GB2411637A - Sack holder; apparatus for inserting an item in the ground - Google Patents

Abstract

Garden utility apparatus comprises a base (10) adapted to rest upon the surface of the ground during use, a first support member (30) that is releasably engageable with the base (10), and an annular clamp (40) that is releasably engageable with the first support member (30) or a second support member (70) and is adapted for retaining a flexible refuse sack in an open configuration. The apparatus has a first arrangement in which the first support member (30) is engaged with the base (10) and the annular clamp (40) is engaged with the first support member (30) and a second arrangement in which either the first support member (30) or the second support member (70) is inserted into the ground and the annular clamp (40) is engaged with that support member (30,70). Member (70) can also be used to insert an article such as a sand funnel (120, Figures 6 and 7) into the ground, the article being carried on the spiked end (72) of the member during formation of a bore in the ground thereby.

Description

1380/754/P/GB 241 1 637 Title - Garden Utility Apparatus This invention

relates to garden utility apparatus, and in particular to garden utility apparatus for retaining a flexible refuse sack in an open configuration.

A common problem encountered by both amateur and professional gardeners is that a flexible refuse sack for collecting garden waste is very difficult to handle when working alone. In particular, flexible refuse sacks are commonly held in an open configuration with one hand whilst waste is placed in the sack using the other hand. Clearly, maintaining a flexible refuse sack in an open configuration with only one hand is very difficult, and hence very frustrating and time-consuming for a gardener.

One solution is to employ an assistant gardener to hold the flexible refuse sack in an open configuration with both hands so that the gardener is able to place garden waste into the refuse sack. However, this is a very inefficient use of human resources, and hence would increase considerably the operating costs of a professional gardener and would be highly inconvenient for an amateur gardener.

There therefore existed a need for garden apparatus able to retain a flexible refuse sack in an open configuration without the need for an assistant gardener. Several attempts have been made at devising such garden apparatus but none has been entirely satisfactory.

In particular, previous attempts at devising such garden apparatus have suffered from problems such as the apparatus being unstable in adverse weather conditions, the apparatus being only partially collapsible and then time-consuming to re-erect, and the apparatus having only a single function.

1 380/754/P/GB There has now been devised improved garden utility apparatus which overcomes or substantially mitigates the above-mentioned and/or other

disadvantages associated with the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided garden utility apparatus for retaining a flexible refuse sack in an open configuration, which apparatus comprises a base adapted to rest upon the surface of the ground during use, a first support member that is releasably engageable with the base, the first support member also being adapted for insertion into the ground, or the apparatus further comprising a second support member adapted for insertion into the ground, and an annular clamp that is releasably engageable with the first or second support member and is adapted for retaining a flexible refuse sack in an open configuration, the apparatus having a first arrangement in which the first support member is engaged with the base and the annular clamp is engaged with the first support member, such that, in use, the annular clamp is supported at a raised level relative to the ground, and the apparatus having a second arrangement in which the first support member or second support member is inserted into the ground and the annular clamp is engaged with the first support member or second support member, such that, in use, the annular clamp is supported at a raised level relative to the ground.

The garden utility apparatus according to the invention is advantageous principally because the apparatus in its first arrangement is suitable for use on relatively hard ground, such as concrete, and the apparatus in its second arrangement is suitable for use on relatively softer ground, such as a lawn.

Furthermore, the modular construction of the garden utility apparatus according to the invention enables the apparatus to be readily assembled into either the first or second arrangements, and readily collapsed into a significantly smaller storage arrangement. In addition, the modular construction of the apparatus allows additional components, such as means 1 38017541PIGB for suspending articles above a retained refuse sack, to be readily utilised with the apparatus, as described in more detail below.

