GB2473800A

GB2473800A - Support frame

Info

Publication number: GB2473800A
Application number: GB0722872A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Reginald Robert Atkin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-11-22
Filing date: 2007-11-22
Publication date: 2011-03-23
Also published as: GB0722872D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a support frame and more specifically a support frame for support elongate rods or canes such as those used to support a growing plant, for example a tomato plant. A support frame comprises first and second side members (12, 14 respectively, figure 1), first and second cross members (16, 18 respectively, figure 1) connected to the first and second side members and at least one cross member having one or more retaining means (26, 28, figure 1) for supporting an elongate rod 32 in a generally upright orientation. The support frame further comprises a base member (24, figure 3) connected to the first side member and extending in a direction towards the second side member wherein the base member is arranged and configured to support an external load 30.

Description

I

Support Frame The invention relates generally to a support frame, and more specifically to a support frame for supporting elongate rods or canes, such as those used to support a growing plant, for example a tomato plant.

When a tall growing plant, such as a tomato plant, reaches a certain height, it is possible for the plant to bend or sag its own weight, thereby deforming the shape of the plant. Many solutions to this problem have been presented, for example JP10136795 Jnoue Teruyoshi describes a cultivating support frame comprising a pair of parallel base members, from each of which upwardly extends an A frame, each A frame being connected by two cross members disposed orthogonally to the parallel cross members. The parallel cross members contain a plurality of apertures for receiving wooden canes in a generally upright manner. Whilst the support frame described in JP10136795 provides a solution to the problem of holding canes in a generally upright manner, the frame is very space consuming and therefore not suitable for use in a small patio or garden.

Another solution is described in GB2336091 Cobb Graham Leslie which describes a gardening apparatus comprising a tray and a frame unit mounted above the tray to provide a support means to which growing plants may be attached. The tray provides a convenient receptacle for a bag of plant growth media, for example a Gro-bag TM, and the support means provides a pre-existing structure to which the plants may be attached by means of, for example, tying. The apparatus described in GB2336091 is of a fairly complex design, meaning that the frame is relatively heavy and relatively expensive to produce.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved support frame that overcomes, or alleviates, at least one of the problems found in the prior art. Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide an improved support frame relative to the prior art.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a support frame comprising: first and second side members; first and second cross members connected to the first and second side members and at least one cross member having one or more retaining means for supporting an elongate rod in a generally upright orientation; and at least one base member connected to said first side member and extending in a direction towards said second side member, said base member being arranged and configured to support an external load on an upper surface thereof Thus, the above-mentioned object is achieved by providing a support frame, the base member of which is arranged to carry an object or load, for example a grow bag, such that the object may provide stability to the frame without the requirement for the frame having a large mechanical footprint.

Preferably, a retaining means comprises at least one aperture formed through at least one cross member. This allows a cane to be held within an aperture in a generally fixed orientation.

The base member is beneficially connected to said first and second side member. The advantage of the base member being connected to both side members is that a load placed on the base member will, by way of the base member, also provide stability to each side member, thereby helping to maintain the frame in an upright configuration.

In one embodiment, the base member may comprise a first base portion and second base portion, each said base portion being connected to a different one of said side members and preferably the base portions each extend from a different one of said side members towards the other said side member. This enables the base member to be formed of a reduced amount of material, as it does not extend from side member to side member, but also requires that each base portion is covered by the/a load in order to provide stability to each side member of the frame.

Beneficially, the frame further comprises one or more support members connected to a lower part of the frame to support it in a generally upright configuration.

In one embodiment, at least two of the members (i.e. side members, cross members, support members or base member/portions) are removably connected to another member by fixing means.

Preferably, the first cross member is connected to the first and second side members at a position closer to a first end thereof than the second cross member. This means that both cross members are connected to both side members (i.e. each cross member is common to both side members) and the cross members are arranged with one closer to a first end of a side member than another. Due to this, it is possible to arrange the cross members with a vertical overlap, so as to enable the provision of overlapping and/or generally concentric apertures formed therein.

Beneficially, the length of said cross members is greater than the length of said side members. As an advantageous consequence of this ratio, when the frame length is such that the base member is able to support, and the side members able to accommodate, a bag of plant growth media, the resulting height of the frame, determined by the length of the side members, is of a desirable scale and acceptable height.

