NZ578608A - A tensioning mechanism for use with a growing assembly where the tension of a flexible support is adjusted by the movement of a first member - Google Patents

Abstract

A tensioning mechanism for use with a growing assembly 1, where the growing assembly 1 includes a structure having a length and a width, and a flexible support 19A extends along the structure's length. The tensioning mechanism includes a first member 10 that is connected to the flexible support 19A at a point, where the first member 10 is secured to a first reference point so as to be able to move through a range of movement between a first position and a second position. The range of movement of the first member 10 causes the point on the member 10 to move along the length of the structure such that in the first position the first member 10 tensions the flexible support 19A while in the second position the tension in the flexible support 19A is less than in the first position.

Description

PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $250.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 578608 Dated: 24 July 2009 IMPROVEMENTS TO GROWING ASSEMBLIES WE Wendy Jean Flowerday as a Trustee of the Milan Trust, of 1185 Ohauiti Road, RD 3, Tauranga 3173, New Zealand; and William Vincent Flowerday as a Trustee of the Milan Trust, of 1185 Ohauiti Road, RD 3, Tauranga 3173, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 1A James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG IMPROVEMENTS TO GROWING ASSEMBLIES TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to improvements to growing assemblies, and in 5 particular improvements to assemblies for growing vines.

BACKGROUND ART Horticulture and the growing of produce is commercially important and kiwifruit orchards are just one example of such a commercial undertaking.

The kiwifruit industry is recognised as being labor intensive due to the levels of 10 vine maintenance and harvesting required. Therefore it is desirable to find a way to reduce labor to save costs.

Generally, kiwifruit vines are organised into alternating rows of male and female sex plants. This assists in pollinating female plants to ensure fruiting.

The rows of vines are draped over support frames organised along the rows. The 15 support frames provide a structure over which the vines may grow, The frames also lift the vine above the ground to facilitate pruning and harvesting of fruit.

The kiwifruit vines are pruned and tied to the frames. This ensures maximum exposure of the vine to sunlight thereby promoting fruit growth.

Kiwifruit vines are generally more productive on canes that are one year old, these 20 being new growth of the vine. Therefore, it is important to promote the growth of new canes to maximise fruit production in the next season. 1 James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG New canes grow at the same time as fruiting. Therefore it is known to train the new canes upward and away from the support frames. This ensures that new canes do not shade the current years fruiting canes.

The technique also limits damage to fruit from the new cane. This is particularly 5 important for Hort16A which is susceptible to damage and similar problems are anticipated for new cultivars currently in development.

After harvest the vines are pruned. New canes then tied down onto the frame in preparation for next season.

Due to the economic importance of kiwifruit horticulture there are a number of 10 different growing arrangements. For example, New Zealand Patent No. 219830 discloses a vine support arrangement. The arrangement comprises a plurality of rows of kiwifruit, supported on T-bar or pergola support structures.

Intermediate and upper support wires are mounted between pairs of arms. The pairs of arms are mounted to the support structure so that they can each rotate 15 with respect to the structure.

The arms may be attached to each other to hold these in a position relative to the support structure.

New canes can be attached to the upper support wire to lift these above the support structure and away from fruiting canes.

The canes can be attached to the intermediate support wire which supports these during the growing season.

At harvesting, the fruit can be easily picked from below the structure.

At pruning, the first and second arms may be released from each other. This allows the arms to pivot moving the intermediate and upper support wires down. 2 James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG The intermediate support wire is moved to a position in which the fruit and cane may be pruned and easily removed. The upper support wire is moved to a position from which the new cane can be easily pulled down, and tied to the intermediate support wire in preparation for the next years fruiting season.

However the system disclosed by New Zealand Patent No. 219830 has a number of inherent limitations. Firstly, the system is fiddly to implement and use. This is due to having arms supporting intermediate and upper support wires.

In addition, modern growing practices have moved past the growing arrangement for which the invention of Patent No, 219830 was intended.

New Zealand Patent No. 534971 discloses a vine support apparatus preferably for use with kiwifruit growing.

A plurality of telescoping supports are spaced along a row of male kiwifruit vines. A wire is strung between two or more of the telescoping support.

Strings are connected to the wire to be substantially perpendicular to the row of 15 kiwifruit vines. The strings provide a path along which new canes can grow.

The telescoping supports are used to lower the wire to allow the new canes to be used in next years fruit production.

This arrangement has strings from two adjacent rows of female kiwifruit vines secured to one wire in between the adjacent the rows. This creates an inverted V 20 arrangement along the length of the row of male kiwifruit plants. This causes shading of the plants underneath which may limit the productive capacity of the vines.

A further disadvantage of this system is that the supports only move vertically. This can cause damage to the canes thereby limiting fruit growth. 3 James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG In addition, having new canes from two rows of female plants attached to one wire means that the wire is carrying a considerable weight. Accordingly, securing and supporting the wire is difficult and requires a significant amount of engineering to maintain the tension in the wire is difficult.

Accordingly, it would be an advantage to have a growing assembly and associated components which address the limitations of the prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this 10 specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not 15 constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the 20 exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a growing assembly, including a structure having a length and width, wherein the structure is configured to provide a support for plants, a secondary support positioned above the structure, and extending along the structure's length, wherein the secondary support provides a plurality of paths along which the plants may grow, characterised in that the secondary support is configured to move through an arcuate path to lower the plants and facilitate these being secured to the structure.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of growing plants, including the steps of: (a) providing a structure having a length and width, wherein the structure is configured to provide a support for the plants; (b) positioning a secondary support above the structure and extending along the structure's length, wherein the secondary support provides a plurality of paths along which the plants may grow; the method characterised by the step of: James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG (c) moving the secondary support in an arcuate path with respect to the structure to lower the plants and facilitate these being secured to the structure.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kitset of 5 parts for use in constructing a growing assembly, wherein the growing assembly includes a structure having a length and width, and wherein the structure is configured to provide a support for plants, the kitset including: a secondary support, wherein when assembled the secondary support can provide a plurality of paths along which the plants may grow and extend along the length of the growing assembly, characterised in that when the kitset is assembled the secondary support is configured to move in an 15 arcuate path to lower the plants and therefore facilitate these being secured to the structure.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention relates to improvements to growing assemblies for use in growing kiwifruit vines. Accordingly reference will be made to use of the growing assemblies with kiwifruit and to the plants as being 20 kiwifruit vines.

However the foregoing should not be seen as limiting. Alternatives are envisaged including use of the present invention in growing plants other than kiwifruit such as grapes, or growing other plants.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "growing assembly" 6 James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG should be understood as meaning a combination of parts, structures, supports, and/or other components, for use in growing kiwifruit vines.

In a preferred embodiment, the growing assembly includes a plurality of frames organised into rows. In this embodiment the frames provide the structure over 5 which kiwifruit vines may grow.

The frames may be a "t-bar" or "pergola" structure for growing kiwifruit. This is as should be understood by one skilled in the art. These structures are fixed and immovable.

The "T-bar" structure has a plurality of vertical members supporting a plurality of 10 horizontal members transverse to the length of the row. Wires are strung between the horizontal members along each row. The wires provide a structure over which kiwifruit vines may grow.

The "pergola" structure has a plurality of vertical members supporting horizontal members positioned transverse to, the length of the row. In this embodiment the 15 horizontal members running along the length of the row replace the wires in the "T-bar" arrangement.

The vertical members ensure that the vines are above the ground, thereby allowing workers access underneath the vines. This facilitates pruning of the vines, harvesting of fruit and securing new canes to the structure.

The height, width, length and orientation of the frames may vary depending on a particular orchard. Factors controlling variations in the height, length, width, and orientation of the frame include the size, orientation, and shape of land on which the growing assembly is utilised. These factors are as should be known to those skilled in the art.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "secondary support" 7 James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG should be understood as meaning a component which provides a plurality of paths along which new canes of kiwifruit vines may grow.

In a preferred embodiment, the secondary support is a flexible length of material.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the secondary support is a wire extending 5 along the length of the row, having a plurality of strings attached between the wire and the structure, thereby providing the plurality of paths.

Alternatively the support may be a mesh material or netting. Accordingly the foregoing should not be seen as limiting.

This embodiment may provide a way to promote growth of new canes without 10 these tangling or shading vines growing on the structure. These aspects should become clearer from the following description.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "string" should be understood as meaning a component to facilitate directional growth of new canes.

The strings may be made from plastics, nylon, twine, wire, or other materials 15 capable of withstanding environmental conditions over a long period of time. The term "string" and the criteria for selection of these are as should be understood by those skilled in the art.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a plurality of internal assemblies.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "internal assembly" should be understood as meaning a component to hold and move a secondary support relative to a row.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, an internal assembly may be a plurality of arms spaced apart from each other along the length of a row. Reference will be 8 James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG made herein to the internal assembly as being a plurality of arms.

