Reservoir and stake apparatus

Abstract

The reservoir (10) is adapted for placement or positioning around roots (33) of the plant sapling (30). The reservoir (10) is adapted such that the roots (33) grow into soil within, below, and immediately outside and adjacent the reservoir's (10) footprint. The reservoir (10) is water impermeable. The reservoir is adapted to catch and laterally retain water for use at and / or immediately below ground level, and to direct trapped water down towards and around the roots of (33) of the sapling (30).

Description

[0001] R ESE RVOI R AN D STAKE AP PARATU S

[0002] This application is an international (PCT) Patent Application claiming priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application Nos. 2024900498 filed 28 February 2024 in the names of Robert Buruma; Timothy Buruma and filed on behalf of Natural Growth Partners Pty Ltd, and 2024903477 filed 25 October 2024 in the name of Natural Growth Partners Pty Ltd. The contents of Australian patent application Nos. 2024900498 and 2024903477 are incorporated by reference.

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] This invention relates to a reservoir and stake apparatus.

[0005] BACKGROUND ART

[0006] The following references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the following prior art discussion should not be assumed to relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but to assist in the inventive process undertaken by the inventor(s) and in the understanding of the invention.

[0007] Sapling assistance apparatus have been described in which separate stakes and irrigation watering apparatus hold and water saplings respectively. In porous soil water may seep through quickly leading to large quantities of water and regular watering required. Furthermore, stakes to both protect and hold up saplings have been described in which the stakes may fall over due to improper installation or loose soil.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to ameliorate one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative thereto.

[0009] STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0010] The invention according to one or more aspects is described herebelow and further defined in the independent claims. Some optional and / or preferred features of the invention are described herebelow and further defined in the dependent claims.

[0011] The invention in one broad form comprises a reservoir and stake apparatus including a reservoir adapted for placement surrounding roots of a plant sapling and a stake, the stake and reservoir structurally attached to each other such that the stake is supported by the reservoir. Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention there is provided:

[0012] A reservoir and stake apparatus including:

[0013] A reservoir with an open top and bottom that is adapted for placement surrounding shallow roots of a plant and adapted to define a water capture zone for the plant; a stake having a cross section including multiple elongate ribs or panels joined by a corner transition and adapted to flex laterally in a limited range in response to prevailing winds; and an attachment having a recess formed in or on the side of the reservoir for receiving the stake in fixed axial relationship by friction-fit and providing a guide with at least two axially spaced contact points that is adapted to assist the positioning of the stake.

[0014] RESERVOIR

[0015] The reservoir may be in a multipart form. The reservoir may include two separate parts that engage together by connectors. The reservoir's parts may be similar in size, volume of weight to each other, forming two halves of an assembled reservoir. The reservoir's parts may include complementary features that are provided at adjacent or opposing ends or sides for engagement to each other. These features may comprise at least one set of complimentary joining features. These joining features may include a hook, clip, hook and loop material, latch, catch, adhesive, studs, protrusion and hole combination, and / or tongue and groove connection. The joining features may be connectors in the form of the complementary parts. The connectors may be in the form of slide bead and groove complementary parts, or may be in the form of hooks or clips that join the parts together. The reservoir may be adapted for placement or positioning around roots of a plant sapling. The reservoir may be adapted such that the roots grow into water held in the reservoir. The reservoir may have a wall that is water-impermeable. The reservoir may provide a lateral barrier at or near ground level to promote water retention in the soil surrounded by the reservoir.

[0016] The reservoir may include one or more side walls. The reservoir may include an open top and bottom. The reservoir preferably includes the attachment. The attachment may include an annular flange extending outwardly from the side wall. The annular flange may extend from a tope of the side wall. The attachment may include the guide extending in an axial direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the reservoir. The attachment and side wall may be integrally or unitarily formed together.

[0017] The reservoir may be adapted for placement into a hole in ground prior to planting of the sapling roots inside the reservoir. Alternatively, the reservoir may be adapted for positioning around sapling roots such that, over time, the sapling roots are adapted to grow inside and through the bottom of the reservoir. The reservoir may include a water holding zone adapted to laterally retain water. The water holding zone may be positioned under ground level. The water holding zone may include a top which may correspond to the positioning of the upper end of the reservoir at ground level. When the plant has established its roots and is considered sufficiently rooted to be able to survive without the reservoirand stake apparatus, the stakes may be unattached from the plant, the stakes axially drawn up from the ground and removed from the attachment, and the reservoir itself carefully retrieved from the soil surrounding the plant.

[0018] The attachment may include a slot adapted to receive the stake. The stake may be removably inserted into the slot. Alternatively, the stake may be trapped permanently in the attachment and to the reservoir. The stake may include an axially limiting stop to prevent the stake being removed from the attachment. The stake is preferably slidable within the attachment. The stake is preferably removable from the attachment.

[0019] The guide may include one or more grooves adapted to receive the stake. The groove may be adapted to position the stake as it is being inserted into the ground. Preferably, the attachment and guide includes slots and / or grooves adapted to receive, guide and hold the stake firmly.

[0020] In the second aspect of the invention, there is provided a first and second piece of the reservoir that hook or clip together. The first piece includes at least one male interlocking features and the second piece includes at least one female interlocking features.

[0021] The first and second piece of the second aspect of the invention are within 5% of half of the reservoir.

[0022] GAP The wall 12 and the flange may include a reservoir join. The reservoir may be formed of a unitary piece. The reservoir may include two opposable ends. The opposable ends may be releasably engageable to complete a cylindrical shape of the reservoir. The wall may be separable at a gap that extends from an upper end to a lower end base of the reservoir. The gap is preferably continuous through the flange and the wall. The gap may be continuous radially or outwardly through the flange. Therefore, the reservoir may be parted at the gap and opened or spread to allow the reservoir to be wrapped around the plant.

