U.S. patent application number 10/711010 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-24 for plant display system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nexus, Inc.. Invention is credited to Luscham, Steve, McNulty, Todd, Sharples, Evan.
Application Number | 20050039390 10/711010 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46302575 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050039390 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sharples, Evan ; et
al. |
February 24, 2005 |
PLANT DISPLAY SYSTEM
Abstract
A display structure convertible between use as for displaying
plants and for storage. The display structure includes at least one
display case that is pivotally mounted on said display structure to
allow movement between a horizontal display use and a vertical
storage use. A support bracket supports hanging baskets as well as
holding a misting tube to water plants hanging from said support
bracket. The display cases also include corner trim portions to
protect the corners of the display case as well as preventing water
leakage.
Inventors: |
Sharples, Evan; (Thornton,
CO) ; McNulty, Todd; (Brighton, CO) ; Luscham,
Steve; (Elizabethtown, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GLENN L. WEBB
P.O BOX 951
CONIFER
CO
80433
US
|
Assignee: |
Nexus, Inc.
10983 Leroy Drive
Northglenn
CO
|
Family ID: |
46302575 |
Appl. No.: |
10/711010 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10711010 |
Aug 17, 2004 |
|
|
|
10613770 |
Jul 2, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
47/39 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/10 20130101; A47G
7/041 20130101; A47F 7/0078 20130101; A47G 7/042 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
047/039 |
International
Class: |
A47G 007/04 |
Claims
1. A display system for plant displays, wherein said system
comprises: a display support structure; at least one display case;
and an attachment mechanism for attaching said at least one display
case to said display support structure to allow said at least one
display case to pivot between a horizontal position and a vertical
position.
2. A support bracket for plant displays wherein said support
bracket comprises: An structural member for hanging plant displays
there from; and An inner clip mechanism for securing a misting tube
to provide misting to plant displays hanging from said structural
member.
3. A plant display stand for displaying plants in a reservoir of
water, said plant display stand comprises: A open top reservoir
having upstanding sides; Said upstanding sides being attached to
one another at contiguous end portions; and A protective corner
trim attached over said attached portions of said upstanding sides
to provide protection, waterproofing and aesthetics at said
portions.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation in part from Ser. No.
10/613,770 filed on Jul. 2, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Garden centers, nurseries, florists and other places where
flowers, plants and trees are sold or displayed use display stands
for the display of those plants. These display stands may be simply
tables, but more often are designed not only to display the plants
but to provide watering for those plants as well.
[0003] One problem with the existing display stands is the bulk of
the stands. Since access is normally provided on both sides of the
display stands, these stands tend to take up considerable space.
This is particularly a problem when the display stands are used for
seasonal displays. Once the seasonal display is no longer needed,
the space occupied by the display stands is wasted. Since space is
typically at a premium, these display stands are an expense that
must be borne by the center. Additionally, the empty display stands
are unappealing. While the display stands may be used for other
purposes, this use is typically inefficient.
[0004] Many garden centers, nurseries, florists, etc. also use
hanging displays to display their plants. Since display space is at
a premium, it is often useful to combine the display stands and
hanging displays.
[0005] The display of plants requires frequent watering of these
plants to maintain their appearance. Often, it is difficult to
maintain a regular schedule of watering due to staffing, shifts,
uneven temperature and humidity fluctuations and other problems.
Further, hand watering of the plants is often uneven, not only in
time but in amount as well. This can lead to deterioration of the
plants. Automated watering systems have been used in the past, but
these tend to be expensive and complicated to operate.
[0006] Typical watering practices for display plants tends to be
surface watering. Many plants prefer bottom watering as opposed to
surface watering. The use of surface watering on such plants may
not allow the appropriate water to the root structure of such
plants. Also, some plants on the same display require less water
than others.
[0007] Self watering planters have been developed to address these
issues. However, the typical self watering planter is designed for
an individual plant, thus requiring special planters for each
individual plant. This can be quite expensive for large displays.
Also, this limits the choices available for the individual plants
in regard to color, size, shape, etc. for the displays. The self
watering planters must also be connected to a water supply, thus
increasing the expense and limiting the arrangement of the
display.