For ease of reference, the following description references two arms spaced apart from each other along the row's length. However, in use the number of arms may depend on a number of factors, including the length of the row and the materials 5 from which the secondary support is made. Therefore it should be understood that the present invention could include three or more arms each spaced apart from each other along the length of the row.

Preferably, the internal assemblies are configured to move secondary supports through an arcuate path.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the arms may be mounted at or substantially towards, the centre of a row. In this embodiment, the arm(s) are substantially perpendicular to the length of the row, and are orientated so as to extend over the row's width.

In a preferred embodiment, the arms may be pivotally attached to the frames.

It should be appreciated that pivoting the arms moves the secondary supports through an arcuate path. This is beneficial in releasing new canes from the strings and laying these onto the structure without damaging these. This aspect should become clearer from the following description.

However, it is also envisaged that the secondary support could be pivotally moved 20 by a track and actuator, or other arrangement.

Preferably the internal assembly may move the secondary support between a first position and a second position.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "first position" should be understood as meaning a growing position. This position is such that the 9 James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG secondary support is above the row. Therefore new canes are able to grow along the strings and maximise exposure of the new cane to the sun.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "second position" should be understood as meaning a position in which the secondary support is 5 below the first position.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second position is that in which the secondary support is substantially at or near the same height as the top of the frames forming the structure.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second position may be that in which 10 an outside edge of the secondary support is closer towards the centre of the row than in the first position. This is irrespective of the height of the outside edge.

Having the secondary support moveable between first and second positions may provide a number of advantages. For instance, having the support above the rows of plants can facilitate new canes growing without damaging the current year's 15 fruit.

In addition, moving the support to the second position lowers the new canes towards the frame and facilitates these being secured to the structure in preparation for the next years fruit production. Further, lowering the support to the secondary second position via an arcuate path may limit damage to the new 20 canes.

These aspects of the present invention should become clearer from the following description.

In a preferred embodiment, each internal assembly includes a pair of cross arms. Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "cross arms" should be James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG understood as meaning two arms that each hold a support, and wherein the arms extend in opposite directions.

The cross arms may be positioned substantially at the centre, and transverse to, the length of the row. Therefore, one arm of each pair extends across each half of 5 the row's width. This arrangement may be repeated along the row so that there are a series of cross arms.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tensioning mechanism for use with a growing assembly, wherein the growing assembly includes a structure having a length and width, and 10 a flexible support extending along the structure's length, the tensioning mechanism including a first member that is connected to the flexible support, and wherein the first member is pivotally secured to a reference point relative to the structure so as to be able to pivot between a first position and a second 15 position, characterised in that when the member is in the first position it tensions the flexible support while in the second position the tension in the flexible support is less than that in the first position.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of constructing a growing assembly, wherein the growing assembly includes a structure having a length and a width and a flexible support extending along the structure's length, 11 James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG the method including the steps of: (a) positioning a first member relative to the structure; (b) pivotally securing the first member to a reference point; (c) connecting the first member to the flexible support; the method characterised by the step of: (d) moving the first member between a first position and a second position such that in the first position the first member tensions the flexible support while in the second position the tension in the flexible support is less than that in the first position.

In a preferred embodiment the tensioning mechanism may be intended for use with a growing assembly as discussed above. In this embodiment, the kitset for use in constructing a growing assembly may include one or more components to construct the mechanism.

However, it should be understood that the tensioning mechanism according to this 15 aspect of the present invention and its associated method of use may be used in combination with other growing assemblies or applications.

In a preferred embodiment the member may be an elongate body made from a material such as steel, wood, or high density plastics.

Preferably, the member provides a point to which a support extending along a row 20 of a growing assembly may be attached.

In the preferred embodiment the support may be a wire attached to a point on the member distal to the bracket ("the connection point").

However it is also envisaged that the present invention may be used with supports 12 James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG other than wires, and that supports may be attached to the member at different positions.

In a preferred embodiment, the tensioning mechanism may secure the member to a post. The post may be secured in the ground using techniques as should be 5 known to those skilled in the art. Such a post could be an available component of a frame.

However the tensioning mechanism may also provide a stand alone way to support the member.

