Plant support device

Abstract

Plant support device for use when supporting a plant, including: a main body extending from a first end with a first opening to a second end with a second opening, wherein the main body defines a channel extending along an axis A between the first opening and the second opening; and Coupling formations for attaching limb support elements which, when used, engage with the respective limbs of the plant to support the limbs, wherein the main body defines a slot in communication with the channel so that an elongated support element can pass through the slot and into the channel. Plant support device according to claim 1, wherein the slot tapers towards the channel.

Description

AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant support device and a plant support system for supporting plants during cultivation. BACKGROUND

[0002] During cultivation, especially indoor cultivation, plants often require support. As a plant grows, the plant's limbs become heavier due to the growth of leaves, fruits, flowers, and / or vegetables, whereas the ability of the stems of such limbs to support them may be insufficient, especially with regard to fast-growing plants. It is known in the art to support limbs in various ways. For example, by tying limb support members, e.g., cords or ropes, to the limbs and attaching them to a rigid support, e.g., a stake, bamboo cane, or garden planting tube. Other methods involve the use of a support structure, e.g., a frame or cage structure formed from interconnected relatively rigid frame members, which is installed around the plant.The frame elements that make up the support structure serve as a support on which the plant stems rest. In some methods, nets for supporting the stems are attached to a ceiling, e.g., by a hook or the like, or to a vertical stake. The use of so-called YoYo plant supports or horticultural YoYos for supporting plant limbs is well known. Such YoYo plant supports include a reel for storing a rope, which can be coupled to a plant limb at its free end to provide support. The reel is spring-loaded and lockable so that the rope can be fixed at various lengths, as required to support the plant limb. The free end of the rope has a hook for receiving the plant limb, e.g., a stem. The YoYo plant support has a fastening element, e.g.a hook or the like provided on its main body for releasably fixing or suspending the YoYo plant support at an elevated height, so that the rope extends downward to raise and hold the plant limb to a desired height.

[0003] There are several problems associated with the prior art. For example, prior art support structures provide support in locations that cannot be easily adjusted or modified to support limbs or parts of a plant not located in those locations. It is often necessary to reposition plants as they grow. For example, smaller plants take up less space and may require different lighting conditions, and as the plants grow, they must be moved to a larger space and / or different lighting conditions, although prior art solutions are not suitable for such repositioning. Prior art techniques can often be time-consuming and / or involve careful manipulation by the user. The use of support structures or nets also requires additional space around the plant and / or limits access to the plant.Similarly, there is a need to provide support in a way that is easily adaptable and / or requires less time.

[0004] The above problems can worsen as the limbs move and change size / shape as the plant grows. Similarly, space may be especially limited if plants are grown indoors.

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure may improve one or more of the above problems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, we provide a plant support device for use in supporting a plant, comprising: a main body extending from a first end having a first opening to a second end having a second opening, the main body defining a channel extending along an axis A between the first opening and the second opening; and Coupling formations for attaching limb support elements which, in use, engage respective limbs of the plant to support the limbs, wherein the main body defines a slot in communication with the channel to allow an elongated support member to pass through the slot and into the channel.

[0007] Optionally or preferably, the slot tapers towards the channel.

[0008] Optionally or preferably, the main body is made of an elastically deformable material, optionally or preferably, the main body may include one or more recesses extending radially from an outer surface of the main body toward the axis A.

[0009] Optionally or preferably, the main body is generally C-shaped in plan view.

[0010] Optionally or preferably, the channel is generally C-shaped in cross-section.

[0011] Optionally or preferably, the main body includes a plurality of projections extending into the channel to retain the elongate support member in the channel when received therein, optionally or preferably, one or more of the plurality of projections extend along the length of the channel.

[0012] Optionally or preferably, two or more of the coupling formations are spaced along a radial direction.

[0013] Optionally or preferably, the coupling formations are slots adapted to receive a portion of a respective one of the link support members to form an interference fit therewith.

[0014] Optionally or preferably, each slot comprises a locating portion and a coupling portion forming the interference fit with the one of the link support elements, wherein the locating portion has a greater width than the coupling portion and / or tapers in width in a direction toward the coupling portion.

