GB2297028A

GB2297028A - Horticultural plant trough stand

Info

Publication number: GB2297028A
Application number: GB9526640A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ashley Perkins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-04-27
Filing date: 1995-04-26
Publication date: 1996-07-24
Anticipated expiration: 2015-04-26
Also published as: GB9526640D0; GB2297028B

Abstract

An arrangement for growing and displaying plants comprises: ```at least one trough 4; ```at least two beams 2 supporting the trough above ground level; and ```a recess 5 in the beams for locating the trough. In the preferred embodiment the beams 2 are mounted on a pair of laterally spaced frames comprising a vertical 3b and a sloping member 3a. The beams are spaced vertically from one another in a tiered fashion on the sloping member 3a.

Description

A HORTICULTURAL PLANT STAND This invention relates to a horticultural plant stand for growing and displaying plants. The plant stand is particularly, though not exclusively, suitable for growing plants in troughs above the ground.

One known construction of plant stand comprises two vertical supports with one or more troughs fixed to, and supported from, the vertical supports. These troughs or boxes are generally rectangular and taper upwards and outwards. The known type of stand is secured to the ground by directly pushing the lower ends of the vertical supports into the ground. The construction of the known stand is unstable and weak.

Consequently the number of plants that can be grown in the stand is limited. Furthermore, the stand is often only used in an indoor or sheltered environment where the stand is not subjected to winds which could cause the structure to tip over.

This becomes more critical when the stand is loaded with plants on its upper surfaces.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a horticultural plant stand which comprises: a plurality of substantially horizontal beams displaced vertically from one another above a surface on which the plant stand is adapted to stand; at least two supports between which the substantially horizontal beams extend, at least one of said supports being inclined to the surface; and at least one trough located on each substantially horizontal beam.

The structure of the horticultural plant stand of the invention has the advantage that a plurality of troughs can be supported on the stand in a stable manner. The troughs can be positioned on the stand to give a pleasing cascade appearance. Any one of the troughs can be completely or partially filled without risk of the stand toppling over and the stand is stable in its planted or unplanted condition.

Furthermore, the stand can provide a larger surface area on which troughs may be supported. This gives a user greater scope for creating a display and allows a larger variety of plants to be included. This can be important for nurseries, garden centres, hotel or business foyers where display space and storage space may be limited, and also for individual users where garden space may be limited or where plants are unable to grow in the ground. The troughs can be filled with different types of soil and this permits different plants to be grown in close proximity where under normal circumstances this would not be possible. Furthermore, as the stand supports the troughs above ground level it makes it easier for persons with physical disabilities to cultivate plants. This feature is very advantageous for people using a wheel chair.

Preferably, all the supports are inclined to the surface.

Inclined supports enhance the stability of the stand and also permits plants to be grown in troughs over a larger area of ground. The angle of inclination may be less than about 800, preferably less than about 60 , more -preferably less than about 450.

The plant troughs may have a generally circular cross section.

Troughs with generally circular cross-sections provide a compact and aesthetically pleasing structure which is an important consideration in plant stands.

The plant troughs may have more than one aperture in their upper surfaces through which plants can grow. The apertures may be cut so as to provide a trough with clearly defined sections for plants. Furthermore, this type of trough is stronger than a trough with a single aperture provided along its entire length. Long troughs have a tendency to bow out in the centre which is unattractive and ultimately - leads to failure of the trough sides by splitting or cracking open. In a preferred embodiment the apertures are rectangular.

The trough may have a re-entrant cross-sectional shape. A reentrant cross-sectional shape reduces the surface area of soil exposed to the surface thereby limiting moisture loss in particularly dry conditions or excessive moisture gain during wet conditions.

The troughs may be adapted to locate in recesses provided in the substantially horizontal beams. The recesses provide secure location of the troughs on the plant stand.

Furthermore, the load due to the weight of the soil and trough is spread over the surface area of contact between the trough and recess. As the load is not concentrated at a point or line of contact this helps to enhance the life of the trough and to maintain the shape of the trough.

Preferably, the troughs are removable. Removable troughs allow a user to vary the display of plants on the stand without having to empty the trough and re-pot it with a new set of plants. This means that the plants are not damaged when it is necessary to change che display for example, when the seasons change. Furthermore, removable troughs allow the stand to be moved easily from one to another location without having to empty each of the troughs. The combined weight of the troughs and their contents would make moving the stand as a single unit very difficult.

One or more horizontal braces may be fixed to adjacent substantially horizontal beams. The braces provide additional strengthening and enhance the rigidity of the stand.

Generally, a plurality of drainage apertures are provided in each trough to allow excess water to drain out of the trough.

Preferably, at least one handle is provided on each trough to facilitate moving the trough and plants. The troughs may be gripped via the handle to facilitate moving the trough from the stand.

Preferably, the handle comprises a strip of material between adjacent apertures and extends across the width of the trough.

