WO2016189315A1 - Support apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

There is described a support apparatus and methods for supporting a plant container above a surface. In some examples the support apparatus comprises an object support structure defining an upper surface having a particular support area for engaging an object to be supported. The object support structure may comprise a plurality of interconnected radial and circumferential support members, and may be configured to be adjustable to provide a variation in support area of the upper surface. This may be achieved by using adjustment portions.

Description

SUPPORT APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD Some examples described relate to support apparatus, for example support apparatus for use with plant containers or the like.

BACKGROUND Growing potted plants, or the like, allows plant enthusiasts, such as gardeners, the flexibility of being able to move their plants around their garden, house, shed, etc. Plants may be moved for aesthetic reasons or, for example, may be moved to achieve optimal conditions for plant growth. Plants or the like provided in pots, or other such containers, are additionally able to be placed on a surface on which a plant would not normally be able to grow, such as a pathway or garden decking, or the like.

There continues to be a desire to improve the ease with which such plant pots and other garden or horticultural articles can be positioned and/or repositioned. SUMMARY

Some described examples relate to a support apparatus for supporting an object on a surface, for example, a plant container (e.g. a plant pot), or other such garden or horticultural article, on a surface. Such support apparatus may improve the ease with which such plant pots, etc., can be positioned and/or repositioned.

Some described examples of the support apparatus comprise an object support structure. That object support structure may have an upper support surface having a particular support area configured to engage an object to be supported. The object support structure may be configured to be adjustable (e.g. user adjustable) so as to provide a varying support area for engaging objects to be supported.

The support structure may comprise one or more adjustment portions. The or each adjustment portion may permit a part of the support structure to be removed, or detached, so as to provide a varying support area for engaging objects to be supported.

The apparatus may be configured to provide at least a first support area and a second support area, the first and second support areas being differently sized. Detachment at an adjustment portion may result in a reduction in support area. Such reduction may be a reduction in cross-sectional area of the support area. Such reduction may be a reduction in diameter of the support area. For example, detachment at an adjustment portion may result in a reduction from the first support area to the second support area.

The or each adjustment portion may be defined by a region or particular feature of the support apparatus, for example, a particular geometric feature. The adjustment portion may be defined, for example, by a region of comparably reduced thickness (e.g. cross sectional area) of the object support structure. The adjustment portion may be frangible. The adjustment portion may comprise a weakened region to permit user separation of a portion of the object support structure so as to reduce the size from the first support area to the second support area, thus providing varying support area for engaging objects to be supported. The adjustment portion may comprise, for example, a perforation and/or a notch.

The adjustment portion may comprise a region of reduced cohesive strength, compared to adjacent regions of the support structure. The adjustment portion may comprise a material that is able to be broken by hand, for example by snapping or tearing. The adjustment portion may comprise a material that is comparatively more brittle than surrounding material. The adjustment portion may comprise a material which is comparatively more ductile than surrounding material.

The adjustment portion may be configured as an attachable/detachable region. The attachable/detachable region may comprise complementary parts configured to mate together. For example, the adjustment portion may comprise a detachable clip, clasp or snapfit, or the like. The attachable/detachable region may comprise, for example, loop- and-hoop fasteners or a similar material. The attachable/detachable region may comprise parts that are held together by magnets. Such magnets may be partially or fully embedded in material of the adjustment portion and/or object support structure. The attachable/detachable region may comprise an adhesive surface configured to assist in retaining parts together. The adhesive surface may permit the adjustment portion to be attached and detached repeatedly. The adjustment portion may be marked as such (e.g. comprise indicia). The external appearance of the adjustment portion may be different to that of an adjacent region. For example, the adjustment portion may be a different colour than an adjacent region, the adjustment portion may have a different thickness or diameter than an adjacent region, the external surface of the adjustment portion may have a different texture or feel than an adjacent region, or the like. The support structure may comprise a plurality of support members. The support members may be arranged, or configured, to support an object. The support members may form an interconnected structure (e.g. a lattice structure). Adjustment portions may be positioned at particular regions of particular support members. The adjustment portion may be defined, for example, by a region of comparably reduced thickness (e.g. cross-sectional area) of a support member.

The apparatus may comprise a plurality of radial support members, extending radially across the support structure. Each radial support member may comprise at least one adjustment portion provided as part of that radial support member. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of circumferential support members, extended circumferentially across the support structure. The adjustment portions may be comprised with the radial support members. The adjustment portions may be formed as part of that radial support member, for example integrally formed. Actuation of the or each adjustment portions may result in a reduction in length of radial support members, and removal of one or more circumferential support member.