[0015] Optionally or preferably, the plant support device includes a wall, the wall defining at least some of the coupling formations, optionally or preferably including a plurality of the walls.

[0016] Optionally or preferably, the plant support device includes a plurality of walls spaced apart from one another relative to a first axis F1, wherein a first coupling formation of one of the plurality of walls and a first coupling formation of a second, adjacent one of the plurality of walls cooperate to receive respective first and second portions of a limb support element, the respective first coupling formations being offset relative to a second axis F2 perpendicular to the first axis F1, such that the limb support element is held at an angle under tension between the first and second coupling formations during use.

[0017] Optionally or preferably, the wall, or each wall, extends in a radial direction.

[0018] Optionally or preferably, the wall, or each wall, has an upper end with an edge and a lower end, and each of the coupling formations extends from the edge to the lower end.

[0019] Optionally or preferably, the locating portion extends from the edge to the coupling portion.

[0020] Optionally or preferably, the width of the locating section narrows as the locating section extends toward the coupling section.

[0021] Optionally or preferably, the locating portion is generally V-shaped and the coupling portion is generally I-shaped.

[0022] Optionally or preferably, the plant support device includes one or more arm elements extending radially or along a radial direction, wherein at least one of the arm elements includes the coupling formations.

[0023] Optionally or preferably, the one or more of the arm members are inclined with respect to the main body, optionally or preferably inclined downwards away from the main body.

[0024] Optionally or preferably, at least one of the arm elements includes a plurality of the walls.

[0025] Optionally or preferably, the device includes a fastening element for attaching a YoYo plant support thereto.

[0026] Optionally or preferably, the attachment member extends around at least a portion of the main body and defines a space between the attachment member and the main body to allow attachment of the YoYo plant support at various points along the attachment member.

[0027] Optionally or preferably, the fastening element extends in an arc around the main body.

[0028] Optionally or preferably, the plant support device includes one or more of the fastening elements.

[0029] Optionally or preferably, one or more of the fastening elements extend between one or more respective pairs of arm elements.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, we provide a plant support system including a plant support device according to any preceding aspect and one or more of the elongate support member, the limb support member(s), and the YoYo plant support(s).

[0031] A plant support device or system according to any preceding aspect, wherein the limb support elements are cords, wires or ropes.

[0032] A plant support device or system according to any preceding aspect, wherein the coupling formations each include a portion extending along a non-radial plane P with respect to axis A, such that a portion of the limb support element attached to or engaging the portion of the coupling formation extends along the plane P. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0033] In order that the present disclosure may be more fully understood, preferred embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a plant support device embodying the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the Fig. 1 shown plant support device; Fig. 3 is a side view of the Fig. 1 shown plant support device; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the Fig. 1 from a first end thereof; Fig. 5 is a plan view of the Fig. 1 from a second end thereof; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the Fig. 1, which is attached to an elongated support element; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the Fig. 1, which is attached to an elongated support member and configured to support a plant; Fig. 8a is a perspective view of the Fig. 1 shown plant support device with objects attached to it; Fig. 8b is a perspective view of the Fig. 1 illustrated plant support device with objects attached thereto and secured to an elongated support member; Fig. 8c is a perspective view of the plant support device as shown in Fig. 8b and configured to support a plant; Fig. 9a to 9c show the plant support device of Fig. 1 in different states during use; and Fig. 10a to 10c show the plant support device of Fig. 1, which is used to support a plant using three different methods. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REVELATION

[0034] Referring to the figures, there is shown a plant support device 10 embodying aspects of the present disclosure.

[0035] Referring to Fig. 1 to 5, which illustrate various views of the plant support device 10, the plant support device 10 is intended for use in supporting a plant. The plant support device 10 may include a main body 12 extending from a first end 14a having a first opening 16a to a second end 14b having a second opening 16b. The main body 12 may define a channel 18 extending along an axis A between the first opening 16a and the second opening 16b. The plant support device 10 includes coupling formations 20 for attaching limb support members 100 to the device 10, which, in use, engage respective limbs of the plant to support the limbs. The main body 12 may define a slot 22 in communication with the channel 18 to allow an elongated support member 90 to pass through the slot 22 and into the channel 18.