Preferably, the side members and at least one cross member are provided generally centrally with respect to the generally longitudinal axis of said base member. This provides the advantage that the upper parts of the frame are central with respect to the base, meaning that the effective width of the frame is reduced relative to prior art arrangements. This factor, in combination with the advantage that the base width and/or support members length (which contributes to frame width) can be reduced due to base member being arranged to carry a load to increase the stability of the frame.

This results in the provision of a stable support frame with relatively compact width dimensions.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts specifically for constructing a support frame according to any of claims 1 to 11, comprising: at least two side members; at least two cross members; and at least one base member.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of cultivating a plant using a support frame according to any of claims 1 to 11.

The support frame as defined in the claims may be manufactured and supplied in kit form, where the assembly of the parts into a support frame, as claimed, takes place at a later date.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to, the embodiments described herein.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view schematic diagram of the vegetable support frame according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a planned view schematic diagram of the support frame of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view schematic diagram of the support frame of Figure 1; and Figure 4 is a front view schematic diagram of the support frame of Figure 1 indicating a grow bag in situ and vegetable support canes.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings, a vegetable support frame is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The support frame 10 comprises a first side member 12 and a second side member 14, the side members 12, 14 being connected by a first cross member 16 and second cross member 18. Side members 12 and 14 are also connected via base member 20. In this exemplary embodiment, side members 12 and 14 are substantially parallel to one another and cross members 16 and 18 and base member 20 are substantially parallel to one another. Cross members 16 and 18 and base member 20 are, in this embodiment, substantially orthogonal to side members 12 and 14. Cross members 16, 18, in this exemplary embodiment, are arranged to be substantially vertically aligned in a "one above the other" configuration when the frame 10 is in an upright position (as in use). In another embodiment, cross members 16, 18 are not vertically aligned and when viewed from the plan (in use) may overlap or be separated by a distance therebetween.

Side member 12 has a first end proximal to which is connected cross member 16 and a second end proximal to which is connects base member 20 and first support member 22. Second side member 14 has a first end proximal to which is connected first cross member 16 and a second end proximal to which is connected base member 20 and second support member 24. Second cross member 18 connects to first side member 12 and second side member 14 at a location between first cross member 16 and base member 20. Side members 12, 14 extend from a laterally central position of base member 20, such that side members 12, 14 and cross members 16, 18 are positioned generally centrally with respect to the longitudinal axis of base member 20.

In this exemplary embodiment, side members 12, 14 comprise elongate rigid members of any suitable cross section, for example L section, circular tube, square tube, I section, or the like. The cross section of the elongate rigid member should provide strength and rigidity to the side members 12, 14. Side members 12, 14 may comprise ferrous metal, such as iron, steel or the like or, side members 12, 14 may comprise a non ferrous metal, such as stainless steel, aluminium or the like. In an alternative embodiment, side members 12, 14 may comprise a rigid plastic, for example polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride or the like, or other suitable material such as wood. It is envisaged that side members 12, 14 may comprise a combination of one or more suitable metals and/or plastics, for example a plastic coated metal.

Cross members 16, 18 may comprise elongate rigid members of any suitable cross section, for example L section, circular tube, square tube, I section or the like. The cross section of the elongate rigid members should provide strength and rigidity to the cross members 16, 18. Cross members 16, 18 may comprise ferrous metal, such as iron, steel or the like or, cross members 16, 18 may comprise a non ferrous metal, such as stainless steel, aluminium or the like. In an alternative embodiment, cross members 16, 18 may comprise a rigid plastic, for example polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyichioride or the like. It is envisaged that cross members 16, 18 may comprise a combination of one or more suitable metals andlor plastics, for example a plastic coated metal. In this exemplary embodiment, the length of cross members 16, 18 is greater than or equal to the length of side members 12, 14.

Furthermore, cross members 16, 18 are provided generally centrally with respect to the longitudinal axis of base member 20. This contributes to allowing frame 10 to comprise two side members 12, 14 and one or more cross members 16, 18, without the frame being unstable due to its centre of gravity being more towards an extremity of its mechanical footprint, rather than being more central. Accordingly, by way of cross member(s) and side members being central with respect to base member 20, the width of frame 10 can be reduced, relative to prior art arrangements that require four or more side members and a larger base (if any) to provide stability to the prior art frame.