The apparatus may comprise one or more support protrusions. The support protrusions may depend from a lower surface of the apparatus, and indeed optionally a lower surface of the object support structure. The support protrusions may be attached, or may be integrally formed with the object support structure. The protrusions may be configured to provide minimal point contact with a ground, paving, or the like. In some examples, the support protrusions may comprise an arcuate contact surface. For example, the support protrusions may comprise spherical or cylindrical portions, configured to contact the ground.

Some or all of the support protrusions may be comprised with or attached to the support members. In some examples, some or all of the support protrusions may be comprised with or attached to radial support members. The apparatus may be configured to provide at least one fluid flowpath from the support structure, and in particular the upper support surface, to a region external to the support apparatus.

The flowpath may comprise regions defined between support members (e.g. between radial and circumferential support members). Those regions may be one or more apertures defined within the object support structure. One, some or all of those regions may be provided by apertures in the support structure. Those apertures may be defined between support members. The flowpath may comprise regions defined between support protrusions. For example, when in use, a flowpath may exist between protrusions even though such protrusions may be in contact with the ground or the like.

The support apparatus may comprise a specific colour. For example, the support apparatus may comprise a specific colour similar to expected mould growth on the support apparatus (e.g. black, green, etc.). The support apparatus may be planar or generally planar. The support apparatus may be, for example disc shaped. The support apparatus may comprise a planar surface, for example the upper support surface may be planar. The upper support surface may be flat.

The upper support surface may be profiled according to a surface of the plant container, for example according to the base of the plant container.

The apparatus may be unitary formed. The apparatus may be moulded. The apparatus may be plastic. The apparatus may provide a support area of between 5 cm and 50 cm, cross section. The apparatus may be fully or partially concealed in use. For example, the apparatus may have a height of less than 2 cm, such as less than 1 cm, or less than 0.5 cm. In some examples there is described a support apparatus for supporting an object (e.g. a plant container, pot, or other such garden or horticultural article) on a surface, the apparatus comprising:

an object support structure, the support structure having a particular support area configured to engage an object to be supported, and

the object support structure configured to be adjustable (e.g. user adjustable) so as to provide a varying support area for engaging an object to be supported.

In some examples, there is described support apparatus for supporting an object (e.g. a plant container, pot, or other such garden or horticultural article) on a surface, the apparatus comprising:

an object support structure, the object support structure having an upper support surface for engaging an object to be supported; and at least one defined fluid flowpath from the support structure, and in particular from the upper support surface, to a region external to the support apparatus.

The flowpath may comprise regions defined between support members (e.g. between radial and circumferential support members).

The flowpath may comprise regions defined between support protrusions configured for contact with the ground. For example, when in use, at least one defined flowpath may be provided between protrusions (e.g. even though such protrusions may be in contact with the ground or the like).

In some further examples, there may be provided a support apparatus for supporting a plant container above a surface. The support apparatus may comprise an object support structure defining an upper support surface having a particular support area for engaging an object to be supported. The object support structure may define a lower support surface. The object support structure may be configured to be adjustable to provide a variation in support area of the upper support surface.

In some other examples, there may be provided a support apparatus for supporting a plant container above a surface. The support apparatus may comprise an external region and an object support structure. The object support structure may define an upper surface having a particular support area for engaging an object to be supported. The object support structure may comprise a flowpath allowing fluid communication between the upper support surface and the external region.

In some examples, there is provided a method comprising adjusting a support apparatus at an adjustment portion; and resizing the support apparatus such that a support area of the support apparatus is commensurate with a supported surface of a plant container.

In some examples, there is provided a support apparatus for supporting a plant container above surface, comprising; an external region and an object support structure defining an upper surface having a particular support area for engaging an object to be supported, a flowpath permitting fluid flow extending between the upper surface and the external region. In some examples, there is provided a method for supporting an object (e.g. a plant container, pot, or other such garden or horticultural article) on a surface.

The method may comprise:

providing an object support structure having a particular support area configured to engage an object to be supported, and

varying the support area for engaging an object to be supported by adjusting the object support structure.

