GB2405306A

GB2405306A - Plant support system

Info

Publication number: GB2405306A
Application number: GB0320211A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Matthew Felton; Nigel Allister Anstey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-08-29
Filing date: 2003-08-29
Publication date: 2005-03-02
Anticipated expiration: 2023-08-29
Also published as: GB0320211D0; GB2405306B

Abstract

A plant support system in which a flexible rod 20 is bent in half to form a hoop. The legs of the hoop are pushed through holes in the plant support discs 21 and 22 and into the base unit 23. Flexible tabs moulded around the holes in the discs press against the rod holding the discs in position. The system may be placed in a plant pot with the base unit engaging with the bottom of the pot and with the whole unit assuming a substantially vertical position. The pot may then be planted up with the base plate underneath the planting medium. This allows for the growing plant to be lifted out of its pot by the hoop when it is transplanted, the hoop being pushed into the ground to anchor the plant. An extending piece may be added to the support for tall ornamental plants or trees.

Description

Plant support system This invention provides an improved system for the

support of growing plants, both in pots and when planted out.

Garden plants are generally grown from seed or cuttings in small plastic pots, under nursery conditions. At some stage in their growth, and generally before retail sale, they require some form of support; in the traditional practice this is typically provided by small wooden sticks. When the plants are planted out, often under windy conditions, the support must be more robust; in the traditional practice this is typically provided by bamboo canes.

In each case, ties must be provided to link the plant stem to the support stake. In the traditional practice these are typically formed of twistable wire, covered by paper strips or a plastic coating to reduce risk of damage to the plant system. Alternatively plastic ribbon may be used, and secured with metal staples. The ties must restrain the plant stem horizontally, but allow plant growth vertically.

For planting out, each plant must be freed from its pot, in a manner that produces minimum disturbance of the root system in its soil. In the traditional practice this is typically done by inverting the plant in its pot, constraining the plant stem between the fingers, and striking the base of the pot with one or more sharp blows.

Several features of this traditional practice are unsatisfactory. At the nursery stage, the provision of support stakes and the fixing of the ties is labour-intensive. So is the need to upgrade the support to a bamboo cane, with additional ties. The canes themselves-light in colour and invariably at odd angles-are unsightly in the garden. The operation of freeing the plant from its pot, and transferring the plant to the garden soil, occasionally fails; then the intimate contact between the root system and the pot soil is lost, jeopardizing the survival or early growth of the plant.

Various proposals have been made to overcome these unsatisfactory features of the traditional practice. These proposals include those of US Patent 3471968 (to Letz), GB Patent Application 2209914 (to Mayo), GB Patent Application 2191673 (to James), GB Patent Application 2035027 (to O'Hara), US Patent 5327678 (to Schweiker), GB Patent Application 2263852 (to O'Mahony), and US Patent 6209258 (to Schneider).

In their essence, these patents and patent applications involve a vertical plant stake formed of a plastic or metal tube, rigidly affixed to a horizontal baseplate placed in the bottom of the pot. Typically the stake is extensible telescopically. Moulded plastic ties may be provided.

Although these approaches may be functionally satisfactory, they are far more expensive than the canes and ties used in the traditional practice. If they have a viable application, it is in the culture of expensive exotic plants, whose value may justify the cost of an expensive stake.

Accordingly the objects of the present invention are to provide a plant support system which eliminates unsightly sticks and canes, avoids the need for labour-intensive ties, facilitates planting-out with minimum disturbance of the soil, provides a rugged support firmly embedded in the soil, and whose method of manufacture is simpler and less costly than those

of the prior art.

These objects are achieved in a plant support system made from lengths of partially flexible rod or tube, formed and maintained in the shape of a vertical hoop by horizontal spacing members, one of such spacing members also forming a base for the potting soil and the other or others also providing the function of plant ties.