The handle also enhances the strength of the trough by acting as a brace which minimises the risk of the trough bowing out.

Deformations in the structure of the trough can be a problem with long troughs.

At least one trough may be provided with an apertured sheet dividing said trough substantially horizontally to define a volume between said sheet and walls of the trough which is adapted to hold a quantity of water,- in use, for watering plants growing in a growing medium above said sheet; wherein water is absorbed into the growing medium by capillary action along a capillary material extending into the volume and above said sheet. The number of times the plants growing in troughs have to be watered can be reduced with this self-watering arrangement.

Alternatively, the troughs are provided with a layer of water retentive material which is adapted to store pater and to release water, in use, into a growing medium above said layer in order to keep the growing medium moist. The layer of water retentive material lies at the bottom of the trough and is covered with soil or growing medium. This also reduces the number of times the plants have to be watered and conserves water.

Generally, a support structure is fitted to one or more troughs to support plants, in use, during growth. Young plants tend to be fragile and tall plants cab be prone to damage by wind if not provided with support.

Preferably, propagation covers are inserted into one or more of the apertures provided in the troughs to assist and enhance growth of plants. These covers increase temperature and humidity and provide optimum conditions for growth of plants.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a horticultural plant trough for growing and displaying plants which comprises: at least one trough; at least two beams supporting the trough above ground level; and a recess for receiving the trough.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a horticultural plant stand according to the invention; Figure 2 is a side elevation of the horticultural plant stand shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side elevation of a plant stand with an extended flat upper surface; Figure 4 is a side elevation of a further configuration of horticultural plant stand; Figures 5a-5c show the arrangement of braces extending between the substantially horizontal support beams of the plant stand shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a side elevation of a plant trough according to the invention; Figure 7 is a side elevation of a plant trough with two troughs supported above ground level;; Figure 8 is a side view of the trough arrangement shown in Figure 6 as a window box arrangement; Figure 9 is a side and cross-sectional view of a trough which includes a reservoir for watering plants; Figure 10 is a side and cross-sectional view of a trough which is part filled with a water retentive material; Figure 11 is a side view of a trough fitted with supports to support growing plants; and Figure 12 is a side and cross-sectional view of a trough fitted with propagation covers.

Referring to the drawings in detail, Figure 1 shows a horticultural plant stand according to the invention, generally indicated by the reference numeral 1. The horticultural plant stand comprises a plurality of substantially horizontal beams 2, four support members 3a 3b which support the horizontal beams 2 above ground level. Two of the support members 3a are inclined to the surface of the ground. Additional supports or braces 9 extend between adjacent horizontal beams 2 to further enhance the rigidity of the stand. The substantially horizontal beams 2 and supports 3a 3b are fixed together using bolts 10 or other suitable fastening means known to the skilled man. The beams 2 and supports 3a 3b comprise planed timber which is strong, light and gives the stand a natural appearance.The supports 3a, 3b are formed from lengths of timber of approximately 100mm by 50mm. The horizontal supports are formed from lengths of timber of approximately 75mm by 50mum.

Troughs 4 are located in recesses 5 provided in each of the horizontal beams 2. The troughs can be removed from the horizontal beams either to change the plant display or to facilitate moving the stand. Each of the troughs 4 have a generally cylindrical cross-section 6 and are provided with two rectangular apertures 7. The troughs can be formed from lengths of pipe from which are cut rectangular apertures 7 through which plants can grow. The troughs are approximately 160mm diameter, however, the size can be selected according to the type and size of plant to be displayed or grown in the trough. An advantage of a system of removable troughs is that different soil conditions can be created for different troughs.

This means that plants which would not ordinarily grow together in the same soil can be displayed in close proximity to each other enabling plant displays to be created which would otherwise not be possible to achieve.

A handle 8 is provided on each trough which facilitates removal of the troughs from the stand and also acts as a brace to enhance the rigidity of the trough. In the absence of the handle 8 the sides of the trough have a tendency to bow out, particularly for long troughs. This can lead to the formation of cracks and splitting of the side walls of the trough which is unsightly and eventually requires repair or replacement.

Extensive growth of plant roots can also contribute to bowing out of the side walls.

Figure 3 shows a horticultural plant stand 30 according to the invention with all of the supports 31 inclined to the surface of the ground. The plant stand 30 is provided with an extended upper surface 32 on which five troughs 34 are supported by the same substantially horizontal beam 33. This stand covers a larger surface area. Figure 4 shows another arrangement in which all the supports 40 are inclined to the surface of the ground and meet at an apex 41. This arrangement is useful for providing a high but stable structure for displaying plants.

Figures Sa to Sc side and plan views of the horticultural plant stand shown in Figure 4. The figures show in detail the arrangement and positions of braces 50 extending between substantially horizontal support beams 51. The braces further enhance the rigidity of the structure which is important for heavy loads.