The method may comprise:

providing an object support structure having an upper support surface for engaging an object to be supported; and

defining at least one fluid flowpath from the support structure, and in particular from the upper support surface, to a region external to the object support structure. Aspects described may include one or more examples, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments/examples may be useful with plant containers, etc. The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 a is a plan view of an example of a support apparatus.

Figure 1 b is a cross-sectional view along the plane A-A as shown in Figure 1 a.

Figure 1c is a plan view of an example of a support apparatus.

Figure 1 d is a cross-sectional view along the plane A-A as shown in Figure 1c.

Figure 2a is a plan view of an example of a support apparatus.

Figure 2b is a cross-sectional view along the plane A-A shown in Figure 2a.

Figure 3a is a plan view of an example of a support apparatus.

Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view along the plane A-A shown in Figure 3a.

Figure 4a is a plan view of an example of a support apparatus.

Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view along the plane A-A shown in Figure 4a.

Figure 5 is a plan view of an example of a support apparatus. Figure 6 is a plan view of an example of a support apparatus.

Figure 7a and 7b are plan views of an example of a support apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some of the following examples are described specifically in relation to plant containers, and more specifically plant pots. However, it will be appreciated that the same apparatus and methods may be used for other articles and objects, such as garden or street furniture, or ornaments. A skilled reader will readily be able to implement the various alternative embodiments accordingly.

Illustrated in Figure 1a is an example of a support apparatus 1 , which comprises an object support structure 3. The object support structure 3 comprises an upper support surface 16 (shown more so in Figure 1 b) for engaging an object to be supported (e.g. a plant pot). The upper support surface 16 has a first support area 5a. Here, the object support structure 3 comprises a plurality of support members 2, 4, which in this particular example are shown as a plurality of radial support members 2 and circumferential support members 4. The support members 2, 4 are interconnected to form an interconnected structure, which may be considered to form a lattice or matrix. As such, a plurality of apertures 9 are formed or defined between the support members 2, 4. In the example illustrated in Figure 1a, the apparatus 1 has a geometric centre 8. The support apparatus 1 further comprises a plurality of adjustment portions 6. As will be described in more detail below, the adjustment portions 6 permit or provide for a variation in the area of the upper support surface 16 (shown in Figure 1 b) of the object support structure 3. In the example illustrated, the adjustment portions 6 are in the form of sections comprising a reduced thickness or indeed cross-sectional area of a support member 2, 4, and in this case a radial support member 2. In some examples, each radial support member 2 may comprise at least one adjustment portion 6 provided as part of that radial support member 2, for example formed as part of that radial support member 2 (e.g. integrally formed). In some examples, the adjustment portions 6 may comprise a perforation and/or a notch.

A region of interconnection between the support members 2, 4 may be considered an interconnection point. In this example, each adjustment portion 6 is located at a radially outer location immediately proximate each interconnection point. In some examples the relative location of the interconnection point and the adjustment portion may minimise protrusion of the radial support member 2 from the interconnection point after adjustment of the support apparatus 1 , for example when the adjustment portion is located in contact with the interconnection point. In the example given, it may be considered that adjustment portions 6 can be divided into sets 6a, 6b, each set comprising adjustment portions 6 spaced from the geometric centre 8, and in this case equidistantly spaced. When one set of adjustment portions 6a, 6b, for example the set of adjustment portions 6a, is actuated (in this example, used and detached from the support apparatus 1) the circumferential support members 4 and sections of radial support members 2 located further from the geometric centre 8 of the support apparatus 1 are detached from the support apparatus 1. In such a manner, the length of the radial support members 2 may be considered to be reduced. In this particular example, the length of each of the radial support members 2 from the geometric centre 8 is the same or similar after the radial support members have been adjusted. Further, the area of support provided by the object support structure 3 can, as a result, be adjusted. In the case of the illustrated example, the support apparatus 1 can be adjusted from having three alternative areas of object support structure 3. Of course, in further examples, two may be provided (e.g. a first larger support area to a second smaller support area), or indeed more than three may be provided.

Figure 1 b is a cross section along the plane A-A shown in Figure 1 a. In this view, a plurality of support protrusions 10 extending (or indeed depending, in use) from the support structure 3 of the support apparatus 1 are shown. In this case, the support protrusions 10 comprise an arcuate surface 12 protruding from a lower surface 14 of the support apparatus 1. Here, it may be considered that the support protrusions 10 comprise a hemispherical shape. In such a manner, the shape of the protrusions 10 may provide minimal contact with a surface, in use, as will be further described.

