AU2017213513A1 - A planter and a vertical garden - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to retaining walls, and to a means for lessening the visual impact of a retaining wall. In a particular form, the present disclosure relates to a planter, and a vertical garden arrangement which 5 can be formed using the planter. In one aspect, there is provided a planter comprising an elongate body comprising a pair of lengthwise extending walls, an upwardly opening channel extending lengthwise between the walls, and a planar attachment strip extending from the body in a direction substantially normal to an axis of elongation of the body. 4a . 4b Figure 1 .' 14 Figure 2

Description

A PLANTER AND A VERTICAL GARDEN PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2016903155 titled “A PLANTER AND A VERTICAL GARDEN” and filed on 11 August 2016, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to retaining walls, and to a means for lessening the visual impact of a retaining wall. In a particular form, the present disclosure relates to a planter, and a vertical garden arrangement which can be formed using the planter.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A retaining wall is a structure designed to retain earth bound by two different elevations. In some cases, the visible area of a retaining wall, as determined by the product of its height and its length, can be considerable. While necessary in certain circumstances, some consider retaining walls to be unsightly.

[0004] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed.

[0005] Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a planter comprising an elongate body comprising a pair of lengthwise extending walls, an upwardly opening channel extending lengthwise between the walls, and an attachment strip extending from the body in a direction substantially normal to an axis of elongation of the body.

[0007] In one form, the attachment strip extends lengthwise along the body.

[0008] In one form, the attachment strip is coextensive with the body lengthwise.

[0009] In one form, the planter comprises a plurality of attachment strips spaced apart lengthwise along the body.

[0010] In one form, the or each attachment strip extends from one of the walls.

[0011] In one form, the or each attachment strip extends from an upper edge of one of the walls.

[0012] In one form, a portion of the wall with the attachment strip is stepped into the channel so as to form a ridge in the wall.

[0013] In one form, the attachment strip comprises a slot therein, which coincides with the ridge.

[0014] In one form, the ridge and slot are positioned at or near a lengthwise midpoint of the planter.

[0015] In one form, the elongate body comprises a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. In one form, the trapezoidal cross-sectional shape is that of a right trapezoid comprising two right angles. In one form, the trapezoidal cross-sectional shape is that of an acute trapezoid.

[0016] In one form, in an alternative, the elongate body comprises a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape. In one form, in a further alternative, the elongate body comprises a quadrant (i.e. circle quarter) cross-sectional shape.

[0017] In one form, the or each planar attachment strip is integrally formed with the body of the planter.

[0018] In one form, the or each attachment strip is planar.

[0019] In one form, the or each attachment strip subtends a right angle with the wall from which it extends.

[0020] In one form, the planter is moulded from a plastic material. In one form, in an alternative, the planter is fabricated from sheet metal.

[0021 ] In one form, the planter further comprises a pair of end walls extending between the lengthwise extending (i.e. side) walls.

[0022] In one form, a top edge of each of the end walls subtends a reflex angle with the or each attachment strip. In this way, in use, the upwardly opening channel is tilted down slightly.

[0023] In one form, the body comprises a pair of ends, each of which comprises a means for attaching the planter to another planter. In one form, this means comprises male and female interlocking portions.

[0024] In one form, the body is not as deep as a sleeper for a retaining wall.

[0025] In one form, the body is substantially the same depth as a sleeper for a retaining wall.

[0026] In one form, the planter is substantially the same length as a sleeper for a retaining wall.

[0027] In one form, the or each planar attachment strip is substantially the same width as a sleeper for a retaining wall.

[0028] In one form, the or each planar attachment strip comprises a hooked portion for hooking over a sleeper.

[0029] According to a further aspect, there is provided a retaining wall assembly comprising a plurality of sleepers and the above described planters stacked in an alternating arrangement, in which the or each planar attachment strip is sandwiched between a pair of sleepers.

[0030] According to a further aspect, there is provided a retaining wall assembly comprising a plurality of courses of sleepers and the above described planters stacked in an alternating arrangement, in which the or each planar attachment strip is sandwiched between a pair of sleepers.

[0031] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of constructing a retaining wall comprising a vertical garden using the above described planters, the method comprising the step of laying a first sleeper, and then laying a planter by positioning its body alongside of the sleeper with the planar attachment strip atop of the sleeper, and then positioning a further sleeper atop of the or each attachment strip so as to sandwich the or each attachment strip between the sleepers.

[0032] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of constructing a retaining wall comprising a vertical garden using the above described planters, the method comprising the step of laying a first course of sleepers, laying a first course of the above described planters, laying a further course of sleepers, laying a further course of planters and so on.

[0033] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a planter sleeper comprising a generally elongate cuboid body comprising a pair of lengthwise extending sides, and a planter extending from one of the sides, the planter comprising a wall, and an upwardly opening channel extending lengthwise between the wall and the adjacent side of the sleeper.

