GB2632908A

GB2632908A - Plant support system

Info

Publication number: GB2632908A
Application number: GB2408284.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robinson Craig
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-06-08
Filing date: 2024-06-10
Publication date: 2025-02-26
Also published as: GB202308531D0; GB202408284D0

Abstract

A system 100 for supporting a plant, comprises one or more support straps 300a-c configured to support one or more branches of a plant; a support plate 200 coupled to the one or more support straps to provide an anchor point for the one or more support straps; and an adjustable coupling mechanism 500 configured to couple the support plate to a stake 400, such that the position of the support plate along the length of the stake can be adjusted by a user. The support plate may comprise a central turret 500a extending above the plate, to receive the stake. The support plate may comprise a ring and spoke structure. The system may further comprise one or more securing straps (4100a, b, figure 4) configured to secure the support plate to a fixed surface 1000. The system may also comprise a handle (530, figure 6) configured to support the weight of the support plate from above when in use. The handle may extend from or through holes in the turret. A method of supporting a plant using the plant support is also disclosed.

Description

PLANT SUPPORT SYSTEM

Field

The present invention relates to a horticultural system, in particular to a system for supporting a plant.

Background

The branches of fruit-bearing plants, such as tomato plants, often deform under the weight of the fruit being grown. This deformation can lead to damage to the branch itself, or the fruit being spoiled by coming into contact with the ground. Branches cam also overlap, with the uppermost branch restricting light to the lower branches and so reducing the growth achievable by the lower branches.

These factors combine to reduce the productivity and yield from fruit-bearing plants.

Similar issues may also affect those that do not bear fruit, with branches of the plant itself and of neighbouring plants competing for space, light and moisture.

Prior systems look to overcome these issues by supporting parts of the plant and promoting growth in chosen directions. These systems are traditionally overhead, to reduce the risk of a user catching themselves on any strapping or wiring, or parts of a support frame extending beyond the base of the frame. However, such systems are unsuitable for hobbyist gardeners, or for those who have a variety of plants with different sizes and needs. They are also cumbersome and take up a large amount of space. The systems can be also costly to install, and difficult to adjust to suit a variety of plants or growth rates.

The present invention aims to at least partially address some of the above-mentioned problems and needs.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for supporting a plant. The system comprises one or more support straps configured to support one or more branches of a plant. The system further comprises a support plate coupled to the one or more support straps. The support plate is configured to provide an anchor point for the one or more support straps. The system further comprises an adjustable coupling mechanism configured to couple the support plate to a stake, such that the position of the support plate along the length of the stake can be adjusted by a user.

Advantageously, the present invention provides a more portable system for supporting a one or more branches of a plant. For example, if coupling the support plate to a stake that sits within the pot of the plant to be supported (e.g. a stake that is being used to support the upright growth of the stem), the whole system can be moved when moving the plant itself. The 'in situ' style of support system allows a user to reconfigure their garden without needing to disassemble and reassemble the support system each time, or untangle the branches of supported plants, unlike with prior overhead systems described previously.

Further advantageously, the present invention provides a flexible arrangement. Having one or more support straps associated with the support plate means that a single branch per plant could be supported, or multiple branches for one plant or even multiple plants.

Further advantageously, the present invention allows a user to adjust the height of the support plate during the growth of the plant. This allows a consistent support to be provided from the initial smaller plants (where the support plate would be closer to the ground) to a fully grown plant (i.e., where the support plate will be raised relative to the initial position). An additional advantage is that the invention allows a consistent support to keep branches down/at a set height. This can act to reduce branches overlapping and deforming, or restricting the light available to lower branches.

The present invention acts to support the branches of a plant. While this provides the advantage of reducing the likelihood of fruit being spoiled (as outlined above), this also can be used to space the branches of a plant, providing improved growth for a plant.

That is to say, the application of the present invention would not be limited solely to fruit-bearing plants.

Throughout this disclosure, a 'branch' of the plant is referred to. In this context, branch may be taken to have a broad meaning, i.e. an extension of the plant away from the stem. Other definitions used in the art include a petiole, or extension. It is not intended for 'branch' to be limited to tree limbs.

The support plate may comprise an aperture configured to receive the stake. Advantageously, receiving the stake through an aperture provides an ease of fitting the support plate to the stake: the end user is guided by the shape of the plate to provide a tactile guide to fitting the support plate. The aperture may be a central aperture, providing an even distribution of the plate's surface area and weight around the stake.

The adjustable coupling mechanism may comprise one or more compression glands, such that the stake is received through the aperture of the support plate and the one or more compression glands, and a user can loosen or tighten the one or more compression glands to release and/or lock the position of the support plate along the length of the stake.

Advantageously, the use of compression glands to tighten/loosen and fix/release the position of the support plate along the length of the stake is the provision of a reversible, repeatable coupling of the support plate to the stake.

The aperture of the support plate may comprise a threaded surface shaped to receive the one or more compression glands. As such, the support plate may provide a tactile guide to a user on tightening/loosening the compression gland to retain/release the support plate.

Alternatively, the adjustable coupling mechanism may comprise a clamp configured to retain the plate against and/or around the stake, such that releasing the clamp allows a user to move the position of the support plate along the length of the stake.

The clamp may comprise a lockable clip configured to sit underneath the support plate and as such prevent the support plate lowering in height during use.

The length of the one or more support straps may be adjustable. Advantageously, this provides further flexibility in the arrangement of the system in supporting a growing plant. As the height of the supported branch increases, the strap may tighten to retain the same or a similar supporting force against the branch.

The support straps may be manually adjustable, allowing a user to set a desired height/pressure exerted on the supported branch. Advantageously, this may allow a user to use the support strap to bias a branch of the plant in a specific direction. This may advantageously be utilised to improve the spacing between branches and allow more light to otherwise covered areas, or to promote growth of the plant in a specified direction.

Alternatively, the support straps may automatically tighten as the branch height increases. Each of the support straps may comprise a reel configured to automatically tighten as the plant being supported grows in height. This reel may be biased with a spring so as to maintain a set tension in the strap throughout the use of the support system. Advantageously, this reduces the risk of the plant being deformed by the support system. Further advantageously, the automatic tightening allows a user to be more "hands-off' if desirable. The reel may include a stopper that allows a user to prevent automatic tightening when not desired. The stopper may also act to prevent the reel unspooling under increased weight (e.g., if the fruit of a fruit-bearing plant grows significantly whilst supported). A uni-directional lock akin to a one-way valve may be provided, to allow the reel to automatically tighten, but not unspool. Examples of an automatically tightening support strap include "YoYos" as provided by P LANTITO.

The one or more support straps comprise a support hook at the end of each strap, the support hook being configured to retain the plant.

Advantageously, a support hook may have a greater surface area than the strap. This spreads the force acting on the plant over a wider area, reducing the pressure acting 10 on the branches of the plant. Further advantageously, a supported branch may be easier to remove from the support hook than, for example, a wire loop.

Each of the one or more support straps may be removably coupled to the support plate. Advantageously, this provides a flexibility to the arrangement for an end user -they can support multiple branches per support plate if desired. A user may also then select the position of the support strap, which may in turn assist with balancing the plant during growth, in addition to supporting the branches with reduced unwanted deformation of the branches.

Alternatively, the one or more support straps may be integrated. Advantageously, an integrated system reduces the complexity for an end user Further alternatively, a combination of integrated and removable support straps may be provided.

The support plate may comprise a ring. Advantageously, this allows for the one or more support straps to be spaced uniformly around the ring and allows for coupling 360 degrees around the stem of the plant. This may reduce unwanted deformation of the branches of the plant. In some embodiments, the support plate may comprise a ring-and-spoke structure, the structure comprising a ring and a plurality of spokes. One of the benefits of a ring-and-spoke structure is that it can maintain a lighter weight whilst maintaining the same benefit of providing an anchor point for support straps. An additional advantage of the spokes is that they can help with spacing the support straps uniformly around the ring. The spokes can further reduce the risk of the support straps from overlapping with each other and tangling. The number of spokes can be chosen according to different needs. For example, in some designs there may be 5 spokes, or 10 spokes or any other number of spokes depending on how many support straps are desired.

The edge of the support plate may comprise a lipped rim. Advantageously, this may improve the ease of use of the system. A tactile and audible feedback to the support straps being coupled to the support plate may be provided by the lipped rim of the support plate, as the one or more support straps are 'clipped' into place or as they are removed.

The support plate may be formed of nylon. Advantageously, nylon is tough, strong and durable. Further advantageously, nylon is weather resistant. Alternatives may include, but are not limited, to other materials that share at least one of these characteristics such as plastic (which is additionally lightweight), and aluminium.

