GB2382772A

GB2382772A - Artificial plant system

Info

Publication number: GB2382772A
Application number: GB0129089A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Melanie Anne O'toole
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-12-05
Filing date: 2001-12-05
Publication date: 2003-06-11
Anticipated expiration: 2021-12-05
Also published as: GB0129089D0; GB2382772B

Abstract

A system of artificial botanical plant species of the climbing or rambling type comprises a network of elements 2,4 in modular form capable of being interconnected to present a unitary structure, eg a hedge. The elements may be hollow, thereby providing a conduit for the supply of a utility such as water, which may contain additives, or cabling for power, lighting, a sound system, security surveillance cameras, or laser equipment for the emission of security beams.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL PLANTS This invention concerns improvements in or relating to artificial plants and in particular has reference to such plants that are of the climbing or rambling variety.

It is of course well known to produce artificial flowers of many different species and colours in unitary form for placement in an appropriate receptacle for decorative purposes.

The use of natural plants in the creation of barriers, i. e. hedges, for boundary definition is widespread and the adoption of thorny plants, such as berberis, pyracanthus or indeed roses is customary as a security measure against potential trespass.

An object of the present invention is to provide a system of artificial botanical plant species of the climbing or rambling variety that will afford versatility in usage and deployment.

A further object of the present invention is to provide such a system that will facilitate its adoption as a security framework for gardens or land areas and/or to afford a means of defining the curtilage of a property.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide such a system that will give an aesthetic and yet utilitarian aspect.

According to a first aspect of the present invention a system of artificial botanical plant species of the climbing or rambling variety includes a network of plant elements in modular form capable of being interconnected to present a unitary structure.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a system according to the first aspect including a plurality of plant-like stem elements provided with junctions or nodes at which there is provided at least one union for interconnection with another element.

The elements may be solid with separate junctions or nodes which provide the capability of male and female union for interconnection purposes.

The elements themselves may be hollow and may be of tubular form with the respective ends of the tubes providing the nodes or junctions of appropriate male or female form to facilitate interengagement thereby enabling the creation of the said network. In the alternative, the nodes or junctions may be separate or separable from the elements to provide universality and versatility. In this connection, the nodes or junctions may afford a single or multiple interengagement facility thereby providing the capability to build a rambling or climbing artificial plant in espalier or multi-branch limb array.

The nodes or junctions may advantageously be of the releasable kind, for example a simple press fit or of the mechanical interlocking type, for example a bayonet fitment.

In a further embodiment the nodes or junctions may be provided with seals for sealing the interconnecting joints formed at the union of adjacent elements thereby preventing the ingress of contaminants, such as moisture or erosive matter, into the interior of hollow elements.

The network of the invention may possess dual functionality in terms of it providing a conduit for supplying a utility at various points around the network. For example, the conduit so formed may be adapted in use to contain the flow of water for irrigation of the ground in the vicinity of the

network, suitable outlets being provided in the elements for issuance of the water. Nutritional additives may be supplied to the liquid stream if desired or olfactory stimulants, ie. scent-emitting additives, may be used. The initiation of the water supply may advantageously be controlled on a time or climatic basis.

Alternatively the water may be replaced by another liquid which for security purposes may be a dye the release of which from the network would be triggered by trespass across a boundary defined by the network.

The release of the dye may be triggered by the breaking of a suitable beam which would energise the system to initiate the supply of the dye for issuance from the outlets. The network of the invention may also provide the facility for projecting security beams, for example laser beams, which may be arrayed in use in a matrix in order to provide overlapping cover for a defined area through which trespass is likely to occur.

In a still further embodiment of the present invention the conduit formed by the network may be adapted to contain at least one power cable to which various electrical equipment may be connected at appropriate points in the network, there being provided suitable sockets or their equivalent for that purpose. For example, the electrical equipment may be of an illuminative character in the form of lighting or for pest control, e. g. for zapping bugs particularly on summer evenings. The lighting may conveniently be decorative. In this connection, another embodiment of the present invention permits the provision of a circuit of optical fibres or equivalent in combination with a number of locations provided in the conduit through which the fibres or their equivalent protrude thereby to provide when in use a decorative appearance.

