end walls, which opposing openings are covered with removable panels.
10. A method of creating an extended raised garden bed frame without tools, which comprises: connecting opposing side walls with two ends to an opposing end wall at one end of each of the opposing side walls, and connecting a continuous frame cross wall, having a pair of continuous frame cross wall end locks, to the other end of each of the opposing side walls;
connecting additional opposing side walls to the cross wall end locks and to additional continuous frame cross walls, until the extended raised garden bed frame is of the desired length; and then connecting an opposing end wall to the last attached additional opposing side walls.
connecting additional opposing side walls to the cross wall end locks and to additional continuous frame cross walls, until the extended raised garden bed frame is of the desired length; and then connecting an opposing end wall to the last attached additional opposing side walls.
11. A raised garden bed frame assembled without tools comprising opposing side walls, opposing end walls, and an interlocking means for connecting the end walls to the side walls without using tools.
12. The raised garden bed frame assembled without tools of Claim 11 in which the opposing side walls and opposing end walls are made of plastic lumber.
13. The raised garden bed frame assembled without tools of Claim 12 where the interlocking means is a dovetail projecting connector that removably connects to a dovetail receiving connector.
14. The raised garden bed frame assembled without tools of Claim 12 where the interlocking means is a mushroom projecting connector that removably connects to a mushroom receiving connector.
15. The raised garden bed frame assembled without tools of Claim 12 where the interlocking means is a "T" lock projecting connector that removably connects to a "T" lock receiving connector.
16. The raised garden bed frame assembled without tools of Claim 12 having one or more cross braces connected between opposing side walls, and rails connected to each opposing side wall and opposing end wall.
17. The raised garden bed frame assembled without tools of Claim 12 having one or more hoops and hoop cover material, the hoops having two hoop ends, one of which is removably connected to one of the opposing side walls and the other of the hoop ends is removably connected to the other of the opposing side walls, and the hoops supporting the cover material.
18. The raised garden bed frame assembled without tools of Claim 17 in which an end panel is removably placed adjacent to each opposing end.
19. An extended raised garden bed frame assembled without tools comprising opposing side walls with two ends, an opposing end wall connected to one end of each of the opposing side walls, a continuous frame cross wall, having a pair of continuous frame cross wall end locks, connected the other end of each of the opposing side walls;
additional opposing side walls connected the cross wall end locks and continuous frame cross walls to the additional opposing side walls until the extended raised garden bed frame is of the desired length; and then connecting an opposing end wall to the last attached additional opposing side walls.
additional opposing side walls connected the cross wall end locks and continuous frame cross walls to the additional opposing side walls until the extended raised garden bed frame is of the desired length; and then connecting an opposing end wall to the last attached additional opposing side walls.
20. The extended raised garden bed frame assembled without tools of Claim 19 in which opposing side walls are connected to the opposing end walls and the continuous frame cross wall by dovetail projecting connector and a dovetail receiving connector.
21. The extended raised garden bed frame assembled without tools of Claim 19 in which opposing side walls are connected to the opposing end walls and the continuous frame cross wall by mushroom projecting connector and a mushroom receiving connector
22. The extended raised garden bed frame assembled without tools of Claim 19 in which opposing side walls are connected to the opposing end walls and the continuous frame cross wall by "T" lock projecting connector and a "T" lock receiving connector.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11706799P | 1999-01-25 | 1999-01-25 | |
| US60/117,067 | 1999-01-25 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2296802A1 true CA2296802A1 (en) | 2000-07-25 |
Family
ID=31886270
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002296802A Abandoned CA2296802A1 (en) | 1999-01-25 | 2000-01-24 | Raised garden bed frame |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2296802A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2467171A (en) * | 2009-01-27 | 2010-07-28 | Everedge Ltd | Edging for beds, lawns, or the like |
| GB2475686A (en) * | 2009-11-25 | 2011-06-01 | Kathryn Bowles | Bottomless garden planter |
| CN115211310A (en) * | 2022-08-02 | 2022-10-21 | 中建一局集团第三建筑有限公司 | Combined cover body for promoting plant growth |
-
2000
- 2000-01-24 CA CA002296802A patent/CA2296802A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2467171A (en) * | 2009-01-27 | 2010-07-28 | Everedge Ltd | Edging for beds, lawns, or the like |
| GB2475686A (en) * | 2009-11-25 | 2011-06-01 | Kathryn Bowles | Bottomless garden planter |
| CN115211310A (en) * | 2022-08-02 | 2022-10-21 | 中建一局集团第三建筑有限公司 | Combined cover body for promoting plant growth |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |