GB2485167A

GB2485167A - Grow bag support structure

Info

Publication number: GB2485167A
Application number: GB201018505A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Meeks; Tim Combes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-11-02
Filing date: 2010-11-02
Publication date: 2012-05-09
Also published as: GB201018505D0

Abstract

A grow bag support structure comprises two opposed walls for receiving a grow bag therebetween, said walls being moveable relative to each other about a hinged connection. The walls may be connected together along substantially their entire length by a continuous hinge. The opposed walls preferably comprise a plurality of elongate wall elements 14a-14d that are connected to two opposed end pieces 12a, 12b. Each of the end pieces 12a, 12b has a hinge 123, thereby allowing the support structure to be movable between an open position and a closed position. The structure may further have means for supporting one or more canes. Also disclosed is a kit of parts for assembling into the support structure.

Description

Grow BaQSppport Structure The present invention relates to a support structure for receiving a grow bag, a kit for assembling into a grow bag support structure and a method for constructing such a support structure.

Grow bags, or "growing bags" as they are sometimes also known, have been used by gardeners for many years as a relatively quick and simple way of growing plants, flowers, shrubs, etc. For example, grow bags are typically used instead of pots or troughs in the garden, in greenhouses or on patios, balconies, rooftops, etc. An exemplary grow bag is shown in Figure 1.

-Grow bags consist of a nutrient rich soil, such as peat or another similar growth medium, contained within a plastic bag. Gardeners position the bag at a desired location within the garden, patio, etc, and then cut one or more holes in the bag. Plants, bulbs, etc are then pushed through the holes into the soil within the bag, and allowed to grow in a normal manner.

As can be seen from the exemplary bag shown in Figure 1, grow bags typically have a substantially smaller depth as compared to their length and width.

Accordingly, for reasons of stability, it is common for grow bags to be laid on their front or back either on a surface or within a tray. It is also known, however, to lie grow bags on their side. Positioning the grow bag in this manner allows the roots of the plants to grow deeper and also alleviates other problems, e.g. overheating problems, that are often associated with maintaining the bag flat on a surface.

Various methods are used by gardeners to maintain the grow bags in a desired orientation when it is laid on its side. One such method is to use a wooden trough-like support structure. This structure, however, whilst fulfilling its purpose of supporting the grow bag, has nevertheless been found to be relatively heavy, unstable and difficult to assemble.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved grow bag support structure that overcomes or at least mitigates some of these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a grow bag support structure, comprising two opposed walls for receiving a grow bag therebetween, said walls being moveable relative to each other about a hinged connection.

In the present invention, a support structure is provided that has two opposing walls for supporting a grow bag, and which are connected together, preferably at one or more locations along facing (adjacent) edges of the walls, by at least one hinged connection. As will be appreciated, the hinged connection between the two opposed walls allows the walls to move (rotate) relative to each other about the hinged connection such that the support structure is arranged in the manner of a "clam shell". In other words, the support structure is able to move, preferably repeatedly, from an open position, e.g. where the grow bag is only supported by one of the opposed walls as discussed in more detail below, to a closed position, e.g. where the grow bag is supported by both the opposed walls.

The hinged connection between the two opposed walls could take any suitable and desired form. For example, the two opposed wall could be hingedly connected together. Alternatively, and in a preferred embodiment, the two opposed walls can be connected to one or more connecting structures that provide the hinged connection.

In embodiments in which the two opposed walls are hingedly connected together, the walls can be hinged along substantially their entire length, e.g. by a continuous hinge. Alternatively, the opposed walls could be hinged at only one or more discrete locations along their length. The hinged connection between the two opposed walls in such embodiments could comprise one or more hinges that are integrally formed with one or bcth of the walls, such as a living hinge or hinges.

Alternatively, the hinged connection could comprise one or more hinges that are formed separately from the walls, such as a leaf spring or springs.

In particularly preferred embodiments, however, the hinged connection between the two opposed walls is provided, as discussed above, by or in one or more connecting structures that connect to the opposed walls.

