AU2011101311A4 - Support Structure for Supporting Vegetation - Google Patents

Abstract

-21 Abstract A support structure 30 for supporting vegetation comprises a front panel 31, a rear panel 32, and a plurality of struts 33 secured to both the front panel 31 and the rear panel 32 such that the struts 33 extend between the front panel 31 and 5 the rear panel 32. 32 31 48 48

Description

AUSTRALIA COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Invention Title: Support Structure for Supporting Vegetation Name of Applicant: Project Contracting Pty Ltd Actual Inventor: Barry Charles Green Address for service: WRAYS Ground Floor, 56 Ord Street West Perth WA 6005 Attorney code: WR The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- -2 SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR SUPPORTING VEGETATION Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to support structures for 5 supporting vegetation. Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to supporting the vegetation of a green wall or the like, it will be appreciated that it may be used for other purposes. For example, it may be used for stabilising soft soil. 10 Background Art A green wall is a wall that is either free-standing or part of a building, and that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and, in some cases, soil or an inorganic growing medium. 15 There are two main categories of green walls: green facades and living walls. Green facades are made up of climbing plants either growing directly on an existing wall or, more recently, specially designed supporting structures. The plant shoot system grows up the side of the building while being rooted to the ground at the base of the building. Living walls on the other hand typically 20 include one or more modules that contain vegetation and that are either free standing or that are supported by an existing structure such as a wall. An example of a known green wall structural system is the VGMTM Green Wall system that is currently marketed by Elmich Australia. The system is an adaptation of Elmich's drainage products, and includes a plurality of modules that 25 are mechanically fastened to an existing wall using continuous powder coated stainless steel runners, or that are inserted into a free-standing powder coated stainless steel racking structure. Each module is assembled from a plurality of structural panels that incorporate interlocking snap-on clips for easy assembly. The panels include a front panel that has a grid to facilitate planting of up to 30 sixteen plants per module. The modules contain a geo-textile liner into which is placed a suitable planting mix. The modules are pre--planted in a nursery environment to allow proper establishment of the plants to occur before installation on-site. Module installations include drip irrigation systems that are positioned at appropriate intervals, depending on wall heights. Collection trays -3 may be positioned at ground level to allow overflow water to be discharged or recycled. Another example of a known green wall structural system is the Fytowall T M vertical garden system that is marketed by Fytogreen

TM

. A typical 5 Flytowall TM system installation includes a plurality of vertical battens that are fixed to a host wall, and a plurality of fixing hooks secured to the vertical battens with screws. The hooks support one or more wire mesh panels that have a U shaped profile. The wire mesh panels in turn support one or more modules that contain vegetation. The installation can also include irrigation drip lines for 10 irrigating the vegetation. The Fytogreen TM system is also able to be employed as a green roof structural system. The present invention was developed following discussions with landscape architects, developers, and builders that identified that no easily assembled systems for building green walls existed. Some attempts at installing 15 green walls were made at that time using in-situ custom built frames, but these were excessively expensive and prone to rust and deterioration. It is against this background that the present invention has been developed. 20 Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art mentioned above, or to provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become 25 apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit from which a support structure is able to be assembled, the kit 30 comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and a plurality of struts for securing to both the front panel and the rear panel such that the struts extend between the front panel and the rear panel. Preferably, the support structure is a cage. It is particularly preferred that the support structure is a cage for supporting vegetation.

