GB2483800A - Elongate panels for forming planting containers - Google Patents

Abstract

A flat panel 2, 3, 4 of flexible material for forming a container for growing plants has a first interlock portion 10 at one end and a second interlock portion 11 at the opposite end. The panel is shapeable so that the first and second interlock portions 10, 11 are interengagable with each other or with corresponding interlock portions of similar panels. In one case the base panel 2 is of uniform height along the length thereof. The panels 3, 4 maybe of variable height along their length. The panel may comprise a plurality of ventilation slots along the length. The panels may be used to form a raised bed or a cold frame. The panels may be mounted one above another and may be used to form a small greenhouse with an adjustable and/or removable roof 6. Also claimed is a kit of parts for forming a planting container.

Description

"A PANEL FOR FORMING A PLANT CONTAINER"

Introduction

This invention relates to panels for forming a plant container for use, for example as a raised bed or cold frame.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided a flat elongate panel of flexible material for forming a plant container, the panel having a first interlock portion at one end and a second interlock portion at the opposite end, the panel being shapable so that the first and second interlock portions are interengagable with each other or with corresponding interlock portions of similar panels.

In one embodiment the panel is of variable height along the length thereof In this case the panel may be higher at one end than at the opposite end. Such panels may be used to form desired upper edge shapes such as curves.

In one embodiment the panel comprises a plurality of slots along the length thereof In one embodiment the interlocks comprise a tab which is integral with the panel and a corresponding slot in the panel for reception of the tab. The interlocks may comprise a plurality of tabs and slots. Such interlocking features have the advantage of being integral with the panel and separate fixing parts are not required.

In one embodiment the panel comprises receivers for receiving a reinforcing strut.The receivers may comprise slots in the top edge of the panel. Such a strut is particularly useful in strengthening the shape defined by the panels. They may also be used for attaching/supporting other elements such as lids.

In one embodiment the panel is bendable about a fold line. The panel may be of a material which is scorable with a pen or the like to form the fold line. This facilitates ease of use and manipulation to form any desired shape from one or more panels.

The elongate edges of the panel in one case are substantially straight.

The length of the panel may be approximately 1480mm. Two such panels provide a circular ring that is readily accessed by a user with an average reach of about 34 inches for working (e.g. weeding) from one position.

The width of the panel may be approximately 200mm.

In another embodiment at least one elongate edge of the panel is at least partially curved.

Both elongate edges of the panel are curved. There may be a convex edge and a concave edge.

The invention also provides a kit comprising a plurality of the panels of the invention.

In one case the plurality of panels which are of uniform height along the length thereof The kit may comprise two panels of the same length and uniform height.

In one case the panels, on interlocking together, form a ring.

The kit may further comprise a plurality of panels which are of variable height along the length thereof The kit may comprise two variable height panels.The panels, on interlocking together, may form a ring.

The variable height panels may comprise a plurality of slots along the length thereof The variable height panels may comprise receivers for receiving a reinforcing strut.

The kit may comprise a reinforcing strut for extending between the panels, on assembly.

In one case the strut panel comprises a flat sheet having a pair of longitudinally extending fold lines about which the longitudinal edges of the strut panel are foldable to form a substantially U-shaped strut. The strut panel may be engagable with strut receivers of the side panel.

The strut panel may comprise a plurality of lid receivers. There may be a first set of lid receivers at one edge and a second set of lid receivers extending along an opposite edge.

In one embodiment the kit further comprises a lid panel. There may be two similar lid panels.

The lid panels may comprise tabs for engaging with the lid receivers of the strut panel.

In one case the lid panel comprises interlocking features for engagement with corresponding interlock features of the side panel, on assembly.

In another aspect the invention provides a kit for forming a plant container, the kit comprising two elongate panels of flexible material which is shapable, each of the panels having a first interlock portion at one end and a second interlock portion at the opposite end, the respective first and second interlock portions of the panels being interengagable, the panels being of substantially uniform height along the length thereof and forming an enclosure, on assembly.