Base member 20 comprises a substantially flat elongate rigid member, which in this embodiment connects a side member 12 to side member 14. Base member 20 may comprise a ferrous metal, such as iron, steel or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, base member 20 may comprise a non ferrous metal such as stainless steel, aluminium or the like. In an alternate embodiment, the base member 20 may comprise a rigid plastic, for example polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride or the like. It is also envisaged that the base member 20 may comprise a combination of one or more suitable metals andlor plastics, for example a plastic-coated metal. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that an advantage associated with using plastic-coated metal is the ability to use a ferrous metal without a high likelihood of corrosion occurring.

Base member 20 is connected to side members 12 and 14 and is arranged and configured to carry a load, such as a bag of plant growth media or the like, and therefore enables the load it is carrying to impart stability to frame 10 via base member 20. The terms "carry" and "carrying" are used to denote that a load may be placed over base member 20, the load thereby imparting a force due to gravity upon base member 20 so as to urge base member 20 against a surface thereunder. The base member need not be of a size (length and width) greater than the load it is carrying and in the case when the base member 20 of this embodiment is carrying a bag of plant growth media, the bag of plant growth media is substantially wider than the width of base member 20. However, it is desirable that the base member is wide enough such that it will not easily twist through 90 degrees or more, under the load, when a reasonably small force is applied laterally to the frame 10.

It is envisaged that in an alternate embodiment, base member need not fully extend between first side member 12 and second side member 14. In such an embodiment, the base member 20 may comprise two portions, each portion rigidly connected to one of the side members 12, 14 such that the portions or base members may each carry a separate or common load to impart stability to the support frame.

The side members 12, 14, and cross members, 16, 18 may be or any suitable size that provides strength and robustness to the frame, for example L section metal bar of between 2mm and 6mm thickness and having a width (of each orthogonal face of the L section) of between 10mm and 50mm. If side members 12, 14, and cross members, 16, 18 comprise metal or non-metal bar, the bar may be solid or hollow. Base member 20 may be of any suitable width, for example between 50mm and 150mm and or any suitable thickness, for example 2mm and 6mm. Support members 22, 24 may be or any suitable size that provides strength and robustness to the frame, for example L section metal bar of between 2mm and 6mm thickness and having a width (of each orthogonal face of the L section) of between 10mm and 50mm. Support members are preferably of a length sufficient to provide a reasonable degree of stability to frame 10 but short enough to provide a reasonable narrow lateral frame footprint, for example, of length between 100mm and 200mm. It will understand that the given values are merely examples and many other suitable dimensions will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

It is beneficial that base member 20 is configured to provide a reasonable opposition to torsional forces applied to ends thereof, as these characteristics improve the overall stability of frame 10. A skilled person will appreciate that, by way of example, if base member is a single piece carrying a load towards its middle and torsional forces are applied at its ends by a force applied to side members attached thereto, it is desirable that base member 20 applies these torsional forces and uses the weight of the load to urge side members towards a stable configuration.

First support member 22 and second support member 24 in this exemplary embodiment comprise elongate L section bar having substantially orthogonal faces.

Support member 22 is connected to side member 12 at a substantially central position along a longest dimension of support member 22. Second support member 24 is attached to second side member 14 in a substantially identical or similar configuration. The longest dimension of support members 22, 24 are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the longest dimension of cross members 16, 18. It will therefore be understood that support members 22, 24 provide lateral support to frame and it will further be understood that the degree of support provided thereby is dependent upon factors such as the length of support members 22, 24 also taking into account height of frame 10. One skilled in the art will understand that as the length of support members 22, 24 is reduced, it becomes easier for the centre of gravity of frame 10 to pass outside the mechanical footprint thereof, and thus cause the frame to fall over in a lateral direction. However, due to base member being arranged and configured to carry a load, for example, a bag of plant growth media, it will be appreciated that the weight due to the mass of the load imparts stability to the frame 10 via the base member 20 and accordingly, the skilled person will understand that due to the function provided by base member 20, the size in a lateral direction of the mechanical footprint of frame 10 can be reduced relative to prior art arrangements. It should be noted that support members 22, 24 need not be L section and could comprise a flat metal bar attached in a horizontal configuration to a side member 12, 14. It is also envisaged that in another embodiment support members 22, 24 could be removed and a base member 20 of wider dimension could provide both functions of carrying a mass and providing a wide mechanical footprint. However, in such an embodiment it may be necessary to provide further stability members to impart further strength to the connection between base member and side members.