The first support member preferably has the form of a post, and is preferably of tubular construction. Where the apparatus comprises a second support member adapted for insertion into the ground, the first support member is most preferably a tubular post, preferably of box- section, with open upper and lower ends. The open upper end of the first support member is preferably releasably engageable with the annular clamp, and the open lower end of the first support member is preferably releasably engageable with the base. However, most preferably, the first support member is releasably engageable with the base by means of an intermediate connection piece.

The base is preferably a frame of tubular construction so as to maximise the strength-to-weight ratio of the base. Most preferably, the base has a base portion that rests upon the ground, and one or more upstanding support portions for engagement with the connection piece or the first support member.

Most preferably, the one or more support portions are of tubular construction and include at least one opening through which the one or more support portions receive the connection piece or first support member, thereby engaging the base with the connection piece or the first support member.

Preferably, the base is also releasably engageable with one or more ancillary components, such as means for suspending an article above a retained refuse sack.

The connection piece preferably comprises a first engagement member that is releasably engageable with the first support member, and a second engagement member that is releasably engageable with the base or at least one support portion of the base. The first and second engagement members are preferably of tubular construction, and are preferably received with a close fit inside a tubular member of the first support member and the base, respectively.

1 3801754/PIGB Most preferably, the connection member comprises a body defining an opening, the first and second engagement members being orientated in the plane perpendicular to the axis of that opening. Preferably, the connection piece comprises a pair of second engagement members, which each preferably engage a support portion of the base. The provision of a pair of second engagement members gives the first support member greater stability in use. Most preferably, the pair of second engagement members are L- shaped in form.

The annular clamp preferably comprises an annular support which the refuse sack overlies in use, and a clamping element which clamps the refuse sack to the annular support. The annular support is preferably releasably engageable with the first support member or second support member, and the clamping element is preferably a separate component from the annular support.

The annular support preferably has a cylindrical wall to which the refuse sack is clamped, in use, and a tubular engagement member that is received within the upper end of the first support member or second support member. The annular support is preferably sufficiently malleable to enable the cylindrical wall to be tilted relative to the engagement member, and hence the horizontal, thereby enabling access to a retained refuse sack when a user is crouching,

for example.

Preferably, the annular support includes an outwardly projecting rim which reduces the risk of the clamping element slipping off the annular support when a heavy load is placed in a retained refuse sack. Most preferably, the annular support includes a pair of outwardly projecting rims which are disposed at the upper and lower edges of the annular support, respectively. In addition, suitable ancillary apparatus may be provided, such as trays, riddles and wire baskets, that are releasably engageable with the annular support, and most 1 3801754/PIGB preferably releasably engageable with an outwardly projecting rim of the annular support.

The clamping element preferably comprises a band which has its two ends connected by fastening means such that the band is generally annular in shape. The clamping element is preferably arranged such that when the fastening means is in an unfastened configuration, the annular band has a first diameter, and when the fastening means is in a fastened configuration, the annular band has a second smaller diameter. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening means comprises a buckle and a fastening lever, one end of the annular band being hingedly connected to one end of the buckle, the other end of the annular band being hingedly connected to one end of the fastening lever, and the other end of the buckle to that connected to the annular band being hingedly connected to a central portion of the lever, such that rotation of the lever in a first direction draws the two ends of the annular member together and brings the fastening means into a fastened configuration.

Where the apparatus comprises a second support member, the second support member is preferably of tubular construction, and preferably has a tapered end portion that is adapted for insertion into the ground. The annular clamp is preferably releasably engageable, most preferably by means of a tubular engagement member, with the other end of the second support member to the tapered end portion. Preferably, the second support member is provided with a foot rest to facilitate insertion of the second support member into the ground.

Most preferably, the second support member is adapted to be received within the opening of the connection piece. In this case, the second support member is preferably provided with an enlarged portion, preferably disposed adjacent to the tapered end portion, upon which the connection piece may rest when the second support member and connection piece are so engaged. In a preferred embodiment, therefore, the opening of the connection piece receives 1 3801754/PIGB the second support member so that the connection piece rests upon the enlarged portion and the tapered end portion is disposed below the connection portion. The connection portion may then be used as a foot rest when inserting the tapered end portion of the second support member into the ground.

