GB2481248A

GB2481248A - Support device and a method for supporting garden canes

Info

Publication number: GB2481248A
Application number: GB1010254.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Francis Mcalister
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-06-18
Filing date: 2010-06-18
Publication date: 2011-12-21
Also published as: GB201010254D0

Abstract

A support device 1 suitable for supporting a garden rod or cane comprises a base 5 and a support member 3, the support member having at least one support formation arranged to receive and support the rod, wherein the support member is connected to, or is releasably connectable to, a peripheral portion of the base in a cantilevered manner such that the support formation overhangs the plane of the base, wherein the support device is open sided on the side opposite that to which the support member is connected to, or is connectable to, the base. The support member may be designed to pivot about an axis that it substantially perpendicular to the base. The device may be used with a growing bag. Also disclosed is a support device having a support member formed from an elongate body, the body having at least one support formation formed by a tortuous portion of the body. A method for supporting a rod using the aforementioned support device is also disclosed.

Description

SUPPORT DEVICE & A METHOD FOR SUPPORTING RODS OF THE TYPE

USED BY A GARDENER TO ASSIST VEGETATION TO GROW IN A

SUBSTANTIALLY UPRIGHT MANNER

The present invention relates to a support device that is suitable for supporting a rod, to prevent it from toppling over, and a method for supporting rods.

Vegetation such as vegetables, flowers, bushes, etc is often grown in grow bags, flower pots and other similar containers, hereinafter referred to as "vegetation containers".

Gardeners often use rods, such as cane, in order to support tall growing vegetation, particularly in the early stages of growth. However, when using shallow containers where the depth of soil and/or compost is relatively small, there is a propensity for the rods to topple over. This is a particular problem for grow bags, which often have a depth of less than 10cm. This can be very frustrating for gardeners as it can damage the vegetation that the rod was supporting.

In this situation it is traditional for gardeners to tie the rods to other supporting members located adjacent the container such as a fence, post, wall or trellis. However this is generally unsatisfactory since there may not be a support available in the location where the vegetation is to be grown. Thus the vegetation may have to be grown in a location where the growing conditions are not optimal, for example in a shaded area when the vegetation prefers sunlight.

One known solution to this problem is a cane stand that provides a frame having a base and two arched members that extend from one side of the base to the other in a diagonal fashion, such that one of the arches crosses over the other. However, there is a significant drawback to this type of stand, which is that it is necessary to slide one end of the grow bag through the arched members to position the bag on the base. That is, it is necessary to slide the frame along the longitudinal axis of the grow bag such that the bag is effectively threaded through the stand in order to move it to the correct position along the bag. This is quite difficult to do for some people as grow bags are relatively heavy and the stand may easily topple over. Furthermore, when the grow bag already has vegetation growing therein, sliding the frame along the grow bag can damage the vegetation, and if the vegetation is sufficiently large, it may prevent the stand from being correctly positioned.

Some versions of the known stand puncture the grow bag from underneath, which can allow water and soil to escape. This is undesirable.

Accordingly there is a need for a low cost, light weight support device that can be used by gardeners to provide the required support to rods inserted into vegetation containers.

The invention seeks to provide an improved support device and method for supporting rods, or at least an alternative to known apparatus and methods.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a support device suitable for supporting a rod of the type used by a gardener to assist vegetation to grow in a substantially upright manner, such as a cane, thereby preventing the rod from toppling over when in use, the support device including a base and a support member, the support member having at least one support formation arranged to receive and support the rod. The support member is connected to, or is releasably connectable to, a peripheral portion of the base in a cantilevered manner such that the support formation overhangs the plane of the base, wherein the support device is open sided on the side opposite to which the support member is connected to, or is connectable to, the base.

By open sided it is meant that there are no features, such as support members, that protrude from the base that would prevent the base from sliding under the vegetation container. This enables the base to be inserted under the vegetation container in a manner wherein the side opposite to which the support member is connected to, or is connectable to, the base provides the leading edge. Since the support device is cantilevered and open sided, the base can be pushed under a vegetation container from one side only without the support device looping around the container. Thus a support device according to the invention is significantly easier to position than prior art devices that require the container to be threaded through the stand, particularly when applied to containers having vegetation growing therein.

Another advantage of the invention is that the grow bag can be located away from the traditional supports, such as fences, trellises, walls, etc. which provides the user with much greater flexibility for locating the container. Furthermore, the invention does not puncture the underside of the vegetation container.