The invention also provides a kit for forming a cold frame or a small greenhouse for plants, the kit comprising:-two elongate shapable base panels of flexible material, each of the base panels being of substantially uniform height along the length thereof, each of the base panels having a first interlock portion at one end a second interlock portion at the opposite end, the respective first and second interlock portions of the base panels being interengagable; two elongate shapable side panels of flexible material, the side panels being of variable height along the length thereof, each of the side panels having a first interlock portion at one end and a second interlock portion at the opposite end, the respective first and second interlock portions of the side panels being interengagable, the side panels having a strut receiver; a strut panel for engagement with the strut receivers, the strut panel having lid receivers; and lid panels for engagement with the lid receivers, the lid panels being movable and/or removable relative to the strut panel.

In addition the invention provides a container formed from at lest one panel of the invention.

The invention also provides a container formed from a kit of panels of the invention.

According to the invention there is provided a panel of flexible material for forming a container, such as a raised bed and/or a cold frame, the panel having a first interlock portion at one end and a second interlock portion at the opposite end, the panel being shapable so that the first and second interlock portions are interengagable with corresponding interlock portions.

In one embodiment the panel is of variable height along the length thereof The panel may be higher at one end than at the opposite end.

The panel may have a plurality of slots along the length thereof In one embodiment the interlocks comprise a tab and a corresponding slot for reception of the tab. There may be a plurality of tabs and slots.

In one embodiment the panel comprises receivers for receiving a reinforcing strut. The receivers may comprise slots in the top edge of the panel.

The invention also provides a kit comprising a first panel of the invention and a second similar panel of the invention which are interlockable to form a container. There may be a first side panel and a second side panel.

The kit may comprises a first base panel and a second base panel.

The base panel may be of flexible material and the base panel has a first interlock portion at one end and a second interlock portion at the opposite end, the panel being shapable so that the first and second interlock portions are engagable with corresponding interlock portions.

The base panel may be of uniform height along the length thereof In one embodiment the kit comprises a strut panel.

The strut panel may comprise a flat sheet having a pair of longitudinally extending fold lines about which the longitudinal edges of the strut panel are foldable to form a substantially U shaped strut.

The strut panel may be engagable with the strut receivers of the side panel.

In one embodiment the strut panel comprises a plurality of lid receivers.

The strut panel may comprise a first set of lid receivers at one edge and a second set of lid receivers extending along an opposite edge.

The kit may comprise a lid panel. In one case there are two lid panels.

The lid panels may comprise tabs for engaging with the lid receivers of the strut panel.

In one embodiment the lid panel comprises interlocking features for engagement with corresponding interlock features of the side panel, on assembly.

The invention also provides a container formed from at lest one side panel of the invention.