The one or more connecting structures can be of any suitable and desired form. For example, the connecting structures can be positioned at one or more locations along the length of the opposed walls.

In a preferred embodiment, however, the connecting structures are positioned substantially at each end of the opposed walls, e.g. so as to form end pieces of the support structure. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the support structure further comprises two opposedend pieces coupled to the two opposed walls, each of the end pieces having a hinge.

As wilt be appreciated, in such an embodiment, the support structure therefore comprises two pairs of opposing walls -a pair of opposing side walls and a pair of opposing end walls, that together form a trough-like structure.

Preferably, the opposed end pieces each comprise at least one hinge, such that the opposing side walls are hingedly connected together (via their connection with the end pieces). This allows the support structure to move between an open position, e.g. where the grow bag is supported by only one of the side walls (and preferably also by one or both of the two end pieces), and a closed position, e.g. where the grow bag is supported by both the side walls (and preferably also by one or both of the two end pieces).

In a preferred embodiment, the end pieces are each provided with one, two or more supports or feet, e.g., to stabilise the support structure. The one or more feet may be formed separately from the end pieces and fixedly attached, e.g. to the bottom, of the end pieces using any suitable means. In a particularly preferred embodiment, however, the one or more feet are formed integrally with the end pieces.

in a preferred embodiment, the two opposed end pieces are formed as a single piece having a hinge integrally formed therein. As will be appreciated, in such embodiments, the two end pieces comprise a split (divide) such that a first portion, e.g. one half, of the end piece is able to rotate relatively to a second portion, e.g. the other half, of the end piece about the hinge(s). It is also contemplated, however, in other embodiments, that the end pieces are formed as two separate pieces, each arranged to be coupled to one of the opposed walls of the structure, and which are connected together by a hinge.

The opposing side walls can be coupled to the pair of opposing end pieces in any suitable and desired manner. For ex.ample, the side walls could be fixedly attached to the end pieces using screws, nails or the like. Preferably, however, the side walls are coupled to the end pieces in a releasable manner such the support structure can be deconstructed (and subsequently reconstructed) when desired.

This feature of the support structure helps facilitate storage and aids the transfer of the support structure to a new location.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the pair of opposing end pieces each comprise one or more slots, recesses or the like into which the side walls can be located. In such embodiments, the side walls can be maintained in the slots or recesses using, for example, a friction-fit. In a preferred embodiment, however, the one or more slots or recesses are each provided with an internal structure having a profile, and the side wall that engages with the slot or recess comprises a corresponding or mating profile.

For example, in a preferred embodiment, the side walls may be provided with a clip at each end that engages with or clips over the internal structure within the slot or recess in the end walls. The clip may be formed integrally with the side walls, however, in a preferred embodiment, the clip is formed separately from the side walls and configured such that it can be removably coupled to the side walls.

In a preferred embodiment, the support structure preferably comprises means for holding the two opposing (side) walls in a fixed relation to each other, e.g., and preferably, for maintaining the support structure in the closed position.

Such means can be of any suitable and desired form, and may, for example, comprise the two opposing end pieces and/or a clip or other similar structure that extends between the two opposing side walls when the structure is in the closed position.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the means for holding the two opposing walls in a fixed relation to each other comprises a releasable means, e.g. one that is releasable by the user of the support structure. As will be appreciated, this allows the support structure to be repeatedly moved between the open and closed positions, thereby allowing inter ella an old grow bag to be removed and be replaced by a new grow bag. In other words, the support structure is preferably arranged to be reusable.

The releasable means can take any suitable and desired form. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the releasable means is provided on one, or preferably both, of the opposed end pieces.

