GB2365741A

GB2365741A - Plant support holder

Info

Publication number: GB2365741A
Application number: GB0029485A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond Fallon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-08-09
Filing date: 2000-12-04
Publication date: 2002-02-27
Also published as: GB2365740A; GB0019435D0; GB0024748D0; GB0029485D0

Abstract

The holder comprises a base 10 with a stem 11 extending up from the base to a height where it bends to an horizontal alignment to the base. Two cane support holders 12 are positioned on the horizontal portion of stem and in use support canes 15. The provision of two support holders allows one cane to support the main plant stem 14 and another to support the fruit bearing stems. The holder is stabilised by the weight of a growbag 13.

Description

2365741 Stabilized plant support holder.

This invention relates to a stabilized plant support holder.

Plant stem supporting canes are well known, they are neccessary to help support the weight of some types of plants, the tomato plant for example requires additional help in supporting the weight of its many trusses, it is commonly grown with the use of a certain compost container called a grow bag, this is a rectangular shaped, compost filled, polythene bag sealed all round when laid W horizontally, plants are grown in the compost through three holes cut otA in its horizontal top surface, added water to the compost is retained within the waterproof grow bag, adaquate length support canes are usually pushed down vertically through the three openings, then into the compost to gain vertical stability, the plants are loosely fed to them for support as they grow Three problems exist however when using this method, Firstly, due to the shallow depth and soft nalure of the compost used, the support canes never achieve vertical stability.

Secondly, there is a risk of puncture to the grow bag by the support cane being pushed down too far, and thus compromising its waterproof aspect.

Thirdly, because of limited plant stem support, the growing of tomatoes and similar plants is restricted to those places which can provide extemal support, such as soft ground to push support canes into, and the walls or frame of a green house, for stem ties to be attached.

According to the present invention there is provided a stabilized plant support holder, for example comprising of a suit" construction, consisting of an adaquate horizontal base, a suitably positioned stem from the base to a suitable height at which point becomes horizontal for a suitable length to two suitably positioned vertical cane support holders at a suitable height above the level of the base.

The cane support holder achieves vertical stability when the combined weight of a grow bag, root system, plants and added water, bear down upon its base.

The risk of puncture by the support cane to the lower membrane of the grow bag has been reduced, for while the cane is supported by the holder its downward travel is arrested by the firmness of the plant support holder base beneath the membrane and prevents it from streching.

Because of the all round stable support provided by the stabilized plant support holder, tomato and similar plants can be grown in grow bags successfully without being restricted by the necessity of external plant and stem supports, the two suitably positioned cane holders give main plant stem and near perimeter cane support without loss of staNlity.

Grow bag perimeter positioning of the stabilized plant support holder is unrestricted before and after the plarft have matured, (vacant positions allowing) this enables the fruit bearing stems etr, to be effectively supported freely away from the main support canes and makes for easy access when attention is needed.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which, Figure 1. Shows in perspective, Three stabilized plant support holders positioned with regard to the grow bag plant growing areas, the broken line drawing representing a grow bag lying across the top surface of each plant support holder base, the canes are supported by each plant support holder base with the grow bag lower membrane intact and the canes held upright by the cane holders Figure 2. gives an overhaed view looking down, the two vertical hollow tube cane support holders are seen situated along the stem above the base.

Figure 3. gives an underside view looking up, of the flat surface area of the underside of the base.

Figure 4. gives a side elevation of a plant support holder being stabilized by the combined weight of a grow bag and its contents bearing down upon its base, while a mature tomato plant is supported by a cam, it self being supported by the cane holder and plant support base.

Refering to the drawing, the stabilized plant support holder comprises for example, a base 10 of adaquate surface area as shown in figure 2 and 3, which when weighted down by a grow bag 13 and its contents, provides vertical stability via its stem 11 to the two cane support holdersl 2, which in turn provide the verlical support needed to the cane or canes supported within, as shown in figure 4.

The vertical hollow Ube cane support holders 12 are so positioned to enable effective plant support at the main plant stem 14 as shown in figures 2 and 4, and near the grow bag 13 perimeter when required by maturing plants, rot shown, adding further plant support holders for this purpose would be done by easing the grow bag 13 up a fittle while sliding the plant support holder base 10 under it, not shown. The plant support holders, as shown in figure 1, are positioned with respect to main plant growing areas not shown, normally set out on the grow bag 13.

A 3

Claims

Claims.

1. A stabilized plant support holder, comprising a suitable construction for example, consisting of an adaquate horizontal base, a suitably positioned stem from the base to a suitable height at which point becomes horizontal for a suitable length to two suitably positoned vertical cane support holders at a suitable height above the level of the base.

2. A stabilized plant support holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cane support holder achieves vertical stability subsequently when weight is brought to bear down upon its base..

3. A stabilized plant support holder, as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the risk of puncture by the support cane to the lower membrane of the grow bag is reduced, for while the cane is supported by the holder its downward travel is arrested by the firmness of the plant support holder base beneath the membrane and prevents it from streching.

4. A stabilized plant support holder, as claimed in claim 3, wherein the two differently posWoned cane support holders allow for main plant stem and near perimeter cane support without loss of stability.

5. A stabilized plant support holder, substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.