By "releasably engageable" is meant that a component may be easily engaged with another component, and these engaged components may subsequently be easily disengaged from one another, by the user of the garden utility apparatus without the need for special tools. In particular, mutually engageable components of the garden utility apparatus according to the invention preferably include tubular members that are slidably and releasably engageable with one another. These tubular members may include through- bores that are brought into registration on engagement of the components. In this case, fasteners, such as R-shaped clips, may be passed through these through-bores so as to fasten the components together. Alternatively, the tubular members may engage one another with an interference fit.

The base preferably has a length of less than 75cm, a width of less than 75cm, and a height of less than 30cm. The other components that make up the garden utility apparatus according to the invention preferably all fit within the cubic volume occupied by the base so that the garden utility apparatus is collapsible into a cubic storage volume similar to that occupied by the base alone. A storage container may be provided to store the collapsed garden utility apparatus when not in use.

The garden utility apparatus according to the invention may have other uses in addition to those outlined above. In particular, the apparatus may be suitable for inserting an article, such as a sand funnel, into a bore in the ground. In this case, the apparatus preferably has a further arrangement in which the second support member and connection piece are engaged, as described above, with the connection piece acting as a foot rest, and an article, such as a sand 1 380/754/P/GB funnel, is engaged with the tapered end portion of the second support member, such that, in use, insertion of the tapered end portion into the ground forms a bore in the ground whilst simultaneously placing the engaged article within that bore.

Hence, according to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for inserting an article into a bore in the ground, which apparatus comprises a support member having an end portion adapted for insertion into the ground, and an article releasably engageable with the end portion of the support member such that, in use, insertion of the end portion of the support member into the ground forms a bore whilst simultaneously placing the article within that bore.

Preferably, the article to be placed within the bore comprises a hollow insertion member that is engageable with the end portion of the support member such that, in use, the hollow insertion member is placed within the bore. Most preferably, the article has the form of a funnel to facilitate charging the bore with a granular material, such as sand. The funnel preferably comprises a funnel portion leading to the hollow insertion member.

The support member preferably has the form of a post, and is preferably of generally tubular construction. The end portion of the support member is preferably tapered to facilitate insertion into the ground.

The apparatus preferably includes a foot rest to facilitate insertion of the end portion of the support member into the ground. The foot rest may be integrally formed with, or fixed to, the support member, or may take the form of a separate component that is releasably engageable with the support member.

The hollow insertion member is preferably tubular, and preferably has a pair of open ends. The apparatus is preferably arranged such that the hollow insertion member is slidably received about the end portion of the support 1 3801754/P/GB member. In this case, the support member and funnel preferably include cooperating formations that maintain the position of the funnel relative to the support member as the end portion of the support member is being inserted into the ground. For example, the apparatus may be arranged so that the funnel is slidably received about the end portion of the support member such that part of the funnel abuts an enlarged portion of the support member. In this case, the hollow insertion member may be driven into the ground along with the end portion of the support member, and the support member may simply be slid out of engagement with the funnel, thereby leaving the hollow insertion member within the bore.

The leading edge of the hollow insertion member is preferably chamfered in form. Such a leading edge facilitates location of the hollow insertion member within the bore, and also facilitates removal of ground material from the surface of the support member as the support member is disengaged from the funnel.

The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of illustration only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of garden utility apparatus according to the invention in an arrangement suitable for holding a flexible refuse sack in an open configuration; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the arrangement of Figure 1 holding a flexible refuse sack in an open configuration; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the garden utility apparatus arranged with a hanging basket suspended above a refuse sack; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the arrangement of Figure 3; 1 3801754/PIGB Figure 5 is a perspective view of the garden utility apparatus in an arrangement suitable for insertion into the ground; Figure 6 is a perspective view, which shows hidden detail, of the garden utility apparatus in an arrangement suitable for inserting a sand funnel into the ground; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a lower part of the arrangement of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the garden utility apparatus in an arrangement suitable for forming drainage holes in the ground; and Figure 9 is a plan view of a clamp that forms part of the garden utility 1 5 apparatus.