For example, one portion of one or each end piece preferably comprises one or more projections that, in use, releasably engage with corresponding recesses in another portion of the end piece. Thus, when the two end pieces comprise, as discussed above, two parts that move relative to each other about a hinge when the structure changes from the open position to the closed position (or vice versa), it will be understood that the projections on one of the portions engage or mate with the recesses on the other of the portions when the support structure is "closed". In other words, the projections and recesses preferably act as a releasable locking means to lock the opposed side walls together when the support structure is in the closed position. -.5-

Additionally, or alternatively, one portion of one or each end piece may preferably comprise one or more resilient members that, in use, releasably engage with an aperture or other suitable structure in another portion of the end piece.

Additionally, or alternatively, a projecting member (e.g. arm) on one end piece may be arranged so as to slide over a similar projecting member (e.g. arm) on the other end piece when the support structure is "closed". The projecting members preferably comprise complementary engagement features that engage with each other as the support structure is lifted in a "closed" state. For example, the upper surface of the lower projecting member may comprise one or more ribs that engage with one or more complementary ribs on the lower surface of the upper projecting member.

In a preferred embodiment, the support structure further comprises one, two or more supports or feet that are preferably attached to the bottom of the support structure, e.g. coupled to the two opposed side waIls. The one or more feet are preferably arranged to increase the stability of the support structure during normal use. In other words, the one or more feet act to maintain the angle and position of the opposed walls when supporting the weight of the grow bag.

The one or more feet may be located at any suitable position along the length of the support structure as desired. Preferably, however, the one or more feet are positioned intermediate the two end pieces. Fér example, in embodiments in which the support structure comprises only a single foot, the foot is preferably positioned halfway along the support structure, i.e. equidistance from the two end pieces. Similarly, in other embodiments, wherein the support structure comprises two or more feet, the feet are preferably located at regular intervals between the two end pieces, e.g. with each foot being equally spaced from the neighbouring feet (or the neighbouring foot and end piece).

The one or more feet can be of any suitable and desired form, and may, for example, comprise a hinge or hinges. As will. be appreciated, this allows the one or more supports to remain attached to the support structure when it is changed from the open position to the closed position (or vice versa).

Thus, and as discussed above with reference to the opposed end pieces, the one or more feet can, for example, each be formed as a single piece having a hinge integrally formed therein, or alternatively as two separate pieces that are connected together by a hinge.

The one or more feet can be coupled to the support structure, and -preferably to the two opposed side walls, in any suitable and desired manner. For example, the one or more supports could be fixedly attached to the opposed walls by screws, nails or the like. Alternatively, and in a preferred embodiment, the one or more feet are attached in a releasable manner, such as by using a resilient, e.g. clip-on, connection.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, each side wall of the support structure comprises a plurality of elongate wall elements.

For example, the support structure preferably comprises a first pair of opposed side wall elements, e.g. lower side wall elements, that are angled relative to each other when the support structure is in the closed position, e.g. to form a "v-shape", and which support the weight of the grow bag when in the support structure. The support structure then preferably further comprises a second pair of opposed side wall elements, e.g. upper side wall elements, that are substantially parallel to each when the support structure is in the closed position, and which support the sides of the grow bag when in the support structure.

In a preferred embodiment, the lower side wall element are spaced apart from the upper side wall elements. As will be appreciated, this leaves a gap between the upper and lower side wall elements through which a gardener can, if desired, gain additional access to the grow bag supported within the support structure. In other words, instead of having only a single planting area in the top of the support structure, additional planting areas are provided on the sides of the support structure.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, each pair of opposed side wall elements is coupled to the two opposed end pieces in the manner discussed above, e.g., and preferably, by being located in a respective slot or recess in each end piece. Thus, in such embodiments, each of the end pieces is preferably provided with a first pair of slots or recesses that are angled relative to each other, and a second pair of slots or recess that are substantially parallel to each other.

The support structure preferably further comprises means for supporting one or more canes, flexible poles or the like, e.g. means into which such canes can be positioned (or to which they can be fixed).