[0036] The limb support elements 100 may be any suitable cord, rope, or wire that can be attached to the plant support device 10 and the limbs of the plant.

[0037] Fig. 6 shows the plant support device 10 attached to an elongated support member 90 fixed in growing medium 50 (e.g., soil, hydroponic-suitable materials which may be inert media, rock wool, coconut fiber, perlite, soilless media, etc., as known in the art) of a plant pot. Fig. 7 shows a plant 80 supported by link support elements 100 attached to the plant support device 10.

[0038] The elongated support member 90 may be a relatively rigid member that can be fixed vertically, e.g., by pressing a lower end of the elongated support member 90 into the growing medium surrounding the plant. The elongated support member 90 is suitable for supporting the weight of the plant support device 10 and at least part of the weight of the plant limbs coupled to the plant support device 10 by the limb support members 100. The elongated support member 90 may be a bamboo tube or a garden plant tube (e.g., made of plastic). The diameter of the elongated support member 90 may be between 8-11 mm, 10.5-12.5 mm, or 10-18 mm, e.g., depending on the type of tube to be used. It is understood that the plant support device 10 may be designed to have suitable dimensions, e.g.,the sizes of openings 16a, 16b, channel 18, and slot 22 to accommodate a particular type of elongated support member 90. In examples, the elongated support member 90 may be any suitable rigid elongated member, e.g., a post, capable of supporting the required load transferred to it by the limb support members 100 during use.

[0039] The main body 12 may be generally C-shaped, as best shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, illustrating the plant support device 10 in plan view from different ends of the main body 90. In this example, the main body 12 may be generally tubular and may be open at the slot 22 positioned on one side of the main body 12. The channel 18 may be generally C-shaped in cross-section. The channel 18 may be elongated about the axis A. The slot 22 may extend along the length of the main body 12 from the first end 14a to the second end 14b. The slot 22 may extend radially toward the channel 18. The slot 22 may taper toward the channel 18. In this example, the main body 12 may be made of an elastically deformable material, e.g., a semi-rigid polymer, high density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or polypropylene (PP).As described in the present example, the main body 12 is configured to form a clamp or clamp-like attachment to the elongate support member 90 as the elongate support member 90 passes through the slot 22 into the channel 18. The main body 12 elastically deforms around the elongate support member 90 as the elongate support member 90 is slid into the slot 22 and then into the channel 18 to retain or fix the elongate support member 90 to the main body 12. The main body 12 may include one or more recesses 24 extending inwardly and radially from an outer surface 26 of the main body 12 toward the axis A. The recesses 24 are elongate slots that extend longitudinally along the outer surface 26. The recesses 24 may extend from the first end 14a to the second end 14b. The recesses 24 provide areas around which the main body 12 can flex during use, as will be described.The main body 12 may include a plurality of protrusions 28 that extend into the channel 18 to retain the elongated support member within the channel 18 when received therein. The protrusions 28 may extend along the length of the channel 18. The protrusions 28 may be tooth-shaped in cross-section, such as triangular, to engage the surface of the elongated support member. The main body 12 may define an internal space H or be hollow so that the main body 12 deforms more easily. In examples, the plurality of protrusions 28 may have other shapes. For example, the protrusions 28 may be tooth-shaped formations arranged along the length of the channel 18 or the inner surface of the channel 18, although each protrusion 28 may not extend the length of the channel 18. For example, the protrusions 28 may be formed as a pattern using a process such as knurling.

[0040] In other examples, the main body 12 may have other shapes. For example, the main body 12 may have a cuboid shape, a pentagon shape, or other multi-sided shape. In examples, the main body 12 may be attached to the elongated support member 90 in ways other than forming a clamp that fits around the elongated support member 90 through elastic deformation. For example, a fastening mechanism including some form of mechanical fastening may be used to fix the main body 12 to the elongated support member 90, e.g., a fastener having a threaded fastener, or alternatively, a mechanical clamp may be used.