In a further aspect the invention provides a container formed from a kit of panels of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a raised bed and cold frame according to the invention with a cold frame lid in a closed position; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the raised bed and cold frame of Fig. 1 illustrating passage of air through the cold frame; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the raised bed and cold frame of Figs. 1 and 2 with the cold frame lid opened; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a raised bed according to the invention; Fig. 5 is a side view of a number of the raised beds of Fig. 4 stacked one upon the other; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a cold frame showing a lid in exploded view; Figs. 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating the assembly of the raised bed; Figs. 9 and 10 are further diagrams illustrating the assembly of the cold frame; Figs. 11(a) to 11(g) are diagrams illustrating the formation of a growing ring according to the invention; Figs. 12(a) to 12(g) are diagrams illustrating the formation of a cold frame according to the invention; Fig. 13 is an exploded view of a tiered plant growing system according to the invention; Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating steps in forming the tiered plant growing unit of Fig. 113; Fig. 15 is a diagram of another plant growing container unit according to the invention; Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating the scoring and folding of a panel of the invention; Figs. 17 to 21 are perspective views of the growing containers of various shapes that may be formed by folding panels of the invention; Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a potato growing container system of the invention; Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a strawberry growing container system of the invention; Fig. 24 is a view of portion of a panel used to make the container of Fig.23; Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a first panel used to make a cold frame; Fig. 26 is an enlarged view of the panel of Fig. 25; Fig. 27 is an enlarged view of detail B of Fig. 26; Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a second panel used to make a cold frame; Fig. 29 is an enlarged view of the panel of Fig. 28; Fig. 30 is an enlarged view of detail A of Fig. 29; Fig. 31 is a perspective view of a third panel used to make a cold frame; Fig. 32 is an enlarged view of the panel of Fig. 31; Fig. 33 is an enlarged view of detail A of Fig. 32; Fig. 34 is a perspective view of a fourth panel used to make a raised bed; Fig. 35 is an enlarged view of the panel of Fig. 34; Fig. 36 is an enlarged view of a fifth panel used to make a raised bed; Fig. 37 is an enlarged view of the panel of Fig. 36; Fig. 38 is an enlarged view of detail A of Fig. 37; Figs. 3 9(a) and 3 9(b) are enlarged views of panels used to form a potato growing unit of Fig. 22; and Fig. 40 is an enlarged view of a panel used to form a strawberry growing unit of Fig. 23.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 6 thereof there is illustrated a plant container 1 according to the invention which is formed from a number of panels according to the invention. In this case there are two base panels 2, a first side panel 3, a second side panel 4, a strut panel 5, and a pair of lid panels 6, 7. The base panels 2 are used to form a raised bed. The second panels 3, 4 are used to form a cold frame. The strut panel 5 and lid panels 6, 7 are used to form a lid for the cold frame. The cold frame can be readily removed from the raised bed as the seasonal temperature increases.

The base panel 2 is shown in detail in Figs. 34 and 35. The panel 2 is of shapable flexible material and has first interlock tab portions 10 at one end and second interlock slot portions 11 at the opposite end. In use, two of the panels 2 are shaped to form a circular base and, on assembly, the first and second interlock portions 10, 11 of the respective panels are interengaged, as illustrated particularly in Fig. 4 and Figs. 7 and 8. Referring in particular to Figs. 7 the first tab 10 is first hooked into the lower slot 11. A flap lOa of the top tab 10 is then bent upwards and guided through the top slot 11. The joints and tongue are on the inside of the circle. The top of the circle is pressed down as illustrated in Fig. 8 to guide the top tab and tongue 10 through the slot 11. The assembled base may then be used to form a base unit which may be filled with a growing medium to any desired depth. It will be appreciated that any number of the panels 2 may be used to form a raised bed.

The first side panel 3 is shown in detail in Figs. 25 to 27. The panel 3 is of flexible material and has first interlock tab portions 20 at one end and a second interlock slot portions 21 at the opposite end. The panel 3 has a number of longitudinally extending ventilation slots 22 for flow of air. The panel 3 also has transverse receiving slots 23 in the upper edge thereof for receiving a strut panel as will be described in more detail below.

The second side panel 4 is shown in detail in Figs. 28 to 30. The panel 4 is similar to the panel 3 of Figs. 25 to 27 and like parts are assigned the reference numerals.

The two side panels 3, 4 are interlocked together so that the interlock tab portions 20 of the first side panel 3 are interlocked with the slot interlock portion 21 of the second side panel 4 and the slot interlock portion 21 of the first side panel 3 is interlocked with the tab interlock portion 20 of the second side panel 4. The assembly is similar to that described with reference to the base panel 2. Any number of the panels 3, 4 may be used to form a cold frame.