The single embodiment of garden utility apparatus according to the invention that is described below may be assembled into any one of the arrangements illustrated by Figures 1 to 8. Figure 9 shows a clamp that forms part of the garden utility apparatus. The garden utility apparatus is constructed from a suitably light, strong and durable material, such as a light-weight steel.

The garden utility apparatus arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a base 10, a connection piece 20, a support post 30 and an annular support 40. The base 10 is a framework formed from box-section tubing, and comprises a square base portion 12, which rests upon the ground in use, and a pair of upstanding square supports 14 that are disposed at either end of one side of the square base portion 12. Each upstanding square support 14 comprises a pair of vertically orientated side members, which each extend from the side of the square base portion 12 and each have an opening formed at its upper end, and an upper member that extends between the upper ends of the side members. The outermost pair of openings of the base 10 are 1 380/7541P/GB closed by rubber grommets 15. The connection piece 20, however, is engaged with the innermost pair of openings.

The base 10 has a length of approximately 50cm, a width of approximately 50cm, and a height of approximately 20cm. The other components that make up the garden utility apparatus according to the invention will all fit within the cubic volume occupied by the base 10 so that the garden utility apparatus is collapsible into a storage volume of length 50cm, width 50cm, and height 20cm. A storage container may be provided to store the collapsed garden utility apparatus when not in use.

The connection piece 20 is formed from box-section tubing, and comprises a central square portion 22 which defines a square opening 23, a pair of side arms 24 that extend perpendicularly from the upper ends of opposing side walls of the central portion 22, a pair of side insertion members 26 extending perpendicularly downwards (as viewed in Figures 1 to 4) from the outermost ends of the side arms 24, and a central insertion member 28 extending perpendicularly upwards (as viewed in Figures 1 to 4) from the upper surface of the central portion 22. The side and central insertion members 26,28 each have a tapered end portion to facilitate assembly of the apparatus. The connection piece 20 is shown more clearly in Figures 4, 5 and 6.

The side insertion members 26 are inserted, with a close fit, through the innermost openings of the base 10 and into the interior of the corresponding side members of the supports 14. When the side insertion members 26 are fully engaged with the base 10, the pair of side arms 24 rest upon the upper surface of the supports 14, and the central insertion member 28 extends upwardly away from the base 10.

The support post 30 is also formed from box-section tubing and is dimensioned to receive the central insertion member 28. When the support post 30 is fully engaged with the central insertion member 28, the support post 1 3801754/PIGB rests upon the upper surface of the central portion 22 of the connection piece 20. The central insertion member 28 and the support post 30 have corresponding through-bores that are brought into registration on full engagement, and through which an R-shaped clip 32 passes so as to fix the central insertion member 28 and the support post 30 together.

The annular support 40 comprises a connector 42 which engages the upper end of the support post 30, and a cylindrical support portion 44 suitable for engagement with a refuse sack 50. The connector 42 has an insertion member formed from box-section tubing that is closely received within the upper end of the support post 30, and a ring fixed to one end of the insertion member that is welded to the outer surface of the support portion 44 about its circumference. The connector 42 is sufficiently malleable to enable the support portion 44 to be tilted relative to the insertion member of the connector 42, and hence the horizontal, thereby enabling access to a retained refuse sack when a user is crouching, for example.

The connector 42 and the support post 30 have corresponding through-bores that are brought into registration on full engagement, and through which an R-shaped clip 32 passes so as to fix the connector 42 and the support post 30 together. The support portion 44 includes an upper rim and a lower rim that project outwardly from the upper and lower ends of the support portion 44 respectively.