The support device is particularly applicable for supporting rods that are inserted into, and/or onto, vegetation containers such as grow bags and plant pots, and particularly, though not exclusively, to shallow vegetation containers wherein the soil contained therein does not provide sufficient support to keep the rod in a substantially upright orientation. In use, the vegetation container preferably overlies at least part of the base and the weight thereof helps to fix the position of the support device. The gardener then inserts a cane into, and/or onto, the vegetation container such that it is received and propped up by the support member via the support formation.

Although the intended purpose of the support formations is to support rods, that in turn support vegetation, gardeners may prefer to use the support device to support the vegetation directly, thereby obviating the need for a support rod.

Advantageously the support member can be releasably attachable to the base. This enables the base and support member to be separated for efficient packaging and transportation. It also enables a plurality of different shaped support members to be sold with a single base thereby providing the user with flexibility to select the most appropriate support member for the context. Furthermore, it enables the device to be more easily installed. This is very useful, particularly when the vegetation container already has vegetation growing therein and the gardener wants to avoid damaging the vegetation.

Advantageously the base can include a formation for receiving a part of the support member, and/or the support member includes a formation for receiving a part of the base, the arrangement being such that, in the attached condition, at least a part of the support device extends out of the plane of the base.

Advantageously the support member can be arranged to pivot relative to the base. This enables the user to adjust the position of the support formations relative to the base. For example, the support member can be pivoted from a first position where it does not overhang the base to a second position where it overhangs the base. Advantageously the support member has a substantially circular cross-section and the receiving formation includes a tubular member that is arranged to receive a part of the support member, the arrangement being such that the support member is rotatable within the tubular member.

Preferably the tubular member is welded to the base.

Advantageously the support member is arranged to pivot about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base.

Advantageously the support member can be attached to the base in a plurality of set orientations. For example, the support member can have a polygonal cross-section and the receiving formation can have a complementary cross-section that enables the support member to be located therein in different rotational orientations relative to the base.

Advantageously the support member includes a continuous elongate body. For example, the body can comprise a bendable rod, wire or other similar body that can be formed into the required shape.

Advantageously the support formation can include a section of the body. This provides a very simple and efficient support device. Advantageously the at least one support formation can be provided by a tortuous portion of the body.

The support formation can be separate from the body and can be attached thereto by a suitable means, such as welding or brazing, or can comprise a component, such as a plastics component, that is clipped onto the support member.

Advantageously the support formation can include at least one substantially loop-shaped formation. The arrangement is such that the loop is arranged to receive the rod such that the longitudinal axis of the rod extends through the plane of the loop. Each loop typically has a small open section that is located adjacent the axis of the body. Optionally the loops can be closed by, for example welding, however in many applications this is unnecessary and adds to the cost. Advantageously the loop extends substantially perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis of the second part of the support member. The ioop can be of any shape that is sufficiently large to accommodate the cross-section of the rod. Typically the loop is shaped to match the cross-section of the rod, which is usually substantially circular.

Advantageously the support member includes a first part that is connected, or is connectable, to the base and a second part that includes the at least one formation for receiving and supporting the rod, wherein the first and second parts are offset from one another. That is, the first and second parts are not co-axial. Advantageously the first part is substantially rectilinear. The length of the first part determines the depth of the vegetation container that can be accommodated by the support device. Typically the first part is connected, or is connectable, to the base such that it extends substantially perpendicularly from the base. The second part includes at least one substantially rectilinear portion and at least one tortuous portion, said tortuous portion defining the at least one support formation.

The first and second parts are preferably defined according to the location of bends within the continuous elongate body.

Preferably the first and second parts are connected by a third part, which defines the offset between the first and second parts. The third part determines the extent to which the support member overhangs the base, and hence the vegetation container. Advantageously the third part can be arranged substantially perpendicularly to at least one of the first and second parts, and may for example form a substantially L-shaped part with at least one of the first and second parts. Typically the third part is arranged substantially parallel to the base. Advantageously the at least one support formation can be arranged towards one side of the support member.

Preferably the axes of the first and second parts are arranged substantially parallel to one another.

Advantageously the first, second and third parts can be arranged such that they all lie in substantially the same plane.

The support device can include a plurality of support formations. At least some of the plurality of the support formations are substantially axially aligned. This is to support the rod at different positions along its length. Advantageously, the support member can include at least one support formation that is rotationally offset from at least one other support formation. This enables a plurality of rods to be supported simultaneously.