Here, the support protrusions 10 are located between each adjustment portion 6. The protrusions 10 extending from the support apparatus 1 are evenly spaced apart. For illustration, groups of three support protrusions 10 are shown, however the number of support protrusions 10 located between each adjustment portion 6 may vary.

Figure 1 c is the support apparatus for Figure 1a with an outer region of the object support structure 3 removed. The outer region of the object support structure is removed by detaching the outermost adjustment portions 6 of the support apparatus 1. Accordingly, the radial support members 2 are now reduced in size and the support apparatus 1 comprises one less circumferential support member 4 than the example shown in Figure 1a. The reduction in size of the support apparatus 1 has transformed the first support area 5a (shown in Figure 1 a) to a second support area 5b.

Figure 1 d is a cross-sectional view along section A-A of the example of Figure 1c. In use, the support apparatus 1 may be placed on surfaces on which a user (e.g. gardener) may not want to place a plant container directly, for example surfaces which may be marked or scratched by a plant container, or surfaces providing little grip to a plant container. Due to the adjustment portions 6, the support apparatus 1 and in particular the object supporting structure 3, is capable of being adjusted in size to support more suitably a plant container. For example, the support apparatus 1 may be adjusted in size such that it is not normally visible when supporting a plant container. For example, the first support area 5a may be transformed into the second support area 5b for this purpose. In some examples, the profile or overall height of the support apparatus 1 may be minimised (e.g. less than 2 cm, or less than 1 cm, or indeed less than 0.5 cm) in order to assist with minimising any visual appearance of the support apparatus 1.

In use, the user can actuate the adjustment portions 6 to change the first area 5a (shown in Figure 1a) to the second area 5b (shown in Figure 1 b). When the user actuates the adjustment portions 6 to remove an outer region of the object support structure 3, and so change the first support area 5a to the second support area 5b, the removed outer region may be used itself as a support apparatus 1. For example, the user may use a support apparatus 1 having a second support area 5b to support a smaller object, meanwhile, the removed outer region, previously having formed at least a part of first support area 5a, may be used to support a larger object.

Further, provided adjustment portions 6 of a reduced thickness or cross sectional area of a support member 2, 4 may be able to be more easily located by hand, rather than visually, for example, where a user may be wearing gardening gloves. Providing adjustment portions 6 comprising a notch may further enhance the ability of the user to locate the adjustment portions, and may assist adjustment of the adjustment portions 6 by providing a region that is physically easier to adjust, by use of secateurs for example. Additionally or alternatively, the notch may permit the user to position a tool, for example secateurs, at an attachment portion 6 more easily. The notch may extend around the entire outer surface of the adjustment portion. In having sets of adjustment portions 6a, 6b attached to a specific circumferential support member 2, the user may find it easier to remove each outer region of the support apparatus, without inadvertently actuating an adjustment portion not required for the removal of a particular outer region. Such adjustment portions 6 may be integrally formed as part of a support member 2, 4, which may allow the support apparatus 1 to be manufactured more easily.

Further still, when the support apparatus 1 is resting on a surface (e.g. ground, window sill, etc.), the support protrusions 10 allow the lower surface 14 to be elevated from that surface (e.g. ground, ... ). In elevating the lower surface 14, there is provided a gap or spacing between the lower surface 14 and the surface on which the support apparatus 1 is resting. In elevating the lower surface 14, a degree of fluid flow around the support apparatus 1 is achieved. For example, a degree of fluid flow in the gap between the lower surface 14 and the surface on which the support apparatus 1 is resting is achieved.

The provision of interconnected support members 2, 4, may provide improved stability of the support apparatus 1. For example the interconnected support members 2, 4, may have a degree of flexibility, and the interconnection of the support members 2, 4, may have a stiffening effect on the support members 2, 4, such that the support apparatus 1 is stiff enough to provide a stable support surface, and flexible enough to adapt in shape if supporting an object on an uneven surface. In this case, the support apparatus 1 may be able to deform its shape to maximise contact of the support apparatus 1 with an uneven surface.

