Abstract:
A plant cage for supporting growing plants includes horizontal and vertical support rods connected by locking clips to form a cage of a desired size and shape. The locking clip includes a clamp at each end of an elongated body, with each clamp formed of two tabs extending outwardly at oblique angles, with an aperture formed in each tab for receiving a horizontal or vertical support rod. The outwardly extending tabs are resilient and flexible such that the tabs can be moved towards each other to a deflected position so that the apertures align and a support rod can be inserted, the resiliency of the material then biases the tabs away from each other when released so that the apertures become unaligned so that the inserted rod is frictionally captured by the clamp.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to supports for plants. More specifically, the invention relates to a plant cage formed from a fiber reinforced composite material and having locking clips interconnecting a plurality of horizontal supports to vertical posts. 
       Background &amp; Description of the Related Art 
       [0002]    Various types of devices are commonly used in gardening to provide support surfaces for the branches and stems of growing plants and to contain plants to a particular area. For example, trellises are often used to support decorative vine plants, such as ivy, while plant cages are commonly used in vegetable gardens to provide support to plant branches bearing heavy fruit or vegetables. 
         [0003]    Tomato cages are ubiquitous in residential vegetable gardens, with cages of varying materials, shapes, and sizes available depending on the type of plant and size of garden. Two common types of tomato cages include a round cage comprising two or more concentric, horizontally-oriented rings connected to three or more support rods, and a rectangular cage comprising two or more horizontally-oriented rectangular supports connected to four or more generally vertical support rods. Variations on the configurations of the tomato cages abound, with some round cages having rings of increasing diameter attached to obliquely oriented support rods, while some rectangular cages include diagonal struts that provide reinforcement to the rectangular supports. 
         [0004]    The components of many common tomato cages are made of steel, with the supports welded or soldered to the support rods. Such construction is prone to failure as the steel is quickly subject to corrosion and rust as the cage is constantly exposed to the elements. It is common for such cages to fail at the weld points after less than one season of use. Tomato cages formed from plastic material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are also widely used, with horizontal supports clipped to vertical rods to form triangular, rectangular, or cages of other shapes. 
         [0005]    While plastic or PVC cages avoid the rust and deterioration problems common to steel cages, they have their own shortcomings. For example, the clips used to attach the horizontal supports to the vertical rods are typically “C” shaped clips formed by two oppositely curved fingers extending from the end of the horizontal support. With a horizontally oriented “C” clip positioned at each end of the horizontal support, the clips snap around the circumference of a corresponding vertical rod to secure the horizontal support in place. The integrity of the snap connection, however, relies entirely on the spring tension of the extending curved fingers and the frictional resistance between the clip and the vertical rod. Thus, the clip can be moved with relative ease along the vertical rod. That ease of movement often results in unwanted movement of the horizontal support when, for example under the load of a weighted branch of a plant. Furthermore, because the clips at each end of the horizontal support are similarly oriented, when one clip moves it tends to move the entire support, pulling the clip at the opposite end along. 
         [0006]    Thus, it can be seen that there is a need in the art for a plant cage that does not easily deteriorate upon exposure to the elements, yet provides secure connection between horizontal supports and vertical rods so that the cage retains its shape and configuration under load. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention is directed to a plant cage manufactured from a fiber reinforced composite, and having horizontal and vertical supports joined by locking clips with each locking clip having two clamps in orthogonal orientation to each other. 
         [0008]    In various exemplary embodiments, the plant cage includes a plurality of horizontal supports and a plurality of vertical rods, with each end of a horizontal support attached to a proximate vertical rod via the locking clip to form a cage of a desired size and shape. 
         [0009]    The clamps at each end of the locking clip body each comprise two tabs extending outwardly at oblique angles, forming a generally “V” shaped projection, with each tab having an aperture formed there through. The outwardly extending tabs are resilient and flexible such that the tabs can be moved towards each other, for example by a user grasping the two tabs simultaneously between a thumb and finger and pinching the two together, so that the tabs move towards each other. When released, the resiliency of the material causes the tabs to spring back to their original positions at oblique angles to each other. 
