GB2448903A

GB2448903A - Horticultural support system

Info

Publication number: GB2448903A
Application number: GB0708479A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Arthur Copper
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-05-02
Filing date: 2007-05-02
Publication date: 2008-11-05
Anticipated expiration: 2027-05-02
Also published as: GB0708479D0; GB2448903B

Abstract

A horticultural support system comprises at least one support post (10) and at least one clip (28). Each post has a series of radially-extending holes (18) spaced apart along its length, and each hole is generally parallel to at least one other of the holes and is open to the opposite side of the post to that other hole. Each clip has a pair of pin portions (30) each of a diameter to fit in the holes and a resilient loop portion (32) connecting the pin portions such that in a relaxed state of the clip the pin portions extend in generally opposite directions; whereby: the clip can be deformed such that the pin portions can be inserted into a generally parallel pair of the holes in the post from opposite sides of the post so as to attach the clip to the post; and a plant, plant pot, or the like can be supported by the loop portion. The plant or pot supporting clip can therefore be simply clipped onto the post at any desired position adjacent a parallel pair of holes without the need for any tools. Further clips can be added as the plant grows, and clips can simply be removed and re-sited on the post as the plant grows.

Description

TITLE

Horticultural support system

DESCRIPTION

This invention relates to a horticultural support system that can be used to support and train plants.

Many plants need support as they grow so that the plant does not become damaged, for example by breaking under its own weight or being broken by the wind. Also, many gardeners like to train their plants so that they grow into a desired shape. Sometimes it is possible to support a plant by tying it to an adjacent structure, such as a fence post or panel, pergola or drainpipe, but often this is not the case. It is therefore often necessary to provide a dedicated support for the plant. One simple example of a known plant support is a bamboo cane which is inserted into the ground and to which the plant is tied. This may be satisfactory for a plant that has one or a few main stems and if the cane can be inserted deeply enough into the ground close to the centre of the plant. Another known example is a trellis. However, it is best to construct the trellis before or shortly after the plant has been planted, and the trellis can therefore be obtrusive until the plant has grown to its desired fill size.

Other, more elaborate, horticultural support systems have been proposed, for example in patent documents GB2360189A, G82066342A, GB2232051A, GB234225, GB345706, GB613305, DE29708585U, DE29614977U and DE29616017U. However, each of these known systems suffers from one or more disadvantages, such as that it does not provide a wide range of configurations into which it can be formed, it is difficult or impossible to change the configuration of the support once a plant has grown on it, it is difficult to construct or it requires the use of tools.

An aim of the present invention, or at least of specific embodiments of it, is to provide a horticultural support system that does not suffer from the disadvantages discussed above.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a horticultural support system comprising: at least one support post having a series of radially-extending holes spaced apart along its length, each hole being generally parallel to at least one other of the holes and opening to the opposite side of the post to that other hole; and at least one clip having a pair of pin portions each of a diameter to fit in the holes and a resilient loop portion connecting the pin portions such that in a relaxed state of the clip the pin portions extend in generally opposite directions; whereby: the clip can be deformed such that the pin portions can be inserted into a generally parallel pair of the holes in the post from opposite sides of the post and upon release the resilience of the loop portion retains the pin portions in the holes so as to attach the clip to the post; and a plant, plant pot, or the like can be supported by the loop portion. The plant or pot supporting clip can therefore be simply clipped onto the post at any desired position adjacent a parallel pair of holes without the need for any tools. Further clips can be added as the plant grows, and clips can simply be removed and re-sited on the post as the plant grows.

When the clip is so attached to the post, portions of the clip between the pin portions and at least a major part of the loop portion preferably cross over each other. As a result, any forces applied to the loop portion from within to expand the loop portion or push it to one side tends to urge the pin portions more firmly into the holes in the post.

Some of the holes are preferably not generally parallel to others of the holes so that clips can be arranged at different positions around the post in addition to different positions along the post.

Each hole is preferably a through-hole so that the pin portion of a clip can be inserted into the hole from either side.

To reduce cost and weight, the post is preferably tubular. In this case, each through-hole is formed by a pair of hole portions in the wall of the tubular member to opposite sides of the post. The length of each pin portion of the clip, or at least one of the clips, is preferally greater than the average of the internal and external diameters of the tubular post, so that the pin portion can enter both hole portions to restrict the amount of twist of the clip around the post.