As will be appreciated, such canes can be used to create a framework around the support structure, for example, to: support climbing plants (e.g. tomatoes, beans, etc) that can be tied to the framework; support netting (e.g. coarse netting for climbing plants or fine netting to prevent birds or other animals from accessing the plants); and/or support a polythene sheet or sheets that surrounds the entire support structure to simulate a greenhouse environment. The ability of support structure to support netting, sheeting, etc is of particular benefit as it allows gardeners to grow unusual or pest-prone plants in difficult environments such as small, windswept patios and balconies.

The cane supporting means can be of any suitable and desired form. In a particularly preferred embodiment, however, one or more holes or openings are provided in the opposed side walls and/or the opposed end walls through or into which the canes can be inserted. The cane supporting means can be arranged such that the canes are permanently retained (held) in position. However, in a preferred embodiment, the cane supporting means is arranged such that the canes are held in a removable manner, e.g. by way of a friction-fit, such that they can be removed from the support structure when desired.

The support structure preferably further comprises means to which cord, string or the like can be tied, e.g. again to allow a framework to be constructed around the support structure. Such means can be provided in addition to, or instead of, the means for supporting one or more canes.

The support structure preferably further comprises means for supporting an irrigation device or system. For example, the support structure can be arranged to support (hold) a microbore system, a drip feed system or a timer-based system.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the support structure comprises means that allow the support structure to be, preferably releasably, coupled or connected to one or more other similar support structures. For example, it is contemplated that two such support structures could be stacked vertically on top of each other, or three such support structures could be stacked in a pyramid shape.

The means for coupling the support structure to another such support structure may be of any suitable and desired form. For example, each support structure may comprise one or more projections and one or more (mating) apertures or recesses for receiving the one or more projections of the other support structure.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, however, one or more holes, apertures or the like are provided in the top and bottom of the two opposed end pieces. One or more connecting members, such as rods, preferably are then inserted into holes on the top or bottom of a first support structure and into corresponding holes on the bottom or top, as appropriate, of a second support structure. This manner of connecting two or more support structures together is particularly beneficial in that by using connecting members of different lengths, the separation between the first and second support structures can be varied as desired.

It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that the one or more holes provided in the top of the opposed end pieces into which the connecting members, e.g. rods are inserted, may also preferably function as the means for supporting one or more canes, flexible poles or the like as discussed above.

It will be understood that the support structure of the present invention can be made from any suitable and desired material, e.g. wood, stone, terracotta, etc. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the support structure is formed of a plastics material, e.g. a thermoplastic material such as PVC, polyethylene, or most preferably HDPE. This allows, for example, the various constitute parts of the support structure to be preferably formed by injection moulding or as plastic extrusions. In addition, it will be appreciated, that by manufacturing the components of the support structure from plastic, the structure can be made relatively lightweight, thereby allowing the structure to be easily moved should this be required (e.g. when cleaning the patio or balcony).

In other embodiments, it is also contemplated that different parts of the support structure may be formed from different materials. For example, the side wall elements may be formed from a first material, such as wood, whilst the end pieces may be formed from a second material, such as a plastic materials.

The support structure of the present invention is preferably formed using a number of individual components that can be fitted (connected) together to construct the support structure. In a particularly preferred embodiment, these components can be disconnected from each other as and when required to facilitate the storage of the support structure, e.g. during the winter months when it typically will not be used.

Thus, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for assembling into a grow bag support structure, comprising: one or more pairs of sidewall elements; and a pair of end pieces, each end piece comprising at least one hinge; wherein each of the one or more pairs of side wall elements is configured to be received between the pair of end pieces.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in that art, this aspect of the present invention can and preferably does include any one of the preferred and optional features of the invention described herein as appropriate.

Thus, for example, the pair or pairs of side wall elements and the pair of end pieces are preferably formed of a plastics material, e.g. by way of injection moulding or as an plastic extrusion. -Similarly, the pair of end pieces preferably comprise one or more slots or recesses into which the pair or pairs of side wall elements are configured to be inserted.