-4 Preferably, the front panel includes a grating. It is preferred that the grating includes a hexagonal opening, a rectangular opening, or a triangular opening. It is preferred that the grating includes a perimeter frame. Preferably, the front panel is rectangular. In a more preferred form, the 5 front panel is square. Preferably, the front panel is substantially flat. Preferably, the front panel includes a lug. Preferably, the rear panel includes a grating. It is preferred that the grating includes a hexagonal opening, a rectangular opening, or a triangular 10 opening. It is preferred that the grating includes a perimeter frame. Preferably, the rear panel is rectangular. In a more preferred form, the rear panel is square. Preferably, the rear panel is substantially flat. Preferably, the rear panel includes a lug. 15 Preferably, the front panel and the rear panel are substantially identical to each other. Preferably, the struts include a substantially rectangular body. Preferably, the struts are substantially flat. Preferably, the struts are of uniform length. 20 Preferably, the struts are substantially identical to each other. Preferably, the struts are able to be snap-fitted to the front panel and the rear panel such that the struts are thereby secured to the front panel and the rear panel. In a particular preferred form, the struts include a plurality of cantilever snaps, and the front panel and the rear panel include a plurality of apertures for 25 receiving the cantilever snaps. Preferably, the front panel, rear panel, or the struts are made from plastic. Preferably, the plastic is a recyclable plastic. Preferably, the front panel, rear panel, or the struts are made using a moulding process. It is preferred that the moulding process is an injection 30 moulding process. Preferably, the kit also includes a liner for lining an interior of the support structure. It is preferred that the liner is a geo-textile sock. Preferably, the geo textile sock is a sewn geo-textile sock. Preferably, the geo-textile sock is made from geo-textile fabric, or woven polypropylene. In a preferred form, the liner is -5 able to be filled with a growing medium. It is preferred that the growing medium is an inorganic growing medium. Preferably, there is an opening in the liner through which a plant is able to be inserted into the growing medium. It is preferred that the opening is located in a front of the liner. Preferably, the 5 opening is an incision. Preferably, the kit also includes a bracket for securing the support structure relative to a support. Preferably, the kit also includes an irrigation system for irrigating vegetation that is supported by the support structure. It is preferred that the 10 irrigation system is a reticulated irrigation system. Preferably, the support structure is able to be assembled such that a top of the support structure is substantially open, and such that the struts are substantially only located along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom of the support structure. 15 Preferably, the support structure is 500 mm high, 500 mm wide, and either 150 mm or 75 mm deep. Preferably, the kit is stored in a flat-pack form or configuration. According to a second broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a support structure that is assembled from the kit according to the first 20 broad aspect of the present invention. According to a third broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling a support structure from the kit according to the first broad aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: 25 securing the struts and the front panel of the kit together; and securing the struts and the rear panel of the kit together, the struts being secured to the front panel and the rear panel such that the struts extend between the front panel and the rear panel. According to a fourth broad aspect of the present invention, there is 30 provided a construction comprising the support structure according to the second broad aspect of the present invention, and a support for supporting the support structure. According to a fifth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a support structure comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and a - 6 plurality of struts secured to both the front panel and the rear panel such that the struts extend between the front panel and the rear panel. Preferably, the support structure is configured as a cage. It is particularly preferred that the support structure is configured as a cage for supporting 5 vegetation. Preferably, the front panel includes a grating. It is preferred that the grating includes a hexagonal opening, a rectangular opening, or a triangular opening. It is preferred that the grating includes a perimeter frame. Preferably, the front panel is rectangular. In a more preferred form, the 10 front panel is square. Preferably, the front panel is substantially flat. Preferably, the front panel includes a lug. Preferably, the rear panel includes a grating. It is preferred that the grating includes a hexagonal opening, a rectangular opening, or a triangular 15 opening. It is preferred that the grating includes a perimeter frame. Preferably, the rear panel is rectangular. In a more preferred form, the rear panel is square. Preferably, the rear panel is substantially flat. Preferably, the rear panel includes a lug. 20 Preferably, the front panel and the rear panel are substantially identical to each other. Preferably, the struts include a substantially rectangular body. Preferably, the struts are substantially flat. Preferably, the struts are of uniform length. 25 Preferably, the struts are substantially identical to each other. Preferably, the struts are snap-fitted to the front panel and the rear panel such that the struts are thereby secured to the front panel and the rear panel. In a particular preferred form, the struts include a plurality of cantilever snaps, and the front panel and the rear panel include a plurality of apertures that receive the 30 cantilever snaps. Preferably, the front panel, rear panel, or the struts are made from plastic. Preferably, the plastic is a recyclable plastic.

