Modular aquatic plant support system

Abstract

A modular plant support system for aquatic environments assembled from a plurality of elements to facilitate varying configurations. The modular plant support system generally includes a generally planar platform, a base or basket, and at least one platform support member extending between the generally planar platform and the base to operably couple the platform and the base. The platform is capable of receiving a potted plant thereon, and the base has a bottom portion, a top portion, and at least one peripheral side portion providing an interior cavity. The modularity and flexible connectivity coupled with the structural stability of the system enables the respective aquatic plant to be selectively placed at the optimal aquatic elevation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The current application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. provisional patent application filed on Aug. 19, 2003, entitled "Modular Aquatic Plant Support Assembly" having Ser. No. 60/496,292, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to aquatic plant stands and, more particularly, to a modular plant support system for aquatic environments that can be assembled from a plurality of elements, where the modular units can be attached to achieve optimal elevation and connectivity to achieve stability and desired plant configurations within aquatic environments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Conventional plant stands are generally basic and fixed in nature, and are typically designed to be assembled from a plurality of rigid elements to support plants in an environment on land and not for aquatic environments such as aquariums, water gardens, or ponds. An aquatic environment can provide challenges that typical plant stands cannot withstand.

[0004] Some aquatic plants grow with their crowns (where the stem meets the soil or potting medium) at or near the surface of the water. Other plants grow from several feet under the surface of the water. Other plants can grow in the range somewhere between these exemplary depths. Many pond guides and practices currently recommend using bricks as a base for plants and objects in ponds, e.g., when elevation off of the floor of the aquatic environment is needed. Boards, cinder blocks, milk crates, or other makeshift structures are often used to elevate aquatic plants. However, bricks or cinder blocks can possibly leech harmful materials into the water, affecting aquatic life. Additionally, water gardens or ponds may have liners that are vulnerable to punctures by such makeshift structures. Also, some aquatic plants grow several feet above the surface of the water (e.g., canna lilies). Such plants, as well as other aquatic plants, can be blown over or dislodged by the wind or other aquatic life, e.g., fish or waterfowl. Further, an aquatic environment is not static. Water typically sloshes back and forth, disrupting the stability of plants within the aquatic environment. These makeshift structures do little to prevent the aquatic plants from tipping over within the aquatic environment, and therefore lack the necessary stability.

[0005] Broadly speaking, conventional approaches do disclose various plant support devices for water gardens, aquariums, and other bodies of water. However, none of these approaches or systems allows the plant support device to be adjusted to the optimal water depth while maintaining the necessary stability and support and the desired aquatic plant configurations and arrangements within the aquatic environment.

[0006] For example, some prior art approaches disclose buoyant receptacles for aquatic plants. These buoyant receptacles typically take on the form of floating pots, collars, or planter boxes. However, these buoyant apparatuses incur limitations. For instance, the receptacles determine the quantity, size, and weight of the plants placed in the floating receptacles. Additionally, such receptacles do not provide the optimal growth depth for those aquatic plants whose optimal growth depth is below the water surface. Also, while these receptacles often have an anchoring weight, the receptacles drift by either dragging the respective anchoring weight or by the slack that is innate within the line.

[0007] As a result, there is a need for an aquatic modular plant support system that substantially solves the innate drawbacks and restrictions presented with these conventional concepts and designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The aquatic modular plant support system of the present invention substantially departs from conventional concepts and designs, and in doing so provides a modular system that supports aquatic plants within an aquatic environment while maintaining optimal elevation, stability, support, and desired aquatic plant configurations and arrangements.

[0009] In the aquatic modular plant support system of the present invention, a potted plant is capable of being supported on a platform that is generally planar. The platform is operably coupleable to a base or basket by at least one platform support member, which extends between the platform and the base. The base has a bottom portion, a top portion, and at least one peripheral side portion, which provides the base or basket with an interior cavity.

[0010] An objective and advantage of the present invention is the flexible connectivity and modularity of the aquatic plant support system and also its stability, lateral support, and various selective configurations within the aquatic environment. The plant support stand of the present invention may have units that can be connected and stacked together to enable the placement at an optimal depth below the water surface while maintaining the stability of the system within the aquatic environment.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide an aquatic modular plant support system that is bio-friendly.