[0023] The join in the wall and flange 4 may be located any two of first, second or third apertures located in the flange, for example between the first and third apertures. The join 50 may be used in a 3 or 4 aperture version of the reservoir according to the invention.

[0024] The join may include complementary male and female portions at each respective end. The join may include a pair of complementary engagement features, with each engagement feature comprising a male portion and a female portion. One respective end may include a male portion and a female portion and the other respective end may include complementary female and male portions whereby to form the join.

[0025] The wall portion of the join may include a wall join bead and groove. The wall join may include a channel with a part-circular profile. The channel may be formed in a wall edge of one of the respective ends that extends between the upper and lower ends of the reservoir. The channel may have a longitudinal slot for a mouth. The mouth may define an opening that is narrower than the width of bead. The bead in such an arrangement is advantageously on an opposed wall edge of the other of the respective ends. The bead complements and is adapted to engage with the channel and forms part of the join. The reservoir may be made of resiliently deformable material whereby the slot may be widened to admit the bead and to releasably trap it therein.

[0026] The reservoir join may further include the second engagement feature in the form of a flange join. The respective ends of the reservoir may be further engageable by means of a flange bulb or tab and a complementary recess into which the bulb or tab may be received. Therefore, the join may include a pair of complementary engagement features. One of the engagement features may be adapted to join the wall at the respective ends of the reservoir. The other engagement feature may be adapted to join the flange at the other of the respective ends.

[0027] The male portion ofthe engagement features may be formed on either of the respective ends. By corollary, the female portion of each of the engagement features may be formed on either of the respective ends. Preferably, the male portions are formed on the same end, for example the end closest to the third aperture. Correspondingly, the female portions may be formed on the other of the respective ends closest to the first aperture.

[0028] A join of the second aspect of the invention includes at least one set of complimentaryjoining features. Preferably, the join of the second aspect of the invention includes an upper and a lower pair of joining features. The upper and lower pair of joining features being located at an upper end and lower end of the reservoir respectively.

[0029] The join of the second aspect of the invention may connect or join the two pieces of the reservoir together. Preferably, the join includes no nuts, bolts or screws. Preferably the join is a clip together joining feature.

[0030] The tab or bulb may be attached to one of the respective ends as part of the flange by a narrow neck. The recess may correspondingly have a narrower neck portion adjacent its mouth. The mouth may complement the shape and size of the neck whereby to enable the tab or bulb to be releasably trapped in the recess.

[0031] STAKE

[0032] The stake may include a rod or stick. The reservoir and stake apparatus may include multiple stakes. The reservoir and stake apparatus may include at least 2 and preferably 3 stakes. The multiple stakes may be identical. A profile of the stake may include a wave form such as the shape of a "W" or "U". The stake may be in the form of an elongate beam or rod with a crosssection. The cross-section may include an X-shape, a Y-shape, a circle or oval shape. The crosssection may include a "W" or "U" or wave shape or form. The cross-section may coincide with a profile of the slot of the attachment. The stake's cross section may consistent along its length or the majority thereof. The stake may be adapted to be received and held inside the slot. The stake's cross-section may be of similar form to the slot such that the stake is held upright within the slot. The stake may be inserted into the slot to form a structural connection to hold the stake upright. The stake may be adapted for insertion into a feature such as the slots and / or the guide of the reservoir. The reservoir may be adapted to provide a support base for the stake.

[0033] The reservoir wall may include the slot or another feature such as one or more clasps, clips or clamps to hold the stake. The reservoir wall and the attachment and guide is preferably formed integrally or unitarily together. The slot may include waves or bends that correspond with waves or bends of the stake profile or cross section.

[0034] The stake and the reservoir are preferably made entirely out of plastic. The stake and reservoir may be made predominantly out of plastics together with a minor portion formed with another or other material(s). The stake and / or reservoir may be made of metal coated in plastic. The stake and / or reservoir may be made of metal. The stakes may be made of folded or fold-formed plastic sheet.

[0035] The cross sectional profile of the stake of the second embodiment of the invention may be in the form of a W, U or V. Preferably, the stake of the second embodiment of the invention includes a W shape. The stake of the second embodiment of the invention further includes recessed grooves. The recessed grooves may run along a lower portion of the stakes. The recesses grooves may be adapted to received complimentary fingers of the reservoir. The complimentary recesses may extend form the lower portion of the reservoir.

[0036] The recesses may include elongate grooves or channels that are adapted to extend parallel to and engage with each stake respectively.

[0037] The stake may include recesses adapted to stop and maintain positional height of the stakes relative to the reservoir.

[0038] The reservoir and stake apparatus may include at least 3 stakes. Preferably, the reservoir and stake apparatus includes 4 stakes. The stakes may include an elongate rod with a w-shaped profile.

[0039] SAPLING

[0040] The plant may be a sapling may and includes tree saplings. The reservoir and stake apparatus is preferably adapted to contain a single sapling.

[0041] The reservoir and stake apparatus may be adapted such that the sapling is hooked tied or otherwise attached to the stakes. It will be appreciated that any of the features described herein can be used in any combination, and that the invention as described in respect of the second aspect may have the specific features referred to above in respect of the invention as described in respect of the first aspect.

