U.S. patent application number 11/171824 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-04 for attachment device for plant container catch tray.
Invention is credited to John David Bowman.
Application Number | 20070001088 11/171824 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37588338 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070001088 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bowman; John David |
January 4, 2007 |
Attachment device for plant container catch tray
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide means for attaching
a catch tray to a hanging plant container. An attachment device
comprises two engaging members. The first engagement member
includes a U-shaped engagement structure and a plurality of
spaced-apart interlock features in combination with an elongated
interconnect structure thereof. The second engagement member
includes a U-shaped engagement structure and an elongated
interconnect structure attached to the U-shaped engagement
structure. The elongated interconnect structure of the second
engagement member is slideably engaged with the elongated
interconnect structure of the first engagement member. The
elongated interconnect structure of the second engagement member
includes an interlock structure selectively engageable with each
one of the spaced-apart interlock features of the first engagement
member thereby enabling a distance between the U-shaped engagement
structure of the first engagement member to be selectively
adjustable with respect to the U-shaped engagement structure of the
second engagement member.
Inventors: |
Bowman; John David; (Tucson,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
David O. Simmons;Galasso & Associates LP
P.O. Box 26503
Austin
TX
78755-0503
US
|
Family ID: |
37588338 |
Appl. No.: |
11/171824 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/690 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 9/04 20130101; A47G
7/047 20130101; A01G 9/024 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/690 |
International
Class: |
A47G 29/00 20060101
A47G029/00 |
Claims
1. An attachment device, comprising: a first engagement member
including a U-shaped engagement structure and a plurality of
spaced-apart interlock features in combination with an elongated
interconnect structure thereof; and a second engagement member
including a U-shaped engagement structure and an elongated
interconnect structure attached to the U-shaped engagement
structure, wherein the elongated interconnect structure of the
second engagement member is slideably engaged with the elongated
interconnect structure of the first engagement member and wherein
the elongated interconnect structure of the second engagement
member includes an interlock structure selectively engageable with
each one of said spaced-apart interlock features of the first
engagement member thereby enabling a distance between the U-shaped
engagement structure of the first engagement member to be
selectively adjustable with respect to the U-shaped engagement
structure of the second engagement member.
2. The attachment device of claim 1 wherein: the elongated
interconnect structure of the first engagement member includes a
tubular portion; the plurality of spaced-apart interlock features
of the first engagement member are within a wall of the tubular
portion of the first engagement member; and the elongated
interconnect structure of the second engagement member is slideably
engaged within the tubular portion of the first engagement
member.
3. The attachment device of claim 2 wherein each one of said
spaced-apart interlock features includes an aperture extending
through a wall of the elongated interconnect structure of the first
engagement member.
4. The attachment device of claim 1 wherein the interlock structure
is an integrally formed portion of the elongated interconnect
structure of the second engagement member.
5. The attachment device of claim 1 wherein the interlock structure
of the second engagement member includes a spring loaded
member.
6. The attachment device of claim 1 wherein: the U-shaped
engagement portion of the first engagement member resides on a
first side of a longitudinal reference plane; and the U-shaped
engagement portion of the second engagement member resides on the
first side of the longitudinal reference plane when the interlock
structure is engaged with any one of said spaced-apart interlock
features.
7. The attachment device of claim 1 wherein: the elongated
interconnect structure of the first engagement member includes a
tubular portion; the plurality of spaced-apart interlock features
of the first engagement member are within a wall of the tubular
portion of the first engagement member; the elongated interconnect
structure of the second engagement member is slideably engaged
within the tubular portion of the first engagement member; each one
of said spaced-apart interlock features includes an aperture
extending through a wall of the elongated interconnect structure of
the first engagement member; the interlock structure is an
integrally formed portion of the elongated interconnect structure
of the second engagement member; the U-shaped engagement portion of
the first engagement member resides on a first side of a
longitudinal reference plane; and the U-shaped engagement portion
of the second engagement member resides on the first side of the
longitudinal reference plane when the interlock structure is
engaged with any one of said spaced-apart interlock features.
8. A hanging basket plant container assembly, comprising: a plant
container having an open end and a closed end; a catch tray
positioned over the closed end of the plant container; a hanging
device attached to the plant container and configured for extending
over the open end of the plant container; and a plurality of
discrete attachment devices engaged between the plant container and
the catch tray for securing the catch tray to the plant container,
wherein each one of said attachment devices includes a first
engagement member having an engagement structure engaged with the
plant container and a second engagement member engaged with the
catch tray.