-7 Preferably, the front panel, rear panel, or the struts are made using a moulding process. It is preferred that the moulding process is an injection moulding process. Preferably, the support structure also includes a liner that lines an interior 5 of the structure. It is preferred that the liner is a geo-textile sock. Preferably, the geo-textile sock is a sewn geo-textile sock. Preferably, the geo-textile sock is made from geo-textile fabric, or woven polypropylene. In a preferred form, the liner is filled with a growing medium. It is preferred that the growing medium is an inorganic growing medium. Preferably, there is an opening in the liner 10 through which a plant is able to be inserted into the growing medium. It is preferred that the opening is located in a front of the liner. Preferably, the opening is an incision. Preferably, the support structure is able to be configured such that a top of the structure is substantially open, and such that the struts are substantially 15 only located along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom of the structure. Preferably, the support structure is 500 mm high, 500 mm wide, and either 150 mm or 75 mm deep. According to a sixth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling the support structure according to the fifth 20 broad aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: securing the struts and the front panel of the support structure together; and securing the struts and the rear panel of the support structure together, the struts being secured to the front panel and the rear panel such that the struts 25 extend between the front panel and the rear panel. According to a seventh broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a support system comprising the support structure according to the fifth broad aspect of the present invention, and a bracket for securing the support structure relative to a support. 30 Preferably, the support structure and the bracket are adapted so that the structure is able to be secured relative to the support by securing the bracket relative to the support, and suspending the structure from the bracket. It is preferred that the structure and the bracket are adapted so that the structure is able to be removed from the bracket.

-8 Preferably, the support system also includes an irrigation system for irrigating vegetation that may be supported by the support structure. It is preferred that the irrigation system is a reticulated irrigation system. According to an eighth broad aspect of the present invention, there is 5 provided a construction comprising the support structure according to the fifth broad aspect of the present invention, and a support for supporting the support structure. Preferably, the construction also includes a bracket for securing the support structure relative to the support. It is preferred that the support structure 10 and the bracket are adapted so that the structure is able to be secured relative to the support by securing the bracket relative to the support, and suspending the structure from the bracket. It is also preferred that the structure and the bracket are adapted so that the structure is able to be removed from the bracket. 15 Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put into practice, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a support structure; 20 Figure 2 is a front elevation of a panel of the support structure; Figure 3 is a bottom view of the panel; Figure 4 is a sectional side elevation of the panel taken along the line 4-4 in figure 1; Figure 5 is a rear elevation of the panel of the support structure; 25 Figure 6 is a perspective view of a strut of the support structure; Figure 7 is a first perspective view of a bracket for securing the support structure relative to a support; Figure 8 is a second perspective view of the bracket; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of the support structure mounted on two of 30 the brackets. Best Mode(s) for Carrying out the Invention Referring to figure 1, there is depicted a support structure 30 that is configured as a cage, and that is particularly suitable for supporting vegetation.

