GB2520994A

GB2520994A - Plant pot table

Info

Publication number: GB2520994A
Application number: GB1321591.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel Crowle; Carl Owen Hitchings
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-12-06
Filing date: 2013-12-06
Publication date: 2015-06-10
Also published as: GB201321591D0

Abstract

A table comprises one or more elevations 2 supporting an elevated platform 1 for a plant pot, wherein the elevations and the underside of the platform include an integrated abrasive surface for deterring molluscs and crawling garden pests. A smooth perimeter (6, figure 3) may be provided around the edge of the underside of the table to allow for ease of movement of the table. The elevations preferably form a cruciform design for maximum stability. Abrasive textured quadrants (4) may be provided on the underside of the table surface. The abrasive surface may prevent slugs and snails from accessing plant pots placed on the table.

Description

I

SLGOI Plant Pot Table

Plant Pot Table -Description

This invention relates to an elevated Plant Pot Table designed to support and display plant pots whilst deterring crawling garden pests.

Preventing slugs, snails and other crawling garden pests from eating seedlings and plants is an on-going problem. However, this Plant Pot Table provides a solution through the application of scientific studies which show that slugs (and other molluscs) have an extremely sensitive underside (to their pseudopod), which cannot glide smoothly over sharp edges or uneven surfaces. The integrated abrasive support legs of the Plant Pot Table provide this deterrent. The abrasive barrier will also be replicated underneath the table, forming part of each inner quadrant underneath the Plant Pot Table itself, additionally discouraging the movement of crawling pests and preventing access to the plant pot(s) placed on the central growing area.

In any attempt to climb from ground level, a mollusc must use the mucous membrane of its pseudopod. Any contact with the sharp, gravel-like, abrasive surface of the table's support(s) or the abrasive surfaces underneath the table will act as effective deterrents. The preventative abrasive barriers integrated within the design of the table have the texture of angular pieces of gravel -sharp enough to deter molluscs, yet not sharp enough to break human skin, which might cause discomfort to users of the invention, children or animals.

The Plant Pot Table is designed to provide an ecologically sound solution to crawling mollusc infestation, eliminating the need for slug pellets or other chemical pesticides as a part of the plant growing process. This invention eliminates the need for any personal contact with snails or slugs, alive or dead. Unlike pesticides, pellets, or poisons, this invention offers no risk or threat of poisoning to small children, wildlife or pets.

This invention has applications for both domestic use, in household gardens, and also for industrial use, in large-scale growth of seedlings and bedding plants.

The table is one-piece injection-moulded, and can be produced in any colour, or combination of colours. It can be constructed in a variety of materials including rigid plastic, concrete, and glazed or unglazed clay. There is also the opportunity to cast fibre-reinforced cement matrix or ceramic composite pots using the same moulding procedure.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig 1 shows an overall view of the Plant Pot Table.

Fig 2 shows a side view of the whole Plant Pot Table.

Fig 3 shows the underside of the Plant Pot Table.

Fig 4 shows a side view of the whole Plant Pot Table, which (according to length of support table comprises two or more of the support structure(s) of Fig 1. (By example, a dual support structure is demonstrated in Fig 4) In Fig 1 and 2, the upper table surface 1 is elevated above ground level through integrated support structure(s) 2 which provide maximum stability.

There could be obvious variation in the height of the support structure(s), although there would be a minimum height of 10 cm from ground level.

In Fig 3, the underside of the table 3 is shown to have separate abrasive covered areas comprised of the cruciform design support structure(s) 2 and inner quadrants 4. These areas are covered with randomly-sized, roughened, irregular abrasions 5 which stand proud from the surface of the support leg(s) and inner underside quadrant(s).

In addition, there is a continuous smooth, abrasion-free under table area 6.

This enables the table to be easily lifted and transported, with or without the pot(s) or tray(s) it supports.

In Fig 4, the cruciform design of the support structure(s) allows an even distribution of weight across the surface area of the upper table surface. This would support compost-filled plant pots and trays on the upper surface.

Claims

Plant Pot Table Claims 1. A table comprising an integral elevated platform for supporting and displaying plant pot(s), whilst also deterring molluscs and crawling garden pests through the integrated abrasive surface of both the table's elevation(s) and the under-table quadrants.Use Fig 1 and 3.
2. A Plant Pot Table according to claim 1, in which the table is supported by integral abrasive-textured elevation(s) in a cruciform design, allowing for maximum stability.Use Fig 1, 2 and 3.
3. A Plant Pot Table according to claim 1, with a smooth perimeter around the edge of the underside of the table which allows for ease for movement of thetable.Use Fig 3.
4. A Plant Pot Table according to claim 1, with additional integral abrasive-textured quadrants on the underside of the table surface, configured in pattern with the cruciform design of the abrasive-textured elevation(s).Use Fig 3.
5. A Plant Pot Table according to claim 1, with either a central integral cruciform elevated support or integral cruciform elevated supports at opposing ends of an oblong or square version of the table Use Fig 4.
6. A Plant Pot Table according to claim 1, with tables configured in a combination of surface areas ranging from circular to square and oblong.Use Fig 4.
7. A Plant Pot Table according to claim 1, which can be constructed from a mould in a variety of materials including rigid plastic, concrete, and glazed or unglazed clay.