9. The hanging basket plant container assembly of claim 8 wherein a
length of each one of said discrete attachment devices is
adjustable.
10. The hanging basket plant container assembly of claim 8 wherein:
the engagement structure of the first engagement member is engaged
over an edge of the open end of the plant container; and the
engagement structure of the second engagement member is engaged
over a lip-portion of the catch tray.
11. The hanging basket plant container assembly of claim 8 wherein:
the engagement structure of the first engagement member includes a
plurality of spaced-apart interlock features in combination with an
elongated interconnect structure thereof; the interconnect
structure of the first engagement member is attached to the
engagement structure of the first engagement member; the second
engagement member includes an elongated interconnect structure
slideably engaged with the elongated interconnect structure of the
first engagement member; and the elongated interconnect structure
of the second engagement member includes an interlock structure
selectively engageable with each one of said spaced-apart interlock
features of the first engagement member thereby enabling a distance
between the U-shaped engagement structure of the first engagement
member to be selectively adjustable with respect to the U-shaped
engagement structure of the second engagement member.
12. The hanging basket plant container assembly of claim 8 wherein:
the elongated interconnect structure of the first engagement member
includes a tubular portion; the plurality of spaced-apart interlock
features of the first engagement member are within a wall of the
tubular portion of the first engagement member; and the elongated
interconnect structure of the second engagement member is slideably
engaged within the tubular portion of the first engagement
member.
13. The hanging basket plant container assembly of claim 12 wherein
each one of said spaced-apart interlock features includes an
aperture extending through a wall of the elongated interconnect
structure of the first engagement member.
14. The hanging basket plant container assembly of claim 8 wherein:
the engagement structure of the first engagement member includes a
U-shaped portion that resides on a first side of a longitudinal
reference plane; and the engagement structure of the second
engagement member includes a U-shaped portion that resides on the
first side of the longitudinal reference plane when the interlock
structure is engaged with any one of said spaced-apart interlock
features.
15. The hanging basket plant container assembly of claim 8 wherein:
the engagement structure of the first engagement member is engaged
over an edge of the open end of the plant container; the engagement
structure of the second engagement member is engaged over a
lip-portion of the catch tray; the engagement structure of the
first engagement member includes a plurality of spaced-apart
interlock features in combination with an elongated interconnect
structure thereof; the interconnect structure of the first
engagement member is attached to the engagement structure of the
first engagement member; the second engagement member includes an
elongated interconnect structure slideably engaged with the
elongated interconnect structure of the first engagement member;
the elongated interconnect structure of the second engagement
member includes an interlock structure selectively engageable with
each one of said spaced-apart interlock features of the first
engagement member thereby enabling a distance between the U-shaped
engagement structure of the first engagement member to be
selectively adjustable with respect to the U-shaped engagement
structure of the second engagement member; the elongated
interconnect structure of the first engagement member includes a
tubular portion; the plurality of spaced-apart interlock features
of the first engagement member are within a wall of the tubular
portion of the first engagement member; and the elongated
interconnect structure of the second engagement member is slideably
engaged within the tubular portion of the first engagement member;
each one of said spaced-apart interlock features includes an
aperture extending through a wall of the elongated interconnect
structure of the first engagement member; the engagement structure
of the first engagement member includes a U-shaped portion that
resides on a first side of a longitudinal reference plane; and the
engagement structure of the second engagement member includes a
U-shaped portion that resides on the first side of the longitudinal
reference plane when the interlock structure is engaged with any
one of said spaced-apart interlock features.
16. A hanging basket kit, comprising: a catch tray; and a plurality
of discrete attachment devices, wherein each one of said attachment
devices includes a first engagement member having a U-shaped
engagement structure and a plurality of spaced-apart interlock
features in combination with an elongated interconnect structure
thereof and includes a second engagement member having a U-shaped
engagement structure and an elongated interconnect structure
attached to the U-shaped engagement structure, wherein the
elongated interconnect structure of the second engagement member is
slideably engaged with the elongated interconnect structure of the
first engagement member and wherein the elongated interconnect
structure of the second engagement member includes an interlock
structure selectively engageable with each one of said spaced-apart
interlock features of the first engagement member thereby enabling
a distance between the U-shaped engagement structure of the first
engagement member to be selectively adjustable with respect to the
U-shaped engagement structure of the second engagement member.
17. The hanging basket kit of claim 16 wherein: the elongated
interconnect structure of the first engagement member includes a
tubular portion; the plurality of spaced-apart interlock features
of the first engagement member are within a wall of the tubular
portion of the first engagement member; and the elongated
interconnect structure of the second engagement member is slideably
engaged within the tubular portion of the first engagement
member.
18. The hanging basket kit of claim 17 wherein each one of said
spaced-apart interlock features includes an aperture extending
through a wall of the elongated interconnect structure of the first
engagement member.
19. The hanging basket kit of claim 18 wherein: the U-shaped
engagement portion of the first engagement member resides on a
first side of a longitudinal reference plane; and the U-shaped
engagement portion of the second engagement member resides on the
first side of the longitudinal reference plane when the interlock
structure is engaged with any one of said spaced-apart interlock
features.
20. The hanging basket kit of claim 19, further comprising: a plant
container having an open end and a closed end, wherein the catch
tray is positionable over the closed end of the plant container;
and a hanging device attachable to the plant container and
configured for extending over the open end of the plant container
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The disclosures made herein relate generally to gardening
devices and, more particularly, to devices for hanging plants.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional plant containers incorporate drain holes to
vent the root system and allow excess moisture to pass through the
potting soil when watered. When located on a support surface such
as a floor or shelf, a catch tray is typically placed between the
container and the support surface. Such a conventional catch tray
(i.e., a universal and/or commercially available catch tray)
captures the excess water and prevents it from contacting the
support surface on which the container. Because such conventional
catch trays hold a relatively large volume of water, they also
serve as a reservoir that supplies moisture to the plant over an
extended period of time.
[0003] However, many types of conventional hanging plant containers
do not incorporate a catch tray or incorporate a catch tray capable
of holding only a relatively small volume of water. As such, plants
in conventional handing containers often drip water onto the
surface below, which can result in damage to moisture-sensitive
surfaces. Furthermore, lacking a catch tray to serve as a reservoir
in which excess water gathers causes the soil to dry out
faster.
[0004] Therefore, a device that facilitates the attachment of a
relatively large catch tray to a plant container such as a
container used for hanging plants and that is relatively universal
in application would be useful and advantageous.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] Embodiments of the present invention enable a person to keep
water in their plants and water catch tray even while the plant
container is suspended. More specifically, embodiments of the
present invention provide for a relatively simple and convenient
means for attaching a relatively large and/or deep catch tray to
most hanging plant containers. Accordingly, the present invention
advantageously overcomes one or more shortcomings associated with
conventional hanging plant containers with regard to conserving and
controlling moisture drainage from the container.
[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention an attachment
device comprises two engaging members. The first engagement member
includes a U-shaped engagement structure and a plurality of
spaced-apart interlock features in combination with an elongated
interconnect structure thereof. The second engagement member
includes a U-shaped engagement structure and an elongated
interconnect structure attached to the U-shaped engagement
structure. The he elongated interconnect structure of the second
engagement member is slideably engaged with the elongated
interconnect structure of the first engagement member. The
elongated interconnect structure of the second engagement member
includes an interlock structure selectively engageable with each
one of the spaced-apart interlock features of the first engagement
member thereby enabling a distance between the U-shaped engagement
structure of the first engagement member to be selectively
adjustable with respect to the U-shaped engagement structure of the
second engagement member.
[0007] In another embodiment of the present invention, a hanging
basket plant container assembly comprises a plant container, a
catch tray, a hanging device, and a plurality of discrete
attachment devices. The plant container has an open end and a
closed end. The catch tray is positioned over the closed end of the
plant container. The hanging device attaches to the plant container
and is configured for extending over the open end of the plant
container. The plurality of discrete attachment devices engage
between the plant container and the catch tray for securing the
catch tray to the plant container. Each one of the attachment
devices includes a first engagement member having an engagement
structure engaged with the plant container and a second engagement
member engaged with the catch tray.
