This invention relates to support articles for supporting first articles in second articles. More particularly, this invention relates to support devices for supporting first pots, such as first plant pots, in second pots, such as second plant pots. This invention also relates to plant pots and plant pot arrangements comprising first plant pots within second plant pots.

The growing of plants in pots can be carried out by providing pots through which the roots can grow. In some circumstances, a first pot, in which the plant is growing, is disposed in a second pot. The roots of the plant grow through the sides of the first pot, into the gap between the first pot and the second pot. This promotes air root pruning, which prevents root growth from the first pot to the second pot, but encourages the roots to bush out in the gap.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a support device for supporting a first article on a second article, the support device comprising a central support, a plurality of outer supports, and a plurality of connecting arms extending from the central support to the outer supports, thereby connecting the central support to the outer supports, wherein at least some of the supports have a respective securing formation through which a securing arrangement can extend to secure the support device in the second article.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a method of using a support device as described above, wherein the method comprises: providing first and second articles, the second article having a recess; disposing the support device in the recess of the second article; providing a securing arrangement and disposing the securing arrangement so that it extends through the securing formation of at least one of the supports; and disposing the first article on the support device in the recess in the second article.

Each of the arms may be flexible to allow the outer supports to be moved relative to the central support between an outward position and an inward position. The method may comprise effecting movement of the outer supports to arrange the outer supports between the inner and outward positions.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a support device for supporting a first article on a second article, the support device comprising a central support, a plurality of outer supports, and a plurality of connecting arms extending from the central support to the outer supports, thereby connecting the central support to the outer supports, wherein each of the arms is flexible to allow the outer supports to be moved relative to the central support between an outward position and an inward position.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a method of using a support device as described above, wherein the method comprises: providing first and second articles, the second article having a recess; disposing the support device in the recess of the second article; effecting movement of the outer supports to arrange the outer supports between the inner and outward positions; and disposing the first article on the support device in the recess in the second article.

Desirably, the arms are resilient. Each of the arms may be curved. The arms may increase in curvature when the outer supports are moved from the outward position to the inward position. In the embodiment described herein, the curvature of the arms may facilitate moving the outer supports between the outer and inward positions. The method may comprise bending the arms to increase the curvature thereof when the outer supports move towards the inward position. The method may comprise straightening the arms to decrease the curvature thereof when the outer supports move towards the outward position. The method may comprise arranging the outer supports in a position relative to the central support so that the support device can be received in the second article.

Each arm may have a proximal end attached to the central support, and a distal arm attached to the respective outer support. Each arm may curve from the central support arrangement in the same direction as the, or each, other arm. Each arm may be in the shape of an arc, which may be an arc of a circle.

Each arm may include crenellations to facilitate the arm curving when the outer supports move between the outer and inward positions. Each arm may have first and second opposite faces. The first face may be substantially flat. The second face may be crenellated.

At least one support may comprise a wall extending around the securing formation. The wall may be substantially cylindrical. The securing formation may be arranged centrally of the wall.

The securing formation may define an aperture through which the securing arrangement can extend. The securing formation may comprise an annular member defining the aforesaid aperture. The method may comprise inserting the securing arrangement through the aperture into the ground, thereby securing the support device in the second article.

The central support may comprise a wall extending around the securing formation. The wall of the central support may be substantially cylindrical. The securing formation of the central support may be arranged centrally of the wall of the central support. The securing formation of the central support may define an aperture through which the securing arrangement can extend. The securing formation of the central support may comprise an annular member defining the aforesaid aperture. The method may comprise inserting the securing arrangement through the aperture in the central support into the ground, thereby securing the support device in the second article. At least one of the outer supports may comprise a wall extending around the respective securing formation. The wall of the outer support may be substantially cylindrical. The securing formation of the outer support may be arranged centrally of the wall of the respective outer support. Each of the outer supports may comprise a wall extending around the respective securing formation. The wall of each outer support may be substantially cylindrical. The securing formation of each outer support may be arranged centrally of the wall of the respective outer support.