The invention is now described with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates the prior art of a plant stake of telescopic form, affixed to a horizontal baseplate; Figure 2 depicts the plant support system of the invention, with its vertical hoop and horizontal spacing discs, at the nursery stage; Figure 3 shows the same system at the planting-out stage; Figure 4 illustrates several variations in the form of the spacing discs; and Figure 5 shows an extension to the system, appropriate to advanced plant growth.

Figure 1 illustrates a plant stake representative of the prior art as disclosed in the patents and patent applications set out above; the figure is reproduced from GB Patent Application 0120750.5 (withdrawn), to Felton.

Figure 1 illustrates a nursery plant 1 growing in soil 3 within pot 2. A vertical stake 7 (which may comprise in part a hollow plastic tube 4) is fixed to a pierced horizontal base 5 by a boss 6 and a securing clip 9. A similar securing clip 8 provides support for plant 1 at the stage of retail sale. A smaller plastic pipe 13 is capable of telescoping movement within pipe 4. After retail purchase, the plant may be withdrawn easily from the pot, without risk of separating from its soil, by upwards pull on stake 7. After planting out of the plant and its stake, the growing plant may be supported both at the level of clip 8 and at a higher level by withdrawal of telescoping pipe 13 and attachment of a further similar clip 14 at its top.

Such an arrangement overcomes many of the unsatisfactory features of the traditional practice. Further, it is simpler and cheaper, in many respects, than the implementations described in the above-referenced patents and patent applications. However, it is formed of seven separate parts, only three of which (the securing clips) are identical. Fabrication involves cutting-to-length and drilling of two pipes... injection moulding of the base, the boss, and the three clips... and assembly time at the point of use. The cost of this implementation means that it is primarily appropriate to the culture and distribution of exotic plants. The present invention therefore seeks to provide the same advantages (and additional ones) in an implementation appropriate to the culture and distribution of mass- market plants. This implementation differs from the prior art in concept, structure and method of manufacture.

Figure 2 illustrates one form of the invention; it involves only four components, of which three are identical. One component is a moderately flexible rod, typically of extruded plastic of unobtrusive green or brown colour, or transparent. Many such rods may be supplied boxed in bulk, cut to length (of perhaps 1-2 m, according to plant type). The other components are typically three identical plastic discs (of diameter 10-30 cm according to pot size, and of the same colour); again, many such identical units, formed in a single moulding operation, may be supplied boxed in bulk.

In the nursery, one rod is bent in half to form a hoop, as shown at 20. The three discs are threaded on to the open prongs of the hoop, through appropriate holes 24,25; the first two discs are pushed up the hoop to occupy positions such as those shown at 21 and 22, while the third is pushed no further than the end position such as 23. The detail of the holes 24,25 is shown above the lowermost disc 23 at 26-29. The hole 26 is elongated in the horizontal direction of the figure, and tapered in the vertical direction of the figure. Two slots 28 extend back from each hole 26 toward the central part of the disc, forming a slightly flexible tongue 29 between them. The relative dimensions of the hole 26 and the rod 20 (suggested in hatched section at 30) are such that the rod is forced against the tapered part of the hole 26 by the deflection of the tongue 29; specifically, the re-entrant curve 31 of the tongue 29 is deflected from its natural position 31 to a position 32 out of the plane of the drawing (as suggested at 33 and 34 on the elevation of the lowermost disc 23).

For purposes of example only, and for a plant of modest size, the rod 20 might have a diameter of 5 mm (so that this is the diameter of the hatched section 30); then the dimension between arrows 35 might be 6 or 7 mm, while the notional diameter of the tapered end of the hole 26 might be 4 mm. The object in choosing these dimensions is to provide a firm fixture, but one able to accommodate any feasible manufacturing tolerances.

The form of the curved end 31 of the tongue 29, coupled with the width of the tongue and the thickness and modulus of the disc material, may be chosen so that movement of the disc up the hoop requires comparatively little force, whereas movement in the opposite direction is strongly resisted.