Figure 6 is a side view of a horticultural plant trough 60 for growing and displaying plants which comprises a trough 61; at least two beams 62 supporting the trough 60 above ground level; and a recess 63 located in each beam 62 which is adapted to accept the trough 60 in use. Figure 7 shows a further construction of plant trough 70 in which the beams 71 have two recesses 72 to accommodate two troughs 73. Figure 8 shows the plant trough of Figure 6 supported on a bracket 80 secured to a wall 81. This arrangement can be used to produce a window box or display.

Figure 9 depicts a trough 90 provided with a reservoir 91 for holding a quantity of water 92. The soil 93 is separated from the reservoir 91 by a plastic sheet 94. The sheet 94 is perforated to allow water and nutrients to flow through the soil 93 and sheet 94 into the space 91. Capillary material 95 allows water to move upwards from the reservoir into the soil thereby preventing the soil from drying out. An aperture 96 is provided in the side of the trough to allow excess water to flow out thereby preventing the soi' from becoming waterlogged. Furthermore, with apertures provided at each end of the trough, and with the trough partially filled with water, the apertures can be used to position the trough horizontally before filling with soil.

Figure 10 is another watering system for the plant stand of the invention. The plastic sheet 94, capillary material 95 and reservoir 91 of Figure 9 are replaced by a layer of water retentive material 100 and an upright tube 101. The water retentive material 100 retains water by absorption into the material itself and by retention in the interstices between granules of the retentive material. The water retentive material releases water to the soil 102 gradually by capillary action. Excess water flows through the aperture 103 to prevent the soil becoming water-logged. The tube 101 allows the water level in the trough to be inspected and also provides a way of adding water to the layer 100.

Figure 11 shows a supporting structure 110 secured to the trough 111 and which helps to support growing plants 112. The supporting structure comprises three upright poles 113 which can be joined together at their ends 114 for further rigidity.

The poles 113 extend through apertures 117, provided in the trough, and into the soil 116. Horizontal supports 115 provide further support particularly for trailing plants.

Figure 12 shows transparent propagation covers 120 fitted in the apertures 121 in a trough 122. The edges 124 of the covers 120 are pushed into the soil 123. Holes 125 in the upper surfaces of the covers 120 can be used to control temperature and humidity by opening or closing one or more of the holes 125. The holes 125 can be closed with bungs or pieces of cork 126.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A horticultural plant stand comprises: a plurality of substantially horizontal beams displaced vertically from one another above a surface on which the plant stand is adapted to stand; at least two supports between which the substantially horizontal beams extend, at least one of said supports being inclined to the surface; and at least one trough located on each substantially horizontal beam.

2. A horticultural plant stand as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2. A horticultural plant stand as claimed in claim 1, in which all the supports are inclined to the surface.

3. A horticultural plant stand as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the plant troughs have a generally circular cross section.

4. A horticultural plant stand as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the plant troughs have more than one aperture in their upper surfaces through which plants can grow.

5. A horticultural plant stand as claimed in claim 4, in which the apertures are cut so as to provide a trough with clearly defined sections for plants.

6. A horticultural plant stand as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the trough has a re-entrant cross-sectional shape.

7. A horticultural plant stand as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the troughs are adapted to locate in recesses provided in the substantially horizontal beams.

8. A horticultural plant stand as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the troughs are removable.

9. A horticultural plant stand as claimed in any preceding claim, in which one or more horizontal braces are fixed to adjacent substantially horizontal beams.

10. A horticultural plant stand as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a plurality of drainage apertures are provided in each trough to allow excess water to drain out of the trough.

11. A horticultural plant stand as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one handle is provided on each trough to facilitate moving the trough and plants.

12. A horticultural plant stand as claimed in claim 11, in which the handle comprises a strip of material between adjacent apertures and extends across the width of the trough.

13. A horticultural plant stand as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one trough is provided with an apex'urged sheet dividing said trough substantially horizontally to define a volume between said sheet and walls of the trough which is adapted to hold a quantity of water, in use, for watering plants growing in a growing medium above said sheet; wherein water is absorbed into the growing medium by capillary action along a capillary material extending into the volume and above said sheet.

14. A horticultural plant stand as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, in which the troughs are provided with a layer of water retentive material which is adapted to store water and to release water, in use, into a growing medium above said layer in order to keep the growing medium moist.

15. A horticultural plant stand as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a support structure is fitted to one or more troughs to support plants, in use, during growth.

16. A horticultural plant stand as claimed in any preceding claim, in which propagation covers are provided on one or more of the troughs to assist and enhance growth of plants.

17. A horticultural plant trough for growing and displaying plants which comprises: at least one trough; at least two beams supporting the trough above ground level; and a recess for receiving the trough.

18. A horticultural plant stand as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A horticultural plant trough for growing and displaying plants which comprises: at least one trough; at least two beams supporting the trough above ground level; and a recess for receiving the trough.