Cross members 16, 18 are arranged to be capable of supporting one or more growth support aids, for example wooden canes or the like (such support aids will hereinafter be described as a cane or canes), in a generally upright manner. A support configuration or a plurality of support configurations are provided in or on one or more of cross members 16, 18 to provide means for supporting the cane or canes. In this exemplary embodiment, the canes 32 are each supported by an aperture extending through first cross member 16 and second cross member 18. In this embodiment, each aperture 26 in first cross member 16 has a corresponding and generally concentric aperture 28 in second cross member 18, such that a wooden cane 32 is received by both apertures 26, 28 so as to hold cane 32 in a generally upright manner.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that canes 32 do not need to be exactly vertical and as such it is not vital to the working of the invention that apertures 26, 28 are exactly concentric, however, it is desirable for the relative positions of apertures 26, 28 to be such that a cane is held therein in a generally upright manner. In another embodiment, the support configuration(s) may comprise a broken hoop that protrudes from one or more support members to allow a cane to be moved through the broken part and be retained by the remainder of the hoop. Alternatively, the support configuration(s) may comprise an endless hoop, wherein a cane must be fed through the top or bottom of the hoop and may not pass through the boundary defined by the hoop. In either case, a hoop need not be circular and could comprise any suitable shape, for example, a rectangle, triangle, star, or the like. It is also envisaged that a support configuration could comprise an endless hoop having a movable portion or gate, to selectively allow passage of a cane through the gate.

The individual parts of frame 10 may be joined where appropriate by any suitable fixing means, for example, nuts and bolts, machine screws, welding, brackets or the like. The points of connection have been subscribed above. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that whilst welding is likely to produce a more robust and secure connection means, the use of a non-permanent fixing means, for example machine screws, nuts and bolts or the like enables the frame 10 to be transported as individual parts and assembled when necessary.

Referring to Figure 4, a front view schematic representation of support frame 10 in situ on the ground is shown. Frame 10 carries load 30, which may comprise a bag of plant growth media, plant pots or the like. Wooden canes 32 are shown being held in position by the frame 10 in a generally upright manner. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that a plant, for example a tomato plant, may be positioned within the load 30 at a location generally close to a lower end of a cane 32 so as to encourage a plant to grow upwardly along cane 32 by way of entwining cane 32 or being held at a position relative thereto by a suitable fixing means or the like.

The present invention has been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that variations and modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A support frame comprising: first and second side members; first and second cross members connected to the first and second side members and at least one cross member having one or more retaining means for supporting an elongate rod in a generally upright orientation; and a base member, connected to said first side member and extending in a direction towards said second side member, said base member being arranged and configured to support an external load on an upper surface thereof.
2. A support frame according to any preceding claim, wherein said retaining means comprises at least one aperture formed through at least one cross member.
3. A support frame according to any preceding claim, wherein said base member is connected to said first and second side member.
4. A support frame according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein said base member comprises a first base portion and second base portion, each said base portion being connected to a different one of said side members.
5. A support frame according to claim 4, wherein said base portions each extend from a different one of said side members towards the other said side member.
6. A support frame according to any preceding claim, wherein said frame further comprises one or more support members connected to a lower part of the frame to support it in a generally upright configuration.
7. A support frame according to any preceding claim, wherein at least two of said members are removably connected to another member by non-permanent fixing means.
8. A support frame according any preceding claim, wherein said first cross member is connected to said first and second side members at a position closer to a first end thereof than said second cross member.
9. A support frame according any preceding claim, wherein the length of said cross members is greater than the length of said side members.
10. A support frame according any preceding claim, wherein said side members and at least one cross member are provided generally centrally with respect to a longitudinal axis of said base member.
11. A support frame substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
12. A kit of parts specifically for constructing a support frame according to any of claims 1 to 11, comprising: at least two side members; at least two cross members; and at least one base member.
13. A method of cultivating a plant using a support frame according to any of claims ito 11.