Potting System

Abstract

This invention relates generally to mechanics, and more specifically, to a potting system. In one embodiment, the invention includes a potting system including one or more bands; and one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands. In a further embodiment, the one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands includes one or more pots configured to link with adjacent pots.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/250,298 filed Oct. 9, 2009 (our ref. ACHN-1-1001). The foregoing application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to mechanics, and more specifically, to a potting system.

SUMMARY

[0003] This invention relates generally to mechanics, and more specifically, to a potting system. In one embodiment, the invention includes a potting system including one or more bands; and one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands. In a further embodiment, the one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands includes one or more pots configured to link with adjacent pots. In one embodiment, the invention includes a potting system including one or more pots configured to suspend from one or more bands, wherein the one or more pots configured to suspend from one or more bands includes one or more pots configured to link with adjacent pots. In one embodiment, the invention includes a potting system including one or more pots configured to suspend from one or more structures, wherein the one or more pots configured to suspend from one or more structures includes one or more pots configured to link with adjacent pots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

[0005] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a potting system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0006] FIGS. 2-5 are perspective views of pots having alternative suspension mechanisms for use in a potting system, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

[0007] FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of alternatively shaped pots for use in a potting system, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

[0008] FIGS. 8-10 are perspective views of a potting system in association with alternative structures, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; and

[0009] APPENDIX A includes examples of a potting system, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] This invention relates generally to mechanics, and more specifically, to a potting system. Specific details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-10 and APPENDIX A to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. The present invention may have additional embodiments, may be practiced without one or more of the details described for any particular described embodiment, or may have any detail described for one particular embodiment practiced with any other detail described for another embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a potting system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments, a potting system 100 includes one or more bands 101; and one or more pots 102 configured to suspend from the one or more bands 101 using a suspension mechanism 108. In some embodiments, a potting system 100 includes one or more pots 102 configured to link with adjacent pots using a linking mechanism 104 and/or 106.

[0012] In some embodiments, one or more bands 101 are an elongated structure, plate-like structure, or other similar structure. In some embodiments, one or more bands 101 are composed of a flexible material, such as plastic, leather, metal, or other similar material. In some embodiments, one or more bands 101 include one or more linear bands (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, one or more bands 101 include one or more curvilinear or angled bands. For example, one or more bands 101 may define a sine-like wave or other regular or irregular curve. Alternatively, one or more bands 101 may define a zig-zag line or other regular or irregular angle. In some embodiments, one or more bands 101 include a malleable band that may assume a variety of customized lines, curves, or angles. In some embodiments, one or more bands 101 include one or more bands configured to tensionally wrap around a structure using a locking mechanism 103 (FIGS. 7-9). For example, one or more bands 101 may include an integrated gear rack with a ratchet within a small case opening as a locking mechanism 103. Alternatively, one or more bands 101 may include a buckle, snap, button, hook and loop fastener, magnet, or other similar fastener as a locking mechanism 103. In some embodiments, one or more bands 101 may be configured to fasten to a structure (FIG. 10). For example, one or more bands 101 may be configured to fasten to a structure using clips, hooks, nails, staples, adhesive, or other similar methodology. In some embodiments, one or more bands 101 include one or more extensible bands. For example, one or more bands 101 may include telescoping portions. Alternatively, one or more bands 101 may include a mechanism to link adjacent bands, such as using an integrated gear rack with a ratchet within a small case opening, a buckle, snap, button, hoop and loop fastener, magnet, or other similar fastener. In some embodiments, one or more bands 101 are omitted.