[0041] In examples, the plant support device 10 may include one or more arm elements 32 that extend radially or in a radial direction in plan view. The arm elements 32 may be identical in examples. The arm elements 32 may be spaced apart, e.g., equidistant, around the main body 12. For example, Fig. 4, which illustrates the plant support device 10 in plan view, the arm elements 32 extend radially with respect to axis A. The arm elements 32 may be connected to the main body 12, e.g., to the outer side or the outwardly facing surface 26 of the main body 12. The arm elements 32 may be inclined with respect to the main body 12, e.g., inclined downwardly away from the main body 12. In the present example, the arm elements 32 include the coupling formations 20. In other examples where the plant support device 10 does not have arm elements 32, the coupling formations 20 may be provided elsewhere, e.g., as part of the main body 12. The arm elements 32 may, in examples, be generally elongated in shape. The arm elements 32 may be generally wedge-shaped. Referring to Fig. 4, the coupling formations 20 are spaced apart along a radial direction in plan view. The coupling formations 20 may be arranged in sets S1, S2, S3 of the coupling formations 20, and coupling formations 20 from a particular set may be positioned along a respective straight line. The coupling formations 20 may be slots for receiving a portion of a respective one of the link support elements to form an interference fit therewith. As best shown in Fig. 2, each slot may include a locating portion 20' and a coupling portion 20" that forms the interference fit with one of the link support members. The locating portion 20' may have a greater width than the coupling portion 20". The width of the locating portion 20' may narrow as the locating portion 20' extends toward the coupling portion 20". The locating portion 20' is generally V-shaped or is V-shaped and the coupling portion 20" is generally I-shaped or is I-shaped. As best shown in Fig. 4, the coupling formations 20 each include a portion, e.g., coupling portion 20", extending along a plane P extending in a non-radial direction with respect to axis A, such that a portion of the limb support element that is attached to or engages the portion of the coupling formation 20 extends along the plane P. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, one or more of the coupling formations 20 may be spaced along a respective axis lying in a respective plane Q such that the limb support element 100 intersects the plane Q as it extends through the coupling formations 20.

[0042] More specifically, with reference to Fig. 1 to 4, each of the arm elements 32 may include one or more walls 34, from which the coupling formations 20 are defined. The walls 34 may be planar and extend vertically. The walls 34 may be spaced along a width direction of their respective arm elements 32. The walls 34 on a respective arm element 32 may be connected by reinforcing elements 35, by which adjacent walls 34 are connected to each other. The reinforcing elements 35 provide rigidity to the plant support device 10 to prevent unwanted deformation of the device. In examples, the plant support device 10 may have a suitable geometry and / or be made of a material for which no or fewer such reinforcing elements 35 are required. Each wall 34 may extend generally radially or along a radial direction, as in the plan view of the main body 12 in Fig. 4. Each wall may have an upper end 34a with an edge 34a' and a lower end 34b. For example, the coupling formations 20 may include the locating portion 20' extending from the edge 34a' toward the coupling portion 20". Each of the coupling formations 20 may extend from the edge 34a' toward the lower end 34b. The edges 34a' may be slanted or downwardly inclined. The coupling formations 20 may be slots defined in the walls 34 for receiving a portion of a respective one of the limb support members 100 to form an interference fit therewith. Each of the walls 34 may be formed of ribs connected and spaced along the lengths of the respective walls 34, with the coupling formations 20 being defined by respective opposite sides of adjacent ribs.The coupling formations 20 may be arranged such that, by moving radially away from the main body 12, the coupling formations 20 are progressively lower with respect to the main body 12.

[0043] How best in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, each arm member 32 includes three walls 34a, 34b, 34c spaced apart relative to a first axis F1. Respective adjacent coupling formations 20 of adjacent walls 34a, 34b, 34c that receive portions of the same limb support member 100 are offset, or misaligned, relative to one another, such that the portions of the limb support member 100 are held at an angle while extending between the coupling formations 20 in use.