-9 The support structure 30 includes a front panel 31, a rear panel 32, and a plurality of identical struts 33 secured to both the front panel 31 and the rear panel 32 such that the struts 33 extend between the front panel 31 and the rear panel 32. 5 Referring to figures 2 to 5, the front panel 31 and the rear panel 32 each include a grating 40. The grating 40 includes; a plurality of hexagonal openings 41; a plurality of rectangular/square openings 42; a plurality of triangular openings 43; a perimeter frame 44; and a plurality of lugs 45. The perimeter frame 44 includes: a plurality of rectangular apertures 46; a plurality of circular 10 apertures 47; and a plurality of recesses 48. Each lug 45 includes a circular aperture 49. The front panel 31 and the rear panel 32 are both rectangular/square shaped, and are also substantially flat/planar. The front panel 31 and the rear panel 32 are also identical to each other. 15 Referring to figure 6, each strut 33 is substantially flat and includes a substantially rectangular body 50, and a respective pair of cantilever snaps 51 extend from each end of the body 50. Each cantilever snap 51 includes a hook 52. Each pair of snaps 51 is arranged such that their hooks 52 face away from each other. 20 The struts 33 are snap-fitted to the front panel 31 and the rear panel 32 such that the struts 33 are thereby secured to the front panel 31 and the rear panel 32. This is accomplished by the apertures 46 in the front and rear panel perimeter frames 44 receiving the cantilever snaps 51. The support structure 30 is consequently relatively quick and easy to assemble. 25 The support structure 30 is 500 mm high, 500 mm wide, and either 150 mm or 75 mm deep. The differing depths of 150 mm and 75 mm are achieved by employing struts 33 of different lengths. Longer struts 33 are used to achieve a depth of 150 mm, and shorter struts 33 are used to achieve a depth of 75 mm. The support structure 30 is assembled such that a top of the structure 30 30 is substantially open, and such that the struts 33 are substantially only located along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom of the support structure 30. Referring to figures 7 and 8, there is depicted a bracket 60 for securing the support structure 30 to a support such as, for example, a wall or the like. Bracket 60 includes a base 61, and a generally triangular-shaped -10 projection 62 that extends perpendicularly from the base 61. The base 61 includes a plurality of openings 63 for receiving screws or other suitable securing members for securing the base 61 relative to a support. An upper portion 64 of the projection 62 includes a pair of recesses 65 and a recess 66. 5 The front panel 31, rear panel 32, struts 33, and the bracket 60 are fabricated or made from a recyclable plastic using an injection moulding manufacturing process. A liner (not depicted) may line the interior of the structure 30. The liner may be a geo-textile sock such as a sewn geo-textile sock, for example. The 10 geo-textile sock may be made from geo-textile fabric, or woven polypropylene. The liner may be at least partially filled with a growing medium. For example, the liner may be at least partially filled with an inorganic growing medium. There may be one or more openings in the liner through which a plant or other vegetation is able to be inserted into the growing medium. The opening 15 or openings may be located in a front of the liner (i.e. adjacent the front panel 31), and the opening or openings may be in the form of an incision in the liner. Figure 9 depicts a support system 70 that includes the support structure 30 and a pair of the brackets 60. The support structure 30 rests on the brackets 60 such that an upper portion of the front panel perimeter frame 44 is received by 20 a respective recess 65 of each bracket 60, and such that an upper portion of the rear panel perimeter frame 44 is received by the other recess 65 of each bracket 60. The brackets 60 are secured to a support (not depicted) such as a wall or the like so that the brackets 60 support the support structure 30 which is suspended from the brackets 60. The support structure 30 and the brackets 60 25 are adapted so that the structure 30 is able to be removed from the brackets 60. The support system 70 may also include an irrigation system (not depicted) for irrigating vegetation that may be supported by the support structure 30. For example, the irrigation system may be a reticulated irrigation system. The support structure/cage 30 is designed to allow for the easy installation of the 30 irrigation system. The support structure 30 may be provided in a kit form that includes the front panel 31, rear panel 32, and the plurality of struts 33. The kit may also include a plurality of the brackets 60 for securing the support structure 30 relative to a support. In addition, the kit may include the liner for lining the interior of the - 11 support structure 30. Furthermore, the kit may include an irrigation system (not depicted) such as a reticulated irrigation system for irrigating vegetation that is supported by the support structure 30. The kit that includes the support structure 30 may be stored in a flat-pack 5 form or configuration. Storing the kit in a flat-pack form or configuration assists to minimise the amount of storage space