From the above it is clear that the assembly of one complete plant stake, from a box of rods and a box of discs, can be done in a few seconds. It requires no mechanical skill, yet yields a structure which-because of the hoop and the multiple bracing provided by the discs-is extremely strong. It is also inexpensive.

The assembled plant stake is shown in Figure 2 as placed into a pot 2, whose internal diameter at its base provides adequate clearance for lowermost disc 23. The pot may then be filled with soil or growing compound, to a suitable level suggested at 35, and the seedling plant or seed planted between the uprights of the hoop.

As the plant grows to the height of disc 22, and begins to need support, its stem or stems may be inserted into one or more of holes 36 in disc 22. Each such hole is radially connected to the circumference of the disc by a slit 37 formed in the disc; the width of the slit is slightly less than the expected diameter of the stems. To open the slit and insert the stem into the hole, a twist is applied-for example, between the thumb on the underside of the disc at point 38 and the forefinger on the topside of the disc at point 39. The stem is then constrained within the hole, but with plentiful room for growth.

For some plants, growth may be allowed to continue in the nursery, with support at a higher level provided by disc 21 in the same way. For others, the plant may be ready for distibution and sale soon after the level of disc 22. A major advantage of the invention is its ease and safety of transportation: the top of the hoop provides a convenient carrying handle; many plants may be carried by one person, from one or two poles through their hoops; crated plants may be held upright and steadied by notched members through the hoops; and expensive crates may be replaced by custom carriers providing both base support and hoop restraint, while being collapsible for return.

After purchase, the plant must be planted out; this is illustrated in Figure 3. The planting hole 45 is dug in the usual way. The plant, with its roots and soil intact, may then be withdrawn from the pot, simply by lifting the hoop at 46 and tapping the rim of the pot downwards. The plant with its soil 3 is placed in the hole as shown (for example, with the top of the soil 35 level with the surface of the ground). At this stage the hoop 20 may be secured into the underlying soil by downwards pressure on its top 46; in the illustration, the disc 22 has been held fixed in space with one hand (so that there is no disturbance to the support of the plant), while the hoop is pushed down at 46 with the other hand. (In the illustration, as a second operation, disc 21 has also been slid up the hoop, by holding the hoop steady at 46 but raising the disc 21 at the centre of its underside; alternatively, this operation may be deferred until later in the plant's growth.) The space 47 between the plant soil 3 and the hole 45 is then filled and tamped in the usual way.

This arrangement provides excellent security for the plant. The underlying soil is firmed by the mild sliding resistance of disc 23, the plant's soil is undisturbed by the planting operation, the plant and its soil are rigidly anchored into the underlying soil in two places, and the lateral strength of the hoop/disc system protects well against disturbance by animals or the wind. The planting operation is very fast, and for most plants there is no need for the gardener to kneel.

Figure 4 illustrates several variations that may be preferred for particular applications.

Figure 4a maintains (at 50) the same basic disc introduced in Figure 2, but thickens the disc material locally around the plant-restraining holes (as at 51), in order to reduce any potential for chafing of the plant stems. Similarly it thickens the disc material around the outboard side of the hoop holes (as at 52), to ensure the disc is maintained generally horizontal.

Figure 4b is a modification particularly appropriate to plants with single thick stems, such as sapling trees. The hoop holes are basically as at 26-32 in Figure 2, but they are rotated (as suggested at 54) to provide space for a larger single plant hole 55. Additional holes may be formed in the disc 53, to adjust the flexibility of the disc, to reduce shading, and to provide root holes when the disc is used in the lowermost (underground) position.

Figure 4c illustrates an arrangement for sapling trees that require increased restraint. In addition to the enlarged hole 58, it provides for two hoops (which may be parallel or cruciform in plan). Thus one set of hoop holes 56 may cooperate with one hoop, and another set 57 with a parallel hoop. This arrangement, with both hoops pushed down into the ground in the manner of Figure 3, is particularly strong.