The base can include an elongate continuous body. The body can be made from a wire or rod that is bent to form a closed shape, for example the closed shape can be substantially triangular, square, circular, oval, any other polygonal or looping shape. Typically the wire body is welded together at its ends to fonn the base. Alternatively, the base can be open by for example including a plurality of feet with no joining member between the feet. The base and support member provide light weight, low cost embodiments that are relatively simple to manufacture. The base may include a plate member.

The support member can be made from a malleable and/or ductile material, such as a malleable and/or ductile steel. This enables the body to be bent into an appropriate orientation. This provides the user with some flexibility to adapt the support device to the required context. For example, the third part of the device can be bent relative to the first part so that it is no longer substantially perpendicular with the first part, but rather is inclined thereto, for example to allow for a deeper vegetation container and/or when the ground is uneven or sloped. Alternatively, the support member can comprise a moulded component, and may be made from, for example a plastics material.

Advantageously the body of the base can be made from a malleable and/or ductile material, such as a malleable and/or ductile steel. Alternatively, the base can comprise a moulded component, and may be made from, for example a plastics material.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a support device suitable for supporting a rod, such as a cane used by a gardener, to prevent the rod from toppling over, the support device including a base and a support member, the support member including a continuous elongate body that is connected, or is releasably connectable, to a rear portion of the base in a cantilevered manner such that the support member extends out of the plane of the base, said body including at least one support formation formed by a tortuous portion of the body that is arranged to receive and support the rod, wherein the support device is open at the front. The at least one support formation overhangs the base and/or is movable to overhang the base. This invention provides a light weight, low cost arrangement that can receive easily at least part of a vegetation container on, or in, its base even when the container already contains vegetation.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for supporting a rod of the type used by a gardener to assist vegetation to grow in a substantially upright manner, and/or supporting vegetation directly, said method including providing a support device according to any one of the preceding claims, placing a container on, and/or within, at least a part of the support device base, and supporting the rod and/or vegetation using the support device.

The method can include inserting one end of the rod into, and/or onto, the container, and engaging said rod with the support formation.

The support formation can comprise a ioop and the method can include inserting the rod and/or vegetation through the loop.

The support member can be releasably attachable to the base, and the method includes assembling the support device by connecting the support member to the base.

The method can include the container comprising one of a plant pot, plant box, planter and a grow bag, and the container can include at least one of the following: soil, compost, stones, gravel, sand, water and other gardening media.

The support formation can include a loop, and the method includes inserting the rod through the ioop.

The support member can be arranged to pivot relative to the base, and the method includes adjusting the pivotal position of the support member relative to the base.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cane stand; Figures 2a-d are views of the cane stand support element; and Figures 3 a-c; are views of the cane stand base.

Figure 1 shows a stand 1 for supporting cane and other similar rods that gardeners use in a substantially upright orientation.

The stand I includes a support element 3 and a base 5 that are releasably attachable to one another.

The support element 3 is made from a metal wire or bendable rod that is bent into shape, thereby providing a substantially continuous elongate body. The cross-section of the continuous body is circular and has a diameter that is typically in the range 2 to 6mm, and preferably around 4mm. Typically the body is made from steel, and preferably a malleable and/or ductile steel, such as mild steel. For steels that are not rust resistant, a protective coating such as paint is applied.

The support element 3 includes a lower part 7 that connects with the base 5, an arm 9 and a support part 11. The lower part 7 is connected with the arm 9 at a bend 13. The arm 9 is connected to the support part 11 at a bend 15.

The length of the lower part 7 mainly determines the depth of the vegetation container that can be accommodated by the stand. The lower part 7 is substantially rectilinear and has a length A (see Figure 2b) that is typically in the range 5-25cm, and preferably around 10 to 15cm. The lower part 7 is connected to the base via its free end 16.

The arm 9 is arranged substantially perpendicularly to the lower part 7, and therefore defines a shoulder when viewed side on. The length B (see Figure 2b) of the arm 9 is typically in the range 5-20cm, and preferably is around 10 to 15cm. In use, the arm overhangs the base 5, and hence any part of a vegetation container that lies on and/or within the base 5. The length of the arm 9 mainly determines the position of the support part 11 relative to the container when mounted on the base 5.

