GB1570490A

GB1570490A - Gardening apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB1570490A
Application number: GB46666/75A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Ward R H
Current assignee: Ward R H
Priority date: 1976-11-05
Filing date: 1976-11-05
Publication date: 1980-07-02

Description

(54) GARDENING APPARATUS (71) I, ROBERT HENRY WARD, a British subject of 40 Acton Road. Arnold, Nottinghamshire, do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a Patent may be granted to me and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: The present invention relates to a gardening apparatus.

According to the present invention there is provided a gardening apparatus including at least three side by side panels pivotally connected so that adjacent panels are hingedly connected along adjacent sides, each panel comprising a frame over which is stretched a sheet material, each frame being made up of interconnected elongate frame members arranged to extend longitudinally and transversely of the panel, the pivotal connection between adjacent panels being defined by hinge means which rotatably connect the transversely extending frame members of one panel to a longitudinally extending frame member of the adjacent panel, the hinge means serving to releasibly retain adjacent panels in predetermined angularly disposed positions.

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention shown in use; Figure 2 is a plan view of the apparatus according to the present invention folded so as to be in a single plane; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus folded to define an elongate tube; Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a garden apparatus for use as a cloche; Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the garden apparatus of Figure 4 for use as a lean-to "glass-house"; Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of two inter-connected garden apparatus of Figure 4 for use as a cloche.

Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of alternative hinge means for incorporation in apparatus according to the present invention.

Referring initially to Figure 2, the apparatus is shown generally at 10 and includes four frames 11, 12, 13 and 14' each of which is pivotally connected to its neighbour.

Frame 12 includes two longitudinal frame members or elements 14 and 15 spaced apart by three transverse frame members or elements 16, 17 and 18. Longitudinal elements 14 and 15 each have extended portions 14a, 14b, and 15a and 15b respectively.

Frame 11 includes a single longitudinal frame element 20 from which depend three transverse frame elements 21, 22 and 23.

The terminal ends of elements 21, 22 and 23 are provided with bosses 24, 25 and 26 respectively. Bosses 24 and 26 are respectively rotatably received on extended portions 14a and 14b and boss 25 is rotatably received approximately mid-way along element 14.

Extended portions 14a, 14b project through respective bosses 24, 26 to each threadedly receive a nut 28. Interposed between nut 28 and respective boss 24, 26 is a spring 30 which urges respective bosses 24, 26 into abutment with frame elements 16, 18.

Similarly extended portions 15a, 15b project through respective bosses 31, 33 provided on transverse frame elements 36, 38 of frame 13; Each extended portion 15a, 15b threaded receives a nut 39 and a spring 40 is interposed between each nut 39 and its respective boss 31, 33 so that the bosses are urged into engagement with frame elements 36 and 38 respectively. Frame 13 also includes a further transverse frame element 37 which has a boss 32 which is rotatably received on longitudinal frame element 15 of frame 12.

Frame elements 36, 37 and 38 are each connected to a longitudinal frame element 50 which is provided with extended portions 50a, 50b.

Frame 14 includes three transverse frame elements 54, 55, and 56 each of which is provided at one end with a boss 51, 52 and 53 respectively. Frame elements 54, 55 and 56 are each connected to a longitudinal frame element 58.

Bosses 51 and 53 are each respectively rotatably received on extended portions 50a and 50b. Each extended portion 50a, 50b threadedly receives a nut 60 and interposed between each nut and respective boss is a spring 61 which urges the respective boss 31. 53 into engagement with frame elements 36,38 of frame 13.

Each boss 24, 26, 31, 33, 51 and 53 are provided on their faces in engagement with respective frame elements with recesses for receiving the respective frame element so that the frames 11, 12 13 and 14 may be pivoted relative to its neighbour and be retained in a given angular position relative to its neighbour by virtue of the frame elements being received in the recesses formed in the respective bosses.

In the embodiment shown each boss 24, 26, 31, 33, 51 and 53 are provided with two recesses so that the frames may be pivoted so as all lie in a common plane (as indicated in Figure 2), may be pivoted so that frames 11, 12 and 13 lie in a common plane and frame 14 is disposed substantially perpendicular thereto (Figure 1), and may be pivoted so that the frames form an elongate tube of rectangular cross-section (Figure 3).

A sheet material is stretched across all the frames and attached thereto. The sheet material may be a plastics sheet or a fabric or a netting.

In use, the frames may be pivoted to achieve the positions as illustrated in Figure 1 and the apparatus is positioned so that frame 14' is located under a hedge 100 to be cut. Frames 11, 12 and 13 are supported at an inclined position by a leg 70 which is pivotally connected to frame element 15 of frame 12.

To supplement the recesses to retain frames 11, 12 and 13 in the co-planar position shown in Figure 1, bosses 24, 26 31 and 33 are advantageously provided with projections adjacent the recesses which cooperate with respective frame elements to prevent frame 11 pivoting in an anticlockwise direction relative to frame 12 from the position shown in Figure 1, and to prevent frame 12 from pivoting in an anti-clockwise direction relative to frame 13 from the position shown in Figure 1.