[0008] In another embodiment of the present invention, a hanging
basket kit comprises a catch tray and a plurality of discrete
attachment devices. Each one of the attachment devices includes a
first engagement member having a U-shaped engagement structure and
a plurality of spaced-apart interlock features in combination with
an elongated interconnect structure thereof and includes a second
engagement member having a U-shaped engagement structure and an
elongated interconnect structure attached to the U-shaped
engagement structure. The elongated interconnect structure of the
second engagement member is slideably engaged with the elongated
interconnect structure of the first engagement member. The
elongated interconnect structure of the second engagement member
includes an interlock structure selectively engageable with each
one of the spaced-apart interlock features of the first engagement
member thereby enabling a distance between the U-shaped engagement
structure of the first engagement member to be selectively
adjustable with respect to the U-shaped engagement structure of the
second engagement member.
[0009] Turning now to specific aspects of the present invention, in
at least one embodiment, the elongated interconnect structure of
the first engagement member includes a tubular portion.
[0010] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
plurality of spaced-apart interlock features of the first
engagement member are within a wall of the tubular portion of the
first engagement member.
[0011] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
elongated interconnect structure of the second engagement member is
slideably engaged within the tubular portion of the first
engagement member.
[0012] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, each
one of the spaced-apart interlock features includes an aperture
extending through a wall of the elongated interconnect structure of
the first engagement member.
[0013] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
interlock structure is an integrally formed portion of the
elongated interconnect structure of the second engagement
member.
[0014] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
interlock structure of the second engagement member includes a
spring loaded member.
[0015] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
U-shaped engagement portion of the first engagement member resides
on a first side of a longitudinal reference plane.
[0016] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
U-shaped engagement portion of the second engagement member resides
on the first side of the longitudinal reference plane when the
interlock structure is engaged with any one of the spaced-apart
interlock features.
[0017] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a
length of each one of the discrete attachment devices is
adjustable.
[0018] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
engagement structure of the first engagement member is engaged over
an edge of the open end of the plant container.
[0019] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
engagement structure of the second engagement member is engaged
over a lip-portion of the catch tray.
[0020] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
engagement structure of the first engagement member includes a
plurality of spaced-apart interlock features in combination with an
elongated interconnect structure thereof.
[0021] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
interconnect structure of the first engagement member is attached
to the engagement structure of the first engagement member.
[0022] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
second engagement member includes an elongated interconnect
structure slideably engaged with the elongated interconnect
structure of the first engagement member.
[0023] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
elongated interconnect structure of the second engagement member
includes an interlock structure selectively engageable with each
one of the spaced-apart interlock features of the first engagement
member thereby enabling a distance between the U-shaped engagement
structure of the first engagement member to be selectively
adjustable with respect to the U-shaped engagement structure of the
second engagement member.
[0024] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a
hanging basket kit includes a plant container having an open end
and a closed end and a catch tray of the hanging basket kit is
positionable over the closed end of the plant container.
[0025] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
hanging basket kit includes a hanging device that is attachable to
the plant container and is configured for extending over the open
end of the plant container.
[0026] These and other objects, embodiments advantages and/or
distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent
upon further review of the following specification and associated
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 depicts a first embodiment of an attachment device
configured in accordance with the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 depicts the exploded view of the attachment device
depicted in FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 3 depicts a hanging basket plant container assembly
configured in accordance with the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a hanging basket kit
configured in accordance with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 5 depicts a second embodiment of an attachment device
configured in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0032] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a first embodiment of an attachment
device configured in accordance with the present invention, which
is referred to herein as the attachment device 10. The attachment
device 10 consists of two engagement members (12 and 20), each
including U-shaped engagement structures (14 and 22) attached to a
respective elongated interconnect structures (18 and 24). The
elongated interconnect structure 24 of the second engagement member
20 is slideably engaged with the elongated interconnect structure
18 of the first engagement member 12.
[0033] The first engagement member 12 includes a plurality of
spaced-apart interlock features 16 in combination with the
elongated interconnect structure 18 of the first engagement member
12. The second engagement member 20 includes an interlock structure
26 selectively engageable with each one of the spaced-apart
interlock features 16 of the first engagement member 12, thereby
enabling the distance between each U-shaped engagement structure
(14 and 22) to be varied. Such varying is performed by depressing
the interlock structure 26, as necessary, while moving the second
engagement member 20 with respect to the first engagement member
12.