The support part 11 includes a first rectilinear part 17 that is arranged substantially parallel to the lower part 7. The support part 11 is bent thereafter to form a first loop 19 that extends to one side of the first rectilinear part 17, such that it is substantially perpendicular to the arm 9 when viewed in plan. The ioop is connected to a second rectilinear part 21 that is arranged substantially co-axially with the first rectilinear part 17. The support part 11 is bent thereafter to form a second loop 23 that is arranged substantially co-axially with the first 1oop 19. Thus the lower part 7, arm 9 and the first and second rectilinear parts 17,19 of the support part 11 all lie in substantially the same plane, with the first and second ioops 17,19 extending outwards from that plane in a spaced apart manner.

The loops 19,23 are arranged to receive and support gardening rods such as cane and the like. Since the loops 19,23 are contiguous with their respective rectilinear parts 17,21, the loops 19,23 are not fully closed, however they are arranged to extend around the circumference of the gardening rod substantially fully.

The base 5 is made from a metal wire or bendable rod that is bent into shape, thereby providing a substantially continuous elongate body. The cross-section of the continuous body is circular and has a diameter that is typically in the range 2 to 6mm, and preferably around 4mm. Typically the body is made from steel, and preferably a malleable and/or ductile steel, such as mild steel. For steels that are not rust resistant, a protective coating such as paint is applied.

The body is bent to form a substantially triangular shape (see Figures 3 a-c). The free ends of the body are connected together, for example by welding or brazing. A tubular member 25 is connected to the base 5, for example by welding or brazing, at one of the apexes of the triangle. The tubular member 25 is oriented such that its longitudinal axis is arranged substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the base 5. The tubular member 25 is arranged to receive the free end 16 of the lower part of the support element. The tubular member 25 is located at the rear of the base and the cross-piece 27 defines the front of the base.

The support element 3 is arranged to rotate freely within the tubular member 25 about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base 5. Thus the loops 19,23 can be rotated from a first position wherein they do not overhang the base to a second position where they overhang the base.

The depth C of the base from the rear 25 to the front 27 (see Figure 3a) is typically in the range 5-25cm, and preferably around 10-20cm, which is less than the width of a typical grow bag.

The arrangement is such that when the support element 3 is located within the tubular member 25, the front of the stand is open, that is, there is no obstruction to prevent the base from being pushed under the vegetation container. This is because there is no support element 3 at the front, but rather only at the rear. Also, the arm 9 is arranged substantially parallel with the base 5.

In use, the base 5 is positioned on the ground and a vegetation container such as a grow bag is laid over a substantial portion of the base 5, without covering the tubular member 25. This can be achieved by lifting the vegetation container onto the base or alternatively the front 27 of the base 5 can be pushed under one side of the vegetation container (the direction of arrow D in Figure 3a). The support element 3 is attached to the base 5 by inserting the free end 16 of the lower part 7 into the tubular member 25. The support element 3 can be attached to the base 5 prior to, or after, the vegetation container has been positioned on the base 5. The orientation of the support element 3 is then adjusted to align the first and second loops 19,23 with that part of the vegetation container where the rod and/or vegetation is to be supported. The rod is then inserted through the loops 19,23 into the vegetation container. Typically the rod is supported at its lower end by the soil and/or compost in the vegetation container and further up by the support loops 19,23. The stand 1 is itself supported by the weight of the vegetation container overlying the base 5.

It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the stand 1 can be applied to the vegetation container before or after vegetation has been inserted into the container. A signifi cant advantage of the invention is that it can be easily applied to grow bags and other vegetation containers that already have vegetation growing therein since it provides support to the rod from one side of the container only via the cantilevered support element, with the opposite side being open.

It will be appreciated by the skilled person that changes can be made to the above-mentioned embodiment that still fall within the scope of the invention. For example, since the body is made from a malleable and/or ductile material that the various parts of the support element 3 may be accidently, or purposely, bent somewhat such that the arm 9 is inclined to the lower part 7 and/or the support part 11 is inclined to the arm 9 and/or the lower part 7. This may occur for example, because the user wants to accommodate a slightly larger container or for some other contextual reason such as uneven or sloping ground.

The base 5 can be formed into some other shape, such as a square, rectangle, circle, oval, or any other polygonal shape or irregular loop.

The base 5 can include a plate member.

The first and second support loops 19,23, or at least one additional support ioop, can be located on a different part of the support element, for example on the arm 9.

The support part 11 may include a different number of loops. For example, the support part may include a single support ioop. Alternatively the support rod may include a plurality of loops, for example between two and five loops. The loops can extend out from the support part 11 or arm 9 in any direction.