[0008] A particular type of self watering planter has been
developed to overcome some of these problems. This type of self
watering planter is referred to as a capillary system. A capillary
material, such as a spandex material, polyethylene or other
materials that will wick moisture is placed on a table, bench or
even in the bottom of a plant container. The end of the capillary
material is dipped into a water trough or water supply to allow
water to be wicked up next to the plant roots to supply water to
the plant. Examples of these systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,189,834; 5,673,511; 5,839,659; and 6,079,156.
[0009] A problem with systems such as these is that the water is
wicked up unevenly. The water is immediately absorbed through
capillary action by the material nearest the water supply, and less
water is available at locations distant from the water supply. This
leads to uneven water distribution among plants located on the
capillary mat.
[0010] Thus a need exists for a plant watering system for providing
even distribution of water to plants on a display table or
bench.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides solutions to these and other
needs by providing a display structure for use in garden centers,
nurseries as well as other retail centers. The display structure of
the present invention is able to convert from use as an active
display structure to a compact storage position.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
display structure includes several display cases for displaying
plants, flowers, and other items. The display cases are able to
pivot from the horizontal display position to a vertical position
for storage. This enables the space that was occupied by the
display cases to be utilized for other floor displays, such as
Christmas trees, or other seasonal displays. The display structures
may also be stacked together for storage as well.
[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, the display
structures provide an elongated bracket for supporting hanging
plants. The bracket also includes clips for holding a misting tube
for watering plants.
[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, the system
provides a self watering system for display structures for plants.
The system of the present invention provides a watering system for
an attractive display for retail and wholesale sales of plants. The
system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention allows
plants to self water and maintain themselves without the
intervention of workers.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
system provides a display structure that self waters plants without
the need of special plant containers. Ordinary plant containers of
any size, shape and color may be used as long as they have a
typical drain hole on the bottom or sides of the container. The
plants may be moved or replaced without concern.
[0016] The system of a preferred embodiment provides a self
watering system that is clean and attractive and does not detract
from the display of the plants. The self watering system is hidden
and not visible to customers.
[0017] The system of a preferred embodiment is simple and does not
require expensive controls or equipment that would require constant
maintenance. Once the system is setup, it is simple to maintain and
only occasionally requires maintenance.
[0018] The system of the preferred embodiment includes a watertight
top on a display structure. A reservoir having a series of
perforations forming a honeycomb pattern for holding water is
placed in the top. A water supply pipe extends along one side of
the top with perforations for providing water evenly across the
reservoir. A capillary mat is placed over the reservoir for
absorbing water from the reservoir. Plants are then placed on the
capillary mat. The potting media absorbs water from the capillary
mat as necessary and supplies the water to the plants root
system.
[0019] Water is supplied evenly to all parts of the capillary mat
so that plants are able to self water without regard to their
location on the display structure. The reservoir is able to support
the capillary mat and plants without the capillary mat sitting in
the water itself.
[0020] In another embodiment of the present invention, the top
includes corner trim members that provide waterproofing for the
top. The corner trim also provides safety protection and aesthetic
considerations as well.
[0021] These and other features of the present invention are
evident from the ensuing description of preferred embodiments and
from the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a display structure for plants of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of the display structure of
the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates the pivoting display case of the
embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of FIG. 3.
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of the display cases pivoted
in a vertical orientation.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG. 5.
[0028] FIG. 7 is another preferred embodiment of the display
structure of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 7
with the display cases in a vertical orientation.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a cut away view of the support bracket of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the support bracket of the
embodiment of FIG. 9.
[0032] FIG. 11 is an end view of the support bracket of the
embodiment of FIG. 9.
[0033] FIG. 12 is an end view of the support bracket system of the
embodiment of FIG. 9.
[0034] FIG. 13 is a preferred embodiment of a table watering
system.
[0035] FIG. 14 is a preferred embodiment of the capillary water
system.
[0036] FIG. 15 is a detail view of the embodiment of FIG. 14.
[0037] FIG. 16 is another view of the embodiment of FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] The present invention provides a system for providing an
attractive display for plants that also allows for the watering of
plants in a clean environment through capillary action. It is to be
expressly understood that the descriptive embodiments set forth
herein are intended for explanatory purposes and is not intended to
unduly limit the scope of the claimed inventions. Other embodiments
and applications not described herein are considered to be within
the scope of the invention. It is also to be expressly understood
that while specific embodiments for the components of the system
are discussed, other equivalents to these embodiments that perform
substantially similar functions are within the scope of the claimed
inventions.