[0012] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an aquatic modular plant support system that is stable and substantially prevents the aquatic plant from being dislodged or tipped over within the aquatic environment by conditions such as strong winds, sloshing water, aquatic life, and the like.

[0013] Still another object of the present invention is to create an aquatic modular plant support system that allows the plants to be maintained at optimal depths within the aquatic environment.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aquatic modular plant support system that eliminates the need for makeshift structures for elevation and support such as bricks, boards, cinder blocks, milk crates, and the like.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aquatic modular plant support system that can be used on the floor of the aquatic environment, wherein the floor is not necessarily level.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aquatic modular plant support system that is itself stable within the aquatic environment.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aquatic modular plant support system that is able to support plants contained in pots of various sizes and shapes.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aquatic modular plant support system that can be interconnected to other units to provide both stability and flexible configurations for different sizes, quantities, and shaped aquatic plants and pots.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide an aquatic modular support plant system that is adaptable to other uses, such as supporting pumps, filters, strainers or clarifiers, decorative items, pond lighting within, and the like within the aquatic environment.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to provide an aquatic modular support plant system that is both flexible and stable enough to be adapted to use outside of the aquatic environment.

[0021] A still further object of the present invention is to provide an aquatic modular support plant system which is simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, and durable so that it can be disassembled and reassembled to form different configurations.

[0022] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an aquatic modular support plant system constructed at least in part of interchangeable or standardized components and component connections to promote increased modularity and diverse configurations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular aquatic plant support system of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment in FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular aquatic plant support system of the present invention holding a potted plant within the system.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular aquatic plant support system of the present invention wherein the support members are an integral part of the platform.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular aquatic plant support system of the present invention wherein the plant's oversized pot is supported by the platform and secured by the upper post members.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular aquatic plant support system of the present invention wherein the plant's unique shaped pot is supported by the basket lid and secured by the post members.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular aquatic plant support system of the present invention wherein the plant's pot is both supported and secured by the railing.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the platform of the present invention wherein the platform contains peg receiving apertures that receive pegs for selectively securing pots of various sizes and shapes.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a modular aquatic plant support system wherein the basket contains a plurality of apertures and the platform also functions as a basket lid.

[0032] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a representation of various connectivity configurations and arrangements between two or more modular aquatic plant support assemblies of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0033] Referring now generally to FIGS. 1-10, there is shown, in various embodiments, an aquatic modular support plant system or assembly, generally designated 10, for use in an aquatic environment such as a pond, stream, water garden, tank or the like to hold an aquatic plant pot 11, (FIGS. 3-7) or an article 13 (not shown), such as a pump, filter, strainers or clarifiers, decorative items, lighting, and the like.

[0034] Referring primarily now to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown an embodiment of the aquatic modular support plant system 10, which may be positioned on the floor or ground of an aquatic environment. The assembly 10 can be constructed of a durable, resilient, shape-retentive material such as rubber, plastic, or metal. Other materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art, however, are also envisioned. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the system 10 includes a base or basket 20, a basket lid 30, base members 40, support or post members 50, a platform 60, support or post members 70, and a railing 80.

[0035] Basket 20 can include a bottom portion 22, a plurality of sides 24, and an inner cavity region 25. Basket 20 also contains a top region 23, which is generally parallel to the bottom portion 22, that may either be open to the water, or contain the basket lid 30 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. Basket lid 30, bottom portion 22, and/or plurality of sides 24 may each contain a plurality of apertures 26. Apertures 26 can accommodate the passage of water and may take on various sizes and shapes. Alternatively, basket lid 30, bottom 22, and/or sides 24 may each be solid. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, bottom portion 22 may be larger in size than top region 23 so as to add stability to the system 10. Alternatively, bottom portion 22 and top region 23 may be the same size, or top region 23 may be larger in size than bottom portion 22. Also, inner cavity region 25 or basket 20 may hold weight devices or elements 15 (not shown) such as rocks, bags of dense material, bio-friendly bio-mediums, or other weights or aquatic focused elements to stabilize system 10 or provide additional aquatic environmental benefits. The weight devices or elements 15 may be inserted into inner cavity region 25 through the top region 23, for example by opening basket lid 30 if one is employed, or alternatively through a door located on one or more of sides 24.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, basket lid 30 can contain connectivity apertures 32. Connectivity apertures 32 allow basket lid 30 and basket 20 to interface such that a connectivity portion 28 of basket 20 protrudes through aperture 32 when basket lid 30 operably engages down onto basket 20. When basket lid 30 and basket 20 are interfaced such that connectivity portion 28 protrudes through aperture 32, connectivity portion 28 is in position to interface with post members 50, or other system 10 portions or structures. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, basket lid 30 can be connected to basket 20 by one or more hinges 33 and rests on top region 23 of basket 20 when in the closed position. A locking mechanism 35, or another engagement structure known to one of ordinary skill in the art, can be used to lock the basket lid 30 in the closed position. In another alternative embodiment, basket lid 30 and basket 20 are operably engaged by, e.g., nesting, mounting, or clipping, so that basket lid 30 is, e.g., on top of basket 20, flush with the top region 23 of the plurality of sides 24, or any distance inside inner cavity region 25 of basket 20. As demonstrated, a myriad of methods, structures, and techniques can be employed to connect basket 20 and basket lid 30.