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

[0044] Figure la is a top plan view of a reservoir according to a first embodiment;

[0045] Figure lb is a top plan view of the detail A shown in Fig. la;

[0046] Figure 2a is a bottom plan view of the reservoir according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. la;

[0047] Figure 2b is a bottom plan view of the detail B shown in Fig. 2a;

[0048] Figure 3a is a top plan view of the reservoir according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 with an attached stake shown in dotted lines;

[0049] Figure 3b is a top plan view of the detail C shown in Fig. 3a;

[0050] Figure 4a is a bottom plan view of a plant support comprising the reservoir and stake according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3a;

[0051] Figure 4b is a bottom plan view of the detail B2 shown in Fig. 4a;

[0052] Figure 5a is a side view of the reservoir according to the first embodiment with multiple stakes rendered in dotted lines attached;

[0053] Figure 5b is an underside view of a portion of the reservoir of the first embodiment looking along the line V shown in Fig. 5a of a side wall of the reservoir;

[0054] Figure 6a is a side view of the reservoir according to the a fourth embodiment with multiple stakes rendered in dotted lines attached;

[0055] Figure 6b is an underside view of a portion of the reservoir of the first embodiment looking along the line V2 shown in Fig. 6a of a side wall of the reservoir;

[0056] Figure 7a is a top plan view of a reservoir according to a second embodiment; Figure 7b is a top plan view of the detail A2 shown in Fig. 7a;

[0057] Figure 8a is a bottom plan view of the reservoir according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 7a;

[0058] Figure 8b is a bottom plan view of the detail Bl shown in Fig. 8a;

[0059] Figure 9a is a top plan view of the reservoir according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 8a with an attached stake shown in dotted lines;

[0060] Figure 9b is a top plan view of the detail Cl shown in Fig. 9a;

[0061] Figure 10a is a bottom plan view of the plant support comprising the reservoir and stake according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 9a;

[0062] Figure 10b is a bottom plan view of the detail D shown in Fig. 10a;

[0063] Figures 11a - 12b are upper perspective views of the reservoir according to the second embodiment;

[0064] Figure 13a is also an upper perspective view of the reservoir according to the second embodiment;

[0065] Figure 13b is an upper perspective view of the detail DI shown in Fig. 13a;

[0066] Figures 14a - 14c are upper perspective views of the plant support according to the second embodiment and including a triplet or pair of stakes;

[0067] Figure 15a is a schematic isometric view of a plant support comprising a reservoir and stake apparatus installed underground according to a third embodiment of the reservoir;

[0068] Figure 15b is a schematic isometric view of the plant support shown in Fig. 15a with a sapling planted in the reservoir and supported via ties by multiple stakes attached to the wall of the reservoir by internal clips;

[0069] Figures 16a-e are various cross-sectional profiles of different embodiments of the stake, noting that the profile 20i in Fig. 4b is preferred; and

[0070] Figures 17a-c are, respectively, isometric, front and top views of the stake 20a shown in Fig. 16a.

[0071] Figure 18a is a perspective view of a reservoir according to a fourth embodiment; Figure 18b is a top view of the reservoir according to the fourth embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 18a;

[0072] Figures 19 and 20 are, respectively, front and left-hand side views, of the reservoir shown in Figures. 18a-b;

[0073] Figures 21a-b are, respectively, top and right-hand side views, of a first part of the reservoir according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0074] Figure 21c is a section view through line B of Figure 21a;

[0075] Figure 21d is a magnified view of portion J of Figure 21c;

[0076] Figure 22a is a front view of the first part shown in each of Figures 21a-b;

[0077] Figure 22b is a magnified view of the portion E of Figure 22a;

[0078] Figure 22c is a magnified view of the portion F of Figure 22a;

[0079] Figure 22d is a magnified view of the cross-section C-C shown in Figure 22a;

[0080] Figure 23a is a view of the cross-section A-A shown in Figure 22a;

[0081] Figure 23b is a magnified view of the portion G shown in Figure 23a;

[0082] Figure 23c is magnified view of the portion H shown in Figure 23a; and

[0083] Figure 24 is a top view of a second part of the reservoir according to the fourth embodiment, the second part being complementary and engageable to the first part to form the reservoir;

[0084] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of a lower end of a first part of the reservoir according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0085] Figures 26A-C are front, top and right-side views of a stake according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0086] Figure 27 is an isometric view of the stake according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0087] Figures 28a and 28b are cross section views of section V-V and T-T, respectively, as shown in Figure 26A, according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0088] Figure 29 is cross sectional view U-U shown in Figure 26a according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; and

[0089] Figure 30 is a close-up view of detail "P" shown in Figure 25 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0090] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention. In describing the various embodiments of the invention, like features will be referred to using like references, with references for features of each embodiment generally preceded by 1, 2, 3, or followed by a Roman numeric sequence, such as i, ii, iii, etc. or an alphabetical sequence such as a, b, c, relative to the corresponding feature of the first embodiment. For example, a feature 10 of the first embodiment may represented as 110, 210, 310, (or nlO), or 10a, 10b, 10c, (or lOx) or lOi, lOii, lOiii, (or lOr) etc. in second, third and fourth embodiments, respectively.

[0092] The sapling 30 includes tree saplings. The invention provides a plant support l,li,lii (hereafter generically referenced "1" when referring to all embodiments) comprising a reservoir 10,10i,10ii (hereafter generically referenced "10" when referring to all embodiments and a stake apparatus that is adapted to laterally surround the sapling 30 and secure it to at least one flexible stake 20ii-iii (hereafter generically referenced "20" when referring to all embodiments).

[0093] The drawings show first, second and third embodiments of a plant support 1 utilising the reservoir 10 that is adapted to support, in an upstanding orientation, at least one stake 20, the plant support 1 including: a reservoir 10 adapted for placement around shallow roots 33 of a plant 30 to be protected and supported; at least one stake 20; and an attachment 40 for attaching the stake 20 to the reservoir 10.

[0094] The stake 20 and the reservoir 10 are structurally attached or connected to each other such that the reservoir lOi is adapted to support and laterally locate the stake 20 in spaced relationship from a base of a trunk or stem of the plant 30 at ground level.