that the kit occupies, and also facilitates transportation of the kit. The support system 70 is able to be used to support growing medium and live plants, and is able to be mounted on a wall, such as a vertical wall, or a 10 flat or sloping roof. The support system 70 is able to be delivered to site in a flat pack form, and the support structure is able to be assembled using the clip in/snap-fit bottom and side struts 33. The assembled system 70 comprises a 500 mm x 500 mm x 150 mm (or 75 mm) support structure/cage 30 that is made entirely from recycled plastic. A 15 sewn geo-textile sock fits neatly inside the cage 30 and is filled with a non organic growing medium. Plants are inserted into the growing medium through incisions in the front of the geo-textile sock. Each cage 30 sits or rests on two specially designed brackets 60 that are fixed to a wall or other support such that the cage 30 can be removed and 20 replaced at any time. A plurality of the support structures/cages 30 may be mounted on a wall or other support using a plurality of brackets 60 to form a wall system. A construction (not depicted) includes the support structure 30 and a support for supporting the support structure 30. The construction may also 25 include one or more of the brackets 60 for securing the support structure 30 relative to the support. Each of the brackets 60 is secured relative to the support, and the support structure 30 is then suspended from the brackets 60. As mentioned previously, the support structure 30 and the brackets 60 are adapted so that the structure 30 is able to be removed from the brackets 60. 30 The support of the construction may for example be a wall, or a roof such as a flat or a sloping roof. It will however be appreciated that the construction may include a support other than a wall or a roof. A green roof that includes the support structures could be retrofitted over an existing roof such as an old corrugated iron roof. The green roof is able to -12 substantially improve the thermal and acoustic insulation properties of the building on which it is installed. One or more of the support structures 30 may be used to stabilise soft soil. The structure 30 is designed such that it can carry vehicular traffic when 5 embedded horizontally in soft soil. The support structure 30 can be used as a room or office divider. The structure 30 can be supported by an appropriate supporting frame, and can be planted such that vegetation is located on both sides of the structure 30 so that the structure 30 provides an attractive internal living wall divider. 10 The support structures 30 may be used as part of a living wall. In a standalone situation, a wall of the structures 30 can be used as an external wall to a building in place of timber framing or brickwork. An embankment may be stabilised by employing one or more support structures 30. For example, one or more of the structures 30 can be employed in 15 a reinforced earth situation to produce a pre-planted and secure embankment. Using the structures 30 in this way enables much steeper slopes than is usually possible to be achieved/constructed. A green cabinet can be constructed by incorporating one or more of the support structures 30 into a standalone cabinet that is mounted on wheels and 20 that can be planted with herbs, flowers or vegetables. A cabinet of this type can be ideal for unit balconies and small patios. A single support structure 30 can be fitted with a decorative frame, planted out with herbs, and mounted on a wall so that the structure 30 functions as an herb box. This is ideal for installation on balconies and patios. 25 A series of support structures 30 can be mounted in a decorative frame and mounted on a wall. When planted out with colourful plant species they provide an attractive, calming, and decorative feature. Planted out support structures 30 can be mounted in long runs along highways and railways to provide a living, graffiti free noise barrier. 30 An array of support structures 30 can be adapted with a self contained water treatment and reticulation system to provide a vertical growing system in a remote community that has poor soil and a limited or contaminated water supply. In situations where a group of support structures 30 are in close proximity to each other, the individual structures 30 can be joined together with -13 simple cable ties. Water reticulation feeder pipes can be installed across the top of the support structure or structures 30. The support structure 30 either alone or in conjunction with the brackets 5 60 is able to provide a relatively lightweight and economical green wall that is easily maintained. The support structure 30 can be incorporated into a green wall, living wall, or vertical garden. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and 10 modifications to the invention described herein will be apparent without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The variations and modifications as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth. Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires 15 otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited 20 to the value for the range qualified by the terms. It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, that reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Claims (104)