More preferably, the length of each pin portion of the clip, or at least one of the clips, is no less than the external diameter of the tubular post, so that the pin portion extends all the way across the post.

Each pin portion of the clip, or at least one of the clips, is preferably connected to the loop portion by a respective standoff portion angled to the pin portion. The stand-off portions serve not only to space the loop portion from the post, but also prevent the clip being inserted too far into the hole in the post and therefore provide more positive location of the clip on the post.

In some examples of the clip, the pin portions of the clip are within the loop portion.

When the clip is fitted to the post, the loop portion therefore encircles the post, and a bunch of plant stems growing through the loop portion can surround the post.

In other examples of the clip, the pin portions of the clip are outside the loop portion.

The loop portion can therefore be used to support a single stem, a bunch of stems, or a suitably sized flower pot to one side of the post.

For simplicity of construction, the clip, or at least one of the clips, is preferably formed from a single length of bent resilient wire, the pin portions being formed by the ends of the length of wire.

The post, or at least one of the posts, may have a pointed end to assist in driving the post into the ground. However, in order to avoid the need to drive a post into the ground, the system may further include a base for resting on the ground, the base having a formation, such as a spigot or socket, for receiving the lower end of the support post. The formation may be disposed generally centrally of the base, so that the base is self supporting. Alternatively, the formation may be disposed substantially to one side of the base. In this latter case, a weight, such as a grow-bag, may be placed over the base to prevent the base and post toppling over.

In order to enable the system to be readily adapted as plants grow, the system may further include an auxiliary clip having a pigtail portion that can be wound around a portion of the first-mentioned clip, or one of the first-mentioned clips, and a curved portion that extends from the pigtail portion to a hooked portion that can be hooked onto a portion of the first clip.

Therefore, a stem that has started growing outside the loop portion of the first clip can be supported by adding an auxiliary clip attached to the main clip without significantly disturbing the main clip and the stems already growing through it.

In some versions of the clip, with the post generally vertical, the loop portion of the clip may lie in a generally horizontal plane. These clips can therefore be used for supporting a stem from a vertical post.

In other versions of the clip, with the post generally vertical, the loop portion of the clip may lie in a generally vertical plane. In this case, the system may further include a rail having a series of radially-extending holes spaced apart along its length, each hole being generally parallel to at least one other of the holes and opening to the opposite side of the rail to that other hole, the rail extending through the loop portion of the clip whose loop portion lies in a generally vertical plane. In this case, the system may further includes an auxiliary clip having a coiled portion that is, or can be, wound around a portion of the clip whose loop portion lies in a generally vertical plane, and a locking portion that extends into one of the holes of the rail. The rail, which may be generally identical to the post, can therefore provide a generally S horizontally-extending support for plants and plant pots. Further examples of the clip whose loop portion lies in a generally vertical plane when attached to a the vertical post, can then be attached to the rail, in which case their loop portions will lie in a generally-horizontal plane and can be used to support plants and plant pots.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of one form of post; Figure 2 is a longitudinally-sectioned side view of another form of post; Figures 3A to 3C are sectioned views, on an enlarged scale, of the post of Figure 1, taken on the section lines marked A to C, respectively in Figure 1; Figures 3D & 3E are sectioned views of the post of Figure 2, taken on the section lines marked D and E, respectively in Figure 2; Figures 4A to 4D are isometric views of four different versions of base that may be used with the posts; Figures 5A to 1OA are isometric views of six different versions of clip that may be used with the posts, shown in their relaxed shapes; Figures 5B to lOB are isometric views of the clips shown in Figures 5A to 1OA, respectively, but showing the shapes that they adopt once secured to the posts; Figure 11 is an isometric view of one arrangement of a base, two posts and a number of clips; Figure 12 is an isometric view of another arrangement of a base, a post and a number of clips; Figure 13 is a set of orthogonal projections of an auxiliary clip; and Figure 14 is a sectioned plan view of an assembly of a post, a clip as shown in Figures lÀ and 7B, and a n auxiliary clip as shown in Figure 13.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3E of the drawings, a post 10 comprises a tube 12 of stainless or mild steel, aluminium alloy, plastics material or wood, which may be treated as appropriate to protect the post 10 from corrosion or decay. In an example for general-purpose garden use, the tube has a length typically of between 0.9 and 1.5 m and an outer diameter of about 20 mm.