[0095] A fourth embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 18a to 24. The fourth embodiment of the invention comprises a reservoir and stake apparatus 120 including a reservoir 110 adapted for placement surrounding roots of a plant sapling and a stake 120i-iv, the stake 120i - iv and reservoir 110 structurally attached to each other such that the stake 120i - iv is supported by the reservoir 110. According to the second aspect of the invention, the reservoir and stake apparatus 120 includes: a reservoir 110 with an open top Illa and bottom 111b that is adapted for placement laterally surrounding shallow roots of a plant and adapted to define a water retention zone for the plant; a stake 120i-iv having a cross section including multiple elongate ribs 121 or panels joined by a corner transition 122 and adapted to flex laterally in a limited range in response to prevailing winds; and an attachment having a recess 130 formed in or on the side of the reservoir 110 for receiving the stake 120i-iv in fixed axial relationship by friction -fit and providing a guide for receiving the stake i-iv by axially sliding the stake i-iv into and through the recess 130 to a position where the stake i-iv is frictional ly held intermediate the stake's i-iv length with at least two axially spaced contact points 124 that are adapted to assist the positioning of the stake 120i-iii; and the reservoir 110 comprises two separate parts 110a, b that hook or clip together.

[0096] The reservoir 110 includes a hook or clip 150that is adapted to join a first part of the reservoir 110a to a second part of the reservoir 110b (two separate parts 110a, 110b on assembly form the reservoir 110). The two separate parts 110a, 110b of the reservoir each make up approximately 45 - 55% of the reservoir 110. The reservoir 110 is supplied in two similarly- sized sections 110a, 110b. When assembled, the reservoir 110 is in the form of a open-ended cylinder or truncated cone.

[0097] The stake i-iv when mounted on the reservoir 110 through the recess 130 and guide and contact points 124, lies adjacent the wall 112, following the line of the wall in a substantially up and down direction. The various axes of the stakes i-iv eventually converge to intersect with the longitudinal axis of the reservoir 110 below the reservoir 110. Physically, the lower tips of the stakes i-iv are laterally spaced from each other below the reservoir 110 when the reservoir and stake apparatus 120 is in assembled form and in situ in the ground. Lower Contact point 124b is disconnected with and axially spaced from the upper contact point 124a. The upper contact point 124a is formed at, adjacent or in the flange 142. The lower contact point 124b is formed at or adjacent the base 111 or lower edge of the side wall 120 of the reservoir 110.

[0098] RESERVOIR

[0099] The reservoir 10 is adapted for placement or positioning around roots 33 of the plant sapling 30.

[0100] The reservoir 10 has one or more side walls 12 which is / are water impermeable. The reservoir 10 is adapted such that the roots 33 grow into soil-bearing water held:

[0101] (a) within a circular boundary defined by a hollow and open-ended cylindrical wall 12 of the reservoir 10; and

[0102] (b) below the reservoir 10.

[0103] In the first and second embodiments shown in Figs, la - 14c, the single side wall 12i-ii is a substantially short hollow-cylindrical in shape. The reservoir 10i,-ii is open at both ends, namely the top 16i-ii and the bottom lli-ii, when the longitudinal axis X is vertical. The side wall 12i-ii is preferably a slightly conical shape, tapering toward the base lli-ii. The reservoir lOi-ii is in the form of a hollow truncated cone in which the taper is slight, i.e. at an angle of between 0.5 - 10°, preferably 1 - 5°, most preferably about 4°, inwardly from top to bottom relative to a line parallel to the vertical axis X. The ratio of the height of the cylinder 12i-ii compared to its radius when assembled in a cylindrical form, is about 1:2- 1:3, with a height of 150mm and a radius of 250mm being preferred.

[0104] In the first and second embodiments shown in Figs, la - 14c, the upper end 16i-ii of the reservoir lOi-ii includes an annular ledge or flange 42i-ii. The flange 42i-ii is outwardly extending from the top or upper end 16i-ii of the side wall 12i-ii. The reservoir lOi-ii is adapted to receive and retain water draining through soil immediately surrounding the sapling 30, including water within and under the reservoir lOi-ii, holding the water against lateral dispersal at and / or immediately below ground level (referring to reference 2 in Fig. 15a) whereby to direct trapped water down towards and around roots (referring to reference 33 in Fig. 15b) of the plant 30. The reservoir lOi includes a base lli-ii and a side wall 12i-ii. The reservoir lOi-ii includes an open top 13i-ii and an open base lli-ii.

[0105] The reservoir 10 is adapted for placement into a hole in the ground prior to planting of the sapling roots 33 inside the reservoir 10. The sapling roots 33 may develop over time in a manner that strengthens their hold in the ground. The reservoir 10 includes a water holding zone 14 adapted to retain water in a shallow vertical column. The water holding zone 14 is positioned under and up to ground level 2. The water holding zone 14 includes a zone top 14a, the top 14a adapted for positioning at or near ground level 2.

[0106] The reservoir 10 is preferably positioned so that its internal surface of the side wall 12 is generally positionable around a base 34 of the sapling's 30 trunk such that the roots 33 of the sapling 30 extend downward from the reservoir 10. In use, the water contained in the zone 14 will supply the roots 33 in and immediately below, particularly in the footprint of the reservoir, and below-adjacent the reservoir 10, that is, in the soil below and immediately outside and adjacent the reservoir's 10 footprint.

[0107] In the fourth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a first and second pieces or parts 110a,b of the reservoir 110 that attach together using at least one set of complimentary joining features 150. The first part 110a includes at least one interlocking feature in the form of a female interlocking feature 115a and the second part 110b includes at least one interlocking feature in the form of a male interlocking feature 115b.