Once the hedge 100 has bcen cut and cuttings have fallen onto the apparatus, collecting in the angle between frame 13 and frame 14, the apparatus is pivoted so as to achieve the position shown in Figure 3. The apparatus may be then lifted maintaining a substantially horizontal disposition and then carried to a location where the cuttings are to be disposed of. This is achieved simply by tipping the apparatus so that the cuttings pour out of one end of the tube.

The frames are conveniently made from metal rods, the frame elements of which are connected by welding, brazing or soldering.

It will be appreciated that each of the frames when covered by the sheet material defines a panel.

In Figures 4 to 6 an alternative construction of the panels is illustrated wherein bos ses 51,52,53,31,32,33,24,25 and 26 are replaced by hinge means 210 as shown in Figure 7 which are slidably received on elements 50, 15 and 14 respectively.

The hinge means 210 includes two elements 111 and 112. Each element has a cylindrical body portion 113. Element 111 has an end face 11 lea which in use faces end face 1 12a of element 112. Each end face 11 lea, 11 2a is provided with a series of circumferentially spaced recesses 114 (only those on face 11 2a being visible) and a shoulder 115. Each shoulder 115 has an end face from which protrudes a projection 116 which is hemi-spherical in shape.Shoulder 115 of element 112 has two abutment surfaces 117 and 118 which co-operate with similar surfaces on shoulder 115 of element 111 to limit rotational movement between the elements in use, elements 111 and 112 are resiliently biased by spring means (not shown) toward one another so that their end faces 11 la, 1 12a are in contact. In the illustrated hinge, each shoulder 115 extends about 4 of the circumference of the body portion 113 so that elements 111, 112 are only rotatably movable relative to one another through an arc of 9(y . Obviously, the extent of rotational movement may be varied as desired by altering the circumfe rential extent of shoulders 115.

Element 111 is provided with a sleeve 118' which is rotatably received within a bore 120 of element 111. The sleeve 118' is provided with a polygonal shaped (eg square shaped) bore 121 having the same cross-sectional shape as a shaft 122 on which elements 111 and 112 are mounted in use. Element 112 is also provided with a bore 124 which has the same cross-sectional shape as shaft 122. Consequently, when received on shaft 122, element 111 is rotatably mounted thereon whereas element 112 is rotatably fixed relative to shaft 122.

Both elements 111 and 112 are provided with bosses 130 which are capable of receiv ing rods (not shown). The position of bosses 130 and shoulder 115 may be varied as desired so as to provide for different movements between the bosses of elements 111, 112. For instance, for cooperating elements 111 and 112. boss 130 of element 112 is movable from the position shown to a position whereat it points vertically upwards whereas for co-operating elements 111 and 112' the shoulder 115' is so positioned that boss 130' of element 112' is movable from the position shown to a position whereat it points vertically downwards.

Elements 50, 15 and 14 at least in the regions where hinge means 210 are to be located have a square cross-section as for shaft 122 (illustrated in Figure 7). Springs (not shown) similar to springs 61,40 and 30 shown in Figure 2 are provided in order to bias co-operating elements 111 and 112 together and the springs are preferably retained in position under compression by virtue of a washer which is held in abutment with a pin passing transversely through the frame element by virtue of the bias of the spring. The bosses of the hinge means serve to receive and connect transverse frame elements to the longitudinal elements 50, 15 and 14. The transverse elements 21, 22 and 23 are connected to longitudinal elements 20 and transverse elements 54, 55 and 56 are connected to longitudinal element 58 by means of T-pieces 110.

A plastics sheet is conveniently wrapped about the whole frame work and secured in position by any conventional means, eg by heat sealing or by press studs.

Strut 70 may be repositioned so as to be connected to extension 14b and if desired an additional strut 70 may be provided on extension 14a. These struts are conveniently connected thereto by means of T-pieces so that struts 70 may be removed if desired.

It is envisaged that the apparatus may be used for different gardening purposes, for instance as illustrated in Figure 4 to 6.

In Figure 4, the apparatus is folded so as to be used as a cloche. Struts 70 are positioned as shown to provide support.

Additionally, if desired, stakes (not used) may be used to secure the cloche to the ground.

In Figure 5. the apparatus is folded and leaned against a wall 150 to form a lean-to "green-house".

In addition. to struts 70, further struts 71 are provided which depend from extensions formed on longitudinal frame elements 20.

In Figure 6. two apparatus are joined together at the apex 160 of a cloche 161.

The connection is achieved by placing T-pieces on extensions of frame elements 20 and interconnecting side by side T-pieces on adjacent elements 20 by means of a U-shaped member 63. Struts 70 are again provided to add support and on addition strut 80 is provided at each end of the cloche which extends between the extensions of longitudinal elements 14 of the two apparatus.

WHAT I CLAIM IS: 1. Gardening apparatus including at least three side by side panels pivotally connected so that adjacent panels are hingedly connected along adjacent sides, each panel comprising a frame over which is stretched a sheet material, each frame being made up of interconnected elongate frame members arranged to extend longitudinally and transversely of the panel, the pivotal connection between adjacent panels being defined by hinge means which rotatably connect the transversely extending frame members of one panel to a longitudinally extending frame member of the adjacent panel, the hinge means serving to releasibly retain adjacent panels in predetermined angularly disposed positions.

2. A gardening apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the hinge means connecting two of said panels is arranged so that the two panels may be releasably held in a position whereat they are co-planar and may be pivoted so that the three panels together define the sides of an elongate tube.

3. A gardening apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein four panels are provided and the interconnecting hinge means are arranged so that three adjacent panels may be pivotally moved so as to be coplanar to one another and releasably held in that position, the fourth panel being pivotally movable to a position whereat it is substantially perpendicular to the three co-planar members, the panels being pivotally movable to one another to define the sides of an elongate tube.

4. A gardening apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the sheet material is made of a plastics material.

5. A gardening apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the sheet material is transparant to light.

6. A gardening apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the sheet material is in the form of netting.

7. A gardening apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the hinge means between each panel comprises a plurality of bosses rotatably received on a longitudinal frame member of one panel, each boss being attached to a respective transverse frame member of the adjacent panel.

8. A gardening apparatus according to Claim 7 wherein each boss has an end face which is axially biased into abutment with a respective transverse frame member of said one panel, the end face being provided with recesses for receiving the respective trans

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. ing rods (not shown). The position of bosses 130 and shoulder 115 may be varied as desired so as to provide for different movements between the bosses of elements 111, 112. For instance, for cooperating elements 111 and 112. boss 130 of element 112 is movable from the position shown to a position whereat it points vertically upwards whereas for co-operating elements 111 and 112' the shoulder 115' is so positioned that boss 130' of element 112' is movable from the position shown to a position whereat it points vertically downwards. Elements 50, 15 and 14 at least in the regions where hinge means 210 are to be located have a square cross-section as for shaft 122 (illustrated in Figure 7). Springs (not shown) similar to springs 61,40 and 30 shown in Figure 2 are provided in order to bias co-operating elements 111 and 112 together and the springs are preferably retained in position under compression by virtue of a washer which is held in abutment with a pin passing transversely through the frame element by virtue of the bias of the spring. The bosses of the hinge means serve to receive and connect transverse frame elements to the longitudinal elements 50, 15 and 14. The transverse elements 21, 22 and 23 are connected to longitudinal elements 20 and transverse elements 54, 55 and 56 are connected to longitudinal element 58 by means of T-pieces 110. A plastics sheet is conveniently wrapped about the whole frame work and secured in position by any conventional means, eg by heat sealing or by press studs. Strut 70 may be repositioned so as to be connected to extension 14b and if desired an additional strut 70 may be provided on extension 14a. These struts are conveniently connected thereto by means of T-pieces so that struts 70 may be removed if desired. It is envisaged that the apparatus may be used for different gardening purposes, for instance as illustrated in Figure 4 to 6. In Figure 4, the apparatus is folded so as to be used as a cloche. Struts 70 are positioned as shown to provide support. Additionally, if desired, stakes (not used) may be used to secure the cloche to the ground. In Figure 5. the apparatus is folded and leaned against a wall 150 to form a lean-to "green-house". In addition. to struts 70, further struts 71 are provided which depend from extensions formed on longitudinal frame elements 20. In Figure 6. two apparatus are joined together at the apex 160 of a cloche 161. The connection is achieved by placing T-pieces on extensions of frame elements 20 and interconnecting side by side T-pieces on adjacent elements 20 by means of a U-shaped member 63. Struts 70 are again provided to add support and on addition strut 80 is provided at each end of the cloche which extends between the extensions of longitudinal elements 14 of the two apparatus. WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. Gardening apparatus including at least three side by side panels pivotally connected so that adjacent panels are hingedly connected along adjacent sides, each panel comprising a frame over which is stretched a sheet material, each frame being made up of interconnected elongate frame members arranged to extend longitudinally and transversely of the panel, the pivotal connection between adjacent panels being defined by hinge means which rotatably connect the transversely extending frame members of one panel to a longitudinally extending frame member of the adjacent panel, the hinge means serving to releasibly retain adjacent panels in predetermined angularly disposed positions.

verse frame members so as to releasably retain the respective transverse member in a selected recess to hold said panels in said positions.

9. A gardening apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the frame members making up a planar member are fixedly secured to one another.

10. A gardening apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8 wherein the frame members making up a panel are secured to one another by jointing pieces.

11. A gardening apparatus according to Claim 10 wherein the jointing pieces are mouldings from a suitable plastics material.

12. A gardening apparatus substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.