[0034] According to a further aspect, there is provided a retaining wall assembly comprising at least a stack of the above described planter sleepers.

[0035] According to a further aspect, there is provided a retaining wall assembly comprising a plurality of courses of the above described planter sleepers.

[0036] According to a further aspect, there is provided a retaining wall assembly comprising a retaining wall and a vertical garden depending from and substantially screening the retaining wall.

[0037] According to a further aspect, there is provided a retaining wall assembly comprising a retaining wall comprising a stack of sleepers, and a vertical garden comprising a plurality of planters arranged into a plurality of rows disposed one above another, and depending from and substantially screening the retaining wall.

[0038] For ease of description, planters embodying the present invention are described below in their usual assembled position as shown in the accompanying drawings and terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal etc., may be used with reference to this usual position. However, the planters may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and shown here.

[0039] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.

[0040] The present invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the present invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0042] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a planter according to a first embodiment; [0043] Figure 2 is an isometric view of a planter according to a second embodiment; [0044] Figure 3 is an isometric view of a retaining wall according to an embodiment, where the retaining wall comprises a plurality of the planters of Figure 1; [0045] Figure 4 is a further isometric view of the planter of Figure 2; [0046] Figure 5 illustrates the planter of Figures 2 and 4 in an optional mode of use; and [0047] Figure 6 illustrates the planter of Figures 2 and 4 in a further optional mode of use.

[0048] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0049] Referring now to Figure 1, where there is illustrated a planter 1 according to a first embodiment, where the planter 1 comprises an elongate body 2 comprising a pair of lengthwise extending walls 4a and 4b, an upwardly opening channel 6 extending lengthwise between the walls 4a and 4b, and a planar attachment strip 8 extending from the body 2 in a direction substantially normal to an axis of elongation of the body 2. The planter 1 further comprises a floor 10 extending between the lengthwise extending (i.e. side) walls 4, and a pair of end walls 12.

[0050] In this embodiment, but not essentially, the attachment strip 8 extends from an upper edge of wall 4a, and lengthwise along the body 2 so as to be coextensive with the body 2 lengthwise.

[0051 ] The planter 1 is moulded from a plastic material such as, but not necessarily limited to, polypropylene, and so the attachment strip 8 is integrally formed with the body 2 of the planter 1. The end walls 12 may also be integrally formed with the body 2 during moulding, or they may be formed separately, meaning the body 2 could be extruded.

[0052] The elongate body comprises a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, so that the channel 6 narrows as it deepens, and the floor 10 of the planter 1 comprises a plurality of drain holes 14 spaced apart therealong.

[0053] The attachment strip 8 subtends a right angle with the wall 4 from which it extends, and a top edge of each of the end walls 12 subtends a reflex angle with the attachment strip 8. This geometry makes the planter more functional when in use, as will be discussed further below.

[0054] The body 2 of the planter 1 has a depth which is only slightly less than a depth of a sleeper 210 with which the planter is intended to be used. In this way, the body 2 of the planter 1 will substantially screen the sleeper 210 in use.

[0055] Referring now to Figure 3, where there is illustrated a retaining wall assembly 200 comprising a plurality of sleepers 210, and a plurality of the above described planters 1 stacked in an alternating arrangement.

[0056] The retaining wall assembly 200 would be constructed by laying a first sleeper 210, and then laying a first planter 1 by positioning its body 2 alongside of the sleeper 210 (on its exposed side) with the planar attachment strip atop 8 of the sleeper 210, and then positioning a further sleeper 210 atop of the or each attachment strip 8 so as to sandwich the attachment strip 8 between the sleepers 210. In use then, the wall 4 from which the attachment strip 8 extends rests against the sleeper 210 for support, and the upwardly opening channel 6 is inclined downward for ease of access thereto.

[0057] While not illustrated, it will be understood that the retaining wall assembly 200 will further comprise a plurality of posts, where these posts include steel C-channels and I-beams, each of which define channels into which the ends of the sleepers 210 are slotted. In this way, the retaining wall assembly 200 will comprise courses of sleepers 210 and planters 1 stacked in an alternating arrangement.

[0058] In use, the planters 1 substantially screen the sleepers 210, and, once they are filled with soil and plants, the planters 1 will cooperatively form a vertical garden which substantially screens all of the sleepers 210 of the retaining wall behind. In this way, a vertical garden has been constructed without need for a dedicated supporting frame to be constructed in front of the retaining wall first, potentially saving time and money.

