GB2320880A - Hanging flower sphere - Google Patents

Abstract

A flower sphere comprises a hollow ball provided with means to suspend it from a suitable bracket or to affix it to a suitable stand. The sphere is provided with removable plant containers which allows for various plants to be changed when necessary. The interior of the sphere contains compost. A watering tube may be inserted in the top of the sphere to enable watering of the sphere to be carried out easily. The plant containers are held in place by a wedge fit or by spring detent means.

Description

THE PRESENT INVENTION RELATES TO IMPROVEMENTS TO HANGING BASKETS.

Hanging baskets are normally of a wire frame construction necessitating the closing off of the holes by lining the interior with either moss or a special liner so as to retain the compost and to reduce water loss.

Hanging baskets are then normally filled with compost and plants level to the top of the basket. Once planted it is almost impossible to change particular plants without disturbing the others.

Another Problem associated with hanging baskets is when watering as the compost has a tendency to absorb the water slowly and it is found that the water tends to run off before being absorbed by the compost. Also another problem with hanging baskets is that due to the drying effects of the sun and wind it is found that frequent watering is necessary.

THE INVENTION SEEKS TO SOLVE THESE DIFFICULTIES According to the present invent ion there is a hanging sphere comprising: a) A perforated sphere.

b) A watering tube.

c) Removable perforated plant containers.

d) Suitable means for hanging the sphere aloft or to attach the sphere to a suitable stand.

Preferably the components parts are manufactured of plastics or suitable materials.

Preferable a sphere will be provided with a hole at the top to accept a watering tube.

Preferably a sphere will be provided with drainage holes in predetermined places to allow excess water to escape. Preferably a sphere will be provided with suitable means for either hanging aloft or for fixing to a suitable stand. Preferably a perforated watering tube will be provided which shall fit into the top of the sphere.

Preferably plant containers will be provided which are of suitable size to enable them to be affixed to the holes provided on the outside of the sphere.

Figure 1 shows a watering tube.

Figure 2 shows a plant container.

Figure 3 shows a sphere.

Figure 4 shows a hanging arrangement.

Drawing 9.2 shows a sectional view of the sphere with a watering tube and plant containers in position.

Referring to figure 1 there is shown a watering tube. A watering tube will be provided with holes or slots (la) around the sides to allow water to escape into the surrounding compost.

Referring to figure 2 there is shown a plant container. The plant container will be provided with holes or slots (2a) in the sides and bottom to allow moisture to penetrate the root system of the plant and to allow the root system to grow beyond the limits of the plant container.

Referring to figure 2 the plant container will be affixed to the sphere, figure 3 by means of a wedge fit or by spring detente means.

Referring to figure 3 there is shown a sphere. the sphere will be provided with a suitable number of holes to accept the plant containers and a hole at the top to accept the watering tube.

Referring figure 4 there is shown a typical 3 chain and ring arrangement designed to hang the sphere from suitable bracket or the like.

The invention affords for young plants to be grown on to a suitable size in the plant containers provided.

The containers complete with plants are then inserted into the holes provided around the outside of the sphere. Once all the plant containers are in position the gaps around the containers inside the sphere can be filled with a suitable compost thought the hole provided in the top for the watering tube figure 1. When sufficient compost has been added the water tube figure 1 can be placed in position at the top of the sphere.

The whole assembly can then be either hung aloft or affixed to a suitable stand.

When a plant in a plant container becomes diseased or finishes flowering then the plant and container can be removed from the sphere with little damage to nearby root systems.

A new plant container can then be inserted into the bole left and allowed to grow on.

This arrangement can allow for the sphere to nave an extended flowering season compared to hanging baskets.

Preferably spare plant containers will be provided to allow plants to be grown on to a suitable size for transferring to the sphere as and when necessary.

The watering tube figure 1 allows tor the water to be fed directly to the inside of the sphere and to impregnate the surrounding compost with moisture. The water will drain down to the lower root systems in the sphere and any surplus moisture in the sphere can escape through the holes to be provided in the bottom of the sphere for drainage purposes.

Further modifications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the are without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (6)

1. A Hanging Sphere comprising a hollow sphere provided with holes at suitable places to allow plants or watering tubes to be affixed.

2. A Hanging Sphere as claimed in Claim 1 whereby holes are provided to allow plants to be rooted directly in the holes or whereby rooted plants my be inserted having been rooted beforehand in suitable containers.

3. A Hanging Sphere as claimed in Claim 1 & 2 whereby a hole or holes are provided which will allow a watering tube to be affixed if required.

4. A Hanging Sphere as described in any preceding claim provided with suitable means whereby the sphere may be suspended from above, or provided with a suitable stand or to allow for wall fixing via a suitable bracket.

5. A Sphere as claimed in any preceding claim which is made of metal, wood, plastics or a combination of these materials.

6. A Hanging Sphere substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1 4 of the accompanying drawings.