[0037] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, connectivity portions 28 can be an integral portion of basket 20. Alternatively, connectivity portions 28 can be separate pieces that are permanently attached to basket 20 by attachment means known to one of ordinary skill in the art such as welding, gluing, adhering, fastening, etc. In another alternative embodiment, connectivity portions 28 can be modular pieces that can be connected to and disconnected from basket 20. In still another alternative embodiment, basket lid 30 contains connectivity portions 28, which can be connected to basket lid 30 by the means described above. In still another embodiment, basket 20 may be operably engaged with other system 10 structures or portions by other attachment means such as clips, fasteners, or other attachment means known by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0038] Referring back to FIG. 2, bottom portion 22 may contain a plurality of base member receiving apertures 29 (not shown) that receive a plurality of base supports or members 40. Base members 40 can provide additional support for the basket 20 on the floor of the aquatic environment or other surface within the environment. Base members 40 may also be adjustable such that when assembly 10 rests on the aquatic floor, one or more base members 40 may be adjusted to accommodate an uneven or slanted surface so that the surfaces of basket lid 30 and bottom portion 22 are generally parallel with respect to the respective water surface. This adjustability of the base members 40 with respect to the basket 20 allows the system 10 to be adjusted to a level position and substantially stable when used in an aquatic environment that does not have a level ground or floor. The system 10 may also contain rotatable ball-and-socket joints, feet extensions, flexible or malleable supports, and the like to allow additional adjustability and stability on an uneven floor. Base members 40 can also consist of various shapes and sizes. Alternatively, bottom portion 22 simply serves as the base member such that system 10 rests on the aquatic environment ground or floor. In another alternative embodiment, only a single base member 40 operably engages with basket 20. In this embodiment, base member 40 can be larger in size than bottom portion 22 and is attached to one or more receiving apertures 29. In still another alternative embodiment, base member 40 is an integral piece of basket 20, or is attached to basket 20 by means known to one of ordinary skill in the art as described above.

[0039] Each post member 50 can have a distal end 52 and a proximate end 54. Post members 50 may have a circular cross-section (as shown in FIGS. 1-3), a V-shaped or U-shaped cross-section (as shown in FIG. 4), or other shapes and configurations as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, post members 50 may consist of various sizes and lengths, as demonstrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, proximate end 54 operably connects with the connectivity portion 28 of basket 20. Connectivity aperture 32 can be smaller in diameter than proximate end 52 such that when basket lid 30 is interfaced with basket 20 and proximate end 54 of each post member 50 is operably connected with connectivity portion 28 of basket 20, basket lid 30 is secured and flush with sides 24. Moreover, distal end 52 of each post member 50 is in position to interface with platform 60, or other system 10 portions or structures. Alternatively, the shape and size of connectivity apertures 32 are slightly larger than proximate end 54 such that post members 50 can slide through apertures 32 to operably connect with connectivity portions 28.