The system may further comprise one or more securing straps configured to secure the support plate to a fixed surface whilst positioned away from said fixed surface. The one or more securing straps may be adjustable. The one or more securing straps may comprise ratchet straps.

Fixed surface is taken to mean at least fixed relative to the stem of the plant being supported. For example, the one or more securing straps could be used to fix the support plate to the rim of a pot in which the plant is growing. Alternatively, the support plate could be fixed to the ground. The one or more securing straps may be provided with a plurality of fixings, such that an end user can choose a suitable fixed surface. For example, the one or more securing straps could be provided with a peg to retain one end in the ground, and/or a clip to retain against the rim of a pot.

Advantageously, the securing straps may act to assist in balancing the support plate. For example, where one side of the plant is heavier (and so the distribution of the forces acting on the support plate is unbalanced), one or more securing straps may be tightened to provide a counterbalance.

The system may further comprise a stake configured to stand upright once inserted into the ground.

In the present context, a stake is taken to have a broad definition of being a fixed member. For example, the stake could be a bamboo cane, or a commercially available garden pole. The garden pole could comprise a steel rod, with a plastic coating to provide weatherproofing, as an example.

According to some embodiments, the support plate of the system comprises a central turret extending above the aperture. The central turret is configured to receive the stake. The central turret may be configured to receive the stake through a bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the turret. The central turret may comprise one or more apertures in a wall of the turret.

The adjustable coupling mechanism of the system may comprise the one or more apertures in the wall of the central turret. In some embodiments, the one or more apertures are configured to receive a screw such that a user tightening the screw retains the turret and support plate in position around the stake, and loosening the screw allows a user to move the position of the turret and support plate along the length of the stake. Advantageously, the adjustable coupling mechanism of the central turret provides ease of securing the support plate to the stake. For example, the screw may be particularly easy to access to the user if the one or more apertures are positioned at one end or in proximity of one end of the central turret. In some embodiments, the screw is a self-tapping screw. In some embodiments, the screw is a thumbscrew. The use of a screw as described provides an easily accessible way of securing the support plate to the stake. Furthermore, the screw can also be easily unscrewed from the one or more apertures in the wall of the turret, meaning that the support plate is also easy to unfasten, so that the user can easily adjust the position of the support plate along the length of the stake. According to some embodiments, more than one screw may be used. For example, each of the one or more apertures may accommodate a different screw. In alternative embodiments, the central turret comprises two apertures and a single screw is accommodated through both apertures. This may act to retain the support plate proximate the end of the stake or bore a hole through the stake to allow for repeat use at a fixed position. Alternatively, the two apertures may be disposed opposite on another on the central turret but each act to receive a single screw. The provision of a pair of apertures advantageously allows for both left-handed and right-handed use.

According to some embodiments, the central turret and the support plate are unitary. In some other embodiments, the central turret may be detachable from the support plate. The central turret may have a cylindrical shape, or any other elongated shape.

Where the support plate comprises a ring-and-spoke structure the spokes and the spoke structure may extend from the central turret to the ring. For example, the spokes and the spoke structure may extend from a base of the central turret to the ring. Advantageously, the ring-and-spoke structure is lighter than a solid pate, whilst maintaining the same benefit of providing an anchor point for support straps.

According to some embodiments, the system further comprises a handle extending from the support plate. In some embodiments, the handle is configured to support the weight of the support plate from above when in use. In some embodiments, the handle extends from the central turret. Alternative embodiments may have the handle extending from other portions of the support plate, such as from the ring of the ring-and-spoke structure. The handle enables a user to hang the system to a ceiling or attach it to a wall or other structures. In this way, the system can have different uses that can be beneficial to different plants in different locations and/or to different garden or greenhouse layouts. The handle may be used in conjunction with the adjustable coupling mechanism, providing additional support and allowing the support plate to be suspended from a fixed structure and coupled to a stake.

