Abstract
The present invention provides structures that maximize the use of minimal ground space or pot soil by providing generally vertical outward-sloping multiple cords or net trellis such as to offer increasing volume for plant foliage with height, which is adjustable to the user's desire. A compact kit includes at least two elongated leg member, and at least one elongated support, and can be assembled into structures up to approximately twice as wide at the top as at the base where the plants begin growing in soil. Flaccid replaceable cords when installed incline generally outward and upward to top horizontal rods supporting wining plants to grow generally vertically and even horizontally across the top.
Claims
1. A method for erecting a plant support trellis which provides expanding volume for growth in a vertical direction, wherein said method begins with procuring a trellis kit including: at least four leg members, at least two horizontal support rods, at least four corner connector fittings frictionally configured to engage with an end of one of said legs and an end of said horizontal support rod, and a net and a multiplicity of flaccid cords; subsequently, erecting the four leg members generally vertical in an elongated V shape such that top end spacing is double that of bottom spacing in growing medium; and securing at least one of said multiplicity of flaccid cords at one end adjacent a growing medium and further engaged at a central portion with at least one of the horizontal support rods, and an opposite end secured in a separate portion of the growing medium.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said four leg members are installed in pairs within growing medium of two plant-growing containers wherein the top ends of the leg members are angled away from the other in the same container.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said net is attached at one edge to one of said horizontal support rods with the opposing edge attached adjacent the growing medium.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 provides a perspective schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an elongated V.
(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred cross-brace attachment.
(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the elongated V trellis with additional features.
(4) FIG. 4 is an end elevation view of an alternative cord feature of the present invention.
(5) FIG. 5 is a perspective end view of an unprotected embodiment of the present invention.
(6) FIG. 6 provides a plan view of the optional set of ground stakes for the present invention.
(7) FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a manner for securing the elongated V structure when used on the ground of a typical outdoor garden.
(8) FIG. 8 provides a plan view of a kit with the typical parts for the erecting the structure of the present invention.
(9) FIG. 9 provides an elevation view of an alternative kit with the typical parts for the erecting the structure of the present invention.
(10) FIG. 10 provides a side perspective view of an application of the present invention to plant growing in containers.
(11) FIG. 11 is a perspective end view of the application of the present invention also shown in FIG. 9
(12) FIG. 12 provides an end elevation view of a variation of the system and method of the present invention.
(13) FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of an optional perch deterrent addition.
(14) FIG. 14 is an end elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the system and method of the present invention.
(15) FIG. 15 provides an end elevation view of yet another variation of the system and method of the present invention.
(16) FIG. 16 is a flowchart for the method of the present invention.
(17) FIG. 17 provides a flowchart for an alternative method of the present invention.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(18) Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.
(19) Parts of Vee Trellis in FIG. 1 and following are described as follows: 10—the invention in general 14—frame horizontal rod 20—trellis cords 21—trellis cord branch 22—top cross brace 24—frame side leg member 25—rebar rod 26—ground support rods 27—Tubular sections of legs and rods 28—frame lower-corner fitting 29—tubular rod section 32—ground staples 36—Elbow fitting 37—Tee fitting 40—protective fence—chicken wire or similar 46—optional perch deterrent stub 47—notch in stub 48—perimeter cord perch deterrent
(20) Referring initially to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown generally as 10, is illustrated in this perspective view. The sloped leg members 24 are one piece each and can be driven directly into the ground, a straw bale, or soil, or other growing medium in a container, but, for taller structures especially, it is preferred that a stabilizer stake or ground support rod as detailed in FIGS. 6 and 7 be used to prevent tipping over due to wind or the weight of the vegetables. A net 40 is draped over the upper horizontal rods 14 and staked into the ground 50. It is used to support growing plants such as to keep them off the ground and climbing upward.
(21) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred cross-brace attachment 22. The saddle engagement portion 38 allows the cross brace 22 to be attached anywhere along the horizontal bar 14.
(22) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the elongated V trellis with additional features. Generally vertical leg members 24 are secured at ground level and incline away from the opposing leg member. The angle may adjustable at the frame lower corner fitting 28. Various stake arrangements, some described later, is preferred for fixing the angle once established and also for a generally more stable structure. The flaccid cords 20 slope outward from the plant base area and provide the wining support for plants and also help reinforce the structure by tying to one horizontal rod 14, coming across the opposing horizontal rod, and then anchored near the ground or other growing medium. The horizontal rods 14 provide the upper support for the cords 20, and also for protective netting 40 to keep deer and birds away from the growing plants. There are multiple ways to secure the cords 20 near the base of the plants, such as ground staples 32. In this one configuration, the tee connectors 28 attach near the top of ground pegs 26, and the tee connectors allow for varying the slope of the legs 24, which could range up to 30 degrees from straight vertical. Other methods of supporting the legs at an angle are presented later, and it is recognized that even others not presented are options as well. Herein, “generally vertical” is taken to mean no more than 30 degrees from straight-up vertical. The present invention contrasts considerably from existing art in the way it expands growing volume in the vertical direction from a minimal footprint while providing support for vertically growing plants, and solving concerns about stability.
(23) FIG. 4 is an end elevation view of an optional feature of the present invention. The trellis cords 20 can be enhanced considerably in utility by tying in a branch portion 21 that has a free end to tie onto plant stems, particularly for plants that do not climb the trellis strings or nets, such as most tomatoes. All known string, wire, and net trellises rely on simply passive support for the plants that vine onto the support, or just lean against it to garner some support. The strings 20 of the present invention provide the passive support of a member to which wining plants can entwine, but also enable active support by tying the free end of 21 to a plant stem.