[0040] In still another alternative embodiment, post members 50 are an integral part of basket 20. In this alternative embodiment, the shape and size of connectivity apertures 32 are slightly larger than post members 50 such that post members 50 can slide through connectivity apertures 32 when basket lid 30 is operably engaged down onto basket 20. Alternatively, other system 10 portions or structures may be operably engaged down onto basket 20 whereby the integral post members 50 slide through the respective apertures. In another alternative embodiment, system 10 does not have a lid 30, but instead, integral post members 50 are in position to interface with platform 60, or other system 10 portions or structures. In another alternative embodiment, post members 50 are integrally connected to basket lid 30. In still another alternative embodiment, in the space between post members 50 there is a wall, which can be of a mesh-type, wire-type, or wall with or without apertures. In yet another alternative embodiment, post members 50 may operably engage with basket 20, basket lid 30, platform 60, railing 80, or other system 10 structures or portions by other attachment means such as clips, fasteners, pins, male/female connectors such as post member 50 inserting into a sleeve, hole, or slot, or other attachment or connectivity means known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0041] Platform 60 can include a bottom surface 61, a top surface 62, and a plurality of sides 63. Platform 60 can take on many different shapes, sizes, and have additional features. For instance, platform 60 can have arch shaped sides 63, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5, and 8-9, which provides arcuate bracing. Platform 60 can also have walls, tabs, or finger-like projections extending up or down to provide lateral support and stability to the respective plants, a reinforced bottom to provide additional stability and support, or an integral ring on the top surface 62 to laterally support a plant. Additional shapes, sizes, and features known to one of ordinary skill in the art are also envisioned.

[0042] Platform 60 can also include connectivity apertures 64, which facilitates connectivity between the distal end 52 of post members 50 and the proximate end 74 of post members 70. In facilitating connectivity, connectivity apertures 64 can be the same shape and slightly larger than distal end 52 such that when distal end 52 is inserted through connectivity aperture 64 in direction from the bottom surface 61 to the top surface 62, distal end 52 protrudes through connectivity aperture 64 above top surface 62 so that proximate end 74 may be connected to distal end 52 thereby securing platform 60 between post members 50 and 70, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Alternatively, connectivity apertures 64 may facilitate connectivity between other assembly 10 portions or structures, for instance between connectivity portion 28 and proximate end 54, as shown in FIG. 8. Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, platform 60 may also contain a plurality of apertures 66. These apertures 66 can facilitate structural connectivity, plant securement, the passage of water, and may be constructed and designed of various sizes and shapes to achieve these goals. An aquatic plant 11 may be supported on the top surface 62 of platform 60, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.

[0043] Each post member 70 can have a distal end 72 and a proximate end 74. Post members 70 may have a circular cross-section (as shown in FIGS. 1-3), or other shapes and configurations as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, post members 70 may consist of various sizes and lengths, as demonstrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. As described above, proximate end 74 operably connects with the distal end 52 of post member 50. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, when distal end 52 of post member 50 is inserted through connectivity aperture 64 of platform 60 and proximate end 74 of post member 70 is connected with distal end 52 of post member 50, platform 60 is secured between post members 50 and post members 70. Moreover, distal end 72 of each post member 70 is in position to interface with railing 80, or other system 10 portions or structures. In an alternative embodiment, post members 70 are an integral part of platform 60. In still another alternative embodiment, the space between post members 70 may contain a wall as previously described above with respect to post members 50.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the system 10 can include railing 80. Railing 80 can have connectivity member apertures 81 (not shown) for receiving the distal end 72 of post members 70. In an alternative embodiment, support members 50 (or 70) are an integral part of railing 80. Railing 80 also contains a plant growth aperture 82. Plant growth aperture 82, as shown in FIG. 3, receives a plant or pot 11 there through such that the railing 80 provides additional lateral support and securement. The plant growth aperture 82 may consist of various sizes, shapes, number of apertures, and supporting configurations.