Moreover, in those embodiments in which the slots or recesses in the end pieces comprise an internal structure to which a clip on the side wall elements engages, the kit preferably further comprises a plurality of clips configured to be coupled to each end of the pair or pairs of side wall elements, the clips being configured to engage with an internal structure of the slot or recess in the end piece.

The kit preferably further comprises one, two or more supports or feet, which preferably each comprise at least one hinge. The feet are preferably configured to be attached to a lower part of the support structure, and preferably to the pair or pairs of side wall elements.

The kit may further comprise a plurality of canes, flexible poles or the like, which are configured to be coupled to the grow back support structure. Moreover, the kit preferably further comprises a plurality of coupling members that are configured to connect the plurality of canes or flexible poles together to form a framework around the support structure.

The present invention further encompasses a method of using a support structure, e.g. as described above, to support a grow bag, and preferably to support the grow bag on its side.

For example, in use, the support structure of the present invention is preferably initially laid down in its open position on a substantially flat surface, such as on the ground. The grow bag is next positioned on the wall of the support structure that is resting on the ground, e.g. with the front or back of the grow bag being face down on the wall. The other wall of the support structure is then folded over such that the grow bag is encased between both of the opposed walls.

Preferably once the support structure has been closed around the grow bag, the structure is re-positioned as required such that the grow bag is in the appropriate orientation, e.g. the support structure is "stood up".

As discussed above, the support structure preferably comprises means for retaining the opposed walls in a fixed relation to each other when in the closed position, such as a releasable clip or locking means. Thus, preferably, after the support structure is closed around the grow bag, the user utilises this means to secure (lock) the opposed walls together. This, as will be appreciated, provides a more stable structure when the support structure is repositioned (stood up).

Once the support structure has been appropriately re-positioned, if required, a framework can be constructed around the support structure by, as discussed in more detail above, attaching canes, flexible poles, cord, etc to suitable means provided on the support structure.

As will be appreciated, the term "grow bag" as used herein is intended to encompass any container or carrier that contains plant growth medium, e.g. soil, peat, compost, etc, and which can be used by gardeners in the manner described above. For example, the carrier will typically be formed of a plastics material, but the carrier may be also be formed of any suitable material such as a mesh or netting.

Similarly, it will also be appreciated that the present invention can be used with any size of grow bag, e.g. by appropriately sizing the constitute parts of the structure (such as the opposed walls), and with any number of grow bags. For example, whilst in preferred embodiments the support structure receives a single grow bag, e.g. with the grow bag preferably being supported by both the side walls and both the end walls when the support structure is closed, it is also contemplated that the support structure could be used to support a plurality of grow bags. For example, two grow bags could be placed next to each other or one on top of anotherwithin a support structure.

A number of preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a typical grow bag; Figure 2 shows the various constituent parts that are connected together to form a support structure in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3 shows a more detailed view of the two end pieces of the support structure of Figure 2; Figure 4A shows the support structure after being fully assembled; Figure 45 shows an expanded view of the section marked "8" in Figure 4A; Figure 5 shows a support structure in accordance with the present invention when "open"; Figure 6 shows the support structure of Figure 5 having a grow bag contained therein; Figure 7 shows the support structure of Figure 5 when closed, and supporting a grow bag therein; Figure 8 shows an exemplary support structure having a framework of canes constructed around it; Figure 9 shows three support structures that are stacked together in a pyramid arrangement; and Figure 10 shows two embodiments, each having two support structures vertically stacked on top of each other.

Like reference numeral are used for like components in the Figures unless otherwise indicated.

Figure 2 shows a partially assembled grow bag support structure 10 in accordance with the present invention. A fully assembled support structure 10 can be seen in Figure 4A.

As can be seen from Figure 2, the support structure 10 comprises two end pieces 12a and 12b, four side wall elements 14a-14d, and two feet elements 16.