The strut panel S is illustrated in detail in Figs. 36 to 38. The strut panel has a pair of longitudinally extending fold lines 30, 31 about which the edges of the panel are bent to form a substantially U-shape. First lid-receiving slots 32 are provided along one edge and second lid- receiving slots 33 are provided along the opposite edge. In use, the panel 5 is formed into a U-shape and the legs 35 of the strut are engaged in the upper slots 11 of the side panels 3,4 as illustrated particularly in Fig 6.

The two lid panels 6, 7 are identical and are illustrated in detail in Figs 31 to 33. The lid panels are of semi-circular shape and comprise tabs 40 which extend from the straight edge thereof for engagement, on assembly, in the lid-receiving slots 33 of the strut. The lid panels may also comprise additional butterfly tabs 45 which form a flexible interlock catch with complementary formations on the top of the side panels as illustrated particularly in Figs. 9 and 10.

Referring to Figs. 11(a) to 11(g) the various steps in the assembly of a plant growing ring-shaped container are illustrated. The tab 10 of one panel is first hooked into the slot 11 of an adjacent panel (Fig. 11(a)). The top flap lOa is bent up and both the tongue 10 and the flap lOa is inserted through the slots 11 (Fig. 11(b)). The flap lOa is then released to lock the joint (Fig. 11(c)). The joints are retained on the inside of the ring (Fig. 11(a)). The ends are then bent in and the jointing / engagement steps are repeated to fasten the second joint (Fig. 11(e)). In use, circularity is maintained and the ring is filled with a growing medium such as clay / compost (Fig. 11(f)). If the unit is located on a hard surface of a paving or patio, a weed matt may be inserted at the base to retain the soil (Fig. 11(g)).

Referring to Figs. 12(a) to 12(g) the various steps in the assembly of a cold frame container are illustrated. The side panels 3,4 are assembled by first bending the top flap 20a up and inserting the flap and tongue 20 through the slot 21 (Fig. 12(a)). The flap 20a is bent up and inserted through the top slot 21(Fig. 12(b)). The joints are kept to the inside of the ring (Fig. 12(c)). The ends are bent in and the engagement steps are repeated to fasten the second joint (Fig. 12(d)). In Fig. 12(e) the support strut 5 is in situ and the lid tongues 40 are inserted into the slots 33 of the support stmt 5. The edges of the lid support 5 are bent down to form legs 35 that are engaged through slits into slots in the panels 3,4 as illustrated in Fig. 12(f). If desired, for example in locations which are subjcctcd to high wind, thc unit may be secured, for cxamplc by using a tie inserted through holes in the base 2 and the lid support strut 5. The unit may also be secured using ties extending between the base growing panels 2 and the upper side panels 3,4 (Fig. 12(g)).

The raised bed and cold frame may be separable and may be formed, as illustrated, from two sets of panels. In another arrangement, the bed and cold frame may comprise a single inseparable unit.

A raised bed is assembled from a number of identical flat flexible wall sections to form a variety of raised growing containers.

The identically dimensioned wall sections may be joined one to the other by various methods to form a continuous band. Joining methods may include an integral interlocking mechanism utilising the flexibility of the material and/or fasteners, adhesives, adhesive tapes, welding etc. The natural spring of the material is utilised in combination with the joining system so as to provide an outward pressure on assembly that gives circular form to the container.

That the so-constructed walls of a raised bed may be assembled from sections varying in height to suit sowing of short or deeper rooting plants.

The so-constructed wall section assemblies may be inserted inside each other to raise the height of the bed vertically by stages (as illustrated in Fig. 5) to suit the staged growing of plants (typically potatoes, In this case the wall height may be raised and additional growing medium added in stages as the plant increases in growth).

Two or more so constructed raised bed assemblies may be positioned inside each other in a doughnut formation forming at least an outer and inner wall. This is to facillitate the poisitioning of raised beds around garden features such as trees, shrubs or other features as illustrated in Fig. 15. The doughnut shaped receptacle may be filled with a growing medium. Chippings may be used to suppress weed growth.