[0034] The elongated interconnect structure 18 of the first
engagement member 12 is tubular, and its interior cross section is
larger than the exterior cross section of the elongated
interconnect structure 24 of the second engagement member 20. In
this manner, the elongated interconnect structure 24 of the second
engagement member 20 is slideably engagable within the elongated
interconnect structure 18 of the first engagement member 12. The
interlock structure 26 is a spring-loaded member (i.e., an integral
cantilevered spring). A skilled person will appreciate that other
spring-loaded members could be used such as, for example, a
discrete interlock member in combination with a discrete helical
spring or discrete cantilevered spring engaging the discrete
interlock member.
[0035] The U-shaped engagement structure 14 of the first engagement
member 12 resides on a first side of a longitudinal reference plane
(e.g., a plane defined by a face 15 of the first engagement member
12 in which the spaced-apart interlock features 16 reside). The
U-shaped engagement structure 22 of the second engagement member 20
resides on the first side of the longitudinal reference plane when
the interlock structure 26 is engaged with any one of the
spaced-apart interlock features 16. Alternately, depending on a
particular application, the U-shaped engagement structure 14 of the
first engagement member 12 resides on the first side of the
longitudinal reference plane and the U-shaped engagement structure
22 of the second engagement member 20 resides on a second side of
the longitudinal reference plane when the interlock structure 26 is
engaged with any one of the spaced-apart interlock features 16. It
is disclosed herein that the plurality of spaced-apart interlock
features 16 could be omitted and interlock structure 26 replaced
with a frictional locking mechanism (i.e., a collet).
Alternatively, the plurality of spaced-apart interlock features 16
and interlock structure 26 may be replaced entirely by a helical
screw device. Such a mechanisms would provide means for fractional
length adjustment rather than only those allowed by the interlock
features 16.
[0036] As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the attachment device consists
of at least two discrete members. However, attachment devices in
accordance with the present invention may be of an elastic type
(i.e., elastic material or helical extension spring). Such an
elastic attachment device would not incorporate any separate
interconnecting or interlocking members while still providing a
means of varying the distance between U-shaped engagement
structures thereof (e.g., U-shaped engagement structures 14 and
22).
[0037] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a hanging basket plant
container assembly configured in accordance with the present
invention, which is referred to herein as the hanging basket plant
container assembly 40. The hanging basket plant container assembly
40 comprises a plant container 42, a catch tray 44, a hanging
device 46, and a plurality of discrete attachment devices 48. The
plant container 42 has an open end 50 and a closed end 52. The
catch tray 44 is positioned over the closed end 52 of the plant
container 42. The hanging device 46 attaches to the plant container
42 and is configured for extending over the open end 50 of the
plant container 42. The plurality of discrete attachment devices 48
engage between the plant container 42 and the catch tray 44 for
securing the catch tray 44 to the plant container 42.
[0038] Each one of the attachment devices 48 includes a first
engagement member 54 having an engagement structure 56 engaged with
the plant container 42 and a second engagement member 58 having an
engagement structure 60 engaged with the catch tray 44. The first
engagement structure 56 of each one of the attachment devices 48 is
engaged over an edge 62 of the open end 50 of the plant container
42 and the engagement structure 60 of the second engagement member
58 is engaged over a lip-portion 64 of the catch tray 44.
[0039] As depicted in FIG. 3, a length of each one of the discrete
attachment devices 48 is adjustable. For example, each one of the
discrete attachment devices 48 is configured substantially the same
as the attachment device 10 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, in
other embodiments, the length of each one of the discrete
attachment devices 48 is non-adjustable.
[0040] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a hanging basket kit 70
configured in accordance with the present invention. The hanging
basket kit 70 includes plurality of discrete attachment devices 72,
a hanging device 74, a plant container 76, and a catch tray 78.
When assembled, the hanging basket kit 70 creates the hanging
basket plant container assembly (FIG. 3, item 40). Each one of the
attachment devices 72 is configured is configured in accordance
with the present invention. Preferably, each one of the attachment
devices is adjustable (e.g., configured substantially the same as
the attachment device 10 depicted in FIG. 1).
[0041] It is disclosed herein that when the attachment devices 72
are made commercially available with or intended for use with a
particular plant container 76 and/or catch tray 78 (as in the case
of the hanging basket kit 70), the attachment devices 72 may be of
a specific length (non-adjustable).