The end pieces 12a and 12b are formed by way of injection moulding from a plastics material, and are shown in more detail in Figure 3. As can be seen from Figure 3, each of the end pieces 12a and 12b is formed as a single piece having two halves 121 and 122 that are connected together via an integrally formed living hinge 123. The end pieces 12a, 12b are therefore arranged such that the portion 121 can rotate relative to the portion 122 about the hinge 123, thereby defining an open position when the two portions 121 and 122 are spaced apart from each other (shown best in Figure 5), and a closed position when the two portions 121 and 122 lie adjacent to each other (e.g. as shown in Figures 4 and 7).

The end pieces 12a and 12b are each provided with means to releasably lock the end pieces in the closed position.

* In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, this locking means is two-fold, and firstly comprises a resilient clip 130 on the portion 121 which, when the support structure is closed, engages in an aperture 132 in the portion 122. Secondly, the locking means in the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 comprises a projection 134 on the portion 121 which, when in the closed position, fits into a recess 136 provided in the portion 122.

Alternatively, and as shown in Figures 4A and 46, the locking means comprises an arm 200 on the end piece 12a and a similar arm 202 on the end piece 12b. As the support structure is closed, the arm 200 slides over the arm 202. Two lateral ribs (shown in Figure 4B) are provided on the upper surface of the arm 202 which engage with two opposing ribs (again shown in Figure 4B) on the lower surface of the arm 200 to prevent the two arms from sliding apart, e.g. as the arms flex when the closed support structure is lifted.

Each end piece I 2a and 1 2b further comprises four slots, namely two slots 124a and 124b that are substantially parallel to each other when the end pieces 12a, 12b are closed and two slots 126a and 126b that are angled relative to each when the end pieces 12a, 12b are closed. These slots 124a, 124b, 126a, 126b are each configured to receive one of the side wall elements 14a-14d, as can be seen in Figure 2.

The side wall elements 14a-14d are formed as plastic extrusions, and have a length of about one metre. It will be understood, however, that the plastic extrusions could be cut to any length as desired.

The end of each of the side wall elements 14a-14d is fitted with a cap 18, which closes off the extrusion. The cap 18 is formed with an elongate, resilient clip 129 that engages with a structure 128 within each of the slots 124a, 124b, 126a and 126b so as to releasably secure each of the side wall elements 14a-14d to the two end pieces 12a and 12b.

Once the side wall elements 14a-14d have been secured to the end pieces 12a and 12b, one or more feet 16 are secured to the bottom of the support structure 10. The feet 16 help to increase the stability of the support structure 10, and also help to support the weight of the grow bag in use. As can been seen from Figure 2, the feet 16 clip around the top and bottom of the two lower side wall elements 1 4a and 1 4b, and comprise an integrally formed hinge 20 such that they can remain attached to the support structure 10 as it opens and closes.

The manner in which the support structure 10 may be used by a gardener, after it has been constructed, will now be discussed with reference to the Figures 5 and 7.

As shown in Figure 5, the support structure 10 is initially opened to its fullest extent, and is laid on its side on a relatively flat surface, such as the ground or patio roof. A grow bag 22 is then placed inside the open support structure 10, with the bag 22 resting on the two side wall elements 14a and 14d as shown in Figure 6.

The other half of the support structure 10 is then folded over the grow bag 22, and the two portions 121 and 122 of the end pieces 12a and 12b are locked together using the above described locking means, i.e. the clip 130 and the projection 134.

In this closed position, it can be seen from Figure 7 that the grow bag 22 is enclosed between the four side walls 14a-14b and the two end pieces 12a and 12b of the support structure 10. The support structure 10 can now be re-positioned, or stood up, such that the grow bag 22 is supported on its side within the structure 10.

The gardener is now able to use the grow bag in the usual manner by cutting holes in the upper surface of the bag and planting his or her plants of choice in the peat within the bag.

If the gardener wishes to plant climbing plants, such as tomatoes, beans, etc, or wishes to provide netting or polythene sheeting over the grow bag 22, the support structure 10 can be used to support a framework of canes. An exemplary framework 24 can be seen in Figure 8.