Sound systems may also be accommodated in association with the network of the invention whereby at appropriate locations around the network loud speakers or microphones are provided the necessary cabling being accommodated in hidden manner within the conduit presented by the network. The control of the sound systems would conveniently be provided remote from the loud speakers. Such sound systems may be employed for pleasure, but they may also be sufficiently versatile as to reproduce security alarms as a deterrent in the event of intrusion onto the premises where the network is located. Surveillance cameras may mounted on or in association with the network of the invention which provides the necessary power and control and signal cabling through the internal channels within the individual mating elements.

The network so provided by the invention may be employed as a communication medium by accommodating within the conduit formed by the network suitable cabling with appropriate outlets for telecommunications or a PC to which access could be had remotely for the purpose of providing commands to initiate for example an irrigation program.

The elements of the network may be provided with surface decoration or protrusions, the latter of which may be in the representational form of natural plant formations such as thorns or other characteristic contours.

In the case where the invention is to be adopted for security usage, the thorns or other characteristic contours may be produced in realistic form to the extent that physical personal contact therewith would be a deterrent.

The system according to the invention may also be used as a support for natural plants which may be located in the vicinity of the network and

accordingly the network may be adapted for such use in terms of its strength and rigidity.

Certain elements of the system of the present invention may be so formed as to facilitate insertion and retention in a substrate that may be the ground or may be a wall or fence in relation to which the system is to be used. For example some of the elements or some junctions or nodes may be provided with staking or securement arrangements for this purpose.

By way of example, five embodiments of a system of artificial botanical plant species of the climbing or rambling variety are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a general embodiment; Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view similar to Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front elevation of a first embodiment; Figure 4 is a front elevation of a second embodiment; Figure 5 is a front elevation of a third embodiment; Figure 6 is a front elevation of a fourth embodiment; Figure 7 is a front elevation of a fifth embodiment; Figure 8 is a front elevation of a sixth embodiment; Figure 9 is a front elevation of a seventh embodiment; Figure 10 is a front view of a network embodying the invention; Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a connector and adjacent ends of two elements to be joined; Figure 12 is perspective view corresponding to Figure 11 with the two elements joined by the connector; Figures 13 and 14 are corresponding views to those shown in Figures 11 and 12 with a different kind of connector incorporating a seal;

Figure 15 and 16 are corresponding views to those shown in Figures 11 and 12 with a still different kind of connector incorporating a seal; Figures 17 and 18 show a connector incorporating a stake member in exploded and conjoined views; Figure 19 shows in external and end views one type of element; Figure 20 shows in external and end views another type of element; and Figure 21 shows in external and end views a still further type of element.

Referring first to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there are shown two elements 2 and 4 of a system of artificial botanical plant species which in the examples is chosen as being a rambling or climbing rose. The two elements 2 and 4 are so formed as to represent the appearance of a rose with the stems bearing thorns 5, the elements being of pliable natural or synthetic material, e. g. plastics, rubber or foam. Each element 2,4 is provided with a number of junctions or nodes 6 and each end of each element is adapted to receive in releasable manner the end of a contiguous element. For this purpose the nodes 6 and the ends of the elements 2,4 are hollow or of female form such as to receive the male form of a connector 8 or indeed the male end of an adjacent element. The connector 8 in Figures 1 and 2 is a simple cylindrical slug 10 with a spacing ring 12. In alternative embodiments the connector may of different shape and cross section dependent upon the shape of the elements. There is also optionally provided a sealing sleeve 14 of a suitable flexible material, such as a plastics or rubber material, which as seen in Figure 1 at 16 covers the node 6.

As will readily be appreciated, the elements 2,4 are connected end to end through the agency of the connectors 8 to give the appearance of a multi-

stemmed plant, in this example a rambling or climbing rose. The side shoots which some elements may constitute may be provided with clip-on leaf formations as at 20, the clip 21 being a simple sprung grip as shown in the exploded view of Figure 2.

In Figure 3 there are shown two tubular elements 2 and 4, only the end of the latter being depicted, in separated status. The element 2 is provided with a number of apertures 30 through which protrude the ends of optical fibres 32 which are connected appropriately at power source not shown.

When lit the optical fibres present an attractive visual effect with a multiplicity of apertures being provided throughout the network comprising many elements 2,4.

Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the elements 2,4 are tubular and accommodate cabling (not shown) for a mini-camera 40 that is mounted on the element 2, the camera being connected to a monitor (not shown) for viewing. The camera in use would be so orientated as to capture images over an area of ground adjacent the network of elements for the purpose of surveillance.

The embodiment of Figure 5 is similarly employed for security purposes and includes a light 50 which may be of the quartz halogen type and which may be triggered upon detection of movement, or may be timed to illuminate as and when required.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment in which the tubular members 2,4 are connected to provide a sound circuit wherein speakers or microphones 60 are provided at predetermined locations throughout the network for the purpose of either picking up sound and/or broadcasting sound.

Figure 7 illustrates element 2,4 provided with a PC 65 which is adapted to control various functions associated with the network of the invention.

Access to the PC may be local or remote and may be capable of satellite communication.

Figure 8 is concerned with an embodiment in which the tubular elements 2,4 are conjoined in a network of a plurality of elements which are provided with liquid spray outlets 70 for irrigation, fertilising or odorising, or in an alternative mode of operation for issuing a dye. In this latter respect, the spraying of the dye would be initiated upon the detection of the presence of an intruder in the vicinity of the network.

Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment in which the tubular elements 2,4 are perforated as at 81 for the projection of for example laser light beams 82 provided by suitable supply units, the arrangement being for security purposes whereby the breach of a light beam would trigger an alarm (not shown).

Figure 10 shows a network of a plurality of elements 2,4 against a lattice framework 90 as a support for the system of the present invention and as will be seen the system affords a network with different limbs branching out in different and diverse directions. The elements of the network may include one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein and accordingly may be a hybrid offering a number of different functions, including irrigation and illumination. It will be seen that a source of water is provided through means of a tap 100 mounted on a wall 101, and there are lights provided in other elements in the network, the cabling and water being kept separate.

As will be appreciated, the network so formed by the elements that are generally tubular is comprehensive and affords a visual aspect akin to the

genuine natural rose plant with thorns being arrayed throughout the plant.

In addition, however, the network affords other utilities such as those depicted in Figure 10. In addition the network can provide a support for other plants which may be secured thereto by gardening twine or the like.

In the illustrations ensuing Figure 11 there is shown a variety of different connectors which engage the tubular elements. In Figure 11 two elements 2,4 are shown with a connector 32 having two shoulders 33 and screw threads 35 at each end that engage in positive manner the respective ends of the elements 2,4. Figure 12 shows the elements conjoined with the aid of the connector 32.

In Figures 13 and 14 show a slightly different form of connector 42 from that shown in the previous two figures with two shoulders 33 but with plain ends which merely push fit into the respective ends of the elements 2,4. In addition there is provided a seal 44 which fits over the conjoined ends to seal them. Such sealing is important for internal cabling or when the network is used of water flow.

Figures 15 and 16 depict a still different form of connector 52 used for solid elements, one male end of the connector having two diametrally opposed pins 54 which engage slots 56 in the female end of an adjacent element. The fixing is achieved by simply turning the male end once it has been inserted thereby to bridge the female end to prevent removal. Disconnection is merely effected by reverse turning of the male end to align the pins with the slots to allow removal.

Figures 17 and 18 illustrate a stake connector 62 having a ribbed tapering and pointed end which is intended to engage the ground or a substrate for securement purposes. The connector 62 also has nodes to which are connectable elements such as 2,4 in order to build up a network.

Figures 19,20 and 21 show three different forms of element 2,4, the first being of tubular form and having a series of internal reinforcements 72 having different starts. The second shown in Figure 20 is a split tube into which is press fitted pre-formed thorns for example at space intervals along the length of the element. The third form is depicted in Figure 21 which is comprised of a tubular element with preformed thorn-like protrusions extending radially therefrom.

The elements may be formed of extrusions and then machined to provide the appropriate surface contour for the botanical species selected. In the alternative, the elements are moulded.

The present invention provides a simple and yet versatile system of artificial botanical species that affords a cornucopia of possibilities of usage ranging from the purely decorative and entertaining to a serious security means. The elements of the invention are relatively simple to make and the connectors also are of simple form, yielding an easy to build network including if desired differing functions in various parts thereof.