The securing formation of at least one outer support may define an aperture through which the securing arrangement can extend. The securing formation of the outer support may comprise an annular member defining the aforesaid aperture. The method may comprise inserting the securing arrangement through the aperture in the support into the ground, thereby securing the support device in the second article.

The securing formation of each outer support may define an aperture through which the securing arrangement can extend. The securing formation of each outer support may comprise an annular member defining the aforesaid aperture. The method may comprise inserting the securing arrangement through the aperture in at least one of the supports into the ground, thereby securing the support device in the second article. At least one outer support may include a gripping formation for gripping the second article. Each outer support may include a gripping formation for gripping the second article. The gripping formation may comprise a projection on an outer surface of the wall. The gripping formation may project outwardly from the wall. The gripping formation may project away from the central support. The gripping formation may comprise a rib. The rib may be substantially the shape of a triangular prism.

Each arm may extend substantially tangentially from the central support. Each arm may extend tangentially from the respective outer support to which it is attached. The support device may comprise three outer supports and three arms to connect the outer supports to the central support. In one embodiment, the arms may be integral with the central support. In another embodiment, the arms may be separate from the central support. The arms may be fastened to the central support by means of respective fastening arrangements. Each fastening arrangement may comprise a first fastening formation on one of the wall and the central support. Each fastening arrangement may comprise a second fastening formation on the other of the wall and the central support

Each first fastening formation may comprise an elongate socket. Each second fastening formation may comprise a pivot member receivable in a respective socket. Each pivot member may be pivotally movable within the respective elongate socket. The pivot member of each second fastening arrangement may be elongate.

Thus, in the second embodiment, the outer supports may be movable between the inward and outward positions by deforming the arms to increase or decrease their curvature and/or by pivoting the arms relative to the central support by means of the fastening arrangement.

The method may comprise disposing the first article on the supports of the support device when the support device is disposed in the second article. The method may comprise disposing the first article on the walls of the supports when the support device is disposed in the recess in the second article.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a plant pot comprising a base, a wall on the base defining an internal recess of the plant pot, and a plurality of supports extending upwardly from the base, wherein at least some of the supports have a respective securing formation through which a securing arrangement can extend to secure the support device in the second article. According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a method of using a plant pot as described above, wherein the method comprises: securing the plant pot to the ground by means of a securing arrangement, arranging a second plant pot in the first mentioned plant pot on the supports. The supports may be configured to support a further plant pot within the first mentioned plant pot.

The plurality of supports may comprise a central support and a plurality of outer supports. In one embodiment, the outer supports may be attached to the central support by respective arms. Each of the arms may be in the form of a web.

The plurality of supports may be formed integrally with the base, for example by moulding.

At least one support may comprise a spacer portion extending from the base to the securing formation. The spacer portion may be substantially cylindrical. The securing formation may extend across the spacer portion. The securing formation may define an aperture through which the securing arrangement can extend. The securing formation may comprise an annular member defining the aforesaid aperture. The method may comprise inserting the securing arrangement through the aperture into the ground, thereby securing the support device in the second article.

The central support may comprise a spacer portion extending from the base to the securing formation. The spacer portion may be substantially cylindrical. The securing formation may extend across the spacer portion. The securing formation of the central support may define an aperture through which the securing arrangement can extend.

The securing formation of the central support may comprise an annular member defining the aforesaid aperture. The method may comprise inserting the securing arrangement through the aperture in the central support into the ground, thereby securing the first and second plant pots to the ground.

Each of the outer supports may comprise a spacer portion extending from the base to the securing formation. The spacer portion may be substantially cylindrical. The securing formation may extend across the spacer portion. The securing formation of each outer support may be arranged centrally of the wall of the respective outer support.