In the post of Figure 1, sub-referenced 10(1), the lower end of the tube 12 is formed into a blunted point 14, whereas in the post of Figure 2, sub-referenced 10(2) the tube 12 is open-ended. The upper end of each tube 12 is fitted with a bung 16 to prevent rain falling into the tube 14, to protect the tube 12 if it is hammered into the ground and to provide eye protection.

Along the majority of the length of the tube 12, a series of diametrally-opposite pairs of holes 18 is fonned, each hole having a diameter typically of between 3 and 4 mm. As shown by Figures 3A to 3C, in the post 10(1), each pair of holes 18 is angularly offset from the adjacent pairs of holes by 60 degrees, whereas, as shown by Figures 3D and 3E, in the post 10(2), the angular offset is 90 degrees. The pitch between adjacent pairs of holes 18 is typically between and 25 mm.

In use, the posts 10 (particularly the post 10(1) with its pointed end 14) can be hammered into the ground. Alternatively, it can be supported by a base 20, four versions of which are shown in Figures 4A to 4D, sub-reference 20(A) to 20(D) respectively. The bases 20(A),20(B) are in the form of tripods having three equiangularly-radiating legs 22. By contrast, the bases 20(C),20(D) each have two legs 22 angled at about 60 degrees. The bases 20(A),20(C) each have a upstanding socket 24, where their legs 22 join, to receive the lower end of either post 10. The bottom of each socket 24 may be formed with a small drain hole so that water does not collect in the socket 24. By contrast, the bases 20(B),20(D) each have an upstanding spigot 26, where their legs 22 join, which can be inserted into the lower, open end of the post 10(2). The bases 20(A),20(B) are therefore free-standing, whereas the bases 20(C),20(D) are intended to be weighed down, for example by a grow-bag 25 (Figure 12) placed across the legs 22, so that the post 10 extends upwardly from adjacent one side of the grow-bag 25.

The posts 10 can be used with a variety of clips 28, six examples of which are shown in Figures 5A to lOB, sub-referenced 28(5) to 28(10), respectively. In each case, the clip 28 is provided by a length of resilient bent wire, for example of stainless, plated or galvanised steel, typically having a diameter of between 2.5 and 3 mm. Each clip 28 has a pair of pin portions 30 formed by the ends of the length of wire, a loop portion 32, and a pair of stand-off portions 34 extending between the ends of the loop portion 32 and the pin portions 30. The pin portions 30 of each clip 28 are generally parallel to each other and extend in opposite directions from their respective stand-off portions 34. As viewed from above, when in their relaxed states as shown in Figures 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A and 1OA, the pin portions 30 of each clip 28 do not overlap and extend from their stand-off portions 34 away from each other. In order to attach a clip 28 to a post 10, the clip 28 is manually deformed so that the pin portions 30 extend from their stand-off portions 34 towards each other and so that the spacing P between the axes of the pin portions 30 is an integer multiple of the spacing H between adjacent parallel pairs of holes 22 in the post 10.

In the case of the clips 28(5) to 28(8) and 28(10), P=H, and in the case of the clip 28(9), P=2H. The pin portions 30 are then inserted into parallel pairs of holes 22 in the post 10 from opposite sides of the post 10, and the clip 28 is released so that its self-resilience holds the pin portions 30 in their holes 22. As can be seen in Figure 14, the length L by which each pin portion 30 projects from its stand-off portion 34 is greater that the outside diameter D of the post 10 so that each pin portion 30 extends completely through the respective pair of holes 22.

In the case where the post outside diameter D is 19 mm, the projection length L of each pin portion 30 may typically be 23 mm. The clip 28 therefore becomes firmly attached to the post 10. Figures 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, 9B and lOB show the shapes of the clips 28 when they are attached toapost 10.

In the cases of the clips 28(5) to 28(7), 28(9) and 28(10), the stand-off portions 34 extend outwardly from the loop portion 32 so that the pin portions 30 are outside the loop portion 32, whereas in the case of the clip 28(8), the stand-off portions 34 extend inwardly from the loop portion 32 so that the pin portions 30 are within the loop portion 32.