[0045] Referring primarily now to FIGS. 4-7, there is shown various embodiments of an aquatic modular support plant system 10, which may be positioned on the floor or ground of an aquatic environment. In the following embodiments, system 10 consists of various structures or portions described in the previous embodiment, however, not all of the elements are utilized. Instead, each of the following embodiments illustrates the modular aspect and flexibility of system 10, which allows the user to provide the optimal elevation within the aquatic environment for the respective aquatic plant while maintaining structural stability, lateral support, adaptability to different size and shaped plants or pots 11, and desired system configurations and arrangements.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, post or support members 50 may be an integral part of platform 60. More specifically, distal ends 52 (or 72) can be an integral part with sides 63 or any other portion of platform 60. Alternatively, support members 50 may be an integral part of basket 20, railing 80, or other system 10 structures or portions. Moreover, support members 50 (or 70) can have various sizes and shapes, such as the V-shape or U-shape. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the proximate ends 54 (or 74) abut the top region 23 of the basket lid 30 and the platform 60. In another alternative embodiment, the proximate ends can abut the basket 20, the railing 80, or other system 10 structures or portions. The support members 50 (or 70) have attachment apertures or slots 92 as do the respective abutting system 10 structure or portion, such as basket 20 and platform 60 shown in FIG. 4. Attachment apertures or slots 92 allow support members 50 (or 70) to be operably connected with basket 20, platform, 60, or railing 80 with a fastener device such as the clip 94. One portion of clip 94 can insert or snap into slots 92 on support member 50 while another portion of clip 94 can insert or snap into slots 92 on the respective system 10 structure or portion. Other fastener devices may also be utilized, such as a pin, bolt, or other fastener devices known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, support members 50 abut the sides of basket 20, platform 60, or railing 80 and are connected to each other by such fastener devices as previously described. In still another alternative embodiment, support members 50 can connect to the respective platform 60, railing 80, or basket 20 by being inserted into a slot, sleeve, groove, hole, etc. in the respective assembly 10 structure or portion. In still another alternative embodiment, top surface 62 of two platforms 60 may be operably engaged and connected with fastener devices such as clip 94 such that support members 50 of the two respective platforms 60 extend opposite directions of each other. In this embodiment, one set of support members 50 can be used for the securement of potted plant 11 or attachment of another system 10 structure or portion while the other set of support members 50 operably connects with another system 10 structure or portion such as basket 20, platform 60, or railing 80.

[0048] Additionally, FIG. 4 clearly illustrates the modularity aspect of system 10 in that more than one platform 60 with integral support members 50 (or 70) can be stacked upon the basket 20, the railing 80, or another platform 60, in order to obtain the desired elevation level for plant 11 within the aquatic environment. The modularity aspect is not limited to stacking multiple platforms 60, but may include, for example, multiple baskets 20, railings 80, or other system 10 structures or portions.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, assembly 10 supports and secures an aquatic plant pot 11 that does not securely fit within plant growth aperture 82 of railing 80. Plant pot 11 is generally larger in size than platform 60. Platform 60 supports pot 11 while post members 70 provide lateral support and secure the oversized pot 11. This embodiment, however, is not limited to oversized pots. Instead, plant pots 11 having various shapes and sizes, e.g., hexagon, octagon, cylindrical, or any other unique shape, may be supported and secured.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, basket lid 30 supports plant pot 11 while post members 50 (or post members 70) provide lateral support and secure the uniquely shaped plant pot 11. In an alternative embodiment, basket lid 30 may be replaced with platform 60. In still another alternative embodiment, post members 50 are an integral part of basket lid 30, and such an integral piece is operably engaged to basket 20 by attachment means such as clips, fasteners, or other attachment means known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, railing 80 supports and secures plant pot 11 by wedging plant pot 11 into growth aperture 82 until growth aperture 82 and plant pot 11 are operably engaged. Alternatively, plant pot 11 may be of such size and shape that basket lid 30 supports plant pot 11 while growth aperture 82 of railing 80 provides lateral support and secures plant pot 11. In still another alternative embodiment, plant pot 11 may contain a rim or collar such that the collar operably engages with railing 80 as the plant pot 11 is slid through growth aperture 82.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown another embodiment of platform 60 of an aquatic modular support plant system 10. In this embodiment, platform 60 contains a plurality of peg receiving apertures 67, which receives a plurality of pegs 68. Pegs 68 may be inserted around the periphery of plant pots 11 on platform 60. Apertures 67 may consist of various shapes, sizes, spacing, and configurations while pegs 68 may also be consist of various shapes and sizes. In addition, this aperture 67 and peg 68 system can be implemented in other structures of the system 10, such as the basket lid 30. In using the aperture 67 and peg 68 system, the user can easily support and secure various shaped and sized pots by simply placing the pot 11 on the platform 60 and inserting the pegs 68 into apertures 67 such that the inserted pegs 68 provide lateral support and securement to the respective plant pot 11. As is apparent, this aperture 67 and peg 68 system is useful in adapting the system 10 to receive and support various sized and shaped plant pots 11 and is easily modified. In an alternative embodiment, the apertures 67 consist of a lattice type configuration. In the lattice type configuration, pegs 68 can insert into apertures 67, or alternatively, operably engage with the platform 60 portion of the lattice configuration.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown another embodiment of basket 20. In this embodiment, sides 24 of basket 20 having a mesh-type or lattice-type configuration/design that provides basket 20 with numerous apertures 26. Moreover, bottom portion 22 may also be constructed in such a mesh-type or lattice-type design. The mesh-type or lattice-type design is beneficial in that it allows the basket 20 and other system 10 structures and portions to be made out of wire or metal-based material as well as other materials known by one of ordinary skill in the art. Also, the mesh-type or lattice-type design may lend greater strength, be easier to mold, provide smaller and more numerous apertures 26 that are able to contain smaller particles or other materials within the cavity 23, allows a powder coating for rust resistance, and provide easier means for connectivity between two or more assemblies 10 for additional support and stability.