[0108] The first and second parts 110a, b of the fourth embodiment are similar in size. The first and second parts 110a, b each separately constitute about half of the assembled reservoir 110. Each of the first and second parts 110a,b is within ±5% of half of the reservoir 110 in terms of material volume. Each of the first and second parts 110a, b is within ±5% of half of the reservoir 110 in terms of material mass.

[0109] As shown in Figs. 18a - 29 with regard to the fourth embodiment, the at least one set of the complimentary joining features in the form of female and male interlocking features 115a, b form a join 150. The join 150 includes an upper 116a and a lower pair 116b of joining features. The upper and lower pair 116a, b of joining features are located at an upper end and lower end 113a, b of the reservoir 110, respectively.

[0110] The join 150 connects or joins the two pieces 110a, b of the reservoir 110 together. The join 150 includes no nuts, bolts or screws. The join 150 is a clip-together joining feature.

[0111] The join 150 includes a hook 152a adapted to be received by a complementary hole 152b. The hook 152a is adapted to be located at the lower joining feature 116b. The hook 152a is shown in figure 22b and is adapted to connected through an interference fit to a hole 152b. The hole 152b shown in Figure 22b is adapted to receive the hook 152a when pressing the two parts 110a, b together.

[0112] The reservoir 110 further includes an upper interlocking joining feature 116a also including the male and complimentary female interlocking press fit feature 115a, b. The upper interlocking feature 116a including a clasp and socket or hole combination adapted to press fit to retractably lock the two parts 110a, b of the reservoir together. The upper interlocking feature 116a may be unengaged with a finger, screw driver or similar tool. The upper interlocking feature 116a including no screw, bolts or any secondary joining devices. The upper interlocking feature 116a may be unitarily formed with each respective half of the two parts 110a, b of the reservoir.

[0113] The join further includes a join recess 151a (distinct from the previously mentioned stakereceiving recess 130). The join recess 151a is adapted to extend a whole height of the reservoir 110. The reservoir including two join recesses at opposite sides of the reservoir 110. The join recess 151a is adapted to maintain stiffness and join integrity an entire length of the join 150. The join recess 151a is adapted to receive a join elongate protrusion 151b. The elongate protrusion 151b also extending substantially a full height of the reservoir 110.

[0114] GAP

[0115] In the second embodiment shown in Figs. 7a - 14c, the wall 12ii and the flange 42ii include a reservoir join 50. The reservoir lOi-ii is formed of a unitary piece whereby two ends 19a, b may be releasably engaged to complete the cylindrical shape of the reservoir lOii. The wall 12ii is separable at a gap 52 that extends from the upper end 16i-ii to the lower end base lli-ii. The gap 52 is continuous radially or outwardly through the flange 42i-ii, so that the reservoir lOi- ii may be parted at the gap 52. In its open form where the reservoir's respective ends 19a, b are separated, the reservoir is in the form of a length that may be opened or spread into a horse-shoe configuration. In the open configuration, this may allow the reservoir lOi-ii to be wrapped around the plant 30 and then engaged at the join 50 so that the wall 12i-ii forms a continuous loop.

[0116] The first embodiment lOi may optionally have a join 50 in the wall 12i and flange 42i in the same manner as for the second embodiment, between any two of the 3 apertures, for example between apertures 41a, c. The join 50 may be identical in each of the first and second embodiments, and considering the join 50 in relation to the first embodiment, like features will have like references, as described with reference to the second embodiment.

[0117] The wall 12ii portion of the join 50 includes a wall join bead and groove engagement feature 54. The wall join 54 includes a channel 51 with a part-circular profile. The channel 51 is formed in a wall edge of first end 19a extends between the upper and lower ends llii,16ii with a longitudinal slot for a mouth defining an opening that is narrower than the width of bead 53. The bead is on an opposed wall edge of the other second end 19b of the reservoir lOii, which complements and is adapted to engage with the channel 51 and forms part of the join 50. The reservoir lOii is made of resiliently deformable material whereby the slot may be widened to admit the bead 53 and to releasably trap it therein.

[0118] The reservoir join 50 further includes a flange join 55,56 wherein the respective ends 19a, b of the reservoir lOii are further engageable by means of a protrusion and corresponding recess. The protrusion is preferably in the form of a flange tab 56 adapted to engage with a complementary recess 55 into which the bulb-shaped tab 56 may be received. Therefore, the join 50 includes a pairof complementary engagement features, the wall join 54 and the flange join 55,56. One of the engagement features 54 is adapted to join the wall 12ii at the respective ends 19a, b of the reservoir lOii (refer to Fig. 14a). The other engagement feature 55,56 is adapted to join the flange 42ii at the respective ends 19a, b.

[0119] The male portion 53,56 of the engagement features 54 and 55,56 may be formed on either of the respective ends 19a-b. By corollary, the female portion 51,55 of the engagement features 54 and 55,56 may be formed on either of the respective ends 19a-b. Preferably, the male portions 53,56 are formed on the same end 19a-b, for example the end 19b closest to the aperture 41c, and correspondingly, preferably, the female portions 51,55 are formed on the other of the respective ends 19a closest to the first aperture 41a.

[0120] The tab 56 is attached to the end 19b as part of the flange 42ii by a narrow neck 58, and the recess 55 correspondingly has a narrower neck portion adjacent its mouth that complements the shape and size of the neck 58 whereby to enable the tab or bulb 56 to be releasably trapped in the recess 55. To engage the respective ends, the male portion end 19b may be raised relatively so that the bead 53 is approximately coaxially and serially aligned just above the channel 51. To engage, the bead 53 of the second end 19b may be fed into the channel 51 until the tab 56 is in a superimposed position immediately above the recess 55. The tab 56 can then be inserted by pushing it down into the recess 55 to complete engage the join 50 and close the loop of the reservoir lOii.