1. A kit from which a support structure is able to be assembled, the kit comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and a plurality of struts for securing to both the front panel and the rear panel such that the struts extend between the 5 front panel and the rear panel.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the support structure is a cage.

3. The kit of claim 2, wherein the support structure is a cage for supporting vegetation.

4. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front panel 10 includes a grating.

5. The kit of claim 4, wherein the grating includes an opening selected from the group of openings comprising: a hexagonal opening; a rectangular opening; and a triangular opening.

6. The kit of any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the grating includes a 15 perimeter frame.

7. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front panel is rectangular.

8. The kit of claim 7, wherein the front panel is square.

9. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front panel is 20 substantially flat.

10. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front panel includes a lug.

11. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear panel includes a grating. 25

12. The kit of claim 11, wherein the grating includes an opening selected from the group of openings comprising: a hexagonal opening; a rectangular opening; and a triangular opening.

13. The kit of any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the grating includes a perimeter frame. 30

14. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear panel is rectangular.

15. The kit of claim 14, wherein the rear panel is square.

16. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear panel is substantially flat. -15

17. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear panel includes a lug.

18. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front panel and the rear panel are substantially identical to each other. 5

19. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the struts include a substantially rectangular body.

20. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the struts are substantially flat.

21. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the struts are of 10 uniform length.

22. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the struts are substantially identical to each other.

23. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the struts are able to be snap-fitted to the front panel and the rear panel such that the struts are 15 thereby secured to the front panel and the rear panel.

24. The kit of claim 23, wherein the struts include a plurality of cantilever snaps, and the front panel and the rear panel include a plurality of apertures for receiving the cantilever snaps.

25. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the 20 front panel, rear panel, and the struts are made from plastic.

26. The kit of claim 25, wherein the plastic is a recyclable plastic.

27. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the front panel, rear panel, and the struts are made using a moulding process.

28. The kit of claim 27, wherein the moulding process is an injection 25 moulding process.

29. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the kit also includes a liner for lining an interior of the support structure.

30. The kit of claim 29, wherein the liner is a geo-textile sock.

31. The kit of claim 30, wherein the geo-textile sock is a sewn geo-textile 30 sock.

32. The kit of any one of claims 30 to 31, wherein the geo-textile sock is made from geo-textile fabric.

33. The kit of any one of claims 30 to 31, wherein the geo-textile sock is made from woven polypropylene. - 16

34. The kit of any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the liner is able to be filled with a growing medium.

35. The kit of claim 34, wherein the growing medium is an inorganic growing medium. 5

36. The kit of any one of claims 34 to 35, wherein there is an opening in the liner through which a plant is able to be inserted into the growing medium.

37. The kit of claim 36, wherein the opening is located in a front of the liner.

38. The kit of claim 37, wherein the opening is an incision.

39. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the kit also includes 10 a bracket for securing the support structure relative to a support.

40. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the kit also includes an irrigation system for irrigating vegetation that is supported by the support structure.

41. The kit of claim 40, wherein the irrigation system is a reticulated irrigation 15 system.

42. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure is able to be assembled such that a top of the support structure is substantially open, and such that the struts are substantially only located along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom of the support structure. 20

43. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure is 500 mm high, 500 mm wide, and 150 mm deep.

44. The kit of any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein the support structure is 500 mm high, 500 mm wide, and 75 mm deep.

45. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the kit is stored in a 25 flat-pack form or configuration.

46. A support structure that is assembled from the kit according to any one of the preceding claims.

47. A method for assembling a support structure from the kit according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: 30 securing the struts and the front panel of the kit together; and securing the struts and the rear panel of the kit together, the struts being secured to the front panel and the rear panel such that the struts extend between the front panel and the rear panel. - 17

48. A construction comprising the support structure according to claim 46, and a support for supporting the support structure.

49. A support structure comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and a plurality of struts secured to both the front panel and the rear panel such that the struts 5 extend between the front panel and the rear panel.

50. The support structure of claim 49, wherein the support structure is configured as a cage.

51. The support structure of claim 50, wherein the support structure is configured as a cage for supporting vegetation. 10

52. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 51, wherein the front panel includes a grating.

53. The support structure of claim 52, wherein the grating includes an opening selected from the group of openings comprising: a hexagonal opening; a rectangular opening; and a triangular opening. 15

54. The support structure of any one of claims 52 to 53, wherein the grating includes a perimeter frame.

55. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 54, wherein the front panel is rectangular.

56. The support structure of claim 55, wherein the front panel is square. 20

57. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 56, wherein the front panel is substantially flat.

58. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 56, wherein the front panel includes a lug.

59. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 58, wherein the rear 25 panel includes a grating.

60. The support structure of claim 59, wherein the grating includes an opening selected from the group of openings comprising: a hexagonal opening; a rectangular opening; and a triangular opening.

61. The support structure of any one of claims 59 to 60, wherein the grating 30 includes a perimeter frame.

62. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 61, wherein the rear panel is rectangular.