[0059] Referring now to Figure 2, where there is illustrated a planter 100 according to a further embodiment. Those parts of the planter 100 which are identical (or near- identical) to corresponding parts shown in the planter 1 of Figures 1 and 3, will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

[0060] Planter 100 differs from planter 1 primarily inasmuch as it comprises two attachment strips 8 separated by a slot 102, and that a portion 104 of the wall 4a coinciding with the slot 102 is stepped into the channel 6 so as to form a ridge 104 in the wall 4a. In this way, a provision is made for one of the posts for the retaining wall to nest in slot 102, so that planter 100 can extend over and across the post to screen it.

[0061] In cases where the slot 102 is not required, a segment of the planter 100 coinciding with the ridge 104 could be cut out, and the end portions joined directly, or via a joining channel section sized and shaped to nest with respect to the end portions.

[0062] Referring now to Figure 5, where, in a further possible mode of use, one or more planters 100 can be secured to a post (or like vertical element) 300, by nesting the slot 102 over the post 300 so that the post 300 is received in the slot 102 of the planter 100. Fasteners 302 can be driven through the ridge 104 into the post 300, and/or an adhesive applied between the ridge 104 and the post 300 to secure the or each planter 100 in position. In this way, a plurality of planters 100 can be secured to the post 300 one above the other to form a vertical garden against the post 300.

[0063] Referring now to Figure 6, where, in yet a further possible mode of use, one or more planters 1 or 100 can be secured to a rail (or like horizontal element) 400 via the or each attachment strip thereof. Fasteners 302 can be driven through the or each attachment strip into the rail 400, and/or an adhesive applied between the or each attachment strip and the rail 400 to secure the or each planter 100 in position.

[0064] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0065] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0066] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (22)

1. A planter comprising an elongate body comprising a pair of lengthwise extending walls, an upwardly opening channel extending lengthwise between the walls, and an attachment strip extending from the body in a direction substantially normal to an axis of elongation of the body.

2. The planter of claim 1, wherein the attachment strip extends lengthwise along the body.

3. The planter as in either of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment strip is coextensive with the body lengthwise.

4. The planter of claim 1, wherein the planter comprises a plurality of attachment strips spaced apart lengthwise along the body.

5. The planter as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each attachment strip extends from one of the walls.

6. The planter as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each attachment strip extends from an upper edge of one of the walls.

7. The planter of claim 6, wherein a portion of the wall with the attachment strip is stepped into the channel so as to form a ridge in the wall.

8. The planter of claim 7, wherein the attachment strip comprises a slot therein, which coincides with the ridge.

9. The planter as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate body comprises a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.

10. The planter as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each attachment strip is integrally formed with the body of the planter.

11. The planter as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each attachment strip is planar.

12. The planter as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the planter is moulded from a plastic material.

13. The planter as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the planter further comprises a pair of end walls extending between the lengthwise extending walls.

14. The planter as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the planter is substantially the same length as a sleeper for a retaining wall.

15. The planter as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each planar attachment strip is substantially the same width as a sleeper for a retaining wall.

16. The planter as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each planar attachment strip comprises a hooked portion for hooking over a sleeper.

17. A planter comprising an elongate body comprising a pair of lengthwise extending walls, an upwardly opening channel extending lengthwise between the walls, and a planar attachment strip extending both from one of the lengthwise extending walls at or near an upper edge thereof, in a direction substantially normal to an axis of elongation of the body, and along the axis of elongation of the body.

18. A retaining wall assembly comprising a plurality of sleepers and a plurality of planters stacked in an alternating arrangement, wherein each planter comprises an elongate body comprising a pair of lengthwise extending walls, an upwardly opening channel extending lengthwise between the walls, and a planar attachment strip extending from the body in a direction substantially normal to an axis of elongation of the body, and wherein in use, the or each planar attachment strip is sandwiched between a pair of sleepers.

19. A retaining wall assembly comprising a plurality of courses of sleepers and a plurality of courses of planters stacked in an alternating arrangement, wherein each planter comprises an elongate body comprising a pair of lengthwise extending walls, an upwardly opening channel extending lengthwise between the walls, and a planar attachment strip extending from the body in a direction substantially normal to an axis of elongation of the body, and wherein in use, the or each planar attachment strip is sandwiched between a pair of sleepers.

20. A method of constructing the retaining wall of claim 18, the method comprising the step of laying a first sleeper, and then laying a planter by positioning its body alongside of the sleeper with the planar attachment strip atop of the sleeper, and then positioning a further sleeper atop of the or each attachment strip so as to sandwich the or each attachment strip between the sleepers.

21. A method of constructing the retaining wall of claim 19, the method comprising the step of laying a first course of sleepers, laying a first course of the planters, laying a further course of sleepers, laying a further course of the planters and so on.

22. A retaining wall assembly comprising a retaining wall comprising a stack of sleepers, and a vertical garden comprising a plurality of planters arranged into a plurality of rows disposed one above another, and depending from and substantially screening the retaining wall.