[0121] ATTACHMENT

[0122] The attachment 15 allows the stake 20 to engage with the attachment 15, which in turn is attached to or forms part of the reservoir 10. Preferably, the stake 20 and the attachment 15 are complementarily adapted to slidably engage, such that a section of the length of the stake 20 can be retained in the attachment 15. Additional to acting as a holder 41, by spacing the contact points 17, the attachment 15 also provides a guide 40 for the stake 20 along which a length of the stake 20 may slide in its moveable engagement with the reservoir 10 and its attachments 15. The attachments 15 provide a structural attachment for the stakes 20 to be attached to the reservoir 10.

[0123] In the third embodiment shown in Fig. 15a-b, the attachment 15 is in the form of a clamp, clasp or clip fixed to the inside of the side wall 12. Where the attachment 15 is a clamp, clasp or clip, the stake 20 may be clipped into position at a desired portion of the length of the stake 20. The reservoir 10 is shown in Figs. 15a-b as a tub with a base 11 which may comprise a mesh or grid extending between the lower edge of the wall 12. Preferably, the base 11 is in the form of an opening to the underside of the reservoir 10 to facilitate the downward and diagonal growth of roots through the soil beyond the containment of the reservoir 10.

[0124] The attachment 15 comprises the aforementioned at least two axially spaced contact points 17. This is for bearing on the stake 20 at two axially spaced locations along its length such that the stake 20 is held against pivoting about a horizontal axis at the contact points 17. In the first and second embodiments, as shown in Fig. 6a, vertically spaced contact points 17i are located at the upper edge 16i near the aperture 41i and at the lower edge of a track 44i. In a related embodiment shown in Fig. 6a, instead of the tracks 44i being in the form of continuous flanges (as they are in the first and second embodiments), the guide 40 comprises a pair of axially-spaced guide tabs (also 44i). However, in the first and second embodiments is noted that a portion of the stake 20i is generally in contact with the track 44i along the entire length of the track 44i between the spaced contact points 17a-b. The track 44i-ii is preferably linear and the stakes 20,20i20ii are preferably correspondingly linear, although they are adapted to flex as described below.

[0125] The flange 42i-ii is provided with 3 apertures in the form of cut-outs 41a-c. The three apertures 41a-c are equally circumferentially spaced about the periphery of the aperture lOi- ii (i.e., the flange 42i-ii) and equally radially spaced from the centre X about the periphery of the upper end 16i-ii.

[0126] In the second embodiment shown in Figs. 7a - 14c, the flange 42ii includes a fourth aperture 41d between apertures 41b-c. The fourth aperture 41d is diametrically opposed to the first aperture 41a. In contrast, the reservoir 10 of the third embodiment includes clips 15 on an inside surface of the side wall 12. In this third embodiment, the stakes 20 are adapted to be positioned on the inside of the reservoir 10. However, the arrangements of the first and second embodiments is preferred.

[0127] More preferably, as shown in Figs la - 14c, the attachment 15 is in the form of a keyhole 41 and a guide 40. The keyhole 41 is formed completely through the horizontal flange 42i-ii. The keyhole 41 is in the shape of the letter "M" comprising 4 angled linear slots. The shape of the keyhole 41 complements the preferred stake 20i profile, also being "M" shaped, and having 4 unitarily extruded elongate panels joined by 3 intermediate longitudinally aligned folds. The folds give both rigidity to the stake 20i structure, whilst also permitting some flex to allow the plant 30 limited movement in a permitted range.

[0128] The lateral panels of the stake 20i extend at a shallow angle about 20 - 40° tangential to the circumference of the upper end 16i-ii and are adapted to enter an acute angle crook space 45 i defined by the guides 44i. The lateral panels may be adapted to flex outwardly whereby to be held under some tension in the crooks 45i of the guides 40.

[0129] The guide 40 includes one or more guides in the form of pairs of tracks 44i-ii. Most preferably, the guide 40 is in the form of the track 44i-ii. The track 44i-ii may extend partway, or preferably the full length, of the external surface of the side wall 12i-ii.

[0130] Alternatively, the guides 40 may each comprise a linear series of spaced protrusions 17i. The spaced protrusions 17i may be located at any position intermediate the length of the external surface of the side wall 12i to form a lower one of the contact points 17b, the upper contact point 17a being provided at the cut out 41 or flange 42i.

[0131] As best shown in Figs. 5b and 6b (and similar comments apply to the second embodiment), the track 44i preferably extends outwardly from the external surface 18i tangentially or at an inclination to the external surface 18 i. The track 44i presents a tangentially extending flange with an acute angle proximal to the external surface 18i forming a crook recess 45 i. The acute angle Q is preferably in the range 30° - 60°, most preferably 40° - 50°. The crook recess 45 i is adapted to receive a peripheral edge 22 of a lateral panel of the stake 20. Preferably, the attachment 15 and guide 40 includes a pair of spaced and opposed tracks 44i, together presenting opposed crook recesses 45 that oppose any lateral movement of the stake 20 relative to the reservoir lOi when the stake 20i is received in the attachment 15 and guide 40.

[0132] The contact points 17i may be spaced a distance corresponding to the length of the side wall 12i. The attachment 15 and guide 40 may comprise a continuum of contact for the peripheral edge 22 throughout the length of the cut out 41i combined with the track 44i. In any case, the stake 20i may only be supported laterally and fixed axially by the attachment 15 and guide 40 by a portion of its length intermediate the top and bottom of the stake 20.