[0013] In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to link with adjacent pots using a linking mechanism 104 and/or 106 to define a chain of pots (FIG. 10). For example, one or more pots 102 may be configured to link with adjacent pots using opposing male and female connectors as a linking mechanism 104 and/or 106. Alternatively, one or more pots 102 may be configured to link with adjacent pots using a snap, button, hoop and loop fastener, magnet, or other similar fastener. Additionally, one or more pots 102 may be configured to link with adjacent pots using a connection that is optionally severable. Moreover, one or more pots 102 may be configured to link with adjacent pots using an elastic ring-set. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to link with adjacent pots using a linking mechanism 104 and/or 106 to define a ring or grouping of pots (FIGS. 7-9). For example, one or more pots 102 may be configured to link with adjacent pots using a linking mechanism 104 and/or 106 to define a circular, oval, or elliptical ring. Alternatively, one or more pots 102 may be configured to link with adjacent pots using a linking mechanism 104 and/or 106 to define a square, triangle, rectangle, or other similar regular or irregular grouping. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to link with adjacent pots horizontally (FIG. 10). For example, one or more pots 102 may be configured to link with adjacent pots horizontally in two or three dimensions, such as along a porch railing. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to link with adjacent pots vertically or angularly. For example, one or more pots 102 may be configured to link with adjacent pots vertically or angularly in two or three dimensions, such as along stairs.

[0014] FIGS. 2-5 are perspective views of pots having alternative suspension mechanisms for use in a potting system, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to suspend from one or more bands using one or more hooks 108 (FIG. 1). For example, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands using a narrow hook, an elongated hook, or a series of hooks 108. Additionally, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from a top, middle, or bottom portion of one or more bands using one or more hooks 108. Furthermore, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands using one or more downward, sideward, upward, or multi-direction hooks. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to suspend from one or more bands using one or more concave hooks 208. For example, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands around a curved surface using one or more concave hooks 208. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to suspend from one or more bands using one or more flat hooks 308. For example, one or more pots 102 may be configured 120 to suspend from one or more bands along a flat surface using one or more flat hooks 308. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to suspend from one or more bands using one or more everted hooks 408. For example, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands at an inside corner using one or more everted hooks 408. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to suspend from one or more bands using one or more inverted hooks 508. For example, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands at an outside corner using one or more inverted hooks 508. Additionally, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands along a variable surface using a combination of concave hooks 208, flat hooks 308, everted hooks 408, and inverted hooks 508 (FIG. 10). In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to suspend from one or more bands using one or more substantially linear, curvilinear, or angled hooks. For example, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from one or more horizontally oriented bands using one or more linear hooks. Additionally, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from one or more curvilinear oriented bands using one or more curvilinear hooks (e.g. such as to provide upright pot orientation on a band curving up a surface). Furthermore, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from one or more angle oriented bands using one or more angled hooks (e.g. such as to provide upright pot orientation on a band zigzagging on a surface). In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to suspend from one or more bands using one or more modifiable, movable, rotatable, shiftable, slidable, or adjustable hooks. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to suspend from a structure without one or more bands using one or more hooks 108.

[0015] In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to suspend from one or more bands using one or more fasteners. For example, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands using a buckle, snap, button, hook and loop fastener, magnet, nail, rivet, staple, screw, bolt, or other similar fastener. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands using a connection that is optionally severable, rotatable, shiftable, or slidable (e.g. one or more pots 102 may be substantially permanently connected to one or more bands). In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from a structure without one or more bands using one or more fasteners.

[0016] In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 having a concave portion 209 are configured to suspend from one or more bands. For example, one or more pots 102 having a concave portion 209 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands around a curved surface. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 having a flat portion 309 are configured to suspend from one or more bands. For example, one or more pots 102 having a flat portion 309 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands along a flat surface. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 having an everted portion 409 are configured to suspend from one or more bands. For example, one or more pots 102 having an everted portion 409 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands at an inside corner. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 having an inverted portion 509 are configured to suspend from one or more bands. For example, one or more pots 102 having an inverted portion 509 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands at an outside corner. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 having a shaped portion may be configured to suspend from a structure without one or more bands.

[0017] FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of alternatively shaped pots for use in a potting system, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 having a square shape are configured to suspend from one or more bands. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 having a circular, rectangle, or other regular or irregular shape are configured to suspend from one or more bands. For example, one or more pots 102 may have a shape configured to suspend from one or more bands around a post or beam. Additionally, one or more pots 102 may have a shape configured to suspend from one or more bands along stairs. Furthermore, one or more pots 102 may have a shape configured to suspend from one or more bands along window bars. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 having a shape may be configured to suspend from a structure without one or more bands.