         [0010]    With the tabs positioned in close proximity (i.e., pinched together) the apertures in the two tabs align concentrically and in generally parallel planes such that a horizontal support tube or vertical rod can be inserted into and through the aligned apertures with the inserted tube or rod generally perpendicular to the planar orientation of the apertures. 
         [0011]    When the tabs are released with a tube or rod inserted, the tabs spring back towards their original positions, away from and at oblique angles to each other, such that the apertures are not aligned and parallel to each other, but are skewed from perpendicular with the inserted tube or rod. With the aperture in the tab skewed against the tube or rod, the edges of the tab surrounding the aperture frictionally engage the tube or rod to securely hold the clamp in position. Because the two tabs forming the clamp extend at opposite oblique angles to each other, each tab and corresponding aperture independently secures the inserted tube or rod at the desired position, effectively locking the tube or rod in place. 
         [0012]    In other exemplary embodiments, the horizontal supports and vertical rods are of differing lengths and diameters, so that a plant cage can be configured in various sizes and shapes as desired. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a plant cage having horizontal supports and vertical rods interconnected with locking clips in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing an exemplary configuration in which the rods and locking clips can be assembled. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a close up perspective view of a locking clip of the plant cage of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a fragmentary, close-up side view of a portion of the locking clip of  FIG. 2  with the tabs deflected towards each other. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a fragmentary, close-up side view of a portion of the locking clip of  FIG. 2  with a rod inserted into the apertures and the tabs released. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a close-up perspective view of a portion of the plant cage of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of a plant cage in which the rods and locking clips can be assembled. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    Various embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Thus, any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
         [0020]    Certain terminology used in the following description is for convenience in reference only and is not limiting. For example, the words “vertically”, “horizontally”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “upper”, “lower” all refer to the installed position of the item to which the reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the embodiment being designated and parts thereof. The terminology used herein may include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of a similar import. It is further understood that terminology such as the aforementioned directional phrases may be used to describe exemplary embodiments of the plant cage as shown in the figures herein, specifically with a series of vertical rods interconnected to horizontal supports via locking clips to form generally square tower plant cage. This is for convenience only as it is understood that the exemplary embodiments of the plant cage described may of varying size and shape, and that the supports and rods may be positioned at angles other than specifically horizontal or vertical. 
         [0021]    Looking first to  FIG. 1 , a plant cage in accordance with an exemplary configuration in which the rods and locking clips of the present invention can be assembled is referenced generally by the numeral  10 . The plant cage  10  configured as shown has been assembled as a generally square-shaped tower, with three support tiers  14 ,  18 ,  22  arranged from the bottom to the top of the tower. The configuration shown comprises four cylindrical vertical support rods  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c ,  12   d , positioned and oriented to define the outer corners of the cage. The three generally square support tiers  14 ,  18 ,  22  are formed by twelve cylindrical horizontal support rods  16 ,  20 ,  24  of approximately equal length extending between the corner vertical support rods, with four rods used to form each tier. Thus, lower tier  14  comprises horizontal support rods  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c ,  16   d , middle tier  18  comprises horizontal support rods  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d , and upper tier  22  comprises horizontal support rods  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c ,  24   d.    
         [0022]    Looking still to  FIG. 1 , twenty-four identical locking clips connect the ends of the horizontal support rods  16 ,  20 ,  24  to the corresponding adjacent vertical support rods  12 . Thus, as shown in the figure, locking clip  26  connects an end of horizontal support rod  24   b  to vertical support rod  12   d , while an identical locking clip  28  at the opposite end of horizontal support rod  24   b  connects the opposite end of horizontal support rod  24   b  to vertical support rod  12   a . That same arrangement of a locking clip at each end of each horizontal support rod  16 ,  20 ,  24  attached to the proximate vertical support rod  12  repeats throughout the plant cage structure. With the clips attached to the horizontal support rods and corresponding vertical support rods, the cage as shown in  FIG. 1  is formed. It should be understood that while in the configuration of a plant cage depicted in  FIG. 1  that the horizontal support rods are arranged in a square shape, at ninety-degree angles, the locking clips of the present invention allow the horizontal support rods to be arranged at virtually any angle to each other. For example, each tier  14 ,  18 ,  22  could be triangular, pentagonal, or other shape with the locking clip allowing placement of adjacent horizontal supports at a desired angle. 