The securing formation of each outer support may define an aperture through which the securing arrangement can extend. The securing formation of each outer support may comprise an annular member defining the aforesaid aperture. The method may comprise inserting the securing arrangement through the aperture in at least one of the supports into the ground, thereby securing the plant pot to the ground. Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a support device, showing outer supports in an outward position;

Figure 2 is a close up of an outer support shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a view along the lines III - III in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a top plan view of the support device showing the outer supports in the outward position;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the support device showing the outer supports in an inward position;

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the support device showing the outer supports in an inward position;

Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the insertion of a securing arrangement into the central support;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 6, but showing the securing arrangement fully inserted into the central support; Figure 9 is another view similar to Figure 6, but with a further securing arrangement disposed in one of the outer supports;

Figure 10 shows the support device in use supporting a first article on a second article;

Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a further support device with the outer supports in an outward position; Figure 12 is a top plan view of the further support shown in Figure 1 1 ;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the further support with the outer supports in an inward position; Figure is a top plan view of the further support shown in Figure 13; Figure 15 is a side view of a securing arrangement; Figure 16 is a view along the lines XVI-XVI in Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a side view of a drive transmission device for use with the securing arrangement;

Figure 18 is a view along the lines XVIII-XVIII in Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a perspective view from below of the securing arrangement mounted on the drive transmission device;

Figure 20 is a perspective view from above of the securing arrangement mounted on the drive transmission device;

Figure 21 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a plant pot incorporating supports on the base; Figure 22 is a sectional side view of the plant pot shown in Figure 21 with a securing arrangement;

Figure 23 is a top perspective view of a further embodiment of a plant pot incorporating supports on the base; and

Figure 24 is a sectional side view of the plant pot shown in Figure 24 with a securing arrangement. The drawings show a support device 10 for supporting a first article on a second article. In particular, the support device 10 is suitable for use in supporting a first plant pot within a second plant pot during the growing stages of some plants. The first and second plant pots define recesses into which plants are normally received. In the use of the support device 10, the first plant pot and the support device 10 are received in the recess defined by the second plant pot. The support device 10 supports the first plant pot within the recess defined by the second plant pot and, thereby, provides a gap between the bases of the first and second plant pots to promote air root pruning.

The support device 10 comprises a cylindrical central support 12 and a plurality of cylindrical outer supports 14. The outer supports 14 are connected to the central support 12 by respective connecting arms 16. Each arm 16 has a proximal end attached to the central support 12 and a distal end attached to the respective outer support 14.

In the embodiment shown, the support device 10 comprises three of the outer supports 14, but the support device 10 may comprise any other suitable number of outer supports 14.

One of the outer supports 14 is shown in Figures 2 and 3. The central support 12 is very similar to each of the outer supports 14 and therefore is not described separately in detail. The differences between the outer supports 14 and the central support 12 are discussed below. Each outer support 14 comprises a securing formation in the form of an annular member 18 defining an aperture 20. The purpose of the aperture 20 is to receive therethrough securing arrangements 22, as shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9 and described below. Although we have shown the use of the specific securing arrangement 22 it will be appreciated that any other suitable type of securing arrangement can be used, such as a pin or peg.

Figures 7, 8 and 9 show the securing arrangement 22 extending through the aperture 20 in the central support 12. Figures 7 and 8 show a securing arrangement 22 inserted through the aperture 20 in the central support 12. Figure 9 shows a further securing arrangement 22 being inserted through the aperture 20 in one of the outer supports 14. A cylindrical wall 24 extends around the annular member 18, and defines a cylindrical space 26. The annular member 18 is disposed centrally of the wall 24 within the cylindrical space 26. The arm 16 is attached to the wall 14 and extends tangentially therefrom. In the case of the central support 12, three of the arms 16 are attached to the cylindrical wall 24 and each arm 16 extend tangentially from the central support 12.

A gripping member in the form of a rib 28 is provided externally on the wall 24. The function of the rib is to engage the side of the second plant pot in which the support device 10 is disposed to retain the support device 10 in the second plant pot before the first plant pot is lowered therein. The rib 28 may have the shape of a triangular prism.

Referring to Figures 1 and 4, the support device 10 is shown with the outer supports 14 in an outward position. Figures 5 and 6 show the support device 10 with the outer supports 14 in an inward position.

The arms 16 are formed of a resilient flexible material that allows the arms 16 to be deformed to increase or decrease the curvature of the arms 16 and, thereby, move the outer supports 14 between the inner and outward positions. The outer supports 14 can be arranged in the outward position, the inward position, or in any position therebetween.

Each arm 16 is in the form of a strip having first and second sides 16A, 16B. The first side 16A is substantially flat. The second side 16B has a plurality of crenellations 30 spaced therealong. The crenellations 30 provide strength to the arms 16 and also allow the arms 16 to deform so that the outer supports 14 can be moved between the outer and inward positions. Referring to Figure 10, there is shown a sectional view of first and second plant pots 1 10, 1 12 and of the support device 10 supporting the first plant pot 1 10 on the second plant pot 1 12. The first plant pot has a first base 1 14 and a frustoconical first side wall 1 16 defining a first recess 1 17. The second plant pot 1 12 has a second base 1 18 and a second frustoconical side wall 120 defining a second recess 121.

The first plant pot 1 10 is smaller than the second plant pot 1 12 and is disposed within the second plant pot 1 12. As a result of their differing sizes, a frustoconical gap 122 is defined between the first and second side walls 1 16, 120. The first plant pot 1 10 is supported within the second plant pot 1 12 on the support device 10.

The user arranges the outer supports 14 at the inward or outward positions, or at a position therebetween, so that the support device 10 can fit within the second recess 121. The support device 10 is then disposed within the second recess 121 on the second base 1 18. When so disposed, the ribs 28 engage the side of the second plant pot 1 12 and thereby retain the support device 10 in the second recess 121.

Reference is now made to Figures 7 to 9. In order to secure the support device 10 in the second plant pot 1 12, and secure the second plant pot 1 12 to the ground, the securing arrangement 22 is provided. The securing arrangement 22 is described in detail towards the end of this description, but briefly comprises a helical securing portion 220 and a substantially circular upper engaging portion 222.

When the support device 10 is disposed in the second plant pot 1 12, one of the securing arrangements 22 is inserted through the aperture 20 in the annular member 18 of the central support 12, as shown in Figures 7 and 8 and driven through the second base 1 18 and into the ground until the upper end region 222 engages the annular member 18 of the central support 12. A further securing arrangement 22 is shown in Figure 9 inserted through the aperture 20 of the annular member 18 of one of the outer supports 14. The further securing arrangement 22 is driven through the second base 1 18 into the ground until the upper end region 34 engages the annular member 18 of the outer support 14. Thus, each securing arrangement 22 extends from the central and outer supports 12, 14 through the base 1 18 of the second plant pot 1 12 and into the ground to secure the second plant pot 1 12 to the ground.

The first and second plant pots 1 10, 1 12 are formed of a material through which the roots of a plant can grow and, therefore, will easily permit the securing arrangement 22 to pass therethrough.

Alternatively, it may be desirable to drill holes in the second base 1 18 through which the securing arrangements 22 can be inserted. In order to ensure that the holes are drilled in the correct locations on the second base 1 18, the support device 10 can be used as a template. The support device 10 can be arranged on the second base 1 18 in the desired position, and the holes drilled through the second base 1 18 via the apertures 20. The helical lower end 32 of each securing arrangement 22 allows the securing arrangement 22 to be screwed into the ground by the use of a suitable driver, which can engage the upper end region 34. The securing arrangements 22 can be driven into the ground until the upper end regions 34 engages the respective annular members 18.