63. The support structure of claim 62, wherein the rear panel is square. - 18

64. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 63, wherein the rear panel is substantially flat.

65. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 64, wherein the rear panel includes a lug. 5

66. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 65, wherein the front panel and the rear panel are substantially identical to each other.

67. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 66, wherein the struts include a substantially rectangular body.

68. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 66, wherein the struts 10 are substantially flat.

69. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 68, wherein the struts are of uniform length.

70. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 68, wherein the struts are substantially identical to each other. 15

71. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 70, wherein the struts are snap-fitted to the front panel and the rear panel.

72. The support structure of claim 71, wherein the struts include a plurality of cantilever snaps, and the front panel and the rear panel include a plurality of apertures that receive the cantilever snaps. 20

73. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 70, wherein at least one of the front panel, rear panel, and the struts are made from plastic.

74. The support structure of claim 73, wherein the plastic is a recyclable plastic.

75. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 74, wherein at least one 25 of the front panel, rear panel, and the struts are made using a moulding process.

76. The support structure of claim 75, wherein the moulding process is an injection moulding process.

77 The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 76, wherein the support structure also includes a liner that lines an interior of the structure. 30

78. The support structure of claim 77, wherein the liner is a geo-textile sock.

79. The support structure of claim 78, wherein the geo-textile sock is a sewn geo-textile sock.

80. The support structure of any one of claims 78 to 79, wherein the geo textile sock is made from geo-textile fabric. -19

81. The support structure of any one of claims 78 to 79, wherein the geo textile sock is made from woven polypropylene.

82. The support structure of any one of claims 77 to 81, wherein the liner is filled with a growing medium. 5

83. The support structure of claim 82, wherein the growing medium is an inorganic growing medium.

84. The support structure of any one of claims 82 to 83, wherein there is an opening in the liner through which a plant is able to be inserted into the growing medium. 10

85. The support structure of claim 84, wherein the opening is located in a front of the liner.

86. The support structure of any one of claims 84 to 85, wherein the opening is an incision.

87. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 86, wherein the support 15 structure is able to be configured such that a top of the structure is substantially open, and such that the struts are substantially only located along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom of the structure.

88. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 87, wherein the support structure is 500 mm high, 500 mm wide, and 150 mm deep. 20

89. The support structure of any one of claims 49 to 87, wherein the support structure is 500 mm high, 500 mm wide, and 75 mm deep.

90. A method for assembling the support structure according to any one of claims 49 to 89, the method comprising the steps of: securing the struts and the front panel of the support structure together; 25 and securing the struts and the rear panel of the support structure together, the struts being secured to the front panel and the rear panel such that the struts extend between the front panel and the rear panel.

91. A support system comprising the support structure according to any one 30 of claims 49 to 89, and a bracket for securing the support structure relative to a support.

92. The support system of claim 91, wherein the support structure and the bracket are adapted so that the structure is able to be secured relative to the -20 support by securing the bracket relative to the support, and suspending the structure from the bracket.

93. The support system of claim 92, wherein the structure and the bracket are adapted so that the structure is able to be removed from the bracket. 5

94. The support system of any one of claims 91 to 93, wherein the support system also includes an irrigation system for irrigating vegetation that may be supported by the support structure.

95. The support system of claim 94, wherein the irrigation system is a reticulated irrigation system. 10

96. A construction comprising the support structure according to any one of claims 49 to 89, and a support for supporting the support structure.

97. The construction of claim 96, wherein the construction also includes a bracket for securing the support structure relative to the support.

98. The construction of claim 97, wherein the support structure and the 15 bracket are adapted so that the structure is able to be secured relative to the support by securing the bracket relative to the support, and suspending the structure from the bracket.

99. The construction of any one of claims 97 to 98, wherein the structure and the bracket are adapted so that the structure is able to be removed from the 20 bracket.

100. A kit from which a support structure is able to be assembled, the kit being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 to 6.

101. A support structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 to 6. 25

102. A method for assembling a support structure, the method being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 to 6.

103. A construction substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 to 6.

104. A support system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference 30 to the figures.