The aesthetic character of the system of the invention is important but the invention also seeks to establish a versatility of function that will be attractive to both domestic and possibly commercial premises, where the security potential as described in the foregoing should prove attractive.

It will be appreciated that although the invention has principally been described in relation to the climbing or rambling rose plant it embraces any other genus or species of plant with a propensity for espalier type growth. Accordingly it will be understood that the invention presents a variety of different aesthetic forms and accordingly varied blooms would

be applied dependent upon the plant concerned. Equally, there are plants used in horticulture purely for the decorative foliage, for example certain types of hedera, commonly known as ivy, are variegated and present an attractive combination of colours. It is therefore within the purview of the skilled artisan to produce the invention possessing the principal elements but in varied form.

It is also a feature of the invention that if desired some of the elements may be more rigid than others thereby affording a degree of stiffness enabling the network so formed to be relatively self-supporting.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A system of artificial botanical plant species of the climbing or rambling variety including a network of plant elements in modular form capable of being interconnected to present a unitary structure.
2. A system according to Claim 1 in which the system includes a plurality of plant-like stem elements provided with junctions or nodes at which there is provided at least one union for interconnection with another element.
3. A system according to any one of the preceding claims in which the elements are hollow and of tubular form with the respective ends of the tubes providing junctions or nodes of appropriate male or female form to facilitate interengagement thereby enabling the creation of the said network.
4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3 in which the elements are hollow and of tubular form with junctions or nodes formed separately in the form of connectors for interengagement of adjacent ends of adjacent elements.
5. A system according to Claim 4 in which the connectors afford a single or multiple interengagement facility thereby providing the capability to build a rambling or climbing artificial plant in espalier or multi-branch limb array.
6. A system according to Claim 4 or 5 in which the connectors are of the releasable kind.

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7. A system according to Claim 6 in which the connectors are of the press fit type.
8. A system according to Claim 6 in which the connectors are of the screw fitment type.
9. A system according to Claim 6 in which the connectors of the bayonet type.
10. A system according any one of the preceding Claims 2 to 9 in which the junctions or nodes are provided with seals.
11. A system according to Claim 10 in which the seals are of the wrap- over type.
12. A system according to any one of the Claims 3 to 11 in which the network comprising a plurality of hollow tubular elements provides a conduit for supplying a utility at various locations therein.
13. A system according to Claim 12 in which the conduit is adapted to contain a liquid flow and a plurality of liquid outlets is provided throughout the network for liquid egress.
14. A system according to Claim 13 in which the conduit is adapted to contain water.
15. A system according to Claim 13 and 14 in which the conduit is adapted contain water and additives.
16. A system according to Claim 15 in which the conduit is adapted to contain additives of a nutritional or olfactory stimulants.

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17. A system according to Claim 12 in which the conduit is adapted to encase a power cable provided at predetermined locations throughout the network with take-off points.
18. A system according to Claim 12 in which the conduit is adapted to encase a lighting cable of the fibre optic type, the network being provided at predetermined locations throughout the network with appropriate apertures for the protrusion of fibre ends to give illumination.
19. A system according to Claim 17 in which the take-off points are light sockets for the reception of lamps.
20. A system according to Claim 17 in which the conduit is further adapted to encase cabling for sound systems, the network being provided throughout with appropriate connections for sound producing equipment.
21. A system according to Claim 17 in which the conduit is further adapted to encase cabling for one or more security surveillance cameras, the network being provided with appropriate mountings for the or each camera.
22. A system according to Claim 12 in which the conduit is adapted to receive and encase laser equipment for the emission of security beams from the network.
23. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims 19 to 22 in which at least one timer and/or movement actuated sensor is provided.

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24. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims 17 to 23 in which a remote control facility is provided.
25. A system according to Claim 24 in which the remote control facility comprises a PC.
26. A system according to Claim 25 in which the PC is remotely accessible.
27. A system according to Claim 1 or 2 in which the elements are solid with separate connection or nodes providing the capability of male and female union for interconnection purposes.
28. A system according to any one of the preceding claims in which the elements are profiled and/or decorated in accordance with natural features of the relevant botanical plant species.
29. A system according to Claim 28 in which the plant species is rosa and the elements are provided with thorns.
30. A system of artificial botanical plant species of the climbing or rambling variety substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.