         [0023]    Looking to  FIG. 2 , a locking clip in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and as identified as one of a plurality of identical locking clips  26 ,  28  with respect to  FIG. 1 , is depicted generally by the numeral  100 . Locking clip  100  comprises an elongated body  102  with a clamp portion  104 ,  106  positioned at opposite ends of the body. The two clamp portions  104 ,  106  are essentially identical in structural configuration but are oriented in orthogonal relationship on opposite ends of the body  102  such that clamp  106  is rotated ninety degrees with respect to clamp  104 . 
         [0024]    Clamp  106  comprises a pair of tabs  108   a ,  108   b  extending outwardly from the body  102  at oblique angles. A U-shaped channel  110  is defined at the junction between tabs  108   a  and  108   b  and the body  102 , with the tabs  108   a ,  108   b  flaring outwardly at oblique angles away from each other at their distal ends, with the two projecting tabs thus forming an overall “V” shaped extension portion  110 . 
         [0025]    As seen in the figure, the thickness t of each tab  108  remains essentially constant along the length of the projecting tab, while the width w of the tab increases toward the distal end. Thus, the tab is  108  narrower at the juncture with body  102 , and wider at the portion where an aperture  114  is formed, near the distal end. The relative thinness of the projecting tabs  108  allow each tab to be deflected from its natural resting positions shown in the figure and towards the complementary tab. A semicircular detent portion  116   a ,  116   b  formed at the distal end of each tab provides a gripping area allowing a user to grasp the two tabs (e.g., between a thumb and a forefinger) and squeeze to deflect the tabs toward each other. Upon release, the resiliency of the locking clip material causes the tabs to spring back to their original, undeflected, positions. 
         [0026]    Circular apertures  114   a  and  114   b  are formed through each respective tab  108   a  and  108   b , the aperture positioned towards the distal end of the corresponding tab. With the tabs  108  in their normal, released position as shown in the figure (i.e., a user is not squeezing the tabs so as to deflect them towards each other) the axis x a , x b  of each aperture  114  is generally perpendicular to the surface of the portion of the tab  108  in which it is formed, such that the apertures are at oblique angles to each other, corresponding to the oblique arrangement of the tabs  108   a ,  108   b  themselves, as previously described 
         [0027]    With the tabs  108   a ,  108   b  positioned in close proximity (i.e., pinched together towards each other) the apertures  114   a ,  114   b  in the respective tabs  108   a ,  108   b  align concentrically and in generally parallel planes such that a horizontal support tube or vertical rod can be inserted into and through the aligned apertures with the inserted tube or rod generally perpendicular to the planar orientation of the apertures. Thus, as seen in  FIG. 3 , in use, when a user squeezes the two tabs  108   a ,  108   b  together (e.g., between a thumb and finger) the tabs deflect towards each other so that the apertures  114   a ,  114   b  in the two respective tabs  108   a ,  108   b  align concentrically, as indicated in the figure by the alignment of the two axes x a , x b  of the respective tabs. 
         [0028]    With the tabs  108  thus deflected towards each other and the apertures  114  aligned, it should be apparent that a cylindrical tube or rod having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the apertures  114  can be inserted into and through the aligned pair of apertures  114 . It should also be seen that when the tabs  108  are released with a tube or rod thus inserted, the resiliency of the material causes the tabs towards spring back towards their original, non-deflected positions, away from and at oblique angles to each other. 
         [0029]    As seen in the close-up view of  FIG. 4 , with a tube  120  inserted into and through the pair of apertures  114  and the tabs released, the tabs  108  return towards their original positions, inhibited from fully returning to that position by the inserted tube  120  or rod. Thus, the apertures  114  are positioned such that they are not aligned axially with the inserted tube  120 , but are skewed. Thus skewed, the edges of the tabs  108  surrounding the apertures  114  frictionally engage against the tube  120  to securely hold the clamp in position against the tube  120  and to prevent the tube  120  from sliding up or down within the apertures  114 . Furthermore, because the two tabs  108   a ,  108   b  forming the clamp extend at opposite oblique angles to each other, each tab  108  and corresponding aperture  114  independently and oppositely secure the inserted tube  114  at the desired position, effectively locking the tube  120  in place. 