Loops that are axially aligned are typically used to support one rod. The support element 3 can include at least one additional loop that is arranged to support a second gardening rod, and therefore is not axially aligned with the or each loop that is arranged to support a first gardening rod. For example, the at least one additional ioop for the second rod can be rotationally offset from the or each loop for the first rod.

The lower part 7 and arm 9 can be replaced with a substantially arcuate part.

The support element 3 and/or base 5 can have a non-circular cross-section, though a circular cross-section is preferred to enable the support element 3 to pivot relative to the base 5. For example, the cross-section can be square or hexagonal, or any other suitable polygonal shape. In this instance, the support element 2 would not be free to rotate relative to the base 5, however the support element would be able to be positioned in different orientations relative to the base: four orientations for a square section and six orientations for a hexagonal section. Thus some degree of adjustability is provided with the advantage of effectively locking the orientation relative to the base. The cross-section of the tubular member 25 is chosen to match the cross-section of the body.

The support element 3 can be arranged such that it is fixedly attached to the base.

The support element 3 can include at least one support loop that is not formed from the body. For example, the support element can include at least one wire loop that is formed separately from the body and is then attached to the body by welding or brazing. This type of ioop can be an alternative to the first and second loops 19,23 or can be in addition to those loops.

Support formations other than loops can be included in the stand such as, for example protruding members such as rods, ties, curved members, etc. The base 5 and/or support element 3 can comprise moulded components, for example plastics moulded components.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A support device suitable for supporting a rod of the type used by a gardener to assist vegetation to grow in a substantially upright manner thereby preventing the rod from toppling over when in use, the support device including a base and a support member, the support member having at least one support formation arranged to receive and support the rod, wherein the support member is connected to, or is releasably connectable to, a peripheral portion of the base in a cantilevered manner such that the support formation overhangs the plane of the base, wherein the support device is open sided on the side opposite to which the support member is connected to, or is connectable to, the base.
2. A support device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is releasably attachable to the base.
3. A support device according to claim 2, wherein the support member is attachable to the base in a plurality of set orientations.
4. A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member is arranged to pivot relative to the base.
5. A support device according to claim 4, wherein the support member is arranged to pivot about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the base.
6. A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member includes a continuous elongate body.
7. A support formation according to claim 6, wherein the support formation includes a section of the body.
8. A support device according to claim 7, wherein the section of the body is tortuous.
9. A support member according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the cross-section of the continuous elongate member is one of the following: circular and polygonal.
10. A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support fomrntion includes at least one substantially loop-shaped formation.
11. A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member includes a first part that is connected, or is connectable, to the base and a second part that includes the at least one formation for receiving and supporting the rod, wherein the first and second parts are offset from one another.
12. A support device according to claim 11, wherein the first and second parts are connected by a third part, which defines the offset between the first and second parts.
13. A support device according to claim 12, wherein the axes of the first and second parts are arranged substantially parallel to one another.
14. A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, including a plurality of support formations.
15. A support device according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of the support formations are substantially axially aligned.
16. A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base includes an elongate continuous body.
17. A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member is made from a malleable andlor ductile material.
18. A support device suitable for supporting a rod to prevent the rod from toppling over, the support device including a base and a support member, the support member including a continuous elongate body that is connected to, or is releasably connectable to, a rear portion of the base in a cantilevered manner such that the support member extends out of the plane of the base, said body including at least one support formation formed by a tortuous portion of the body that is arranged to receive and support the rod, wherein the support device is open sided at the front.
19. A method for supporting a rod of the type used by a gardener to assist vegetation to grow in a substantially upright manner and/or supporting the vegetation directly, said method including providing a support device according to any one of the preceding claims, placing a vegetation container on, and/or within, at least a part of the support device base, and supporting the rod andlor vegetation using the support device.
20. A method according to claim 19, including inserting one end of the rod into, and/or onto, the container, and engaging said rod with the support formation.
21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the support member is releasably attachable to the base, and the method includes assembling the support device by connecting the support member to the base.
22. A method according to claim 19 or 21, wherein the container comprises one of a plant pot, plant box, planter and a grow bag.
23. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the support formation includes a loop, and the method includes inserting the rod through the ioop.
24. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the support member is arranged to pivot relative to the base, and the method includes adjusting the pivotal position of the support member relative to the base.
25. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the container includes at least one of the following: soil, compost, and water.
26. A support device substantially as described herein and as shown in Figures 1 to 3c.