Preferably, the tensioning mechanism ensures that there is sufficient tension in the 10 flexible support such that this does not sag. However the member may be moved into a position such that tension in the support is reduced. This is beneficial in helping to facilitate operation of a growing assembly according to the present invention. For instance, it is important that the tension be reduced in the supports to allow these to be lowered and thereby transfer new canes onto a frame.

In a preferred embodiment the range of motion of the member is such that the connection point is moved along the length of the row. This reduces the tension in the flexible support.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the connection point may be concurrently moved along the row's length, across the row's width, and vertically. This moves 20 the connection point to a position along the row.

However the foregoing should not be seen as limiting and alternatives are envisaged.

Preferably, the member moves the connection point through an arcuate path with respect to the length of the row. 13 James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an end-on perspective view of a growing assembly according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of a growing assembly according to the present invention; Figure 3 is an end view of an end assembly for use in the present invention in 10 a first position; Figure 4 is a side on view of the bracket of Figure 3; Figure 5 is an end on view of an internal assembly for use in a growing assembly in a first position according to the present invention; Figure 6 is a view of Figure 5 with the internal assembly of Figure 5 in a 15 second position; Figure 7 is an end view of a growing assembly having a plurality of rows of plants; Figure 8A is an exploded view of the components forming an internal assembly; Figure 8B is an end view of an internal assembly; Figure 9A is a side view of a second bracket forming part of an end assembly; Figure 9B is an alternate view of Figure 9A; 14 James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG Figure 9C is a side perspective view of Figures 9A and 9B; Figure 10A is a side view of a connector forming part of an end assembly; Figure 1QB is an alternate view of Figure 10A; Figure 10C is a side perspective view of Figures 10A and 10B; Figure 11A is a front view of a first bracket forming part of an end assembly; Figure 11B is a side view of Figure 11 A; Figure 11C is a side perspective view of Figures 11A and 11B; Figure 12A is a side view of a bracing arm forming part of an end assembly; Figure 12B is an alternate view of Figure 12A; Figure 13A is a front view of a first arm forming part of an end assembly; Figure 13B is a side view of Figure 13A; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket forming part of an end assembly; Figure 15 is a close up plan view of first and second bracing arms secured to the second reference point; and Figure 16 is a close up view of a first arm secured to a bracing arm using a connector.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Throughout the Figures like numerals refer to like components. For clarity's sake 20 certain aspects are omitted from some figures.

James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG The following description describes the components of a growing assembly generally indicated as aspect (1) with reference to the order in which they are assembled. The components may be provided in kitset form in any potential combination. The kitset may also include instructions detailing how to assemble 5 the growing structure(s) and the steps in the method described herein.

The growing assembly (1) has a plurality of rows (2,3) of kiwifruit vines (7). For simplicity the Figures show only one row of female plants and one row of male plants. However it is envisaged that the growing assembly (1) could include any number of rows, as indicated by Figure 7.

The rows (2) have male and female kiwifruit vines (7) in accordance with known growing arrangements. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 7, row (2) has female plants, while row (3) has male plants.

For ease of reference the following references will be used: • Line 4 indicating the longitudinal axis of a row which extends along the 15 length of a row (2); • Line 5 indicating an axis substantially perpendicular to X and which extends across the width of a row (2); • Line 6 indicating a vertical axis showing the height of a row (2) and/or components above the ground.

The growing assembly (1) has a plurality of frames (8) positioned along the length of each row (2). The frames (8) are shown as T-bar structures with uprights (8A) and cross bars (8B). Wires (8C) extend along the rows length and are secured to the cross bars (8B) so as to hold them above the ground.

The frames (8) provide a fixed and immovable support over which the kiwifruit 16 James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG vines (7) can grow. This provides a canopy and facilitates access to the kiwifruit vines (7) from underneath.

The growing assembly (1) includes a number of internal assemblies (9) spaced along the length of a row (2) of female kiwifruit vines. The number and spacing of 5 internal assemblies (9) will vary depending on the length of the row, and materials from which these are made.

Each internal assembly (9) is formed from a pair of arms (10,11) and an upright (12). The upright (12) is secured to frame (8) using bolts (not shown) so as to be at substantially the centre at the centre of the row's width. The arms (10,11) are 10 pivotally attached to the upright (12) using bolt (13). The bolt (13) provides an axle about which the arms (10,11) pivot.