The second plant pot 1 12 is thus secured to the ground by means of the securing arrangements 22. The first plant pot 1 10, in which the plant (not shown) is growing, is then disposed within the second recess 121 upon the support device 10, as shown in Figure 10. The support device 10 causes a lower gap 124 to be defined between the first and second bases 114, 118.

A securing arrangement for use as the securing arrangement 22 and a suitable driver are disclosed in UK published specification No. GB2530866A.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the arms may be separate from the central support 12. Figures 1 1 to 14 show such an embodiment, which comprises many of the features of the support device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 10, and these features have been designated with the same reference numerals in Figures 11 to 14 as in Figures 1 to 10.

The support device 10 shown in Figures 1 1 to 14 comprises outer supports 14 with arms 16 separate from the central support 12. The arms 16 are fastened to the central support 12 by means of respective fastening arrangements 40.

Each fastening arrangement 40 comprises an elongate socket 42 on the wall 24 of the central support 14, and a pivot member 44 on the proximal end of the respective arm 16. Each pivot member 44 is pivotally movable within the respective elongate socket 42.

Figures 1 1 and 12 show the outer supports 14 in the outward positions. Figures 13 and 14 show the outer supports 14 in the inward position. The movement of the pivot members 44 can be seen by comparing the positions of the pivot members 44 in Figure 12 with the positions of the pivot members 44 in Figure 14.

The outer supports 14 shown in Figures 11 to 14 move relative to the central support 12 by the deformation of the arms 16, as the outer supports 14 move between the outward and inward positions. This movement of the outer supports 14 is similar to the movement of the outer supports 14 in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 10. In addition, or alternatively, to the movement of the outer supports by deforming the arms 16, the outer supports 14 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 1 to14 can also move by the pivoting of the pivot members 44 in the elongate sockets 42. There is thus described a support device 10 that can be used to support a first plant pot 1 10 within a second plant pot 1 12 and permit air root pruning.

The ability to move the outer supports 14 to any position between the outer and inward positions allows the support device 10 to be disposed within plant pots of a plurality of different sizes. The inward position of the outer supports 14 allows the support device 10 to be disposed within the smallest size plant pot. When disposed within the largest size pot, the supports 14 may not engage the side of the plant pot.

The curvature of the arms 16, as shown in the drawings provides the advantage that the support device 10 can be inserted into the second pot with the outer supports 14 in engagement with the side of the pot. The curved arms 16 allow the user to rotate the support device 10 while it is inserted. This allows the outer supports 14 to slide along the side of the plant pot. The support device 10 is symmetrical about a central plane extending through the central support 12 and all the outer supports 14. This allows the support device 10 to be used either way up and therefore it can be rotated clockwise or anticlockwise when it is inserted into the second pot. Thus, the support device 10 can be used just as easily by right or left handed people.

Figure 15 shows a securing arrangement 22 in the form of a securing pin 21 1 . The securing arrangement 22 comprises an elongate member 212 having a main shaft portion 214 with distal and proximal ends 216, 218. The securing arrangement 22 further includes the securing portion 220 at the distal end 216 of the main shaft portion 214. The circular engaging portion 222 and a mounting member 224 are formed at the proximal end 218 of the main shaft portion 214. The securing portion 220 is substantially helical to allow the securing arrangement 22 to be screwed into the ground. The securing portion 220 defines a central space 220A (see Figures 19 and 20) around which the securing portion 220 extends. The securing portion 220 extends radially outwardly from the main shaft portion 214. The securing portion 220 and the main shaft portion 214 are coaxial with each other.

The securing portion 220 extends a minor proportion of the length of the elongate member 212. In the embodiment shown, the length of the securing portion 220 along the elongate member 212 is about 20% of the length of the elongate member 222.

This provides an advantage in that any attempt to remove the securing arrangement 22, by simply pulling it out of the ground, will create an upward force from the securing portion 220 against a frustum of soil above the securing portion 220, thereby requiring a greater force to remove the securing arrangement 22 than prior art pins.