As shown in Figure 2, a refuse sack 50 is engaged with the annular support 40 by means of an annular clamp 60. The refuse sack 50 is passed through the opening of the annular support 40 and the upper portion of the refuse sack 50 is turned over so as to lie alongside the outer surface of the annular support 40. The clamp 60 is then used to clamp the refuse sack 50 to the outer surface of the annular support 40. The upper rim prevents the clamp 60 from slipping off the top of the support portion 44 when a heavy load is placed within the refuse sack 50.

1 38017541P/GB Alternatively, the refuse sack 50 may be simply clamped to the outer surface of the annular support 40 by the clamp 60 without being passed through the opening of the annular support 40 and turned over. In this case, the lower rim prevents the clamp 60 from slipping off the bottom of the support portion 44 when a heavy load is placed within the refuse sack 50.

In addition, trays, riddles, wire baskets or any other suitable ancillary apparatus may engage the annular support 40 for use with, or without, the refuse sack 50. For example, a riddle (not shown in Figures 3 and 4) may be placed in the annular support 40 with its rim resting on the upper rim of the annular support 40.

The clamp 60 is shown more clearly in Figure 9, and comprises a band 62 having its two ends connected by a fastening arrangement such that the band 62 is generally annular in shape. The fastening arrangement maintains the two ends of the band 62 with a spaced-apart relationship when the fastening arrangement is in an unfastened configuration, and brings the two ends of the band 62 together when the fastening arrangement is brought into a fastened configuration. The diameter of the clamp 60 is therefore reduced when the fastening arrangement is brought from its unfastened configuration into its fastened configuration so as to clamp the refuse bag 50 to the annular support 40. The material of the band 62 has a width less than the material of the support portion 44 of the annular support 40.

The fastening arrangement of the clamp 60 comprises a buckle 64 and a fastening lever 66. One end of the band 62 is hingedly connected to one end of the buckle 64, and the other end of the band 62 is hingedly connected to one end of the fastening lever 66. The other end of the buckle 64 to that connected to the band 62 is hingedly connected to a central portion of the lever 66 so that rotation of the lever 66 in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Figure 9) draws the two ends of the band 62 together. When the lever 66 has 1 3801754/PIGB been rotated to the extent that the lever 66 lies alongside the outer surface of the band 62, the two ends of the band 62 are almost in abutment and the clamp 60 maintains this fastened configuration until a user rotates the lever 66 away from the band 62 in an anti-clockwise direction (as viewed in Figure 9).

The arrangement shown in Figures 3 and 4 is identical to the arrangement of Figure 2 but further comprises means for suspending a hanging basket 100 or the like above the refuse sack 50.

The garden utility apparatus arrangement shown in Figures 3 and 4 comprises a support member 70, a sleeve 80 for receiving the support member 70, and a suspension arm 90. The support member 70 is formed from box-section tubing and has one end portion 72 that is tapered so as to have the form of a spike, and one end portion that terminates with an open, square end. The tapered end portion 72 is approximately 20cm in length and terminates with a point.

A stop 74 is welded to an external face of the support member 70 near its tapered end portion 72. The support member 70 also includes a throughbore disposed approximately equidistantly between the stop 74 and the square end of the support member 70. In the arrangement of Figures 3 and 4, the square end portion of the support member 70 is received with a close fit in one of the two outermost openings of the base 10, and the remainder of the support member 70 projects upwardly therefrom.

The sleeve 80 is formed from box-section tubing and is dimensioned to receive the support member 70, as far as the stop 74. The sleeve 80 includes a through-bore at each end, and also a through-bore approximately one-third of the distance along the sleeve 80 from one end. In the arrangement of Figures 3 and 4, the sleeve 80 receives the tapered end of the support member 70 as far as the stop 74, so that the sleeve 80 rests upon the stop 74.