[0039] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 1 5. The display stand 10 of this embodiment
includes a rigid frame 20 having vertical members 22, 24, 26, 28
mounted on a lower base stand 30. Lower base stand includes cross
members 32, 34 and vertical base members 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46.
Angled support members 48, 50, 52, 54 also secure vertical members
22 28 to lower base stand 30. Cross members 60, 62, 64, 66 also
support vertical members 22 28.
[0040] Display cases 70, 72 are secured to the lower base stand 30
by pivotal attachment mechanism 74, 76, 78, 80. These pivotal
attachment mechanisms may include bolt and nut attachments, rivets,
or any other mechanism that will secure the display cases to the
lower base stand while allowing for pivoting movement of the
display cases relative to the lower base stand. Detent mechanisms
are provided on the lower base unit to hold the display cases 70,
72 in place relative to the lower base unit when in the horizontal
position.
[0041] Display case 82 is also secured to the cross members 60, 62
by pivot attachment mechanisms 84, 86. The display case is thus
secured to the display stand while pivotal relative to the cross
members. A detent mechanism is also provided to secure the display
case 82 in place relative to the display stand when the display
case is in the horizontal position.
[0042] In this preferred embodiment, structure members 90, 92 and
94, 96 are secured to the upper end of the display stand on the
vertical members 22 28. Hanging plants may be mounted from these
structure members or display cases may be mounted to these
structure members. In this embodiment, the structure members or
display cases are mourned permanently at an angle, although in
other embodiments, the tops may be pivotally mounted as well.
[0043] In use, the display stand 10 is set up as shown in FIGS. 1
and 2. Since many of the plant displays are seasonal, the stand is
not always needed. In that situation, the display cases 70, 72, and
82 are simply rotated upwards toward the center of the display
stand, as shown in FIGS. 3 6. Once the display cases are
perpendicular to the ground, as shown in FIG. 5, additional space
is freed to allow the display stands to be stored away, or other
displays placed where the display cases had been formerly.
[0044] Another feature in a preferred embodiment of the present
invention is the ability to attach additional display stands to one
another. As shown in FIG. 7, display stand 100 is attached
integrally to display stand 10. Display case 182 is pivotally
secured between vertical members 28, 30 of display stand 10 and
vertical members 120, 122. Similarly, lower display cases 170, 172
are pivotally attached to lower base unit vertical members 42, 44,
46 and lower base unit vertical members 142, 144, 146. The upper
structure members or display cases 190, 192 are secured between the
upper end of vertical members 28, 30 and vertical members 128,
130.
[0045] The display cases 170, 172, 182 are able to pivot into a
vertical orientation in a manner similar to display cases 70, 72,
82. As shown in FIG. 8, the display cases 70, 72, 82, 170, 172, 182
are pivoted vertically upward when they are no longer needed. This
provides additional space for other displays or for storage.
[0046] Another feature of another preferred embodiment of the
present invention is the misting hanging bracket 200, shown in
FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 9, 10 and 11. The bracket 200, as shown in greater
detail in FIGS. 9-11, includes an extruded aluminum elongated
section 202. The bracket 200 is open on the lower end 204 to allow
access to clip members 206, 208 formed on the inside upper portion
of the bracket. The clip members 206, 208 are spaced apart
sufficiently to receive a misting tube (not shown). The misting
tube 220, as is well known in plant and produce displays, includes
a series of spaced perforations that are sized to cause water under
pressure to mist over the displays. The resilient nature of the
misting tube interact with the clip members to secure the misting
tube in the bracket, or the clip members may be slightly angled
inward to secure the misting tube.
[0047] The upper outside portion 210 of the bracket 200 provides a
support for hanging plants, as shown in FIG. 11. The structural
integrity of the bracket 200 is able to carry the weight of a
plurality of hanging baskets filled with plants. The misting action
from the misting tube provides water and humidity for the plants
that are hung from the support bracket 200.
[0048] It is to be expressly understood that the support bracket
has utility separately from the above described embodiments of
display stands as well as the below described watering system. It
may be used alone or in combination with other display
mechanisms.
[0049] In this preferred embodiment, the bracket 200 is attached to
the lower or side surface of a display case, such as display cases
90, 92. This allows the support bracket to support a number of
hanging baskets, providing misting and watering to those plants as
well as providing misting to plants on the display cases 70, 72 and
82. The angled surfaces 212, 214 and the flat upper surface on the
outer surfaces of the bracket provide mounting surfaces onto the
lower surface of the display cases 90, 92 or underneath cabinets,
produce displays or many other structures.