According to some embodiments, the central turret further comprises a pair of protrusions extending from the top of the central turret, wherein each protrusion comprises an aperture through which the handle passes. Various types of handles can be used. For example, a handle may comprise a fabric strap, like a Velcro strap, or other flexible material. The handle may also be in the shape of a hook, that can be used to hang the system to a wall and/or a ceiling or other structure. The handle may comprise a combination of a strap and a hook. The handle may comprise a single curved member, with a protrusion on each end to retain the handle against the central turret. The curved member may be compressed to feed the ends of the handle into the apertures in the protrusions of the central turret. This then acts to retain the curved member in place with respect to the central turret, where the length of the curved member is greater than the gap between the protrusions of the central turret. Different types of handles can be used to match the shape and structure of the protrusions. Advantageously, the protrusions are easy to access for a user, and the type of handle can also be chosen according to different needs.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for supporting a plant, the method comprising the steps of: inserting a stake in proximity of the plant to be supported; attaching the plant support system of any embodiment of the first aspect to the stake; supporting one or more branches of the plant with the one or more support straps; optionally tightening the one or more straps to raise the one or more branches of the plant; and during growth of the plant, raising the height of the support plate.

The final step may be performed with the motivation of retaining the branches above the ground. As discussed previously, the branches (and any fruit borne by the plant) touching the ground may spoil the fruit. Alternatively, raising the support plate may be performed to encourage growth in a specific direction, or reduce deformation of the branch in question.

The method may further comprise the step of securing the support plate in position relative to a fixed surface using the one or more securing straps.

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

Brief Description of Drawings

Embodiments will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which Figure 1 illustrates a system for supporting one or more plants according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2a to 2d illustrate a support plate according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3 illustrates an example support strap according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 4 illustrates a system for supporting one or more plants according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 illustrates a system for supporting one or more plants according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 illustrates a system for supporting one or more plants according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates a support plate according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 8 illustrates a handle for use with the support plate according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; and Figure 9 illustrates an example method for supporting one or more plants according to an embodiment of the present invention.

It should be noted that the Figures are diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. Relative dimensions and proportions of parts of these Figures have been shown exaggerated or reduced in size, for the sake of clarity and convenience in the drawings. The same reference signs are generally used to refer to corresponding or similar feature in modified and different embodiments.

Detailed description of embodiments

Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 for supporting one or more plants according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system comprises a plurality of support straps 300a-c, configured to support one or more branches of a plant (not pictured).

Each support strap 300a-c comprises a reel housing 310, configured to house a length of the strap. Each support strap 300a-c further comprises a length of strap 320, the end of which comprises a support hook 330. Each support hook 330 is shaped to support the plant. An example support strap 300 is pictured in more detail in Figure 3.

Each of the support straps 300a-c is coupled to a single support plate 200. The support plate 200 provides an anchor point for the support straps 300a-c. The support plate is itself adjustably coupled to an upright stake 400. The upright stake is planted into the fixed surface 1000. In this instance, the fixed surface 1000 may be the ground, or a plant pot filled with soil. The stake 400 may be any suitably robust and sized member that can be upstanding from the fixed surface 1000, such as a bamboo cane or a garden pole. The support plate 200 is adjustably coupled to the stake 400 with compression glands 500a, 500b. In the illustrated embodiment, the stake 400 is received through a central aperture (220, Figure 2a-d) of the support plate 200, which is then retained in place along the stake by the compression glands 500a, 500b. The position of the support plate 200 along the stake 400 can be adjusted by loosening the compression glands 500a-b, moving the support plate 200 and then tightening the compression glands 500a-b to secure the support plate 200 in place. In alternative examples, the adjustable coupling means may comprise a clamp (not pictured) disposed below the support plate 200 and configured to prevent the support plate 200 lowering during the use of the system 100.

Figures 2a-d illustrate the support plate 200 in further detail. Figures 2a illustrates a plan view of the support plate 200, where Figure 2b illustrates a cross-sectional view. Figures 2c and 2d illustrate cross-sectional views of minor variants of the support plate 200i, 200ii. The support plate 200 comprises a central aperture 220 in the circular body 210 of the support plate 200. The interior surface of central aperture 220 may be threaded, to provide an engagement with the compression glands (550a-b, Figure 1). The variant support plates 200i, 200ii comprise a lipped rim 230. This lipped rim 230 provides ease of engagement between the support straps (300a-c, Figure 1) and the support plate 200i, ii. In the illustrated examples, the support straps 300a-c can clip on to the lipped rim 230 of the support plate 200i, ii and be retained. Support plate variants 200H, as illustrated in Figure 2d, comprises an elevated thread housing 225 at the central aperture 220. In the illustrated embodiment, this extends away from the body 210 of the plate 200ii in both vertical directions. This may act to encourage engagement with both upper compression gland 500a and lower compression gland 500b.