The loop portion 32 of each of the clips 28(5),28(6) is relatively small and lies generally in a horizontal plane when the clip 28(5), 28(6) is attached to a vertical post, but with a slight helical twist. The clips 28(5),28(6) are similar except that they have different lengths of their stand-off portions 34. The clips 28(5),28(6) are particularly suitable for supporting a plant have a single main stem. When used for supporting, for example, a tomato plant, the clips 28(5),28(6) are preferably positioned just below the trusses so as to relieve the main stem of the weight of the tomatoes as they grow.

The loop portion 32 of each of the clips 28(7),28(8) is relatively large. When relaxed, as shown in Figures 7A and 8A, the whole clip 28(7),28(8) lies generally in a single plane, and when attached to a vertical post 10, each loop portion 32 lies in a generally-horizontaj plane, but with a slight helical twist. The clip 28(8) is particularly suitable for supporting a plant having multiple stems where the post 10 can be positioned close to the base of the plant, whereas the clip 28(7) is particularly suitable for supporting a plant having multiple stems where the post 10 cannot be positioned close to the base of the plant.

The clip 28(9) is somewhat similar to the clip 28(7), except that the stand-off portions 34 are dog-legged as a result of which, when attached to a vertical post 10, the loop portion 32 is generally circular and horizontal without any significant helical twist. The clip 28(9) is particularly suitable for supporting a flower-pot 36 of an appropriate size, as shown in Figure 11, with the bottom of an enlarged rim 38 of the flower pot resting on the loop portion 36. The clips 28(9) may, of course, be supplied in different sizes to suit different sizes of flower-pot 36.

The clip 28(10) is somewhat similar to the clip 28(5), except that, when attached to a vertical post 10, the loop portion 32 lies in a generally vertical plane. The inside diameter of the loop portion 32 is slightly greater than the outside diameter of the posts 10. The clip 28(10) is provided with an auxiliary clip 40 formed from a length of wire having a coiled portion 42 wound around one of the stand-off portions 34 of the clip 28(10) and a straight locking portion 44 that extends towards the loop portion 32 of the clip 28(10). As shown in Figure 11, the clip 28(10) can be used to attach a second post 10(H) generally-horizontally to a first vertical post 10(V). The pin portions 30 of the clip 28(10) are inserted into a parallel pair of holes 22 of the vertical post 10(V); the generally-horizontal post 10(H) is inserted through the loop portion 32 of the clip 28(10); and then the auxiliary clip 40 is slid along the stand-off portion 34 so that its locking portion 44 enters a pair of the holes 22 in the generally-horizontal post 10(H). The auxiliary clip 40 prevents the generally-horizontal post 10(H) sliding axially or rotating about its axis.

A clip 28(10), possibly without the auxiliary clip 40, may also be attached by its pin portions 30 to the generally-horizontal post 10(H) so that the loop portion 32 of the clip 28(10) ties in a generally-horizontal plane and can be used to support single-stemmed plants. Other clips may also be provided, similar to the clips 28(5) to 28(9), but with their pin portions 30 arranged at right angles, for attachment to the generally-horizontal post 10(H) and for use in supporting multiple-stemmed plants and flower-pots.

The horticultural support formed by the posts 10 and clips 28 may be put in place when a plant is young so that the plant grows into the support. The support may also be put in place to support an established plant, with the clips 28 being manipulated around the existing growth an attached to the post. As a plant grows further, it may be necessary to provide additional support, but without disturbing the existing clips 28. In this case, an auxiliary clip 46 as shown in Figures 13 and 14 may be employed. The auxiliary clip 46 is formed from a bent length of resilient wire and has an arcuate portion 48 terminated at one end by a pig-tail portion 50 and at the other end by a hooked portion 52. The pig-tail portion 50 is arranged so that is can be slipped over a portion of one of the main clips 28, and then the arcuate portion 48 can be deformed so that the hooked portion 52 can be hooked onto that portion of the main clip 28.

It will be appreciated that many modifications and developments may be made to the horticultural supports described above. For example, other shapes and relative sizes of clip 28 may be provided, and the diameters of the wire of the clips 28 and the holes 18 may be larger or smaller. Clips may be provided for other purposes, for example to provide a bracket for a bird-feeder or a hook for a coconut. The posts 10 need not be tubular, but may be solid, and in this case, it is not necessary, although it is preferred, for the radially-extending holes 22 to extend all the way through the post 10. The posts 10 may be of a smaller length and/or diameter, for example for use when supporting small indoor plants. The posts 10 may also be considerably longer and/or larger in diameter. The posts 10 may form part of a larger structure, for example as the pillars and/or joists of a pergola, or the support posts of a verandah, or they may be used to construct a signpost or lampost. The posts 10 may be designed so that they can be joined end-to-end, for example employing spigot and socket connections or a telescopic arrangement.