[0044] More specifically, a first coupling formation 20a comprising a first wall 34a and a first coupling formation 20b comprising a second, adjacent, wall 34b cooperate to receive respective first and second portions of a limb support member 100 (as described below). The respective first coupling formations 20a, 20b are offset relative to a second axis F2 perpendicular to the first axis F1, such that the limb support member 100 is held in tension between the first coupling formations 20a, 20b at an angle during use. The second wall 34b is positioned between the outermost first and third walls 34a, 34c. The first and third walls 34a, 34c slope inwardly toward the second wall 34b as they extend longitudinally along their respective arm member 32.The third wall 34c, adjacent to the second wall 34b, includes a first coupling formation 20c aligned with the first coupling formation 20a of the wall 34a relative to the second axis F2 and offset with respect to the first coupling formation 20b of the second wall 34b. In this way, the limb support member 100, when received by the respective first coupling formations 20a, 20b, 20c, is held in tension and follows a tortuous path. Similarly, the remainder of the corresponding second, third, and subsequent coupling formations 20 of respective walls 34a, 34b, 34c can be arranged to be similarly aligned and offset to hold each of the respective limb support members 100 in tension at an angle and / or cause each of the respective limb support members 100 to follow a tortuous path.In examples, there may be more than three walls 34 on each arm member 32, and the coupling formations 20 may be similarly arranged to maintain the respective limb support members received thereby in tension at an angle.

[0045] The plant support device 10 may include one or more fasteners 40 for attaching objects thereto, e.g., for attaching one or more YoYo plant supports 42 thereto. Fig. 8a shows the plant support device 10 with three YoYo plant supports 42 attached to a fastening element 40. Fig. Figure 8b shows the plant support device 10 with three two YoYo plant supports 42 which are attached and supported on the elongated support element 90, and Fig. Figure 8c shows the plant support device 10 with YoYo plant supports attached and configured to support the plant 80. The YoYo plant supports 42 each have a hook-shaped attachment element 44 provided on a main body for hanging from the attachment element 40. Each of the YoYo plant supports 42 includes a link support element 46 and a link coupling element 48 connected to the free end of the link support element 46.

[0046] Each attachment member 40 may extend around at least a portion of the main body 12 and define a space between the attachment member 40 and the main body 12 to allow attachment of the object or the YoYo plant support 42 at various points along the attachment member 40. Each attachment member 40 is configured or adapted to receive a hook-shaped coupling member so that the object, e.g., YoYo plant support, may be suspended therefrom. One or more of the attachment members may extend in an arc around the main body 12. For example, one or more of the attachment members 40 may extend between one or more corresponding pairs of arm members. For example, the ends of the attachment members 40 may be connected to respective arm members 32 such that they extend between the arm members 32.In examples, the fasteners 40, referring to . Fig. 4, fasteners 40a, 40b positioned on either side of the slot 22 to allow objects, e.g., YoYo plant supports, to be in this area of ​​the plant support device 10. In plan view, the fasteners 40a, 40b may be generally U-shaped, with the upstanding ends slanted outward. The fasteners 40a, 40b may define a space S between them that communicates with the slot 22.

[0047] The use of the plant support device 10 will now be described. Referring to Fig. 9a to 9c show the plant support device 10 and the elongated support element 90 in plan view in different states, while the plant support device 10 is attached to the elongated support element 90.

[0048] The elongated support element 90 is in most cases already fixed relative to the surface where the plant is located, e.g., fixed to the growth medium 50 within a plant pot containing the plant. If there is no elongated support element 90, then it must be fixed to the growth medium by inserting a lower end thereof into the growth medium 50. The plant support device 10 is configured to be attached as a clamp with bends around the elongated support element 90.