Figure 3 illustrates an example support strap 300. The support strap 300 comprises a reel 310, which houses the length of the strapping 320. The reel 310 may be configured to automatically recoil the length of the strapping 320. For example, the reel 310 may be biased with a spring so as to maintain a set tension in the strapping 320. The support strap 300 also comprises a stopper 315. The stopper 315 may act to prevent the reel 310 unspooling when an increased force is applied to the strap 310. The stopper 315 may also act to prevent automatic tightening of the reel 310 when not desired by a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the stopper 315 is received in the centre of the reel 310 and configured to lock the reel 310 in the current position (and so lock the length of strapping 320 that is unspooled). The support strap 300 also comprises a clip 305. This clip 305 is configured to couple to the rim 230 of the support plate 200, allowing for a user to remove and reposition the support strap 300 around the rim of the support plate 200. The support strap 300 also includes a support hook 330 Figure 4 illustrates a system 4000 for supporting one or more plants according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 4000 is similar to the system 100 illustrated in Figure 1, with the addition of securing straps 4100a, 4100b. The securing straps 4100a, 4100b are configured to secure the support plate 200 to the fixed surface 1000, whilst the support plate 200 remains displaced from said fixed surface 1000. As discussed previously, the fixed surface 1000 could be the rim of a plant pot housing the plant to be supported, or the ground for example. The securing straps 4100a,b act as a counterbalance in the event that a supported plant (not pictured) grows more on one side that the other, potentially unbalancing the support plate. The securing straps 4100a,b comprise a length of strap 4110, which is adjustable -the securing straps 4100a,b may be ratchet straps. The securing straps 4100a,b secure to the rim (230, Figures 2c,d) of the support plate 200 with coupling means 4120. These coupling means 4120 may be, for example, clips configured to attach to the rim 230. The securing straps 4100a,b also comprise fixings 4130, configured to attach to the fixed surface 1000. Dependent on the nature of the fixed surface 1000, the fixings 4130 may vary. For example, the fixings 4130 may comprise pegs for inserting into the ground. Alternatively, the fixings may comprise clips for coupling to the edge of a plant pot. Alternatively, the fixings may instead comprise counterweights (that is, not directly fixing the straps but instead securing the straps in place).

Figure 5 illustrates a system 5000 for supporting one or more plants according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 5000 is similar to the system 100 pictured in Figure 1, and comprises a plurality of support straps 5100a-c, configured to support one or more branches of a plant (not pictured). Each support strap 5100a-c is similar to the straps 300a-c of the system 100 pictured in Figure 1. Each of the support straps 5100a-c are coupled to a single support plate 5200. The support plate 5200 provides an anchor point for the support straps 5100a-c. The support plate is itself adjustably coupled to an upright stake 400. The upright stake is planted into the fixed surface 1000 (not pictured). In this instance, the fixed surface 1000 may be the ground, or a plant pot filled with soil. The stake 400 may be any suitably robust and sized member that can be upstanding from the fixed surface 1000, such as a bamboo cane or a garden pole. In the illustrated embodiment, the stake 400 is received through a central aperture 5220 (not pictured) of the support plate 5200. The support plate comprises a central turret 5500 (see Figure 7) extending above the central aperture 5220. The central turret 5500 is configured to receive the stake 400 through a central bore.

Figure 6 illustrates a system 5000 for supporting one or more plants according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system is similar to the system pictured in Figure 5. The system 5000 comprises a handle 5300 extending from the central turret 5500 of the support plate 5200. Alternative embodiments may have the handle 5300 extending from other portions of the support plate 5200, such as from a spoke-andring structure. The handle 5300 is configured to support the weight of the support plate 5200 from above when in use. The handle 5300 enables a user to hang the system 5000 to a ceiling or attach it to a wall. In this way, the system 5000 can have different uses that can be beneficial to different plants in different locations and/or to different garden or greenhouse layouts. According to some embodiments, the central turret 5500 comprises a pair of protrusions 5510a-b extending from the top of the central turret 5500, wherein each protrusion 5510a-b comprises an aperture through which the handle 5300 can pass. Various types of handles 5300 can be used. For example, a handle 5300 can comprise a fabric strap, like a Velcro strap, or other flexible material.