Referring to Figures 17 to 20, the mounting member 224 is provided to mount the securing arrangement 22 on a drive arrangement comprising a drive transmission device 232 and a driving tool (not shown). The driving tool can be any suitable known hand operated drill.

The drive transmission device 232 comprises a receiving portion 234 for receiving the mounting member 224 of the securing arrangement 22. The receiving portion 234 defines a rectangular recess 236, in which the mounting member 224 can be received.

When the mounting member 224 is received in the recess 236, the receiving portion 234 is received by the engaging portion 222, as shown in Figure 19 and 20. This has the effect of stabilising the securing arrangement 22 on the drive transmission device 232. The drive transmission device 232 also includes a connecting member 238 for connecting the drive transmission device 232 to the driving tool. The connecting member 238 is substantially cylindrical and can be received by a standard chuck of a hand operated drill. A frustoconical portion 240 extends between the connecting member 238 and the receiving portion 234.

In use, the drive transmission device 232 is connected to the hand operated drill in a manner that would be understood by those skilled in the art. The securing arrangement 22 is mounted on the drill by inserting the mounting member 224 into the recess 236 of the receiving portion 234, so that the receiving portion is received by, and extends through, the engaging portion 222.

While so mounted on the drive transmission device 232, the securing portion 220 is disposed against the central or outer support 12 or 14 of the support device 10 to be secured in the second plant pot 1 12. The user then operates the drill, thereby rotating the securing arrangement 22 about the main shaft portion 214.

By pressing down on the drill, the securing arrangement 22 is screwed into the ground until the engaging portion 222 engages the annular member 18, thereby securing the support device 10 in the second plant pot 1 12, and also securing the second plant pot 1 12 to the ground.

Figures 21 to 24 show two embodiments of a plant pot 310 comprising a base 312 and an upstanding frustoconical wall 314 on the base 312. The wall 314 defines a recess 315. The plant pot 310 further includes a plurality of supports 316 extending upwardly from the base 312. The supports 316 are formed integrally with the base 312, for example, by moulding.

The plurality of supports 316 comprises a central support 318 and a plurality of outer supports 320. In the embodiment shown in Figures x to y, the plant pot 310 comprises four of the outer supports 320. However, it will be appreciated that the plant pot 310 may comprise any other suitable number of outer supports 320. Each of the central and outer supports comprises a substantially cylindrical spacer portion 322 and a securing formation in the form of an annular member 324 defining an aperture 326. The annular member 324 extends across the top of the spacer portion 322.

The purpose of the apertures 326 is to receive therethrough securing arrangements 22, as shown in Figures 22 and 24, the pins 22 being inserted into the ground to secure the plant pot 310 to the ground. Only one of the pins 22 is shown in Figures 22 and 24, extending through the aperture 26 in the central support 318. It will be appreciated that one or more further pins 22 can be inserted through the apertures 326 in the outer supports 320 into the ground to further secure the plant pot 310 to the ground.

In one embodiment, shown in Figures 21 and 22, the plant pot 310 further includes arms 328 extending from the central support 318 to each of the outer supports 320. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, the plant pot 310 may be devoid of any arms.

In use, the plant pot 310 is arranged on the ground, and securing arrangements 22 are inserted into the ground through the aperture 326 in the central support 318 and through the apertures 326 of one or more of the outer supports 320. This secures the plant pot 310 to the ground.

A second plant pot 330, shown in broken lines in Figures 22 and 24, is then disposed within the recess 315 of the plant pot 310 on the supports 316. This spaces the base 332 of the second plant pot 330 from the base 312 of the plant pot 310, and also spaces the wall 334 of the second plant pot from the wall 314 of the plant pot 310. A growing plant is disposed within the second plant pot 330. The roots of the plant grow through the wall 334 of the second plant pot 330 into the gap between the walls 334, 314, where air root pruning is promoted.