[0049] Advantageously, the plant support device 10 can be easily arranged and fixed at different heights. During attachment, the plant support device 10 is arranged relative to the elongated support element 90 by placing it at the desired height at which the link support elements 100 are to be fixed, and then the slot 22 is brought into alignment with the elongated support element 90. For example, in Fig. 9a, the plant support device 10 is shown positioned such that the slot 22 and the space S are aligned with the elongated support element 90. Once in this position, a user simply pushes the plant support device 10 toward the elongated support element 90. As the plant support device 10 approaches the elongated support element 90, the fastening elements 40a, 40b come into contact with the elongated support element 90 because the space S narrows in a direction toward the axis A and has a width less than the diameter of the elongated support element 90.The user then pushes the plant support device 10 further toward the elongated support member 90, and the fastening elements 40a, 40b deform or bend outward, increasing the width of the space S and allowing the plant support device 10 to approach the elongated support member 90 until the elongated support member 90 engages the mouth of the slot 22, e.g., the edges of the slot 22. Since the width of the slot 22 is smaller than the width or diameter of the elongated support member 90, the plant support device 10 must be pushed further toward the elongated support member 90 with sufficient force to cause the main body 12 to deform or bend, increasing the width of the slot 22. The recesses 24 provide spaces for the main body 12 to bend, and the recesses 24 are compressed as the main body 12 bends.As this occurs, the arm members 32 positioned on either side of the slot 22 are displaced outwardly, as best shown in . Fig. 9b. The plant support device 10 then moves closer until the elongated support element 90 is positioned in the channel 18, as shown in Fig. 9c. The channel 18 bends around the elongated support member 90 to form an interference fit with the elongated support member 90. This occurs because the original, unexpanded width or diameter of the channel 18 is less than the width or diameter of the elongated support member 90. The projections 28 are pressed into the elongated support member 90 to provide a solid attachment between the elongated support member 90 and the plant support device 10. In this state, the channel 18 has a larger diameter than its original diameter without the elongated support member 90 being received therein.

[0050] As the elongated support member 90 is inserted into the channel 18, the main body 12 deforms or bends back. The width of the slot 22 thus decreases, although the slot 22 is wider than its original unexpanded state because the main body 12 has bent around the elongated support member 90.

[0051] Once the plant support device 10 has been attached, it can be used in various ways to support the plant 80. One such example is shown in Fig. 7 shown.

[0052] Fig. 10a shows a first method of using the plant support device 10 to support the plant 80. Fig. 10a shows a limb support element 100 having a first end 100a attached to the plant support device 10 and an opposite second end 100b attached to a limb of the plant 80 requiring support. The first step of attaching the limb support element 100 requires that the first end 100a be attached to the plant support device 10. This involves selecting a respective arm 32 that is best suited for locating the limb support element 100 relative to the limb requiring support. The user must then decide which of the coupling formations 20 should be used to attach the limb support element 100 to the plant support device 10. In this example, the user has selected the coupling formations 20 furthest along the arm element 32. To attach the limb support element 100, the user simply places the first end 100a over the respective coupling formations 20, ieover the locating portions 20' of the respective coupling formations 20 positioned on adjacent walls 34a, 34b, 34c, and pulls the limb support member 100 downward over them. The respective portions of the limb support member 100 at the first end 100a pass through the respective locating portions 20' and are aligned with the coupling portions 20".

[0053] The locating sections 20' provide a convenient way to align and guide the limb support member 100 relative to their respective coupling sections 20". The coupling sections 20" have a relatively thin width, whereas the locating sections 20' have a relatively wide opening to receive the limb support members 100 and taper toward the coupling sections 20" so that if the limb support members 100 are not initially aligned with the coupling sections 20", they will slide along the sides of the locating sections 20' when the limb support members 100 are pulled downward until they are aligned with the coupling sections 20".

[0054] The user must then pull the limb support member 100 and, because the width of the coupling sections 20" is less than the diameter of the limb support members 100, an interference fit is formed between the limb support member 100 and the coupling sections 20". The user pulls the limb support element 100 until it reaches the lowermost end of the coupling sections 20". Due to their offset arrangement, the coupling formations 20 cause the first end 100a of the limb support element 100 to be automatically tensioned without the need for additional fixation components or steps. The limb support element 100 is now firmly attached to the plant support device 100. The user is now free to tie the second, loose, end 100b of the limb support element 100 to the limb of the plant 80, so that the limb support element 100 is placed under tension to support the limb at the desired height and / or position.

[0055] Fig. 10b shows a second method of using the plant support device 10 to support the plant 80. In this method, the user attaches the first end 100a in the same manner as in the first method. The user then loops the limb support member 100 around the limb requiring support and attaches the second end 100a to the plant support device 10 in a similar manner to the first end 100a. The second end 100b is shown coupled to the same set of coupling formations 20 as the first end 100a. The second end 100b is pulled down the respective coupling sections 20" until it abuts the first end 100a located at the ends of the coupling sections 20". An advantage of this method is that a user does not have to tie the limb support member 100 to the limb, thereby providing greater flexibility, particularly when it is difficult to tie the limb support member 100 due to limited space.