It should be noted that the embodiments of the invention has been described above purely by way of example and that many other modifications and developments may be made thereto within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

The reference numerals in the claims are no: intended to limit the scope of the claims 1. A horticultural support system comprising: at least one support post (10) having a series of radially-extending holes (18) spaced apart along its length, each hole being generally parallel to at least one other of the holes and opening to the opposite side of the post to that other hole; and at least one clip (28) having a pair of pin portions (30) each of a diameter to fit in the holes and a resilient loop portion (32) connecting the pin portions such that in a relaxed state of the clip the pin portions extend in generally opposite directions; whereby: the clip can be deformed such that the pin portions can be inserted into a generally parallel pair of the holes in the post from opposite sides of the post and upon release the resilience of the loop portion retains the pin portions in the holes so as to attach the clip to the post; and a plant, plant pot, or the like can be supported by the loop portion.
2. A horticultural support system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the clip is so attached to the post, portions of the clip between the pin portions and at least a major part of the loop portion cross over each other.
3. A horticultural support system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein some of the holes are not generally parallel to others of the holes.
4. A horticultural support system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each hole is a through-hole.
5. A horticultural support system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the post is tubular.
6. A horticultural support system as claimed in claim 5 when dependent on claim 4, wherein each through-hole is loaned by a pair of hole portions (18) in the wall (12) of the tubular member to opposite sides of the post.

-
7. A horticultural support system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the length (L) of each pm portion of the clip, or at least one of the clips, is greater than the average of the internal and external diameters of the tubular post.
8. A horticultural support system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the length of each pin portion of the clip, or at least one of the clips, is no less than the external diameter (D) of the tubular post.
9. A horticultural support system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each pin portion of the clip, or at least one of the clips, is connected to the loop portion by a respective standoff portion (34) angled to the pin portion.
10. A horticultural support system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pin portions of the clip (28(8)), or at least one of the clips, are within the loop portion.
11. A horticultural support system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pin portions of the clip (28(5) to 28(7), 28(9), 28(10)), or at least one of the clips, are outside the loop portion.
12. A horticultural support system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the clip, or at least one of the clips, is formed from a single length of bent resiliem wire, the pin portions being formed by the ends of the length of wire.
13. A horticultural support system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of such clips is provided.
14. A horticultural support system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the post has a pointed end (14).
15. A horticultural support system as claimed in any preceding claim, further including a base (20) for resting on the ground, the base having a formation (24,26) for receiving the lower end of the support post.
16. A horticultural support system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the formation is disposed generally centrally of the base (20(A),20(B)).
17. A horticultural support system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the formation is disposed substantially to one side of the base (20(C),20(D)).

-11 -
18. A horticultural support system as claimed in any preceding claim, further including an auxiliary clip (46) having a pigtail portion (50) that can be wound around a portion of the first-mentioned clip, or one of the first-mentioned clips, and a curved portion (48) that extends from the pigtail portion to a hooked portion (52) that can be hooked onto a portion of the first clip.
19. A horticultural support system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, with the post generally vertical, the loop portion of the clip (28(5) to 28(9)), or at least one of the clips, lies in a generally horizontal plane.
20. A horticultural support system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, with the post generally vertical, the loop portion of the clip (28(10)), or at least one of the clips, lies in a generally vertical plane.
21. A horticultural support system as claimed in claim 20, further including a rail (10(H)) having a series of radially-extending holes (18) spaced apart along its length, each hole being generally parallel to at least one other of the holes and opening to the opposite side of the rail to that other hole, the rail extending through the loop portion of the clip (28(10)) whose loop portion lies in a generally vertical plane.
22. A horticultural support system as claimed in claim 21, further including an auxiliaiy clip (40) having a coiled portion (42) that is, or can be, wound around a portion of the clip whose loop portion lies in a generally vertical plane, and a locking portion (44) that extends into one of the holes of the rail.
23. A horticultural support, substantially as described with reference to the drawings.