[0042] FIG. 5 depicts a second embodiment of an attachment device
configured in accordance with the present invention, which is
referred to herein as the attachment device 100. The attachment
device 100 consists of two engagement members (112 and 120), each
including U-shaped engagement structures (114 and 122) attached to
a respective elongated interconnect structure (118 and 124). The
elongated interconnect structure 124 of the second engagement
member 120 is slideably engaged with the elongated interconnect
structure 118 of the first engagement member 12.
[0043] The first engagement member 112 includes a plurality of
spaced-apart interlock features 116 in combination with the
elongated interconnect structure 118 of the first engagement member
112. The second engagement member 120 includes an interlock
structure 126 selectively engageable with each one of the
spaced-apart interlock features 116 of the first engagement member
112, thereby enabling the distance between each U-shaped engagement
structure (114 and 122) to be varied. Such varying is performed by
displacing the interlock structure 126 (e.g., by pushing the
interlock structure 126 from through an access hole (not
specifically shown) opposite the interlock structure 126 in second
engagement member 120), as necessary, while moving the second
engagement member 120 with respect to the first engagement member
112.
[0044] The elongated interconnect structure 124 of the second
engagement member 120 is tubular, and its interior cross section is
larger than the exterior cross section of the elongated
interconnect structure 118 of the first engagement member 112. In
this manner, the elongated interconnect structure 118 of the first
engagement member 112 is slideably engagable within the elongated
interconnect structure 124 of the second engagement member 120.
[0045] The interlock structure 126 is a spring-loaded member (i.e.,
an integral cantilevered spring). A skilled person will appreciate
that other spring-loaded members could be used such as, for
example, a discrete interlock member in combination with a discrete
helical spring or discrete cantilevered spring engaging the
discrete interlock member.
[0046] The U-shaped engagement structure 114 of the first
engagement member 112 resides on a first side of a longitudinal
reference plane (e.g., a plane defined by a face 115 of the first
engagement member 112 in which the spaced-apart interlock features
116 reside). The U-shaped engagement structure 122 of the second
engagement member 120 resides on the first side of the longitudinal
reference plane when the interlock structure 126 is engaged with
any one of the spaced-apart interlock features 116. Alternately,
depending on a particular application, the U-shaped engagement
structure 114 of the first engagement member 112 resides on the
first side of the longitudinal reference plane and the U-shaped
engagement structure 122 of the second engagement member 120
resides on a second side of the longitudinal reference plane when
the interlock structure 126 is engaged with any one of the
spaced-apart interlock features 116.
[0047] It is disclosed herein that the plurality of spaced-apart
interlock features 116 could be omitted and interlock structure 126
replaced with a frictional locking mechanism (i.e., a collet).
Alternatively, the plurality of spaced-apart interlock features 1
16 and interlock structure 126 may be replaced entirely by a
helical screw device. Such a mechanisms would provide means for
fractional length adjustment rather than only those allowed by the
interlock features 116.
[0048] It is disclosed herein that the relative size and shape of
the engagement structures in accordance with the present invention
may vary in order to retain the catch tray to the plant container
more effectively. While engagement structures depicted herein are
generally U-shaped, such engagement structures could equally be a
different shape and/or size that is compatible with a particular
construction of plant container and/or catch tray. Additionally,
attachment devices in accordance in the present invention are not
limited as to a particular cross-sectional shape. For example,
engagement members of an attachment device in accordance with the
present invention could be configured with a generally round
cross-sectional shape or other cross-sectional shape and perform
equally well as the depicted rectangular cross-sectional shape.
Although not depicted herein, it is disclosed that engagement
structures of an attachment device in accordance with the present
invention may be engaged within respective apertures and/or
mounting members of a plant container and/or catch tray or attached
to a plant container and or catch tray with a discrete retention
means such as, for example, adhesive or a threaded fastener.
[0049] Examples of materials from which attachment devices in
accordance with the present invention may be formed include metal,
plastic, glass and/or wood. Preferably, attachment devices in
accordance with the present invention are made from materials and
constructed in a manner that provides for such attachment devices
to be relative durable, light-weight, strong, convenient, aesthetic
appealing and/or cost-effective. Preferably, in at least one
embodiment of the present invention, attachment devices are made in
one or more universal configurations for use with combinations of
off-the-shelf plant containers and catch trays.
[0050] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been
made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in
which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in
which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments,
and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient
detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments
of the present invention. It is to be understood that other
suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical,
chemical and electrical changes may be made without departing from
the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. To avoid
unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known
to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is,
therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set
forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *