GB2272622A

GB2272622A - Plant propagation aid

Info

Publication number: GB2272622A
Application number: GB9224433A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stanley Brian Diplock
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-11-21
Filing date: 1992-11-21
Publication date: 1994-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 2012-11-21
Also published as: GB2272622B; GB9224433D0

Abstract

A plant propagation aid 1 comprises a framework of generally "U" shaped frame members 2. Adjacent frame members 2 are collapsibly connected to one another by hinge mechanism 6 such that when in a non-collapsed position the framework defines an elongate avenue between the legs 3, 4 of the frame members with respective legs of adjacent frame members 2 being relatively spaced apart, whereas when in a collapsed position, respective legs of adjacent frame members lie relatively closer together. Typically a cover is draped over the framework in the non-collapsed position to protect plants growing beneath the framework. Stops 17, 18 pivotally connected to legs 3, 4 prevent insertion of frame members 2 into ground beyond a predetermined depth. <IMAGE>

Description

Plant Propagation Aid According to the invention, there is provided an aid for use in the propagation of plants, and in particular to aid the propagation of climbing plants such as for example vines or runner beans.

According to the invention, there is provided a plant propagation aid comprising a collapsible framework of connected frame members, each frame member comprising a pair of elongate legs spaced by an interconnecting transverse element, each frame member being collapsibly connected to an adjacent frame member such that in a first1 non-collapsed, position said framework of frame members defines an elongate avenue between the legs of the frame members with respective legs of adjacent frame members being relatively spaced apart, and in a second, collapsed, position respective legs of adjacent frame members are relative closer together.

In the first, non-collapsed position, respective legs of adjacent frame members are arranged in respective elongate rows.

Typically, in the second collapsed position, respective legs of adjacent frame members lie contiguous to one another.

It is preferred that the collapsible connection between adjacent frame members comprises hinge means intermediately connected to respective legs of adjacent frame members. Advantageously, the hinge axes of the hinge means is in the direction of the transverse elements of the frame members.

Typically, the frame members comprise substantially rigid "U" shaped hoops.

Advantageously, respective ends of the legs of certain frame members are arranged for insertion into the ground or soil. Typically, the respective ends of the legs will be tapered, typically to a point, for this purpose.

In one embodiment, the legs may be provided with transversely projecting stops to prevent over-insertion of the legs in the ground or soil beyond a pre-determined depth.

It is preferred that a cover or shield is provided for covering or shielding the framework from adverse weather conditions. Advantageously, the cover or shield will be in the form of a flexible sheet or tarpaulin (typically of plastics material) which may be draped over the framework. Preferably the frame members are provided with transversely projecting formations arranged to space the cover or shield from the legs and transverse elements of the frame members.

Advantageously, the cover or shield is provided with closed or closable ends at the limits of the avenue defined by the framework. Advantageously at least one of the ends of the cover or shield is selectively openable to permit access into the avenue defined by the framework.

The invention will now be further described in a specific embodiment by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a plant propagation aid according to the invention; Figure 2 is an end view of the plant propagation aid of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a detailed view of a part of the plant propagation aid of Figures 1 and 2.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a plant propagation aid, generally designated 1, comprising a plurality of connected frame members 2. Each frame member 2 is generally "U" shaped, comprising a pair of spaced upright legs 3,4 connected to one another at their uppermost extent by means of a transverse arching element 5.

Each frame member is connected to respectively adjacent frame members by a respective inter-connecting hinge mechanism 6 comprises a pair of struts 7,8 pivotally connected to one another at an intermediate hinge 9, and respectively pivotally connected to respective frame members at hinges 10,11. Each hinge mechanism 6 is operable such that when a collapsing force is applied to the frame members 2 (in the direction of the arrows in Figure 3) adjacent frame members 2 move to a collapsed position in which they lie contiguous to, or closely adjacent, one another.

In use, the connected framework of frame members 2 is expanded to the noncollapsed configuration shown in Figure 1, and the tapered ends 12,13 of the endmost frame members 2 forced into the ground. Transversely projecting stops 17,18 pivotally connected to legs 3,4 prevent insertion of the frame members 2 beyond a pre-determined depth. In the position shown, the framework of frame members define an elongate arched avenue of appropriate dimensions for a person to pass therealong.

The upright legs 3,4 of the frame members serve as propagation guides for climbing plants such as vines or runner beans. When a crop is to be harvested, a person may pass along the avenue defined by the frame members and harvest the crop.

A flexible plastics cover 14 may be draped over the framework as shown to reduce the damaging effects of adverse weather conditions. Arms 15 projecting transversely from the frame members 2 prevent the cover contacting the growing plants. The portion of cover 4 covering one end of the avenue defined by the framework is provided with a zipper type opening 16 permitting access to the avenue.

When the growing season is over and the crop is harvested, the framework may be collapsed as described above for convenient storage.

Claims

Claims:

1. A plant propagation aid comprising a collapsible framework of connected frame members, each frame member comprising a pair of elongate legs spaced by an interconnecting transverse element, each frame member being collapsibly connected to an adjacent frame member such that in a first, non-collapsed, position said framework of frame members defines an elongate avenue between the legs of the frame members with respective legs of adjacent frame members being relatively spaced apart, and in a second, collapsed, position respective legs of adjacent frame members are relatively closer together.

2. A plant propagation aid according to claim 1, wherein in the non-collapsed position, respective legs of adjacent frame members are arranged in respective elongate rows.

3. A plant propagation aid according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein in the collapsed position, respective legs of adjacent frame members lie contiguous to one another.

4. A plant propagation aid according to any preceding claim, wherein the collapsible connection between adjacent frame members comprises hinge means intermediately connected to respective legs of adjacent frame members.

5. A plant propagation aid according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame members comprise "U" shaped hoops.

6. A plant propagation aid according to any preceding claim, wherein respective ends of the legs of certain frame members are tapered for insertion into the ground or soil.

7. A plant propagation aid according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more legs are provided with transversely projecting stops arranged to prevent over-insertion of the legs in the ground or soil beyond a pre-determined depth.

8. A plant propagation aid according to any preceding claim, further comprising a cover or shield for covering or shielding the framework from adverse weather conditions.

9. A plant propagation aid according to claim 8, wherein the cover or shield comprises a flexible sheet or tarpaulin arranged to be draped over the framework.

10. A plant propagation aid according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the frame members are provided with transversely projecting formations arranged to space the cover or shield from the legs and transverse elements of the frame members.

11. A plant propagation aid according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the cover or shield is provided with closed or closable ends at the limits of the avenue defined by the framework.

12. A plant propagation aid according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the ends of the cover or shield is selectively openable to permit access into the avenue defined by the framework.

13. A plant propagation aid substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.