         [0030]    The vertical and horizontal support rods are preferably cylindrical in shape and formed from a rigid, durable material. Preferably, the rods and supports are constructed of a composite material having properties that resist deterioration when exposed to moisture, temperature extremes, and sunlight, such as a glass fiber reinforced thermosetting resin or polymer (FRP), sometimes referred to as fiberglass. Most preferably, the rods and supports are formed using a pultrusion process in which reinforcing fibers or matting are pulled through a vat of resin and then through a heated die where the resin is cured or set. The pultrusion process permits the rods to be fabricated to any desired length by cutting as it is being pultruded 
         [0031]    Similarly, the locking clip is preferably made from a durable, weather resistant material such as FRP or other composite material, or from a plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Preferably the locking clip is formed by molding the material into the desired configuration comprising a body with tabs extending from each end. Most preferably, the circular apertures in the extending tabs are formed in molding the locking clip, alternatively the apertures may be drilled or cut separately from the molding process. 
         [0032]    Other alternative embodiments of the horizontal and vertical support rods and the locking clip than those specifically depicted are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the support rods may be shaped other than cylindrical, and may be square, rectangular, triangular, or other shaped rods in which case the apertures in the tabs of the locking clip would be correspondingly shaped. It is also foreseen that the horizontal and vertical support rods can be formed using other materials or means, such as by injection molding using a thermoplastic material 
         [0033]    Turning to  FIG. 6 , an alternative configuration of a plant cage in which the rods and locking clips of the present invention can be assembled is referenced generally by the numeral  200 . In this embodiment, the rods and locking clips are arranged to form a plant cage configured as a triangular-shaped tower, with three support tiers  214 ,  218 ,  222  arranged from the bottom to the top of the tower. The plant cage comprises three cylindrical vertical support rods  212   a ,  212   b ,  212   c  positioned to define the outer corners of the cage. The three support tiers  214 ,  218 ,  222  are formed by nine cylindrical horizontal support rods of approximately equal length extending between each corner, with three rods used to form each tier. Thus, lower tier  214  comprises horizontal support rods  216   a ,  216   b ,  216   c , middle tier  218  comprises horizontal support rods  220   a ,  220   b ,  220   c , and upper tier  222  comprises horizontal support rods  224   a ,  224   b ,  224   c . Eighteen identical locking clips as previously described connect the ends of the horizontal support rods to the corresponding adjacent vertical support rod. 
         [0034]    With reference to the plant cages of  FIGS. 1 and 6 , it will be apparent that using the locking clip and horizontal and vertical support rods of the present invention that a plant cage of virtually any size and configuration can be assembled. For example, the square cage of  FIG. 1  could be replicated side-by-side and attached to the existing cage using additional locking clips. Similarly, plant cages of various shapes can be configured from a single set of horizontal and vertical support rods and locking clips. 
         [0035]    It should be further understood that a plant cage in accordance with the present invention may include more or fewer support tiers than depicted in the exemplary embodiments. These and other variations are contemplated by and are within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0036]    With the plant cage assembled as described above using the locking clips and horizontal and vertical supports rods of the present invention, the locking clips secure the rods so that they cannot move or slip horizontally or vertically and are essentially fixed in place until a user physically releases the clips by squeezing the tabs together. The plant cage is thus secure and rigid and resistant to deterioration by moisture, weather, sunlight, and other environmental conditions. 
         [0037]    In further exemplary embodiments the clips can be permanently adhered to the support rods using a fiberglass glue or adhesive, such as a cyanoacrylate adhesive, after assembly into the desired configuration. 
         [0038]    It should be understood that while certain forms and embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, the present invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown, and that the various features described may be combined in ways other than those specifically described without departing from the scope of the present invention. The terms “substantially”, “generally”, “approximately”, or any other qualifying term as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation which could permissibly vary without resulting in a change to the basic function to which it is related. For example, the orientation of the clamp portions at opposite ends of the body of the locking clip are described as being orthogonal, but may permissibly vary from that configuration if the variance does not materially alter the capability of the invention.