[0133] The cut out 41 defines a through hole in the flange 42 that conforms directly to the profile 20a-e of the stake 20.

[0134] The reservoir wall 12 is preferably unitarily or integrally formed with the attachment 15 so that the reservoir 10 and attachment 15 are moulded or cast in one moulding or casting process comprising the same material. The reservoir wall 12 is integrally or unitarily formed with the attachment 15 and guide 40.

[0135] STAKE

[0136] The stake 20 is sufficiently strong and resistant to flex whereby to support the plant 30 against lateral wind and other forces whilst the plant 30 grows. The stake 20 is also sufficiently flexible to train roots 33 to resist prevailing winds to strengthen roots 33 to best cope when exposed to strong winds from that prevailing wind direction.

[0137] The stake 20 includes an elongate beam with any one of a number of profiles 20a-e shown in figures 12a-e. The reservoir and stake apparatus 1 includes multiple stakes 20. The reservoir and stake apparatus 1 preferably includes at least 3 equispaced and circumferentially evenly spaced stakes 20. The multiple stakes 20 for each apparatus 1 are preferably identical, although stakes of different lengths and profiles may be provided to suit different applications.

[0138] The different stake profiles 20a-e include a wave form such as the shape of a sine or "U". The cross-sectional profile of the stake 20 is alternatively M, C, channel, V, sigma or Ohm shaped and can be mixed and matched with the shape of the attachment 1'5 according to any one of the first to fourth and related embodiments. Preferably, the stake profile 20a-e (or as depicted in the M, C, channel, V, sigma or Ohm shapes of Figs. 16a-) includes a stake peripheral side edge 22 that extends at a complementary angle toward the crook recess 45 for reception and retention therein when the stake 20 is engaged in the attachment 15 and guide 40

[0139] The stakes 20 are in the form of an elongate beam or rod with a cross-section 20x. The crosssection 20x conforms to an attachment recess 15a defined by the attachment 15, most notably the clasp, hook, clamp or clip 15, or the cut out 41. The stake’s 20 cross section is complementary to, and adapted to be received and held inside the recess 15. The stakes 20 cross-section preferably corresponds to the interior walls defined by the clasp 15a or cut out 41 such that the stakes 20 are held tightly and upright therewithin. The stakes 20 are inserted into the attachment recess 15 to form a structural connection to hold the stakes 20 upright.

[0140] The stakes 20 are adapted for insertion into the attachment 15 of the reservoir 10. The reservoir 10 is adapted to provide a substantially rigid support base to provide a solid and fixed base attachment of the stakes 20. The stakes 20 are preferably capable of flexing due to their elongate length of preferably between 300mm - 1800mm. However, the stakes are preferably made of strong and hard material having a modulus of elasticity of sufficient to flex under the type of forces associated with moderate to strong or gusty wind. For example, a stake 20 having a length of 120mm fixed in the ground to a depth of 30 -40mm and attached intermediate its length between a mid-point of the length of the stake 20 and spaced at least 20mm from its upper end, is adapted to be displaced at its upper end between 5mm - 30mm by a 20knot wind applying force to the plant 30, compared to still conditions. The stake 20 and reservoir 10 are preferably made separately, but preferably entirely from the same plastic material.

[0141] The stake 20 preferably has at least two ribs or panels 46i-ii extending substantially its full length in constant cross-section. The stake 20 preferably has at least one sharp angled corner 47i providing the corner transition between the ribs or panels 46. Still more preferably, the stake 20 profile includes 4 panels 46i-iv with three transition corners 47i-iii to form a "W" profile as shown in Fig. 10. The central corner 47iii has an obtuse angle joining to central panels 46i-iii and each of these central panels is joined by corners 47i-ii having acute angles to a respective pair of outside panels 46i,iv. The combination of the angles of the corners 47i- iii provides for the outside panels 46i,iv to extend at an angle complementary or corresponding to the angle 0 for snug fit in the crook recess 45. The outer panels 46i,iv may be slightly flexed when engaged in the cut out 41 to provide a tight fit whereby the stake 20 is held against easy axial movement relative to the cut out 41 and guide 44. However, manual force applied axially by an operator is sufficient to shift the stake 20 axially relative to the reservoir 10.

[0142] In use the stakes 20 are effective to provide resilient support to a growing young plant 30. The stakes 20 are particularly capable of flexing in the face of prevailing wind forces to train the plant 30 to build naturally robust root systems 33 that are adapted to resist prevailing winds over the life of the plant 30.

[0143] The reservoir 110 of the fourth embodiment includes a flange or extrusion 140 extending parallel with the stake 120i-iii adjacent a cutout 141. The flange or extrusion 140 is a support feature that extends from an edge 142 of the cutout 141. The flange or extrusion surrounds the cutout 141.

[0144] The stake 120i-iv of the second embodiment of the invention may be in the form of a W, U or V. Preferably, the stake 120i-iii of the second embodiment of the invention includes a W shape. The stake of the second embodiment of the invention further includes the corner transitions 160 in the form of recessed grooves. The recessed grooves 160 may extend only along a lower portion of the stakes 120i-iv. The recessed grooves may only extend to a point intermediate the length of the stakes 122 i-iv. The termination of the recessed grooves intermediate the length of the stake 122i-iv may provide a terminal and location point for positioning the stake 122 i-iv in the recess 130. The recessed grooves may be in the form of elongate channels adapted to extend longitudinally along the stake 120i-iii.

[0145] The stake 120i-iv of the second embodiment of the invention further includes notches 128i-ii adapted to catch onto an upper end of the reservoir. The recesses 128i-ii (notches) adapted to stop and maintain positional height of the stakes relative to the reservoir llOn .