[0056] It should be noted that, in examples, the limb support members 100 may be provided with fastening devices such as hooks at their respective ends to provide another means of attaching the limb support members 100 to the limbs.

[0057] Fig. Figure 10c shows a third method for using the plant support device 10 to support the plant 80. In this method, a YoYo plant support 42 is attached to the plant support device 10 by suspending it from a suitable location on one of the attachment members 40. A user then pulls the limb support member 46 stored in the YoYo plant support 42 and attaches the limb coupling member 48 to the limb requiring support.

[0058] If necessary, additional limb support elements 100 and / or YoYo plant supports 42 can be attached to the plant support device 10 at the required locations to support various limbs of the plant 80 at different heights and / or positions. Similarly, if a limb support element 100 needs to be removed because it is no longer appropriately placed or required due to changes in the shape or size of the limbs of the plant 80, a user can simply pull the respective ends of the limb support elements 100 out of the coupling formations 20 and untie / release the opposite ends from the limbs. If the position of the plant support device 10 is no longer suitable, a user can simply pull the plant support device 10 out of the elongated support element 90 to remove it and, if desired, attach it to a different location on the elongated support element 90.Additionally or alternatively, multiple plant support devices 10 can be attached to the elongated support element 90 at different heights along the elongated support element 90, so that limb support elements 100 can be attached at different heights from the elongated support element 90. This can prevent limb support elements 100 from becoming entangled and / or interfering with each other.

[0059] The plant support device 10 as described offers a number of advantages over prior art devices.

[0060] The plant support device 10 is compatible with an elongated support element 90, such as a bamboo cane or synthetic garden planting cane, which are already widely used to support plants during cultivation. No additional or special components are required to use the plant support device 10. The plant support device 10 can simply fit the elongated support element 90 already present in the growing medium for the respective plant. The elongated support element 90 offers multiple connection points in terms of height and high accessibility through the foliage of the plant 80. The elongated support element 90 or additional elongated support elements 90 can be installed at various locations around the plant 80 as needed to provide support for the limbs in need.

[0061] The plant support device 10 can be attached from the side of the elongate support element 90, for example, as opposed to access from above the plant 80, which might otherwise prevent the user from attaching the plant support device 10.

[0062] In the examples in which the coupling formations 20 are spaced along a radial direction, a relatively higher number of attachment points for the link support elements 100 are provided for the same space, and therefore a larger number of link support elements 100 can be attached. This may be important for particularly large plants with dense foliage.

[0063] In examples where the plant support device 10 includes coupling formations 20 and fastening elements 40, various types of fastening are possible in a single device, ie both loose link support elements 100 in the form of cords or ropes and YoYo plant supports 42 can be attached to the plant support device 10.

[0064] Generally speaking, the plant support device 10 would be attached closer to the top of the elongated support member 90, making it easier for a user to notice the presence of the elongated support member 90 when tending the plant 80. Elongated support members 90 are often not visible due to their color and / or size, meaning users may inadvertently lean into them, causing injuries, such as eye injuries, if the elongated support member 90 contacts the user's eye. In examples, the plant support device 10 may be a bright color, such as orange or red, that contrasts with the color of the elongated support member 90 to reduce the likelihood that the user will not notice the elongated support member 90.

[0065] It is understood that the coupling formations 20 may be configured differently in examples without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the coupling formations 20 may be upstanding protrusions or hooks to which a user can tie one end of the limb support member 100. In examples, the coupling formations 20 may have other configurations that allow for an interference fit with the limb support members 100, such as resiliently flexible members that cooperate to form an interference fit with the limb support members 100.

[0066] When used in this specification and the claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising," and variations thereof, mean that the specified features, steps, or integers are included. The terms should not be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps, or components.

[0067] The invention may also largely consist of the parts, elements, steps, examples, and / or features recited or indicated individually or collectively in the specification, in any or all combinations of two or more of these parts, elements, steps, examples, and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any one of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any of the other embodiments described herein.

[0068] Protection may also be sought for any features disclosed in one or more published documents cited herein in combination with the present disclosure.