[0054] FIG. 9 also demonstrates that platform 60 may serve a dual function as basket lid 30 and support platform 60. In this embodiment, connectivity portion 28 of basket 20 protrudes through connectivity aperture 64 of platform 60 when platform 60 operably engages down onto basket 20. Moreover, platform 60 is secured in place when connectivity portion 28 is inserted into distal end 52 of post members 50 (or distal end 72 of post members 70).

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 10, it is shown that system 10 may consist of various shapes and sizes. Moreover, an assembly 10 may be configured with one or more other assemblies 10 so as to provide plant support stands in numerous desired configurations. These desired configurations allow the user to arrange aquatic plants in desired aesthetic and functional arrangements. Also, more than one system 10 may be used to support and secure plant pots 11 that are in odd shapes, e.g., rectangular, T-shaped, or other various shaped pots or planters. In order to maintain stability, each system unit 10 may be connected to another system unit 10 by various mechanisms, such as connectors, locking mechanisms, elastic connections, matingly compatible structures, clamps, hooks, brackets, and a myriad of other like methods, techniques, and structures known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0056] In use, system 10 can be assembled by modular structures or portions. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, system 10 can be assembled by attaching base members 40 to the bottom portion 24 of basket 20. Then, weight devices or elements 15, such as rocks, bio-friendly bio-mediums, etc., can be inserted into the inner cavity region 25. Basket lid 30 can then be engaged down onto the top region 23 of basket 20 such that apertures 32 allow connectivity portion 28 to slide through apertures 32 resulting in a protruding portion extending above the surface of basket lid 30. Once the basket lid 30 is engaged with the basket 20, the proximate ends 54 of post members 50 are engaged with the protruding portions of connectivity portions 28 such that connectivity portions 28 insert into proximate end 54 until proximate end 54 becomes flush with the top surface of basket lid 30 thereby securing basket lid 30. Platform 60 can then be engaged down onto post members 50 such that distal ends 52 insert into connectivity apertures 64 of platform 60 resulting in a portion of distal ends 52 protruding through connectivity apertures 64 and above the top surface 62. Proximate ends 74 of post members 70 can then be engaged with distal ends 52 such that distal ends 52 insert into proximate ends 74 until proximate ends 74 are flush with the top surface 62, thereby securing platform 60 and leaving distal ends 72 capable of connecting with railing 80. Railing 80 can be engaged down onto distal ends 72 such that distal ends 72 insert into connectivity member apertures 81. After system 10 is assembled, plant pot 11 can be inserted into growth aperture 82 resulting in plant pot 11 being supported and secured by system 10. Thereafter, system 10 containing plant pot 11 can be inserted into the respective water environment.

[0057] Other variations of the foregoing example are also possible. For instance, many of the assembly structures or portions may be assembled in different orders, without certain structures or portions from the foregoing example, with the foregoing structures or portions in different locations, by using more than one of the respective structures or portions, or by using different connectivity mechanisms. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, system 10 can be assembled as in the foregoing example except without railing 80. This system 10 variation allows the user to support and secure plant pots 11 that are uniquely shaped and larger in size than railing 80 or platform 60. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 6, system 10 can be assembled without railing 80, post members 70, platform 60, and base members 40. In this example, plant pot 11 is supported and secured by basket lid 30 and post members 50. In another example, as shown in FIG. 7, system 10 can support and secure plant pot 11 by assembling basket 20, basket lid 30, support members 50 as in the foregoing examples except that railing 80 is engaged with support members 50.