The handle 5300 can also be in the shape of a hook, that can be used to hang the system 5000 to a wall and/or a ceiling or other structure. The handle 5300 can comprise a combination of a strap and a hook. Different types of handles 5300 can be used to match the shape and structure of the protrusions 5510a-b. Advantageously, the protrusions 5510a-b are easy to access to a user, and the type of handle can also be chosen according to different needs.

Figure 7 illustrates a support plate 5200 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The support plate 5200 comprises a central turret 5500 extending above the central aperture 5220. The central turret 5500 is configured to receive the stake 400 (not pictured). In some embodiments, the central turret 5500 comprises one or more apertures 740a-b in a wall of the turret. The central turret 5500 comprises an adjustable coupling mechanism configured to couple the support plate 5200 to the stake 400, such that the position of the support plate 5200 along the length of the stake 400 can be adjusted by a user. The adjustable coupling mechanism comprises the one or more apertures 740a-b in the wall of the turret 5500. The one or more apertures 740a-b are configured to receive a screw such that the user tightening the screw retains the turret 5500 and support plate 5200 around the stake 400, and loosening the screw allows a user to move the position of the turret 5500 and support plate 5200 along the length of the stake 400. Advantageously, the adjustable coupling mechanism of the central turret 5500 provides ease of securing the support plate 5200 to the stake 400. For example, the screw may be easier to access to the user because of the distance between the support plate 5200 and the one or more apertures 740a-b in the wall of the central turret 5500. In some embodiments, the screw is a self-tapping screw. In some embodiments, the screw is a thumbscrew. The use of a screw as described provides an easily accessible way of securing the support plate 5200 to the stake 400. Furthermore, the screws can also be easily unscrewed from the one or more apertures 740a-b in the wall of the turret 5500, meaning that the support plate 5200 is also easy to unfasten, so that the user can easily adjust the position of the support plate 5200 along the length of the stake 400. In some embodiments, the central turret 5500 and the support plate 5200 are unitary. In some other embodiments, the central turret 5500 may be detachable from the support plate 5200. The central turret 5500 may have a cylindrical shape, or any other elongated shape.

In some embodiments, such as the one illustrated in Figure 7, the support plate 5200 comprises a ring-and-spoke structure, the structure comprising a ring 710 and a number of spokes 720a-e. In some embodiments, the spokes 720a-e and the ring 710 extend from the central turret 5500 to the ring. For example, the spokes 720a-e and the spoke structure may extend from a base of the central turret 5500 to the ring 710. The ring-and-spoke structure is light whilst maintaining the same benefit of providing an anchor point for support straps 5100a-c. An additional advantage is that the spokes 720a-e ensure that the straps 5100a-c are secured evenly around the support plate 5200, and prevent two or more support straps of the support straps 5100a-c to overlap and/or move around a limited portion of the ring 710. The number of spokes 720a-e can be chosen according to different needs. For example, in some designs there can be 5 spokes or 10 spokes or any other number of spokes depending on how many support straps are desired.

Figure 8 illustrates a handle 800 for use with the support plate 700. The handle 800 is used to receive a hook or strap suspended from a fixed point (e.g. an overhead hanging point) to support the system, similar to the handle 5300 of Figure 6. Handle 800 comprises a curved body 850 with ends 860. The curvature of the body 850 provides a central region 855 such that a hook can be received in a stable manner. The curved body 850 can be compressed in order to thread the ends 860 through the protrusions 5510a-b of the central turret 5500 to retain the handle 800 with the support plate 5200. Each end 860 further comprises a splayed pair of protrusions 865a-b, which reduces the likelihood of the end 860 unintentionally slipping out of the protrusion 5510a-b of the central turret 5500. To thread the splayed pair 865a-b through the protrusions 5510a-b, a user may need to press the pair 865a-b together.

This provides a more robust connection between the handle 800 and the central turret 5510.

Figure 9 comprises a method 9000 for supporting a plant using a system 100, 4000 for supporting a plant. Dashed arrows indicate optional steps and routes for incorporating these. In some instances, the steps may be performed in an alternative order when appropriate.

Method 9000 comprises: Step 9100: Inserting a stake 400 (Figures 1, 4) in proximity of the plant to be supported.

In some instances, the stake 400 may be used to promote upright growth of the stem of the plant to be supported. In others, it may be displaced from the plant to reduce contact between the stake 400 or support plate 200 and the stem of the plant. Provided the branches of the plant to be supported can be reached by the support straps 300a-c (Figure 1), the position of the stake 400 relative to the plant is not critical.