[0069] While certain exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to those embodiments. The claims are to be interpreted literally, narrowly, and / or to cover equivalents.

Claims

[1] Plant support device for use in supporting a plant, comprising: a main body extending from a first end having a first opening to a second end having a second opening, the main body defining a channel extending along an axis A between the first opening and the second opening; and Coupling formations for attaching limb support elements which, in use, engage with respective limbs of the plant to support the limbs, wherein the main body defines a slot in communication with the channel to allow an elongated support member to pass through the slot and into the channel. Plant support device according to claim 1, wherein the slot tapers towards the channel. [2] Plant support device according to claim 1, wherein the main body is made of an elastically deformable material, optionally or preferably the main body may include one or more recesses extending radially from an outer surface of the main body towards the axis A. [3] A plant support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main body is generally C-shaped in plan view. [4] A plant support device according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel is generally C-shaped in cross-section. [5] A plant support device according to any preceding claim, wherein the main body includes a plurality of projections extending into the channel to retain the elongate support member in the channel when received therein, optionally or preferably one or more of the plurality of projections extending along the length of the channel. [6] A plant support device according to any preceding claim, wherein two or more of the coupling formations are spaced along a radial direction. [7] A plant support device according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupling formations are slots adapted to receive a portion of a respective one of the link support elements to form an interference fit therewith. [8] A plant support device according to claim 7, wherein each slot has a locating portion and a coupling portion forming the interference fit with the one of the link support elements, wherein the locating portion has a greater width than the coupling portion and / or tapers in width in a direction towards the coupling portion. [9] A plant support device according to any preceding claim including a wall, the wall defining at least some of the coupling formations, optionally or preferably including a plurality of the walls. [10] A plant support device according to claim 9 including a plurality of walls spaced apart relative to a first axis F1, wherein a first coupling formation of one of the plurality of walls and a first coupling formation of a second, adjacent one of the plurality of walls cooperate to receive respective first and second portions of a limb support member, the respective first coupling formations being offset relative to a second axis F2 perpendicular to the first axis F1 such that the limb support member is held at an angle in tension between the first and second coupling formations during use. [11] A plant support device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the wall, or each wall, extends in a radial direction. [12] A plant support device according to claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the wall, or each wall, has an upper end with an edge and a lower end, and each of the coupling formations extends from the edge towards the lower end. [13] A plant support device according to claim 12 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 8, wherein the locating portion extends from the edge to the coupling portion. [14] A plant support device according to claim 8 or any one of claims 9 to 13 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 8, wherein the width of the locating portion narrows as the locating portion extends towards the coupling portion. [15] A plant support device according to claim 8 or any one of claims 9 to 14 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 8, wherein the locating portion is generally V-shaped and the coupling portion is generally I-shaped. [16] A plant support device according to any preceding claim, including one or more arm members extending radially or along a radial direction, at least one of the arm members including the coupling formations. [17] Plant support device according to claim 16, wherein one or more of the arm elements are inclined with respect to the main body, optionally or preferably inclined downwards away from the main body. [18] A plant support device according to claim 16 or 17 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 9, wherein at least one of the arm members includes a plurality of the walls. [19] A plant support device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device includes a fastening element for attaching a YoYo plant support thereto. [20] The plant support device of claim 19, wherein the attachment member extends around at least a portion of the main body and defines a space between the attachment member and the main body to allow attachment of the YoYo plant support at various points along the attachment member. [21] Plant support device according to claim 20, wherein the fastening element extends arcuately around the main body. [22] Plant support device according to claim 19, 20 or 21 including one or more of the fastening elements. [23] A plant support device according to claim 22 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 16, wherein one or more of the fastening elements extend between one or more respective pairs of arm elements. [24] A plant support system including a plant support device according to any preceding claim and one or more of the elongate support member, the limb support member(s) and the YoYo plant support(s). [25] A plant support device or system according to any preceding claim, wherein the limb support elements are cords, wires or ropes. [26] A plant support device or system according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupling formations each include a portion extending along a non-radial plane P with respect to axis A, such that a portion of the limb support element which is attached to or engages the portion of the coupling formation extends along the plane P.

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