1 380/754/P/GB The suspension member 90 has a connector 92 that is formed from box section tubing and is received within the upper end of the sleeve 80 (as viewed in Figures 3 and 4). An arm 94 extends at an approximately 45 angle away from the connector 92 and sleeve 80, and terminates directly above the refuse sack 50 with a hook 96. A hanging basket 100 or the like may then be suspended from the hook 96 directly above the refuse sack 50, as shown in Figure 3. This arrangement holds the hanging basket 100 at a height suitable for being filled by a user, and also holds the refuse sack below the hanging basket 100 to catch and retain any falling debris during filling.

The arrangement shown in Figure 5 differs from the arrangement of Figures 1 and 2 in that it is adapted for insertion into the ground.

The garden utility apparatus arrangement shown in Figure 5 comprises the support member 70, the connection piece 20, the sleeve 80 and the annular support 40. The support member 70 is closely received within the opening 23 of the connection piece 20 so that the support member 70 is orientated vertically with its tapered end portion 72 pointing downwards, and the connection piece 20 is orientated horizontally and rests upon the stop 74 of the support member 70. The sleeve 80 receives an upper portion of the support member 70 with a close fit, and an R-shaped clip 32 passes through the through-bores of the sleeve 80 and the support member 70 that are in registration. Finally, the annular support 40 is fixed to the upper end of the sleeve 80 with an R-shaped clip 32.

In use, the tapered end portion 72 of the apparatus is inserted into the ground by a user until the side arms 24 of the connection piece 20 lie alongside the surface of the ground. In order to facilitate insertion into the ground, the side arms 24 of the connection piece 20 may be used as foot rests so that the user can utilise his or her bodyweight. Once the apparatus is engaged with the ground in this way, the apparatus will be less likely to topple over under 1 380/754/P/GB adverse weather conditions, for example, than embodiments that simply rest upon the ground.

The arrangement shown in Figures 6 and 7 is suitable for inserting a sand funnel 120 into the ground, and comprises the support member 70, the connection piece 20, the sleeve 80 and a spacer 110. The spacer 110 is closely received about the support member 70, and rests upon the side of the stop 74 that faces away from the tapered end portion 72. The support member is then received within the opening 23 of the connection piece 20 so that the support member 70 is orientated vertically with its tapered end portion 72 pointing downwards, and the connection piece 20 is orientated horizontally and rests upon the spacer 110. The sleeve 80 receives an upper portion of the support member 70 with a close fit, and an R-shaped clip 32 passes through the through-bores of the sleeve 80 and the support member 70 that are in registration. Finally, a rubber grommet 15 is used to close the open upper end of the sleeve 80.

In use, a sand funnel 120 is engaged with a lower portion of the supportmember 70. The sand funnel 120 comprises an upper funnel portion leading to a lower cylindrical portion, and has a chamfered lower end. The lower cylindrical portion of the sand funnel 120 is closely received about the support member 70 such that the tapered end portion 72 projects from the lower end of the sand funnel 120, and the stop 74 rests against a shoulder formed on the interior surface of the sand funnel 120, as shown most clearly in Figure 7.

When the tapered end portion 72 of the support member 70 is inserted into the ground, the cylindrical portion of the sand funnel 120 is also inserted into the ground. The support member 70 is then removed by the user from the sand funnel 120 so as to leave the cylindrical portion of the sand funnel 120 within a bore in the ground. The chamfered nature of the lower end of the sand funnel facilitates insertion of the cylindrical portion into the ground, and also facilitates removal of material from the surface of the support member 70 as 1 380/754/P/GB the support member 70 is removed from the sand funnel 120. Sand is then poured into the sand funnel 120 until the cylindrical portion of the sand funnel is charged with sand. Finally, the cylindrical portion of the sand funnel 120 is withdrawn from the bore so as to leave the bore charged with sand.