Arm (10) extends across the row's width and is therefore substantially perpendicular to line (4). The arm (10) provides an engagement point at end (14).

Arm (11) extends across the width of a row (2) and therefore is substantially 15 perpendicular to line (X). Arm (11) provides an engagement point at end (15).

The engagement points (14,15) allow a person to pivot the arms (10,11) between a first position and a second position as will be discussed in more detail below.

A locking means is formed from ropes (5A). The rope can be tied to the frame (8) and towards engagement points (14, 15). This prevents the arms (10,11) pivoting 20 to drop ends (16,17) when these bear weight. The importance of this should become clearer from the following description.

The first position is shown in Figure 5. It should be noted that the arms (10,11) are at an angle to the horizontal and form an inverted "V" shape with the point facing down. 17 James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG Arm (10) is shown in Figure 6. It should be noted that arm (10) is below the horizontal and is close to the top (18) of the frame (8). In Figure 6 arm (11) is shown intermediate of the first and second positions but can also move fully to the first or second positions, A wire (19A) is threaded through aperture (20) in arm (10) towards end (16) and a corresponding arm (10) of another internal assembly (9) along the row (2). Wire (19A) is secured to a fence post (not shown) at the end of the row (2). The wire (19A) is also connected to an end assembly (22) as will be discussed below.

A plurality of strings (21) are connected to the wire (19A) and wires (8C). The 10 strings (21) are substantially perpendicular to the row's length and spaced apart from each other.

The process is repeated on the other side of the row's width by threading wire (19B) through apertures in (11). Strings (21B) are attached between wire (19B) and the wires (8C).

The strings (21A and 21B) provide a path up which new canes from the vines (7) may grow.

An end assembly (22) is positioned at one end of, and substantially towards the centre of, row (2).

The end assembly (22) includes two lateral arm assemblies indicated generally by 20 (23,24), The end assembly (22) provides a tensioning mechanism to tension and slacken wires (19a, 19b).

The lateral arm assembles (23,24) are identical and therefore only end assembly (23) will be discussed herein. 18 James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG Lateral arm assembly (23) has a first arm (25) and a second arm (26). The arms (25,26) are made from "Ag beam" members as should be known to those skilled in the art.

A mounting bracket (27) is shown in Figure 14. The mounting bracket (27) is 5 configured to facilitate it being secured to a post (28).

Mounting bracket (27) has a base plate (29) and downward extending "L" shaped plates (30). The plates (30) define a cavity (31) which is configured to receive a portion of the post (28) which is secured in the ground. The plates (30) surround a portion of the post (30).

Flanges (32,33) extend laterally either side of a box section (34) secured to base plate (29).

The mounting bracket (27) is positioned relative to the post (28), which is inserted into cavity (31) and secured by fasteners (34). The post (28) provides a reference point with respect to which the first arm (25) can pivot.

A first bracket (36) has a U shaped body (37) that provides a cavity (38). The cavity (38) can receive an end of the first arm (25). A screw (not shown) extends through apertures (39) in the U shaped body (37) and corresponding apertures (neither shown) in the first arm (25). This secures the first arm (25) to the first bracket (35).

A flange (40) extends away from the U shaped body (37).

The first arm (25) is pivotally secured to mounting bracket (27) using bolt (41) which extends through aperture (42) in flange (40) and aperture (43) in flange (32). The bolt (41) acts as an axle about which the first arm (25) can pivot. 19 James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG An intermediate arm (44) is secured to, and extends away from, the first arm (25) at approximately the midpoint in its length. A pulley (45) is secured at end (46) of the intermediate arm (44).

The second arm (26) is secured to a second post (48) using second bracket (49). 5 The second bracket has a U shaped body (50). Flange (51) extends away from the U shaped body (50) at approximately 45 degrees to base (52) of the U shaped body (50).

The second post (48) provides a second reference point about which the second arm (26) can pivot.

The U shaped body (50) defines a cavity (53) that can receive end (54) of the second arm (26).

A fastener (55) is inserted through aperture (56) in U shaped body (50) and second arm (26). This secures the bracing arm (47) to the second bracket (49).

A fastener (57) is inserted through aperture (58) in flange (51) and into the second 15 post (48). This secures the second bracket and thereby the bracing arm (47) to the second fence post (48).

The fastener (57) has a main body (59) with a diameter approximately 25% less than the diameter of the aperture (58). However, fastener head (60) has a diameter greater than that of the aperture (58).