[0058] In another example, as shown in FIG. 8, system 10 may contain platform 60, which contains a peg 67 and peg receiving aperture 68 system. The peg 67 and peg receiving aperture 68 system allows the user to secure and support plant pot 11 without necessarily having other system 10 structures or portions such as, for example, support members 70 or railing 80. Moreover, this embodiment of platform 60 may also be engaged down onto basket 20 replacing basket lid 30. In still another example, as shown in FIG. 9, basket lid 30 can be replaced with platform 60 such that connectivity apertures 64 receive connectivity portions 28 when platform 60 is engaged down onto basket 20.

[0059] In yet another example, as shown in FIG. 4, system 10 can be assembled by abutting proximate ends 54 of support members 50, which are an integral part of platform 60, onto the top surface of basket lid 30. Clips 94 can be inserted into attachment apertures or slots 92 on both support members 50 and basket 20. After the platform 60 with integral support members 50 is connected to basket 20, then another platform 60 with integral support members 50 can be connected to the previously attached platform 60. In attaching the second platform 60, the support members 50 of the second platform 60 are placed so that they abut the top surface 62 of the first platform 60. Then the clips 94 are inserted or snapped into slots or apertures 92 thereby connecting the two platforms 60 to each other. A potted plant 11 can then be placed on the second platform 60 and secured using the peg 67 and peg receiving aperture 68 system described above in regards to FIG. 8.

[0060] As can be seen from the previously described embodiments and examples, system 10 allows the user to achieve optimal elevation within the water environment, adequate securement for the respective plant pot 11, proper stability for system 10, and flexibility and adaptability for various sized and shaped plant pots 11. Moreover, various assemblies 10 may be arranged into desired configurations, as shown for example in FIG. 10, which allows the user to achieve both functional and aesthetic goals within the respective water environment. The previously described embodiments and examples of system 10 can consist of various structures or portions that are modular. In addition to system 10 consisting of modular structures and portions, system 10 may consist of one entirely integral piece, or system 10 may consist of both integral portions or structures and other portions or structures that are modular. Moreover, the system 10 structures and portions may be connected by other attachment means such as clips, fasteners, or other attachment means known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0061] Although the present invention has been shown and described with respect to specific details of certain embodiments thereof, it is not intended that such details limit the scope of the invention other than as specifically set forth in the following claims, taking into consideration reasonable equivalents thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An aquatic plant support system comprising: a base at least partially submergible in an aquatic environment, the base having a bottom portion, a top portion, and at least one peripheral side portion providing an interior cavity; a generally planar platform; at least one platform support member extending between the generally planar platform and the base to operably couple the platform and the base; and a railing portion and at least one railing support member, wherein the at least one railing support member extends between the generally planar platform and the railing portion to operably couple the platform and the railing portion.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one peripheral side portion includes a plurality of apertures.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of apertures define a generally lattice configuration for the at least one peripheral side portion.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion includes at least one foot support member adapted to provide stability for the base.

5. The system of claim 1, further including a lid operably engageable with the base.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the lid is selectively engageable to the base to provide selective access to the interior cavity.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the platform functions as the lid.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is larger in cross-section than the top portion to create a tapered shape for the base.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the base is constructed of a polymer material.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the base is constructed of a metal wire material.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one platform support member is integrally coupled to the generally planar platform.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the railing portion includes peripheral edges providing an aperture capable of receiving a potted plant.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the interior cavity is adapted to house objects selected from a group consisting of: at least one weight, at least one bio-media element, a pump, at least one rock, at least one brick, and at least one lighting fixture.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one platform support member is tubular in shape.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least one tubular platform support member is selectively coupleable to at least the base.

16. An aquatic plant support system comprising: a base at least partially submergible in an aquatic environment, the base having a bottom portion, a top portion, and at least one peripheral side portion providing an interior cavity; a generally planar platform capable of receiving a potted plant thereon; and at least one platform support member extending between the generally planar platform and the base to operably couple the platform and the base.

