Device and Method for Supporting Objects in a Level Position on Sloped Terrain

Abstract

Support devices and methods are provided for enabling the level placement of objects, such as a potted plant, on inclined surfaces, such as a hill or other sloped terrain. The support device includes an elongated upper member which comprises an upper surface, the upper member having a soil insertion end portion and a load end portion which is distal the soil insertion end portion; a first lower member which comprises a first lower surface; and a first connecting member which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the first lower member, wherein the support device is effective to transfer the force from an article loaded onto the upper surface through the first connecting member to the first lower surface.

1 . A support device for level placement of an article on sloped terrain, comprising:
 an elongated upper member which comprises an upper surface, the upper member having a soil insertion end portion and a load end portion which is distal the soil insertion end portion;   a first lower member which comprises a first lower surface; and   a first connecting member which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the first lower member,   wherein the support device is effective to transfer the force from an article loaded onto the upper surface through the first connecting member to the first lower surface.   
   
   
       2 . The support device of  claim 1 , wherein the upper surface is substantially planar. 
   
   
       3 . The support device of  claim 1 , wherein the first lower surface is substantially planar. 
   
   
       4 . The support device of  claim 1 , wherein the upper surface and the first lower surface are each planar and are substantially parallel to one another. 
   
   
       5 . The support device of  claim 1 , wherein the soil insertion end portion of the elongated upper portion is tapered. 
   
   
       6 . The support device of  claim 1 , wherein the soil insertion end portion of the elongated upper portion comprises one or more barbs. 
   
   
       7 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein the load end portion of the elongated upper portion comprises a strike plate. 
   
   
       8 . The support device of  claim 1 , wherein the first connecting member comprises a reinforcement flange. 
   
   
       9 . The support device of  claim 1 , wherein the upper member, first connecting member, and first lower member are an integrally formed unitary structure. 
   
   
       10 . The support device of  claim 9 , wherein the unitary structure comprises a polymer or a metal. 
   
   
       11 . The support device of  claim 1 , wherein the upper member comprises a T-shaped cross-section. 
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second lower member which comprises a second lower surface; and   a second connecting member which is offset from first connecting member and which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the second lower member, wherein the support device is effective to transfer the force from an article loaded onto the upper surface through the first and second connecting members to the first and second lower surfaces.   
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the upper surface at the load end portion of the upper member comprises a lip or backstop. 
   
   
       14 . A support device for level placement of an article on sloped terrain, comprising:
 an upper member which comprises   an elongated plate which has a tapered soil insertion end and an opposing end and an upper support surface therebetween,   a reinforcement flange running the length of the elongated plate on the side of the elongated plate which is distal to the upper support surface, and   a strike plate located at the opposing end of the elongated plate;   a rigid connecting member which is integral with and extends at an angle from the reinforcement flange of the upper member; and   a lower plate member connected to the end of the rigid connecting member distal to the upper member.   
   
   
       15 . The support device of  claim 14 , wherein the reinforcement flange tapers toward the soil insertion end of the elongated plate. 
   
   
       16 . The support device of  claim 15 , wherein the reinforcement flange comprises one or more barbs. 
   
   
       17 . The support device of  claim 14 , which is made of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer. 
   
   
       18 . The support device of  claim 14 , wherein the lower plate member is triangular shaped with the apex pointing in the same direction as the tapered soil insertion end of the elongated plate of the upper member. 
   
   
       19 . A method of level placement of an article on sloped terrain comprising:
 providing a support device which comprises (i) an elongated upper member which comprises an upper surface, the upper member having a soil insertion end portion and a load end portion which is distal the soil insertion end portion; (ii) a first lower member which comprises a first lower surface; and (iii) a first connecting member which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the first lower member   inserting the soil insertion end portion of the support device into soil of the sloped terrain with the first lower surface at least partially inserted into or resting on the soil, such that the upper surface is secured in a substantially level orientation; and   placing the article on top of the upper surface of the upper member of the support device.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the article is a potted plant. 
   
   
       21 . (canceled) 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the device further comprises (iv) a second lower member which comprises a second lower surface, and a second connecting member which is offset from first connecting member and which connects the load end portion of the elongated upper member to the second lower member, and wherein the step of inserting the soil insertion end portion of the support device into the soil further comprises having the second lower surface at least partially inserted into or resting on the soil.