[0018] In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to suspend from one or more bands to define a combined square shape. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to suspend from one or more bands to define a combined circular, rectangle, or other regular or irregular shape. For example, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands around a tree to define a combined circular shape. Additionally, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands around a porch beam to define a combined square shape. Furthermore, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands along stairs to define a combined stair-like shape. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from a structure without one or more bands to define a combined shape.

[0019] FIGS. 8-10 are perspective views of a potting system in association with alternative structures, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to suspend from one or more bands around a tree 810. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands around a bush, branch, water well, building column, flag pole, electric pole, lamp post, or some other similar structure. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to suspend from one or more bands around a post 910. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands around a building beam, a fence post, a porch column, or some other similar structure. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to suspend from one or more bands horizontally on a beam 1010. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to suspend from one or more bands vertically or angularly on a structure. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 may be configured to suspend from one or more bands below a window, on a porch railing, aside a door, along a wall, along a fence, along a roof line, or some other similar structure. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to suspend from a structure without one or more bands. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to suspend from a structure using one or more extensions. In some embodiments, one or more extensions are adjustably extendable and retractable.

[0020] In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to include a watering or sprinkling mechanism. For example, the water or sprinkling mechanism may be configured to draw water from a reservoir or to couple with a hose. In some embodiments, a water or sprinkling mechanism includes a control system, such as to allow control of water timing and volume. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to include one or more lights, such as for safety or decoration. In some embodiments, one or more pots 102 are configured to include one or more solar cells for providing renewable power, such as for use with a water or sprinkling system, a control system, or lighting.

[0021] While preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of these preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A potting system comprising: one or more bands; and one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands.

2. The potting system of claim 1, wherein the one or more bands comprises: one or more linear, curvilinear, or angled bands.

3. The potting system of claim 1, wherein the one or more bands comprises: one or more bands configured to tensionally wrap around a structure.

4. The potting system of claim 1, wherein the one or more bands comprises: one or more bands configured to fasten to a structure.

5. The potting system of claim 1, wherein the one or more bands comprises: one or more extensible bands.

6. The potting system of claim 1, wherein the one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands comprises: one or more pots configured to link with adjacent pots.

7. The potting system of claim 6, wherein the one or more pots configured to link with adjacent pots comprises: one or more pots configured to link with adjacent pots to define a chain, ring, or grouping of pots.

8. The potting system of claim 6, wherein the one or more pots configured to link with adjacent pots comprises: one or more pots configured to link with adjacent pots horizontally, vertically, or angularly.

9. The potting system of claim 1, wherein the one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands comprises: one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands using one or more hooks.

10. The potting system of claim 9, wherein the one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands using one or more hooks comprises: one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands using one or more concave, flat, inverted, everted hooks.

11. The potting system of claim 9, wherein the one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands using one or more hooks comprises: one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands using one or more substantially linear, curvilinear, or angled hooks.

12. The potting system of claim 1, wherein the one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands comprises: one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands using one or more fasteners.

13. The potting system of claim 1, wherein the one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands comprises: one or more pots having a concave, flat, inverted, or everted portion configured to suspend from the one or more bands.

14. The potting system of claim 1, wherein the one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands comprises: one or more pots having a circular, square, rectangle, or other regular or irregular shape configured to suspend from the one or more bands.

15. The potting system of claim 1, wherein the one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands comprises: one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands to define a combined circular, square, rectangle, or other regular or irregular shape.

16. The potting system of claim 1, wherein the one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands comprises: one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands around a structure.

17. The potting system of claim 1, wherein the one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands comprises: one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands horizontally, vertically, or angularly on a structure.

18. A potting system comprising: one or more pots configured to suspend from one or more bands, wherein the one or more pots configured to suspend from one or more bands includes one or more pots configured to link with adjacent pots.

19. A potting system comprising: one or more pots configured to suspend from one or more structures, wherein the one or more pots configured to suspend from one or more structures includes one or more pots configured to link with adjacent pots.