Figure 4d, in addition to showing a different type of stem hole and stem slit 69, illustrates a disc' 60 in which the hoop-locking mechanism represented by the flexible tongue 29 in Figure 2 is made removable. Thus the space between the two hoop holes 24 and 25 in Figure 2 is opened to form the void 62 in Figure 4d. The tapered ends of this void remain as before (as at 61). Then the locking function of the flexible tongues is assumed by a separate member outlined dashed at 64 in plan. It is also shown hatched at 66 in side elevation, where it may be seen to serve the same locking function as the flexible tongues 29.

One operational difference, however, is that because of the void 62 the disc 60 may be added to the hoop assembly from the top. Another is that the member 66 is removable; it may be removed, the disc slid to a new position on the hoop, and the member 66 restored to lock the disc in place. Further, the member 66 may be applied on either the upper or the lower side of the disc 60, so that the directions of easy and resisted motion may be reversed.

One use of this facility is at the lowermost disc position (exemplified at 23 in Figure 2).

This position requires that the locking member strongly resist upward motion of the hoop relative to the disc, to allow carrying of the plant by the hoop and easy removal of the plant and soil from the pot; however, it must allow relative downward motion when the prongs of the hoop are pushed down into the earth after planting out. If the member 66 is installed initially as shown, on the underside of disc 60, the gardener has the option of removing it as the last operation before pushing down the hoop and filling in the hole. This may be an aesthetic advantage for plants that are quite short when planted out, but of a nature to grow strongly later; the top of the hoop mabe be pushed down far into the earth after the planting (so thaat it is not visually obtrusive), and later pulled up as the plant grows.

The member 66 may have a lateral dimension significantly greater than that of the void 62 (as suggested by the dashed outline 64), or a lesser dimension so that it fits within that of the void 64. The latter option, as illustrated in side elevation at 67, reduces or eliminates any tendency for the locking action to bend the rods 65 of the hoop.

Whenever it may be desired to unlock a disc (either with the basic arrangement of Figure 2 or with one of the variants of Figure 4), this may be made easy by the simple tool illustrated in side elevation at 70. Insertion of the vertical protrusions of the tool into the space between the rods, and squeezing of the tool and the disc, frees the lock. The tool may be of inexpensive plastic, with one or two included in each box of discs.

Figure 4f illustrates an alternative form of locking mechanism. In effect, the longitudinal tongue 29 is replaced by a pair of lateral tabs. The change is shown on disc 71, and at enlarged scale at 72-75. The tapered outboard part 74 of the hole remains as before, with the rod 75 similarly forced against the taper. However, the force is now applied by deformation of the two tabs 73.

Figure 5 illustrates a further variation, particularly adapted to tall ornamental plants and trees. The upper portion of the hoop 20 from Figure 3 is reproduced, with the top of the hoop at 46 as before. If the plant is of a type generally trained to a particular shape, or if it simply grows unexpectedly high, extension of the support may be needed. In the example shown, the support is to be extended both upwards and sideways. The two uppermost discs (now identified as 81 and 82) are of the type depicted in Figure 4f, though they may equally well be of any other type illustrated. One such disc is shown in plan at 83, with enlargement of the locking mechanism as in Figure 4f. Two re-entrant clips are formed in the disc; these may be aligned with the main rod holes as shown, or at any other suitable locations on the circumference 84. The clips provide a hole 85 and locking guides such as 86. The general form is such as to allow a rod having the approximate diameter of hole 85 to be clipped in place and held with moderate firmness. Such a rod is shown at 87. It may be formed of the same material as rod 20, but preferably of smaller diameter; there is advantage to allowing some movement of the upper foliage in the wind. The rod is clipped into the discs 81 and 82 as shown; particular shapes to the upper hoop may be imposed by simple bar spacers (such as 88), furnished with similar clips at the ends The invention encompasses the basic disc design shown in Figure 2 and all the variations shown in Figures 4 and 5, singly or in any combination. The number of discs used in any implementation may be more or less than the number illustrated. Although the description has been given in terms of plastic materials, any suitable materials may be used (including in particular composite and biodegradable materials). The pot may be replaced by any other suitable receptacle; in particular, the lowermost disc may be formed as the base of the pot, and the sides of the pot may be removable for planting.

Claims

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Claims 1. A support system for growing plants, comprising the following elements in combination: a) a vertical member in the form of a hoop or arch (the term hoop being used here in the sense familiar from a croquet hoop whose downward prongs are forced down into the ground); b) a horizontal base member formed with location means to accommodate the downward prongs of the said hoop or arch and to maintain the said prongs in a spaced apart relationship; c) one or more horizontal upper members similarly holding the said prongs in a spaced apart relationship; and d) support means by which the stems or shoots of the growing plant may be located within one or more of the said horizontal upper members.
2. A support system according to claim 1, in which the said horizontal base member has the same form as the said horizontal upper members.
3. A support system according to claim 1, in which the said vertical member is formed by bending a single rod or pipe into the hoop form, and by holding it in this form by means of the said horizontal members.
4. A support system according to claim 1, in which the spaced-apart relationship imposed by the said horizontal base member is similar to that imposed by the said upper members, so that the said prongs are maintained substantially parallel.
5. A support system according to claim 1, in which the said vertical member and/or said horizontal members are formed of resilient but partially pliant plastic material.
6. A support system according to claim 1, in which the said location means are holes or openings in the said horizontal members.
7. A support system according to claim 1, in which the said location means are holes or openings in the said horizontal members, of dimensions affording a push fit on the said prongs.
8. A support system according to claim 1, in which the said location means are holes or openings in the said horizontal members, such means further including partially pliant tongues or tabs of form and dimensions affording a suitably tight fit.
9. A support system according to claim 1, in which the said location means are holes or openings in the said horizontal members, such means further including partially pliant tongues or tabs of form and dimensions affording a suitably tight fit, and in which the tongues or tabs are configured to resist relative vertical motion in one vertical direction more than in the other.
10. A support system according to claim 1, in which the said location means are holes or openings in the said horizontal members, and in which the said holes or openings are of a shape allowing the location constraint to be relaxed by manually squeezing together the said prongs.
1 1. A support system according to claim 1, in which the said location means are holes or openings in the said horizontal members, such means further including partially pliant tongues or tabs of form and dimensions affording a suitably tight fit, and in which the said holes or openings are of a shape allowing the said tight fit to be relaxed by manually squeezing together the said prongs.
12. A support system according to claim 1, in which the said location means are holes or openings in the said horizontal members, and in which the location constraint may be locked by a supplementary horizontal member forcing the said prongs against the sides of said holes or openings.
13. A support system according to claim 1, in which the said support means comprise holes or openings formed in the said horizontal upper members, into which holes or openings the plant stems or shoots may be located and through which they then grow.
14. A support system according to claim 1, further including one or more additional vertical members maintained in position by one or more of the said horizontal upper members.
15. A support system according to claim 1, in which the said growing plants are potted plants, and in which the said horizontal base member is initially emplaced at the bottom of the pot before the addition of potting soil or plant.
16. A support system according to claim 1, in which the said growing plants are potted plants, in which the said horizontal base member is initially emplaced at the bottom of the pot, and in which the support system, the potting soil and the plant may be withdrawn together from the pot by raising the said hoop or arch relative to the pot.
17. A support system according to claim 1, in which the said growing plants are potted plants, in which the said horizontal base member is initially emplaced at the bottom of the pot, in which the support system, the potting soil and the plant may be withdrawn together from the pot by raising the said hoop or arch and transferred to a hole dug for planting out, and in which the support system may be anchored in its new position by forcing the prongs of the hoop or arch downward into the ground.
18. A support system for growing plants, substantially as described and illustrated in

the attached description and drawings.