Figures 1 a to 1d each illustrate a flowpath 7, which represents a flow of fluid, and is shown by a broken arrow. The flowpath 7 is an example of a fluid flowpath that may be established around the support apparatus 1 , and more particularly from the upper support surface 16 to an external region 20 of the support apparatus 1. It will be appreciated that, in use, multiple flow paths may be formed. An established flowpath 7 may assist in communicating water from the upper support surface 16 of the object support structure 3, through an aperture 9 and through the gap or spacing provided beneath the lower surface 14 and towards an external region 20. It will be appreciated that any gap or spacing may indeed be provided between regions defined between the support protrusions 10. In such a manner, the support apparatus 1 may be used to prevent the build-up of fluids around the base of a plant container by providing adequate drainage. This may assist with plants growing appropriately as it may prevent their roots from becoming water-logged, which can encourage rot or mould growth. Further, the or each flowpath 7 established by the support apparatus 1 may provide fluid drainage over or through the support apparatus 1 , increasing fluid evaporation around the support apparatus 1. In such a way, the apparatus 1 may be used to reduce the build-up of dirt, mould or other solids at a contact surface, thus assisting with positioning and repositioning plant pots, and the like.

It will also be appreciated that spacing the support protrusions 10 evenly, or generally evenly, may assist with establishing multiple flowpaths 7 for fluid flow. For example, an even spacing of protrusions 10 may provide a more consistent flowpath 7 regardless of volume of fluid flow, or an adjustment to the positioning of the support apparatus 1. Consistent and multiple flowpaths 7 may reduce likelihood of build-up of mould or dirt around the support apparatus 1. Further, due to the shape or configuration of the support protrusions 10, a useful interaction with a surface upon which the support apparatus 1 is resting, such as the ground, garden decking or the like, can be achieved. For example, the arcuate surface 12 of the support protrusions 10 permits those protrusions 10 to engage over a range of contact angles, thus being more able to engage with uneven surfaces. Further, the shape of the support protrusions 10 may minimise any contact point between the support protrusions 10 and the surface upon which the support apparatus 1 is resting. Minimising the contact surface between the support protrusions 10 and the surface upon which the support apparatus 1 rests may also reduce the build-up of dirt, mould or other solids at the contact surface.

While, in this example, the support protrusions 10 extend principally from a lower surface 14, it will be appreciated that such protrusions 10 may additionally extend from an upper support surface 16. Having additional support protrusions 10 extending from the upper support surface 16 may provide additional support to a plant container, or the like. Similarly, in some embodiments, protrusions extending from an upper support surface 16 may permit the apparatus 1 to be used in either orientation (e.g. upper support surface 16 facing towards the ground, or vice versa).

Figures 2a and 2b show an example of a support apparatus 81 having a similar form to that of Figures 1a-d. Again, the support apparatus 81 comprises an object support structure 83, radial support members 82, circumferential support members 84, adjustment portions 86, 86a, flowpath 87, apertures 89, lower surface 94 and external region 100. However here, Figures 2a and 2b show a support apparatus 81 comprising support protrusions 90 that are formed in groups of two as opposed to groups of three, as is in Figures 1 a-d. A fewer number of support protrusions 90 may be desired if the support apparatus 81 is intended to rest on an uneven surface, such as gravel. Further, having the support protrusions 90 grouped together in fewer numbers may reduce the number of obstacles to fluid flow around the support apparatus 81 or in other words increase the flow path. Reducing the obstacles to fluid flow may allow for an increased fluid flow around a base of the support apparatus 81 while at the same time providing sufficient support to a plant pot or the like. The support apparatus 81 shown in Figures 2a and 2b comprises an additional circumferential support member 84 compared to the example shown in Figures 1a-d.

Figure 3a shows another example of a support apparatus 101. The example shown in Figure 3a comprises similar features and components to the example in Figure 1 a and Figure 1 b. As such, the reference numerals are the same, but augmented by 100. Similar to previous examples, the support apparatus 101 comprises an object support structure 103, adjustment portions 106, flowpath 107, apertures 109, support protrusions 1 10 comprising an arcuate surface 112, lower surface 1 14, upper support surface 1 16 and external region 120. In this example, the support apparatus 101 comprises eight radial support members 102, and four circumferential support members 104. Figure .3b illustrates the cross section A-A of Figure 3a. From Figure 3b, it is shown that the support protrusions 1 10 are in the same shape and configuration as in Figure 1 b, but are more numerous due to there being an increased number of radial support members 102.

In use, the illustrations of the support apparatus 101 of Figure 3a and 3b showing a greater number of radial support members 102 may provide support apparatus 101 with a greater level of rigidity compared to the example of Figure 1a and Figure 1 b. Having a greater number of radial support members 102, in this case, means that there are also provided more support protrusions 110. In some examples, providing more support protrusions 1 10 may provide more contact between the support apparatus 101 and the surface on which it is resting, providing increased grip, for example.

A further example of support apparatus 201 is shown in Figure 4a and Figure 4b. Similar features and components to the example in Figure 1 a and 1 b have been referenced the same, but numbers have been augmented by 200. Illustrated in Figure 4a is a support apparatus 201 comprising an object support structure 203 having a plurality of support members 202, 204 (in this case six radial support members 202, and four circumferential support members 204).

Shown in Figure 4b is a cross sectional view along plane A-A as shown in Figure 4a. Illustrated is a lower surface 214 of the support apparatus 201 , as well as a plurality of support protrusions 210. The support protrusions 210 extend from the radial support members 202 in a similar manner to the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2. As with previous examples, adjustment portions 206, flowpath 207, apertures 209 and external region 220 are shown. However, here the support protrusions 210 are generally semi- spherocylindrical in shape. Having semi-spherocylindrical protrusions, as opposed to hemispherical protrusions may provide an increased support area of the radial support members 202. Having protrusions 210 may also provide a larger area of contact between the support apparatus 201 and a surface such as the ground, garden decking or the like. This may assist with grip, for example.

Figure 5 illustrates a further example of a support apparatus 21 having an object support structure 23 together with a plurality of adjustment portions 26. Here, rather than support members per se, the object support structure 23 is formed as a disc of material 22, or the like. Here, the adjustment portions 26 are formed between a plurality of perforations 24 or apertures defined in the object support structure 23. The perforations 24 take the form of perforated rings, and are concentric with the disc of material 22. A defined support area 26 of the object support structure 23 may be reduced in size by removing regions of the object support structure 23. Removal of regions of the object support structure 23 may be achieved by cutting, tearing, breaking, or the like, the material along the perforated regions 24. As is illustrated in Figure 5, this technique may allow several different sizes of object support structure 23 to be achieved. For example, this technique allows the support apparatus 21 to be adjusted from having a first larger support area to a second smaller support area. The perforations 24 may additionally function to form part of a flowpath. The flowpath may permit fluid flow between the support area 26 and the lower surface (not shown) of the support apparatus 21 and to an external region 30.

The lower surface (not shown) of the support apparatus 21 may or may not comprise support protrusions. In the instance where no support protrusions are provided, the lower surface may be configured to contact flatly the ground. In the instance where there are support protrusions provided, it may be the same or similar to the support protrusions as described in Figure 1 b or Figure 4b.

Having a disc shaped support apparatus 21 may provide a simple manufacturing process. Similarly, while not providing a matrix or lattice of support members and so reducing any effective apertures in the surface, nevertheless providing such an apparatus 21 may be more rigid and better suited for heavier pots or the like. Figure 6 shows a further example of a support apparatus 40 comprising a generally square object support structure and an external region 50. Here, the support apparatus 40 may be considered to comprise multiple support members 42, 44 (e.g. four radial support members 42 and three circumferential support members 44). Again, the apparatus 40 may comprise apertures 49 formed or defined in the regions between the support members 42, 44. A plurality of adjustment portions 46 may be provided, again optionally in the form of sections comprising a reduced thickness or cross-sectional area compared to a support member 42, 44. A further example of a support apparatus 60 is shown in Figure 7a and Figure 7b. The object support structure 63a comprises alternative support members 62, each comprising an adjustment portion (not shown) where they converge with a other support members 64. As with in previous examples, apertures 69 and external region 70 are shown. In this embodiment, the horizontal support members 64 also comprise an adjustment portion where they converge with a vertical support member 62. In this particular example, it is possible to detach several of the adjustment portions such that the size of the object support structure 63a is reduced, yet while the same or substantially the same shape (i.e. the ratio of dimensions is the same or substantially similar as before) can be maintained. It is also possible to detach several adjustment portions such that the size of the object support structure 63a is reduced, providing a different or dissimilar shape (i.e. the ratio of dimensions is not the same or similar as before). Figure 7b illustrates the support apparatus 60, comprising an object support structure 63b that has been varied from that of Figure 7a. Here, the object support structure 63b has had a section removed compared to the example, such that the shape of the support structure 63b is not similar (i.e. dissimilar) to the shape of the support structure 63a. In use, the support apparatus 60 may be able to provide a more complex level of adjustment than other examples of a support apparatus 1. This may allow the support apparatus 60 to better support an object which has a complex shape or structure. For example, regions of the support apparatus 60 may be removed to accommodate protrusions in the base of an object to be supported.

While in the above examples, the or each adjustment portion 6, 86, 106, 206, 26, 46, has been described as breakable due to a reduced thickness, or the like, it will be appreciated that in further examples the support apparatus 1, 81, 101, 201, 21, 40, 60, may comprise one or more adjustment portions that can be detached and then reattached. For example, such an adjustment portion 6 may comprise a clip or clasp, a magnetic connector, a loop-and-hoop fastener or the like. This may provide allow the support apparatus 1, 81, 101, 201, 21, 40, 60, to be used for different plant containers and permit increasing as well as decreasing the area of any object support structure.

The colour of the support apparatus 1, 81, 101, 201, 21, 40, 60 in the aforementioned examples may be selected depending on the intended use of the support apparatus 1, 81, 101, 201, 21, 40, 60. For example, the support apparatus 1, 81, 101, 201, 21, 40, 60 may be coloured black or green if use is intended in an area where mould growth on the support apparatus 1, 81, 101, 201, 21, 40, 60 could be expected. The colour of the support apparatus 1, 81, 101, 201, 21, 40, 60 may then provide the advantage of hiding or camouflaging the mould growth. Further aesthetic advantages may be derived from having a particular colour of support apparatus 1, 81, 101, 201, 21, 40, 60, for example if the support apparatus 1, 81, 101, 201, 21, 40, 60 were chosen to be the same colour as the supported plant container. The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A support apparatus for supporting a plant container above a surface, comprising;

an object support structure defining an upper surface having a particular support area for engaging an object to be supported, the object support structure comprising a plurality of interconnected radial and circumferential support members; the object support structure being configured to be adjustable to provide a variation in support area of the upper surface.

2. A support apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises one or more adjustment portions, the adjustment portions configured to permit the object support structure being configured to be adjustable.

3. A support apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment portions permit part of the object support structure to be removed.

4. A support apparatus according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the or each adjustment portion is frangible.

5. A support apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the frangible adjustment portion comprises at least one notch.

6. A support apparatus according any of claims 2 to 5, wherein each radial support member comprises at least one adjustment portion provided as part of that radial support member.

7. A support apparatus according to claim 6, each adjustment portion being integrally formed as part of that radial support member.

8. A support apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the support apparatus comprises a plurality of adjustment portions, wherein the plurality of adjustment portions are divided into sets of adjustment portions, each set of adjustment portions being equidistantly spaced from a geometric centre of the support apparatus.

9. A support apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 8, wherein each of the radial and circumferential support members are interconnected at interconnection points and the adjustment portion is located at a radially outer location immediately proximate each interconnection point so as to minimise protrusion of the radial support member from the interconnection point after adjustment.

10. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support apparatus is configured to provide at least a first support area and a second support area.

1 1. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising apertures defined between the support members.

12. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support apparatus comprises one or more support protrusions.

13. A support apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the support protrusions comprise an arcuate surface, configured to provide contact with a ground.

14. A support apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the support protrusions are comprised with or attached to the support members.

15. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support apparatus is configured to provide at least one fluid flowpath from the object support structure.

16. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support apparatus is substantially coloured black.

17. A support apparatus for supporting a plant container above a surface, the support apparatus comprising:

an object support structure, the object support structure having an upper support surface for engaging an object to be supported; and

at least one defined fluid flowpath from the support structure, and in particular from the upper support surface, to a region external to the support apparatus.

18. A support apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the at least one defined fluid flowpath is provided from the upper support surface to a region external to the support apparatus.

19. A support apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the object support structure comprises a plurality of interconnected support members forming apertures, and the flowpath comprises regions through the apertures defined between interconnected support members.

20. A method for supporting a plant container, comprising:

providing an object support structure having a particular support area configured to engage an object to be supported, the object support structure comprising a plurality of interconnected radial and circumferential support members, and

varying the support area for engaging an object to be supported by adjusting the object support structure.

21. A method for supporting a plant container, comprising:

providing an object support structure having an upper support surface for engaging an object to be supported; and

defining at least one fluid flowpath from the support structure, and in particular from the upper support surface, to a region external to the object support structure.