As shown in Figure 8, four caneshave been inserted into holes 140 (shown best in Figure 4A)that are provided in the two end pieces 12a and 12b. These four canes are then connected to a plurality of other canes to form the framework 24.

In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the support structure 10 could be combined with one, two or more other such structures such that a plurality of grow bags can be supported. For example, if three such support structures are stacked together, e.g. in the manner shown in Figure 9 (which is discussed in more detail below), then it is envisaged that the gardener could use the bottom two grow bags 22' and 22", and the sides of the grow. bag 22 (i.e. area of the bag between the side wall elements 14a and 14d and between the side wall elements 14b and 14c) to grow herbs, strawberries, lettuce, rocket, etc, whilst the top of the grow bag 22 (i.e. the area of the bag between the side wall elements 14b and 14c) is used to grow tomatoes, beans or even fruit.

As will be appreciated, it is even possible with the use of canes connected to the various support structures in the manner discussed above to cover the part of the whole structure in netting, and to keep the remainder of the structure under polythene sheeting.

Various examples of such stacked embodiments are shown in Figures 9 and 10.

For example, in Figure 9, three support structures 10, 10' and 10" are stacked together in a pyramid shape, i.e. with the support structure 10 being on top of the two support structures 10' and 10". To secure the various support structures together, a connector, such as a rod 26, is inserted into the hole 140 of one of the lower support structures (10' in this case) and extends into a hole (not shown) provided in the upper support structure (10 in this case).

In Figure 10, two support structures 10 and 10' are stacked vertically on top of each other, and are connected together using rods 26 (as discussed previously with reference to Figure 9). As can be seen, however, the length of the rods 26 can be varied as desired to adjust the vertical separation between the top of the bottom support structure 10 and the bottom of the lower support structure 10'.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to various preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that numerous changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, whilst the end pieces 12a, 12b and the feet 16 in the above described embodiments are each formed as single pieces having an integrally formed living hinge, it will be appreciated that they could instead be formed as two or more separate pieces that are connected together via a hinge, such as a leaf spring. Furthermore, it will also be appreciated that the various components of the support structure 10 could be formed from any material as desired. For example, the side wall elements I 4a-1 4d could be formed of wood instead of plastic.