The first arms (25) and second arm (26) are secured together at point distal to the first and second posts (28,48). Figures 10A to 10C show one embodiment of a connector (60) to secure the first and second arms together. The connector (60) has a first U shaped portion (61) and a second U shaped portion (62). The first U shaped portion (61) defines a cavity (63) which can receive end (51) of the first 25 arm (25). The second U shaped portion (62) defines a cavity (65). Apertures (66) James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG can receive and support a spindle (not shown). A member (not shown) is inserted and secured between apertures (67).

The second arm (26) is attached to the first arm (25) using the connector (60) so as to allow the first arm to move between the first position and second position. 5 This connection allows second arm (26) to act as a bracing arm to provide support and strengthen the first arm (25).

Wire (19A) is connected to the first arm (25) by threading between the spindle and member (67). The member (67) prevents wire (19A) from being knocked loose while the growing assembly (1) is in use.

A double purchase arrangement is provided to facilitate moving the firm arm (25) and second arm (26) between the first and second positions. A pole (68) is inserted into box section (34) on mounting bracket (27). A double pulley (69) is secured at end (70) of pole (68).

A rope (71) is threaded around pulley (72) at end (75) of intermediate arm (44) and 15 double pulley (69). The rope (71) is secured to a post (73) on the distal side of the row (2) centre from the lateral arm assembly (23) to which it is connected.

A catching loop is formed by a wire rope (74) attached to end (70) of pole (68) and end (75) of intermediate arm (44). The catching loop prevents the lateral arm assembly (23) dropping too low when rope (71) is loosened. This is achieved by 20 the catching loop transferring the lateral arm assembly's weight (23).

The wire (19A) is then attached to an adjuster (76) secured on the mounting bracket (27). The adjuster (76) is as should be known to those skilled in the art and allows a person to make minor changes to the tension in the wire (19A).

However, for clarity similar numbers are used in the Figures. 21 James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG The above steps are repeated for wire (19B) on the other side of the row (2).

The following description now describes the use of the growing assembly (1).

New canes are looped over and/or around strings (21). The internal assemblies (9) are moved to the first position as shown in Figure 5. This occurs by gripping 5 engagement points (14,15) and moving these downwards. Arms (10,11) pivot about bolt (13) and thereby move wires (19A, 19B) vertically through an arcuate path. It should be appreciated that the wires (17A, 17B) are raised vertically, and across the width of the row so as to be closer to the centre of the row's width.

The arms (10,11) are secured in position by rope (not shown).

The first lateral arm assembly (23) is moved into the first position which is shown in Figures 3 and 4. This is achieved by pulling rope (7) so as to cause first arm (25) and second arm (26) to pivot with respect to the reference points. In doing so, the connector (60) follows an arcuate path in which it is moved up, and across the row's width. This is due to the lateral arm assemblies (23,24) ranges of motion.

Moving the lateral arm assembly (23) to the first position causes this to tension the wire (19A).

The process is repeated for wire (19B) which is by then tensioned by second lateral arm assembly (24).

The growing assembly (1) provides a way to promote growth of new canes while 20 potentially limiting damage to the current years fruit production.

After harvest the new canes must be secured to wire (8C) therefore the strings (21) must be lowered. This is achieved by moving the lateral arm assemblies (23,24) to the second position. This releases the tension in the wires (19A, 19B) and slackens these. 22 James & Wells Ref: 32511 / 60 CG Locking means are released and the arms (10,11) are pivotally moved into the second position shown in Figure 6. The wires (19A, 19B) move through an arcuate path to lower the strings (21). That is, vertically downwards and across the row's (2,4) width.

The new canes can then be secured to the wires (8c). Lowering the strings (21) this way may reduce compression damage to the new canes, due to the position of arms (10,11) and that these pivot.

In addition, the growing assemblies described herein may be easier to manufacture, install and use. According they may reduce a horticulturalist's costs 10 and increase the efficiency of their business.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 23 James & Weils Ref: 32511 /60 cg Received at IPONZ on 10 January 2012

Claims (26)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A tensioning mechanism for use with a growing assembly, wherein the growing assembly includes a structure having a length and a width, and a flexible support extending along the structure's length, the tensioning mechanism including a first member that is connected to the flexible support at a point, wherein the first member is secured to a first reference point so as to be able to move through a range of movement between a first position and a second position, characterised in that the range of movement of the first member causes the point on the member to move along the length of the structure such that in the first position the first member tensions the flexible support while in the second position the tension in the flexible support is less than in the first position.

