GB2304689A - Container system - Google Patents

Abstract

A container system suitable for use in the garden is assembled from a series of wooden or plastic panels provided with attachments which engage or otherwise co-operate with a corresponding attachment on another panel so as to form a channel into which a rod can be inserted to rigidly fasten together either in substantially the same plane or at substantially right angles to one another. Containers are assembled from a plurality of said panels to provide flexibility of shape and size requiring no tools for assembly. Unusual sizes and shapes can be constructed and if desired can be subsequently altered. Long rods can be used to rigidly fasten the panels to provide a means of plant support.

Description

CONTAINER SYSTEM This invention relates to containers suitable for use in the garden and, more particularly, to a system for assembling such containers from a series of panels.

Containers and other receptacles for use in the garden, such as pots, troughs and boxes for holding plants on patios, window boxes and compost containers, are well known and widely available. They are made from various materials and come in a range of shapes and sizes. However, there is no easy way to enlarge or decrease their size or to otherwise alter their shape to adapt to a change in requirements or, perhaps, to fit them into a particular setting. It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for assembling containers and which meets this need for flexibility.

According to the present invention there is provided a panel provided with attachment means on at least one of its ends which engage or otherwise cooperate with corresponding attachment means on a second panel so as to form a channel into which a rod can be inserted, such that the insertion of said rod causes the panels to be substantially rigidly fastened together and at a substantially fixed angle to one another.

The present invention further provides a container that has been assembled from a plurality of the aforesaid panels. There is still further provided a kit for assembling such containers and which comprises a plurality of the panels together with the said rods.

The panels may be made from any suitable material, but are typically formed of wood, plastic or metal. The attachment means, which can either be affixed to the panels or be formed as an integral part thereof, may be made of the same or a different material to the panels. They are preferably formed from metal or a rigid plastic, such as polypropylene.

The rods for insertion into the channels defined by the attachment means are typically made from wood, plastic or metal.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figure 1 is a view of one embodiment of a panel according to this invention; Figure 2 shows two of the panels of this embodiment placed together in the same plane with their respective attachment means engaged so as to form a channel; Figure 3 shows two of the panels of this embodiment, but placed together at right angles with their respective attachment means engaged so as to form a channel; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a complete container according to this invention and which has been assembled from two pairs of panels of different lengths; Figure 5 is a plan view of a container according to this invention and which has been assembled from a plurality of panels of various lengths;; Figure 6 is a view of a separate attachment means for use with a panel according to this invention, before it has been fitted to the end of said panel; Figure 7 is an end view showing a panel according to this invention provided with attachment means and supporting a base for a container; Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of panels according to this invention, two of suNh~panels being placed together in the same plane and with their respective attachment means engaged so as to form a channel; and Figure 9 shows two panels of that same alternative embodiment, but placed together at right angles with their respective attachment means engaged so as to form a channel.

Referring to Figure 1, the panel 1 is provided with attachment means 2 at each end. These comprise a series of hollow projections or "teeth" 3 which can engage or co-operate with corresponding projections on a second panel so as to form a channel 4, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. A rod 5 is then inserted into the channel thus formed so that the two panels are rigidly fastened together and at a fixed angle. Most preferably, the panels are rigidly fastened together either in substantially the same plane (as shown in Figure 2) or at substantially right angles to one another (Figure 3). For this reason, the channel formed upon the engagement or co-operation of the respective attachment means on two panels is preferably substantially square in cross-section and, in consequence, the rods 5 are also preferably substantially square in cross-section.

The rectangular container shown in Figure 4 is formed from four panels 1. Their respective attachment means 2 are engaged such that the panels are fastened together at right angles by the insertion of rods 5. The container of Figure 5 has been formed from a number of panels 1 of different lengths, with their respective attachment means engaged such that the panels are fastened together at right angles by the insertion of rods 5, and illustrates well the versatility of this system for assembling containers.

Figure 6 shows an attachment means 2 during its manufacture. Prior to being fitted to a panel it needs to be folded so as to form the hollow projections 3. The tab 6 located at the lower end of the attachment means provides support for a base 7 to the container (as shown in Figure 7). It will be appreciated that in some circumstances it is desirable for the containers to include a base, for example to give them added weight and stability.

Figures 8 and 9 show an alternative embodiment of the panels 1 of the invention. The attachment means 2 differ, but it will be readily apparent that the same principle is involved as for the other embodiment. The attachment means on one panel engage with corresponding attachment means on a second panel so as to form a hollow channel 4 into which a rod 5 can be inserted so as to rigidly fasten the said panels together. They may be fastened together either in substantially the same plane (Figure 8) or at substantially right angles to one another (Figure 9).

With regard to the attachment means, it will be appreciated that panels may be provided at one end with an attachment means having one configuration and at the other end with an attachment means of the corresponding configuration (as shown in Figure 1).

Alternatively, the panels may have attachment means of the same configuration at each end. In the latter case, in order for the attachment means on two panels to engage or co-operate with one another, it will be understood that the second panel will need to be inverted so that the attachment means is presented in the corresponding configuration to that on the end of the first panel.

This invention provides a highly flexible system for the construction of garden containers from a series of panels. The method of assembly is simple and requires no tools. The panels are light to carry and compact to store. It enables containers of unusual sizes and shapes to be constructed and, as and when desired, their sizes and shapes to be subsequently altered.

The flexibility of the system can be increased by producing the panels themselves in a range of sizes. it is also envisaged that panels could be stacked on top of one another, the layers being secured together by the use of longer rods, so as to permit the assembly of higher containers. The use of one or more elongated rods in the construction of a container, such that a portion of the rod extends above the top of the container, could provide means for supporting plants (either directly or as a support for wire, nets or trellis). The containers of this invention are useful as, for example flower boxes for patios and gardens, compost containers, storage boxes and window boxes.

Claims (10)

1. A panel provided with attachment means on at least one of its ends which engage or otherwise cooperate with corresponding attachment means on a second panel so as to form a channel into which a rod can be inserted, such that the insertion of said rod causes the panels to be substantially rigidly fastened together and at a substantially fixed angle to one another.

2. A panel as claimed in claim 1, which is made of wood or plastic.

3. A panel as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the said attachment means are made of plastic.

4. A panel as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the said attachment means are such that, upon insertion of said rod into said channel, the first panel and the second panel are fastened together either in substantially the same plane or at substantially right angles to one another.

5. A panel as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the said attachment means comprises one or more projections which, upon engaging or otherwise co-operating with corresponding attachment means on a second panel, define a channel that is substantially square in cross-section.

6. A container whose structure comprises a plurality of the panels as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5.

7. A container as claimed in claim 6 and which includes a base.

8. A kit for use in assembling a container and which comprises a plurality of the panels as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 together with the said rods.

9. A panel as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

10. A container as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.