Step 9200: Attaching the plant support system 100, 4000 to the stake 400.

In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 1, attaching the plant support system 100 comprises threading the stake 400 through the central aperture 220 of the support plate, and tightening the compression glands 500a,b to retain the support plate in the desired position. In alternative embodiments, this may involve surrounding the stake 400, and/or clamping the support plate 200 in place.

Step 9300: Supporting one or more branches of the plant with the one or more support straps 300a-c.

In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 1, supporting the branches may comprise extending the support straps 300a-c, and lifting and/or manually moving the branches into the support hooks 330 to be retained.

Step 9400: Optionally, tightening one or more support straps to raise the one or more branches of the plant.

This optional step may be performed during growth of the plant, in instances when the support straps do not automatically tighten. This optional step may also be performed during initial installation of the plant support system 100, 4000 in order to raise the branches off the ground, for example, or to promote growth in a desired direction.

Step 9500: Optionally, securing the support plate 200 in position relative to a fixed surface 1000 using the one or more securing straps 4100.

As discussed with reference to Figure 4, the nature of the securing may be dependent on the fixed surface 1000. Securing the support plate 200 may also include adjusting the length of the one or more securing straps 4100 to tighten/slacken accordingly.

Such an action may be dictated by the need to balance the support plate 200.

Step 9600: During growth of the plant, raising the height of the support plate 200.

Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

For the sake of completeness, it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for supporting a plant, comprising: one or more support straps configured to support one or more branches of a plant; a support plate coupled to the one or more support straps to provide an anchor point for the one or more support straps; and an adjustable coupling mechanism configured to couple the support plate to a stake, such that the position of the support plate along the length of the stake can be 10 adjusted by a user.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the support plate comprises an aperture configured to receive the stake.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the support plate comprises a central turret extending above the aperture, the turret configured to receive the stake.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein: the central turret comprises one or more apertures in a wall of the turret; the adjustable coupling mechanism comprises the one or more apertures in the wall; and the one or more apertures are configured to receive a screw such that a user tightening the screw retains the turret and support plate around the stake, and loosening the screw allows a user to move the position of the turret and support plate along the length of the stake.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the screw is a self-tapping screw, and optionally or preferably wherein the screw is a thumbscrew.6. The system of any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the central turret and the support plate are unitary.4. The system of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the adjustable coupling mechanism comprises one or more compression glands, such that the stake is received through the aperture of the support plate and the one or more compression glands, and a user can loosen or tighten the one or more compression glands to release and/or lock the position of the support plate along the length of the stake.5. The system of claim 4, wherein the aperture of the support plate comprises a threaded surface shaped to receive the one or more compression glands.6. The system of claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the adjustable coupling mechanism comprises a clamp configured to retain the plate against and/or around the stake, such that releasing the clamp allows a user to move the position of the support plate along the length of the stake.
6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the length of the one or more support straps is adjustable.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein each of the support straps comprises a reel configured to automatically tighten as the plant being supported grows in height.
8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more support straps comprise a support hook at the end of each strap, the support hook being configured to retain the plant.
9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein each of the one or more support straps are removably coupled to the support plate.
10. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the support plate comprises a ring.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the support plate comprises a ring-and-spoke structure.12. The system of claim 11 as dependent directly or directly on claim 3, wherein the spokes of the ring and spoke structure extend from the central turret to the ring.11. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the edge of the support plate comprises a lipped rim.
12. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the support plate is formed of nylon.
13. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more securing straps configured to secure the support plate to a fixed surface whilst positioned away from said fixed surface.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more securing straps are adjustable.
15. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising: a stake configured to stand upright once inserted into the ground.
16. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising: a handle extending from the support plate, the handle configured to support the weight of the support plate from above when in use.
17. The system of claim 16 as dependent directly or indirectly on claim 3, wherein the handle extends from the central turret.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the central turret comprises: a pair of protrusions extending from the top of the central turret, wherein each protrusion comprises an aperture through which the handle passes.
19. A method for supporting a plant, the method comprising the steps of: inserting a stake in proximity of the plant to be supported; attaching the plant support system of any of claims 1 to 18 to the stake; supporting one or more branches of the plant with the one or more support straps; optionally tightening the one or more support straps to raise the one or more branches of the plant; and during growth of the plant, raising the height of the support plate.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of: securing the support plate in position relative to a fixed surface using the one or more securing straps.