2. The tensioning mechanism as claimed in claim 1, including a bracing member pivotally secured to a second reference point, wherein the first member and bracing member are connected together at a position distal to the reference points.

3. The tensioning mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second reference point is closer to the structure than the first reference point.

4. The tensioning mechanism as claimed in either one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the second reference point is higher than the first reference point. 24 James & Weils Ref; 32511 /60 cg Received at IPONZ on 10 January 2012

5. The tensioning mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first reference point is substantially inline with the centre of the structure's width.

6. The tensioning mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first member pivots about a substantially horizontal axis.

7. The tensioning mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the bracing member pivots about an axis at between 30-50 degrees to the horizontal.

8. The tensioning mechanism as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bracing member pivots about an axis at 45 degrees to the horizontal.

9. The tensioning mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, including a second member pivotally secured to the first reference point so as to be able to pivot between a first position and a second position, wherein the second member is connected to a second flexible support extending along the structure's length, wherein when the second member is in the first position it tensions the second flexible support and while in the second position the tension in the second flexible support is less than in the first position.

10. The tensioning mechanism as claimed in claim 9, including a second bracing member pivotally secured to the second reference point, wherein the second member and second bracing member are connected together a position distal to the reference point. 25 James & wells Ref: 32511 / 60 gg Received at IPONZ on 10 January 2012

11. The tensioning mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first and second members are movable between the respective first and second positions independently of each other.

12. The tensioning mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, including a double purchase arrangement configured to assist in moving the first or second member between the respective first position and second position.

13. A method of constructing a growing assembly, wherein the growing assembly includes a structure having a length and a width and a flexible support extending along the structure's length, the method including the steps of: (a) positioning a first member relative to the structure, (b) pivotally securing the first member to a reference point, (c) connecting the first member to the flexible support at a point on the first member; the method characterised by the step of: (d) moving the first member through a range of movement so that the point on the first member moves along the length of the structure between a first position and a second position such that in the first position the first member tensions the flexible support while in the second position the tension in the flexible support is less than in the first position. 26 James & Weils Ref: 32511 /60 cg Received at IPONZ on 10 January 2012

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, including the step of pivotally securing a bracing member to a second reference point and the first member at a position distal to the reference point.

15. A method as claimed in either one of claims 13 or 14, including the step of pivotally securing a second member to the reference point and a second flexible support extending along the structure's length, so as to be able to move between a first position and a second position such that in the first position the second member tensions a second flexible support extending along the structure's length while in the second position the tension in the second flexible support is less than that in the first position.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, including the step of pivotally securing a second bracing member to the second reference point and the second member.

17. A bracket for use in the tensioning mechanism as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 8, including a securing portion configured to facilitate securing the bracket to the reference point, a mounting to which the first member may be pivotally attached, characterised in that the bracket defines a range of motion for the first member so that it moves a point on the first member to which a flexible support is secured along the length of a structure between a first position and a second position, such that in the first position the first member tensions a flexible support while in 27 James & Weils Ref: 32511 /60 cg Received at IPONZ on 10 January 2012 the second position the tension in the flexible support is less than in the first position.

18. The bracket as claimed in claim 17, including a second mounting to which the second member may be pivotally attached.

19. The bracket as claimed in either one of claims 17 or 18, wherein the securing portion is a plurality of plates to at least partially surround a post.

20. A growing structure including a a tensioning mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

21. A growing structure including a bracket as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19.

22. The growing structure as claimed in either one of claims 20 or 21, including a plurality of strings extending between the structure and the flexible support.

23. The growing structure as claimed in claim 22, including a plurality of assemblies to pivotally raise and lower the plurality of strings with respect to the structure.

24. A tensioning mechanism as substantially described herein by reference to the best modes section of the attached description and accompanying drawings.

25. A method of constructing a growing assembly as substantially described herein by reference to the best modes section of the attached description and accompanying drawings. 28 James & Weils Ref: 32511 /80 cg Received at IPONZ on 10 January 2012

26. A bracket for use in a growing assembly as substantially described here by reference to the best modes section of the attached description and accompany drawings. Wendy Jeari Flowerday and William Vincent Flowerday, In their capacities as Trustees of the Milan Trust by their authorised agents 29