The so constructed doughnut formed arrangement will facillitate the growing of plants around frees without damaging the root system of the thus surrounded free. It will be noted that the outside of the tree lies outside the plane of the outer ring to facilitate mn-off from the leaves of the tree.

The described wall sections 2, 3, 4 may be decorated in various colours, patterns or scenes to suit particular tastes.

The upper edges of the wall sections 2, 3, 4 may be shaped or patterned to provide a visual effect to suit particular tastes.

The described wall sections may be decorated with Trade marks or the Insignia of various commercial or other organisations in order to promote the interests of those organisations.

Referring to Figs. 13 and 14 there is illustrated a tiered plant growing system which in this case comprises a first large size ring-shaped container 70 which may be formed from three of the base panels 2 of the invention using the assembly method described above. A second ring shaped mid size container 71 is formed from two of the base panels 2 of the invention using the assembly method described above. A third ring shaped small size container 72 is formed using just one of the base panels 2 with the tabs 10 and slots 11 at the opposite ends of the panel 2 being interengaged as desired above. In this way using just one type of base panel 2 a tiered growing unit can be readily assembled. If the unit is to be positioned on soil or grass a layer of bark chippings may be used as the base to suppress grass and weed growth. If on a hard surface such as a patio a weed matt or strip may be used as a base to trap the growing medium.

The middle ring 71 may be supported on blocks 75 such as three spaced-apart blocks, the inner area between the blocks can be filled, for example with stone 76 to save growing medium. The top of the stone fill 76 can be covered with a perforated plastic or weed mat 77 to prevent growing medium from the upper tier 22 escaping into the stone fill 76.

Referring to Fig. 16, a panel such as a base panel 2 may be folded about score lines or fold lines 80 to form a variety of shapes such as a small semi-circular shaped container 81 (Fig. 17), a cover unit 82 using two base panels 2 (Fig. 18), a large semi circular shaped container 83 using two base panels 2 (Fig. 19), a square shaped container 84 using two base panels 2 (Fig. 20) or a hive-shaped container 85 using two base panels 2 (Fig. 21). As illustrated in Fig. 16, the fold line 80 may be formed using a simple scoring tool such as a biro 87 while pressing down (arrow A) using a straight edge such as a provided by book 88. The panel is then readily folded (arrow B) about the score line.

Referring to Fig. 22 there is illustrated a container 90 which may be used to grow potatoes. The container has an inner section 91 and an outer section 92 and is formed from the panel illustrated in Figs. 39(a) and 39(b). There are two panels 100, and 101. Two of the longer panels 101 when joined as described above form a larger diameter lower tub and two of the shorter panels 100 when joined as described above are used to form the smaller diameter upper tub. This container facilitates irrigation from the side as well as from the top.

Fig. 22 also illustrates a growth repressor mat 94 that projects from under a growing ring in order to stop growth immediately at the side of the ring 50 so that grass can be completely trimmed around the edge of the ring using a lawnmower.

Referring to Fig. 23 there is illustrated a container 95 with angled sides so that containers may be stacked one above the other, for example for planting strawberries. The curved panel 96 used to form such a container 95 is illustrated in Fig. 24 and Fig. 40. The engagement slot 97 in this case is angled outwards to provide angled walls.

The various panels described can be of any suitable material such as a corrugated plastic material known as Corriboard which is relatively inexpensive, weather resistant, lightweight, flexible/shapable, and can be readily cut with a craft knife.

A horiztontal band of a pest repellent material may be applied to the wall sections 2,3,4 forming a band around the entire assembly. This is to prevent the ingress of pests via the vertical wall of the assembled raised bed. The band may be continuous or comprise an applied pattern such as bars or polka dots.

A number of raised bed assemblies may be combined within each other to form a tiered growing unit for both short and deeper rooted plants.

A growth restricting mat may be provided in association with the bed sections in order that light may be excluded from the assembled bed and growing medium between growing seasons or during periods when the bed is not being used.

A securing band to retain the growth restricting mat is sized so that it fits snugly over the assembled raised bed and growth prevention mat so that it may be secured in position on top of the raised bed.

The so constructed raised bed may comprise a weed restricting mat inserted inside it so that the outer edges of the mat run up the inside walls of the raised bed. The growing medium is then added as required. The purpose of the inserted weed restricting mat is to prevent weeds from growing up through the raised bed from garden soil whilst allowing unrestricted drainage of the raised bed.

The so constructed raised bed may comprise a moisture restricting barrier mat inserted inside it so that the outer edges of the mat run up the inside walls of the raised bed. The growing medium is then added as required. The purpose of the inserted moisture barrier is to reduce the requirement for irrigation by slowing or eliminating the loss of moisture from the raised bed to the ground.

A further purpose of the inserted moisture barrier mat is to prevent staining to hard surfaces such as patio slabs where a raised bed has temporarily been sited on a patio. The moisture barrier mat may be selectively perforated to allow partial drainage of the raised bed or to allow moisture in the growing medium to be sustained at a particular vertical level. For example the mat is intended to have a similar effect to placing a watering dish under a flower pot.

The bed is of a flatpack format for postal delivery and has been designed for the simple rapid assembly of temporary raised beds. An advantage of the design is that both the beds and growing medium may be easily disassembled and transported if the owner is moving house or presenting a temporary plant display.

A cold frame may be assembled from a number of identical flat flexible transluscent or clear sections to suit fitting within a preferred raised bed arrangement.

Thc wall sections thus dcscribcd may be joined onc to the other by various mcthods to form a continuous band. Joining methods may include an integral interlocking mechanism utilising the flexibility.

A cold frame thus assembled may also be used independently of similarly constructed raised beds.

A cold frame wall section may have perforations that provide ventilation for the plants whilst maintaining a barrier to pests.

A cold frame wall section may comprise a number of adjustable panels or apertures to provide ventilation to the raised bed assembly.

The top cover of a cold frame thus described may be devised from a flexible water proof material or a meshed pest excluding material.

The cold frame top may be angled in order to reduce the thickness of cover material presented to the sun thereby increasing the light penetration to the interior. The angled top is also devised to throw off precipitation so that the moisture content of the bed may be controlled by the gardener.

The top and walls of the unit are so devised as to allow for progressive stages of ventilation. For instance a completely closed unit will allow for maximum interior warmth and partialy vented stages to allow for the reduction of interior temperature on particularly warm days or for the hardening off of plants prior to blanting out.

A feature of the cold frame is a catch that utilises the flexibility of the constructed frame to lock the top lids in position thereby preventing the wind from flipping them open. This is achieved by the engagement of each lid with three points of the frame wall. A lid must be disengaged from the two outer points first and then the central catch may be lifted and pulled/forced in the direction of the upper part of the sloped unit. Thus releasing the catch.

An advantage of the three catch points on each lid and frame wall is that they pull the lid tightly to the frame wall preventing the loss of warmed air.

Thc lids are identically symetrical with the exccption of the central catch. They arc assembled in opposition to each other and this allows them both to lock on to the walls of the unit when closed and for each central catch to lock on to the other thereby holding the doors in the fully open position. This makes it easy to work within the unit. For instance potting and moving plants around the unit and watering.

A horiztontal band of a pest repellent material may be applied to the wall sections forming a band around the entire assembly. This is to prevent the ingrcss of pests via the cold frame wall.

A cold frame devised to suit a particular raised bed arrangement is sized so that it may be inserted snugly inside the lip of the raised bed. The lip of the raised bed is free of growing medium for approximately 50mm from the top to facillitate the insertion of the cold frame. This is to facillitate the easy insertion and removal of the assembled cold frame from the raised bed whilest preventing the wind from getting under and lifting it in situ.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which may be varied in construction and detail.