17. The system of claim 16, further including a second generally planar platform and at least one platform support coupling member, wherein the at least one platform support coupling member extends between the platform and the second platform to operably couple the platform and second platform.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least one peripheral side portion includes a plurality of apertures.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the plurality of apertures define a generally lattice configuration for the at least one peripheral side portion.

20. The system of claim 16, wherein the bottom portion includes at least one foot support member adapted to provide stability for the base.

21. The system of claim 16, further including a lid operably engageable with the base.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the lid is selectively engageable to the base to provide selective access to the interior cavity.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein the platform functions as the lid.

24. The system of claim 16, wherein the bottom portion is larger in cross-section than the top portion to create a tapered shape for the base.

25. The system of claim 16, wherein the base is constructed of a polymer material.

26. The system of claim 16, wherein the base is constructed of a metal wire material.

27. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least one platform support member is integrally coupled to the generally planar platform.

28. The system of claim 16, wherein the interior cavity is adapted to house objects selected from a group consisting of: at least one weight, at least one bio-media element, a pump, at least one rock, at least one brick, and at least one lighting fixture.

29. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least one platform support member is tubular in shape.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the at least one platform support member is selectively coupleable to at least the base.

31. The system of claim 16, wherein the generally planar platform includes a plurality of apertures capable of selectively receiving at least one pot support member therein.

32. An aquatic plant support system comprising: a base at least partially submergible in an aquatic environment, the base having a bottom portion, a top portion, and at least one peripheral side portion providing an interior cavity; a generally planar platform, wherein the platform is operably engageable with the base and capable of supporting a potted plant thereon; and at least one support member extending away from the platform, wherein the at least one support member provides a lateral support boundary capable of keeping the supported potted plant on the platform.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the platform is selectively engageable to the base to provide selective access to the interior cavity.

34. The system of claim 32, wherein the platform includes a plurality of apertures capable of selectively receiving the at least one support member therein.

35. An aquatic plant support system comprising: a base at least partially submergible in an aquatic environment, the base having a bottom portion, a top portion, and at least one peripheral side portion providing an interior cavity; a railing portion and at least one railing support member; wherein the at least one railing support member extends between the base and the railing portion to operably couple the base and the railing portion; and wherein the railing portion is adapted to securely receive a potted plant therein.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the at least one peripheral side portion includes a plurality of apertures.

37. The system of claim 35, wherein the plurality of apertures define a generally lattice configuration for the at least one peripheral side portion.

38. The system of claim 35, wherein the at least one railing support member is integrally coupled to the railing portion.

39. The system of claim 35, wherein the interior cavity is adapted to house objects selected from a group consisting of: at least one weight, at least one bio-media element, a pump, at least one rock, at least one brick, and at least one lighting fixture.

40. An aquatic plant support system comprising: a means for providing base support on a floor of, and at least partially submergible in an aquatic environment; a means for receiving a potted plant; and a means for operably coupling the means for providing base support and the means for receiving a potted plant.

41. A method of supporting a potted plant within an aquatic environment, comprising the steps of: providing a base at least partially submergible in an aquatic environment, the base having a bottom portion, a top portion, and at least one peripheral side portion defining an interior cavity; providing a generally planar platform capable of securely receiving a potted plant; providing at least one platform support member; positioning the at least one platform support member between the generally planar platform and the base, and thereby operably coupling the platform and the base with the at least one platform support member; placing the base on a floor of an aquatic environment; and placing a potted plant on the generally planar platform.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the at least one peripheral side portion includes a plurality of apertures.

43. The method of claim 41, wherein the plurality of apertures define a generally lattice configuration for the at least one peripheral side portion.

44. The method of claim 41, further providing at least one foot support member adapted to provide stability for the base.

45. The method of claim 41, further providing a lid operably engageable with the base.

46. The method of claim 41, wherein the generally planar platform includes a plurality of apertures.

47. The method of claim 46, further inserting at least one pot support member into one of the plurality of apertures providing support to the potted plant.

48. The method of claim 41, further providing a second generally planar platform capable of receiving a potted plant thereon, the second generally platform operably coupleable to at least one platform coupling support member.