As will be appreciated, the support structure of the present invention provides numerous benefits and advantages over conventional grow bag support systems. For example, a support structure in accordance with the present invention allows a gardener to easily move the grow bag around the garden, patio or balcony where it is situated, thereby allowing the gardener to adjust the layout of his or her garden as plants grow, flower, die off, etc. The ability to easily move the structure also aids in the cleaning of the patio or balcony if that is where it is located. It will also be understood that a support structure in accordance with the present invention is not only easy to move, but is also easy to construct, and at the end of the season to be taken apart, flat-packed and stored away for use again the following season.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A grow bag support structure, comprising two opposed walls for receiving a grow bag therebetween, said walls being moveable relative to each other about a hinged connection.
2. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opposed walls are hingedly connected together.
3. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the opposed walls are connected together along substantially their entire length by a continuous hinge.
4. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the opposed walls are hinged at one or more discrete locations along their length.
5. A grow bag support structure as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the opposed walls are connected together by one or more hinges that are integrally formed with one or both of the walls.
6. A grow bag support structure as claimed in any of claims 2to 4, wherein the opposed walls are connected together by one or more hinges that are formed separately from the walls.
7. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opposed walls are connected to one or more connecting structures that provide the hinged connection.
8. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 1, further comprising two opposed end pieces coupled to the two opposed walls, each of the end pieces having a hinge.
9. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 8, wherein the opposed end pieces each comprise one, two or more supporting feet.
10. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one, two or more supporting feet are formed integrally with the end pieces.
11. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 8, 9 or lop wherein the opposed end pieces are each formed as a single piece having a hinge integrally formed therein.
12. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the opposed end pieces are each formed as two separate pieces, each being coupled to one of the opposed walls of the structure, and whiôh are connected together by a hinge.
13. A grow bag support structure as claimed in any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the opposed walls are releasably coupled to the end pieces. lb
14. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 13, wherein the end pieces each comprise one or more slots or recesses in which the opposed walls are located.
15. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 14, wherein the one or more slots or recesses in the end pieces each comprise an internal structure, and the opposed walls each comprise one or more clips that engage with the internal structure within the one or more slots or recesses.
16. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the one or more clips are formed integrally with the opposed walls.
17. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the one or more clips are removably coupled to the opposed walls.
18. A grow bag support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support structure is arranged to be movable between an open position and a closed position, the support structure further comprising means for holding the two opposed walls in a fixed relation to each other when the support structure is in the closed position.
19. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 18, wherein the means for holding the two opposed walls in a fixed relation to each other comprises a releasable locking means.
20. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 18 or 19, comprising two opposed end pieces coupled to the two opposed walls, and wherein one portion of one or each end piece comprises one or more projections that are arranged to releasably engage with one or more recesses in another portion of the end piece.
21. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 18 or 19, comprising two opposed end pieces coupled to the two opposed walls, and wherein one portion of one or each end piece comprises one or more resilient members that are arranged toreleasably engage with one or more apertures in another portion of the end piece.
22. A grow bag support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising one, two or more supporting feet that are attached to the bottom of the support structure.
23. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 22, comprising two opposed end pieces coupled to the two opposed walls, and wherein the supporting foot or feet are positioned intermediate the opposed end pieces.
24. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein the one, two or more supporting feet each comprise a hinge.
25. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 24, wherein the one, two or more supporting feet are each formed as a single piece having a hinge integrally formed therein.
26. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 24, wherein the one two or more support feet are each formed as two separate pieces that are connected together by a hinge.
27. A grow bag support structure as claimed in any of claims 22 to 25, wherein the one, two or more supporting feet releasably attached to the support structure using a resilient connection.
28. A grow bag support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of the opposed walls comprises a plurality of elongate wall elements.
29. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 28, wherein the plurality of elongate wall elements are spaced apart from each other leaving a gap therebetween.
30. A grow bag support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising means for supporting one or more canes for use in creating a framework around the support structure.
31. A grow bag support structure support as claimed in claim 30, wherein the means for supporting one or more canes comprises one or more holes or openings in the support structure through or into which the canes can be inserted.
32. A grow bag support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising means for supporting an irrigation device or system.
33. A grow bag support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising means for releasably coupling the support structure to one or more other such support structures.
34. A grow bag support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support structure is at least partially formed of a plastics material.
35. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 34, wherein the opposed walls of the support structure comprise plastic extrusions.
36. A grow bag support structure as claimed in claim 34 or 35, comprising two opposed end pieces coupled to the two opposed walls, and wherein the end pieces are injection moulded.
37. A kit for assembling into a grow bag support structure, comprising: one or more pairs of side wall elements; and a pair of end pieces, each end piece comprising at least one hinge; wherein each of the one or more pairs of side wall elements is configured to be received between the pair of end pieces.
38. A kit as claimed in claim 37, wherein the pair of end pieces comprise one or more slots or recesses into which the pair or pairs of side wall elements are configured to be inserted.
39. A kit as claimed in claim 38, wherein the one or more slots or recesses in the pair of end pieces comprise an internal structure, the kit further comprising a plurality of clips configured to be coupled to each end of the pair or pairs of side wall elements, the clips being configured to engage with the internal structure within the one or more slots or recesses.
40. A kit as claimed in any of claims 37 to 39, further comprising one, two or more supporting feet that are configured to be attached to the bottom of the support structure.
41. A kit as claimed in claim 40, wherein the one, two or more supporting feet each comprise a hinge.
42. A grow bag support structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 2 to 10.
43. A kit for assembling into a grow bag support structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 2 to 10.