[0146] DEFINITIONS, MEANINGS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPLANATIONS

[0147] Throughout the specification and claims the word "comprise" and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word "comprise" and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

[0148] In the present specification, terms such as "apparatus", "means", "device" and "member" may refer to singular or plural items and are terms intended to refer to a set of properties, functions or characteristics performed by one or more items or components having one or more parts. It is envisaged that where an "apparatus", "means", "device" or "member" or similar term is described as being a unitary object, then a functionally equivalent object having multiple components is considered to fall within the scope of the term, and similarly, where an "apparatus", "assembly", "means", "device" or "member" is described as having multiple components, a functionally equivalent but unitary object is also considered to fall within the scope of the term, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

[0149] In the present specification, the phrase "and / or" refers to severally or any combination of the features. For example, the phrase "feature 1, feature 2 and / or feature 3" includes within its scope any one of the following combinations: Feature 1 or feature 2 or feature 3; feature 1 and feature 2 or feature 3; feature 1 or feature 2 and feature 3; feature 1 and feature 3 or feature 2; feature 1 and feature 2 and feature 3.

[0150] The meaning of descriptive, precise or absolute terms such as "flexed", "normal", "parallel", "horizontal", "vertical" or "fully" includes the preceding qualifier "substantially or almost", unless the context or contrary is expressly indicated.

[0151] Qualifying relative terms, such as "relatively", "sufficiently", "near", "almost" or "substantially", may be taken to indicate a variation in an absolute value of between 09and 109or between 0% and 10%, relative to the absolute value. For example, "near horizontal" may be taken to mean any orientation between 09and 109relative to the horizontal.

[0152] Where the word "for" is used to qualify a use or application of an object term, the word "for" is only limiting in the sense that the device or component should be "suitable for" that use or application.

[0153] In the present specification, the term "integral" means formed of one body in a single process. In particular, the term "integrally formed" means formed of the one body without postforming attachment of separately formed component parts. That is, "integrally formed" and the similar term "unitarily formed" mean formed in a single forming process and do not include post-forming attachment of component parts by means of fastener or other component fixing substances or methods.

[0154] Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, which will usually be apparent from the context.

[0155] In the present specification, the term "integral" means formed of one body in a single process. In particular, the term "integrally formed" means formed of the one body without post- forming attachment of separately formed component parts. That is, "integrally formed" and the similar term "unitarily formed" mean formed in a single forming process and do not include post-forming attachment of component parts by means of fastener or other component fixing substances or methods.

[0156] The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than one element.

[0157] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The features and components of each of the embodiments of the invention described in the detailed description and / or depicted in the accompanying drawings may be interchangeable as required, with regard to functional equivalency and compatibility. A feature or component described with reference to one but not all embodiments, if functionally and dimensionally compatible as an addition with another embodiment herein described, or substitutable with a corresponding feature or component of that other embodiment in relation to which it has not been expressly described, should be read as a potential addition or substitution to that other embodiment and as being within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, in considering a feature or component that is described in relation a particular embodiment but may be omitted from the embodiment without losing the functionality characterising the invention and without departing from the scope of the invention, unless the context and expressions used in describing the embodiment imputes that the feature or component is essential to the invention as broadly described, the omittable feature or component may be read as not being included in the embodiment.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 30 July 2025 (30.07.2025)1. A reservoir and stake apparatus including a reservoir adapted for placement surrounding roots of a plant, and a stake, the stake reservoir that is adapted to be structurally attached to each other such that the stake is adapted to be supported by the reservoir, wherein the reservoir includes:(a) at least one side wall;(b) an open top and an open bottom;(c ) an attachment in the form of a recess formed in or on the side wall; and(d) a guide providing at least two axially spaced contact points in which a length of the stake is adapted to axiallyslide in moveable engagement with the attachment.

2. The reservoir and stake apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the reservoir includes an annular flange extending outwardly from a top of the side wall.

3. The reservoir and stake apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the guide extends in an axial direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the reservoir.

4. The reservoir and stake apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the reservoir is conically shaped and the side wall tapers toward the base.

5. The reservoir and stake apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 - 4, wherein the reservoir is adapted for placement surrounding shallow roots of the plant.

6. The reservoir and stake apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 -5, wherein the reservoir is adapted to define a water capture zone for the plant.

7. The reservoir and stake apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 -6, wherein the stakes include an elongate rod with a W-shaped profile.

8. The reservoir and stake apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 -6, wherein the stake has a cross section including multiple elongate ribs or panels joined by a corner transition.

9. The reservoir and stake apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 -6, wherein the stake is adapted to flex laterally in a limited range in response to prevailing winds.

10. The reservoir and stake apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the guide provides for axial reciprocation of the stake in the recess, overcoming the friction forces associated with the friction fit to locate the stake in the recess at the desired position intermediate the length of the stake.

11. The reservoir and stake apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 - 10, wherein the reservoir includes a reservoir join to join at least one male interlocking feature to at least one female interlocking feature that hook or clip together to form the reservoir in a unitary piece and to form the cylindrical shape of the reservoir.

12. The reservoir and stake apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 2 - 11 , wherein the side wall is separable at a gap that extends from the top to the base of the reservoir.

13. The reservoir and stake apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the gap is preferably continuous through the flange and the side wall.

14. The reservoir and stake apparatus as claimed in Claim 12 or 13, wherein the gap is continuous radially or outwardly through the flange and the reservoir is adapted to be parted at the gap and opened or spread to allow the reservoir to be wrapped around the plant.

15. Th The reservoir and stake apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 12 - 14, wherein the reservoir join further include a second engagement feature in the form of a flange join and the respective ends of the reservoir are further engageable by means of a flange bulb or tab and a complementary recess into which the bulb or tab may be received.

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