(24) FIG. 5 is a perspective end view of an unprotected embodiment of the present invention. The sloped leg members 24 are secured in the ground 50 by one of any various means, such as one shown in FIG. 7. The cords 20 are draped over the horizontal rods 14 and the two free ends secured to the ground 50 with a pegs or staples.
(25) FIG. 6 provides a plan view of an optional set of ground support rods 25 for the present invention. For a typical four-foot long trellis section, four support rods 25 would be needed, one for each generally vertical leg. Preferably, the ground support rods 25 are of metal that can be driven into rocky soil.
(26) FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a manner for securing the elongated V structure when used on the ground of a typical outdoor garden. A ground support rod 25 in the form such as a rebar rod about 18 inches long is driven part way into the ground 50 at the angle desired. A template, not shown, may be employed to get a proper angle at the start. The hollow tube of leg 24 then slips over the above-ground portion of the rebar rod 25. Therefore, the outside diameter of the ground support rod 25 must be less than the inside diameter of the leg 24. The term “ground” herein refers to the soil in the area surrounding a plant and can also be applied to soil in a container such as a plant pot or bucket. For protection from animals that may eat the plants or vegetables, a protective net may also be draped over or supported from the horizontal rods 14, as illustrated in FIG. 1.
(27) FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of a kit version of the present invention. The leg members 24 and horizontal rods 14 break down into tubular sections 27 for compact storage and shipping. There are also ground anchors 32 and a spool of cord 20.
(28) FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of an alternative kit version of the present invention. The leg members 24 and horizontal rods 14 are single pieces. Both kits typically will have instructions for installation and use.
(29) FIG. 10 provides a side perspective view of an application of the present invention 10 to plants growing in containers 60. The legs 24 can be pushed into the soil in the containers 60 as far as possible. The flaccid cords 20 are then strung over the horizontal rods 14, made of tubular sections 27, and ends attached to the pot 60 or something in it.
(30) FIG. 11 is a perspective end view of the application of the present invention also shown in FIG. 9. An additional tee fitting 36 at the top end where the cross brace 22 connects allows for additional horizontal rods 14 to be attached allowing for a modular system of extensions.
(31) FIG. 12 provides an end elevation view of a variation of the system and method of the present invention, illustrating how the cords 20 can be crossing to opposite sides proximal the plant ground area 50. The cords 20 typically would come horizontally first across a horizontal rod 14 then slope down and across the plant area 50. This crossing pattern of the cords 20 enhance the ease by which the vining plants can latch onto a cord 20 and grow up either of two cords. This would not be feasible with a net trellis.
(32) FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of an optional perch deterrent addition constructed with an additional tee 44 adjacent the tee at the top of the vertical leg 24. A short stub 46 about 2 to 4 cm high extends vertically from the tee 44 and has a top notch 47. A string 48 slides tightly into the notches at the four corners and resides above the horizontal rods on all sides to help deter birds from perching on the rods and defecating on the plants and vegetables below.
(33) FIG. 14 is an end elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the system and method of the present invention. It is illustrated applied to a system utilizing a conventional rectangular frame with vertical legs 24. The cords 20 are attached to one of the elevated horizontal rods 14 and then sloped downward toward the minimal planting area of ground 50 and anchored therein by one of many means. The cords may incorporate a branch 21 for active support of a plant 56 by tying, while the plant may also intertwine with cords 20. This branch is a unique feature not provided by other trellis designs, which rely on resting upon or vining onto the trellis. The sloping nature of the cords make for easier picking of the vegetables 58 and gives a width at the top 92 about double that at the bottom 90.
(34) FIG. 15 provides an end elevation view of another variation of the system and method of the present invention similar to that in FIG. 12. This depicts how the cords 20 can be crossing to opposite sides proximal the plant ground area 50. The cords 20 may come horizontally first across a horizontal rod 14 then slope down and across the plant area 50. For planting across a hillside, the downhill legs 24 will have an extensions 25. A net 40 keeps deer and other animals away from the vegetation.
(35) FIG. 16 is a flowchart for the basic method of the present invention starting with step 100 of procuring one version of the kit specified for the present invention.
(36) FIG. 17 provides a flowchart for an alternative method of the present invention. It starts with four leg members and attending parts.
(37) While a presently preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention have been described in sufficient detail above to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the same, it should be obvious that various other adaptations and modifications can be envisioned by those persons skilled in such art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
(38) The present invention is expected to find commercial and/or industrial advantage by enabling gardeners to create greater growing volume above a plant area.
(39) It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a vertical gardening support system that expands outward as plants grow up alongside the provided string or net trellis.
(40) Another object of the present invention is to provide a durable, relatively inexpensive V-shaped vertical gardening system for climbing plants as well as non-wining tall plants.
(41) Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a vertical gardening unit that can easily adapt to protection from deer and birds.
(42) Still another object of the present invention is to provide a trellis apparatus efficiently adaptable to steep hillsides.
(43) An additional objective of the present invention is to provide a compact kit product that can be erected into an adjustable height trellis.
(44) Yet still another objective of the present invention is to provide a method for erecting the compact kit of the present invention into a relatively tall and wide trellis support for plants.