[0050] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 12 13. The watering system 310 is incorporated
into a table or bench 312. The table 312 can be used as a stand
alone display or connected to other tables, such as tables 314,
316. Also, additional tables can be interconnected end to end as
well to create a level or tiered display.
[0051] The table 312 includes top 320 with an under carriage of
legs 322, 324, 326, 328 to support the top. It is to be expressly
understood that other shapes, sizes and configurations of tables,
benches and tops can be used under the presently claimed invention.
The top 320 includes a perimeter rail 330 that is watertight at the
corners. The top 320 also includes a bottom 332 that is connected
to the perimeter rail in a watertight connection. In this preferred
embodiment, the top 320 is formed from aluminum with welded
connections, but other materials and connections could be used as
well, including but not limited to plastic, wood, or any other
suitable material.
[0052] In an alternative preferred embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIG. 15, the top 320 includes a waterproof
corner trim 400, formed from polyvinyl chloride, plastic, rubber or
any other waterproof material, preferably in molded form. This
corner trim 400 guards against leaking at the corner of the top as
well as providing an aesthetic cover over the welded, riveted,
molded, stamped or otherwise formed corner portion of the top. The
corner trim 400 also provides protection from accidental scraping
against any sharp or rough edges on the top.
[0053] Reservoir 340, shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 is placed on the
bottom surface 332 of the top 320 between the perimeter rails 330.
The reservoir 340 includes a perforated material formed of a
honeycomb material, such as plastic, rubber, metallic or any other
suitable material. The perforations 342 or honeycombs are evenly
spaced across the top of the table. The perforations may be
cylindrical, or in one preferred embodiment includes one or more
layers of a mesh material. This minimizes stagnation and pollution
of water that may be in the reservoir for some time.
[0054] It is to be expressly understood that the reservoir could
also include other water containing mechanisms, such as horizontal
channels, or even a sponge like material that is firm enough to
support the capillary mat and plants contained thereon.
[0055] Supply pipe 344 extends across one side of the top 320 and
is connected 346 through either the undersurface, side or over the
rails 30 of the top to a water source. The supply pipe 344 includes
a series of evenly spaced perforations 48. In this preferred
embodiment, the top 320 also includes stand pipes 350 in opposing
corners of the top 320 to prevent overfilling of the top 320.
[0056] The water supply pipe 342 can be connected to a water hose
or plumbed to a permanent connection. The water supply pipe 42 can
also be interconnected to water supply pipes on additional display
tables as well.
[0057] Capillary mat 360 is placed over the honeycomb reservoir
340, as shown in FIG. 4. In the preferred embodiment, capillary mat
is formed from a woven barrier fabric that will wick water and
other fluids evenly upward from the honeycomb reservoir. It is to
be expressly understood that other materials may be used as well,
including spandex, polyethylene and other woven or materials that
are suitable for wicking water. Also, mesh material may be used
that is resistant to organic growth to minimize contamination,
bacteria, fungus or other organic growth that may result from
standing water and from the plants.
[0058] In use, plants in containers filled with potting media, soil
or other organic bases are placed on the capillary mat 350. Water
is provided through the supply pipe 342. The water flows through
the perforations 348 evenly into the reservoir 340 until the
reservoir is filled with water. The capillary mat absorbs the water
until it is saturated. The potting media in the plant container
absorbs the water through existing drain holes in the plant
container to make it available to plant roots. This constant source
of water allows the plant to self water for days without the need
to refill the reservoir or the need for special attention as normal
plant watering requires.
[0059] The reservoir 340 provides water uniformly across the
capillary mat so that all plants on the top 20 are able to have a
uniform source of water. The reservoir also keeps the capillary mat
from sitting directly in the water.
[0060] The reservoir may be filled either until water spills into
the stand pipes, a preset amount of time or a timer or fill control
mechanism may be used to provide automatic watering.
[0061] The use of the system of the present invention enables the
plants to be self watering in an attractive and clean environment.
There is no need for special containers or special equipment beyond
the system as discussed above. The system allows plants to be
displayed in an attractive manner in a healthy environment without
the constant intervention of workers.
[0062] It is to be expressly understood that other embodiments of
the present invention are included in the claims. The above
explanatory embodiments are provided for descriptive purposes
only.
* * * * *