The arrangement shown in Figure 8 is suitable for forming drainage holes in a lawn, for example, and comprises the connection piece 20, which is orientated with its side insertion members 26 pointing downwards, and the support post 30. One end of the support post 30 receives the central insertion member 28, and an R-shaped clip 32 passes through the through-bores of the support post and the central insertion member 28 that are in registration so as to fix the connection piece 20 and the support post 30 together. Finally, the open upper end of the support post 30 is closed with a rubber grommet 15.

In use, the side insertion members 26 are inserted into the ground so as to form drainage holes. The side members 24 of the connection piece 20 act as foot rests so that the user may utilise his or her bodyweight when inserting the side insertion members 26 into the ground.

Claims (48)

13801754/PIGB - Complete Claims 1. Garden utility apparatus for retaining

a flexible refuse sack in an open configuration, which apparatus comprises a base adapted to rest upon the surface of the ground during use, a first support member that is releasably engageable with the base, the first support member also being adapted for insertion into the ground, or the apparatus further comprising a second support member adapted for insertion into the ground, and an annular clamp that is releasably engageable with the first or second support member and is adapted for retaining a flexible refuse sack in an open configuration, the apparatus having a first arrangement in which the first support member is engaged with the base and the annular clamp is engaged with the first support member, such that, in use, the annular clamp is supported at a raised level relative to the ground, and the apparatus having a second arrangement in which the first support member or second support member is inserted into the ground and the annular clamp is engaged with the first support member or second support member, such that, in use, the annular clamp is supported at a raised level relative to the ground.

2. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a second support member adapted for insertion into the ground, and the first support member is a tubular post with open upper and lower ends.

3. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the open upper end of the first support member is releasably engageable with the annular clamp, and the open lower end of the first support member is releasably engageable with the base.

4. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base is a frame of tubular construction.

138017541P/GB - Complete

5. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the base has a base portion that rests upon the ground, and one or more upstanding support portions for engagement with the first support member.

6. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the one or more support portions are of tubular construction and include at least one opening through which the one or more support portions receive an intermediate connection piece or the first support member, thereby engaging the base with the first support member.

7. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first support member is releasably engageable with the base by means of an intermediate connection piece, and the connection piece comprises a first engagement member that is releasably engageable with the first support member, and a second engagement member that is releasably engageable with the base or at least one support portion of the base.

8. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the first and second engagement members are of tubular construction, and are received with a close fit inside a tubular member of the first support member and the base, respectively.

9. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the connection piece comprises a pair of second engagement members, which each engage a support portion of the base.

10. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the connection piece comprises a body defining an opening, the first and second engagement members being orientated in the plane perpendicular to the axis of that opening.

1380/7541P/GB - Complete

11. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the second support member is adapted to be received within the opening of the connection piece.

12. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the second support member is provided with an enlarged portion upon which the connection piece may rest when the second support member is received within the opening of the connection piece.

13. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the opening of the connection piece receives the second support member so that the connection piece rests upon the enlarged portion and the tapered end portion is disposed below the connection portion, such that the connection portion may then be used as a foot rest when inserting the tapered end portion of the second support member into the ground.

14. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the garden utility apparatus has a further arrangement in which the second support member and connection piece are engaged with the connection piece acting as a foot rest, and an article is engaged with the tapered end portion of the second support member, such that, in use, insertion of the tapered end portion into the ground forms a bore in the ground whilst simultaneously placing the engaged article within that bore.

15. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base is releasably engageable with one or more ancillary components.

16. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the base is releasably engageable with means for suspending an article above a retained refuse sack.

1380/754/P/GB - Complete

17. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the annular clamp comprises an annular support which the refuse sack overlies in use, and a clamping element which clamps the refuse sack to the annular support.

18. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the annular support is releasably engageable with the first support member or second support member.

19. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein the clamping element is a separate component from the annular support.

20. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 17 to 19, wherein the annular support has a cylindrical wall to which the refuse sack is clamped, in use, and a tubular engagement member that is received within the upper end of the first support member or second support member.

21. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the annular support is sufficiently malleable to enable the cylindrical wall to be tilted relative to the engagement member.

22. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 17 to 21, wherein the annular support includes an outwardly projecting rim that reduces the risk of the clamping element slipping off the annular support when a heavy load is placed in a retained refuse sack.

23. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the annular support includes a pair of outwardly projecting rims which are disposed at the upper and lower edges of the annular support, respectively.

138017541PIGB - Complete

24. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 17 to 23, wherein ancillary apparatus is provided that is releasably engageable with the annular support.

25. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 17 to 24, wherein the clamping element comprises a band which has its two ends connected by fastening means such that the band is generally annular in shape.

26. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 25, wherein the clamping element is arranged such that when the fastening means is in an unfastened configuration, the annular band has a first diameter, and when the fastening means is in a fastened configuration, the annular band has a second smaller diameter.

27. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 26, wherein the fastening means comprises a buckle and a fastening lever, one end of the annular band being hingedly connected to one end of the buckle, the other end of the annular band being hingedly connected to one end of the fastening lever, and the other end of the buckle to that connected to the annular band being hingedly connected to a central portion of the lever, such that rotation of the lever in a first direction draws the two ends of the annular member together and brings the fastening means into a fastened configuration.

28. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second support member has a tapered end portion that is adapted for insertion into the ground.

29. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 28, wherein the annular clamp is releasably engageable with the other end of the second support member to the tapered end portion.

13801754/PIGB - Complete

30. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mutually engageable components of the garden utility apparatus include tubular members that are slidably and releasably engageable with one another.

31. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 30, wherein the tubular members include through-bores that are brought into registration on engagement of the components, and fasteners may be passed through these through-bores so as to fasten the components together.

32. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base has a length of less than 75cm, a width of less than 75cm, and a height of less than 30cm.

33. Garden utility apparatus as claimed in Claim 32, wherein the components that make up the garden utility apparatus all fit within the cubic volume occupied by the base so that the garden utility apparatus is collapsible into a cubic storage volume similar to that occupied by the base alone.

34. Apparatus for inserting an article into a bore in the ground, which apparatus comprises a support member having an end portion adapted for insertion into the ground, and an article releasably engageable with the end portion of the support member such that, in use, insertion of the end portion of the support member into the ground forms a bore whilst simultaneously placing the article within that bore.

35. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 34, wherein the end portion of the support member is tapered to facilitate insertion into the ground.

36. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 34 or Claim 35, wherein the apparatus includes a foot rest to facilitate insertion of the end portion of the support member into the ground.

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37. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 36, wherein the foot rest takes the form of a separate component that is releasably engageable with the support member.

38. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 34 to 37, wherein the article to be placed within the bore comprises a hollow insertion member that is engageable with the end portion of the support member such that, in use, the hollow insertion member is placed within the bore.

39. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 38, wherein the article has the form of a funnel to facilitate charging the bore with a granular material.

40. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 39, wherein the funnel comprises a funnel portion leading to the hollow insertion member.

41. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 40, wherein the hollow insertion member is tubular, and has a pair of open ends.

42. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 38 to 41, wherein the apparatus is arranged such that the hollow insertion member is slidably received about the end portion of the support member.

43. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 42, wherein the support member and funnel include cooperating formations that maintain the position of the funnel relative to the support member as the end portion of the support member is being inserted into the ground.

44. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 43, wherein the apparatus is arranged so that the funnel is slidably received about the end portion of the support member such that part of the funnel abuts an enlarged portion of the support member.

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45. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 44, wherein the hollow insertion member may be driven into the ground along with the end portion of the support member, and the support member may simply be slid out of engagement with the funnel, thereby leaving the hollow insertion member within the bore.

46. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 38 to 45, wherein the leading edge of the hollow insertion member is chamfered in form.

47. Garden utility apparatus as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 9.

48. Apparatus as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7.