CA1167645A - Rotorplant - Google Patents

Rotorplant

Info

Publication number
CA1167645A
CA1167645A CA000344254A CA344254A CA1167645A CA 1167645 A CA1167645 A CA 1167645A CA 000344254 A CA000344254 A CA 000344254A CA 344254 A CA344254 A CA 344254A CA 1167645 A CA1167645 A CA 1167645A
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
base member
motor
plant holder
upper platform
cylinder
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
CA000344254A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Daniel Laflamme
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dcl Electronics Ltd And House Of Sylvester's Enterprises Ltd D/b/a/ Danolin Manufacturing Co
Original Assignee
Dcl Electronics Ltd And House Of Sylvester's Enterprises Ltd D/b/a/ Danolin Manufacturing Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dcl Electronics Ltd And House Of Sylvester's Enterprises Ltd D/b/a/ Danolin Manufacturing Co filed Critical Dcl Electronics Ltd And House Of Sylvester's Enterprises Ltd D/b/a/ Danolin Manufacturing Co
Priority to CA000344254A priority Critical patent/CA1167645A/en
Priority to GB8100316A priority patent/GB2067837A/en
Priority to DE19818100924U priority patent/DE8100924U1/en
Priority to DE19813101249 priority patent/DE3101249A1/en
Priority to JP733381A priority patent/JPS56109523A/en
Priority to KR1019810000201A priority patent/KR830004767A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1167645A publication Critical patent/CA1167645A/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G7/00Flower holders or the like
    • A47G7/02Devices for supporting flower-pots or cut flowers
    • A47G7/04Flower tables; Stands or hangers, e.g. baskets, for flowers
    • A47G7/041Flower tables or stands
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47FSPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F5/00Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
    • A47F5/02Rotary display stands
    • A47F5/025Rotary display stands having mechanical drive, e.g. turntables
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G7/00Flower holders or the like
    • A47G7/02Devices for supporting flower-pots or cut flowers
    • A47G7/04Flower tables; Stands or hangers, e.g. baskets, for flowers
    • A47G2007/048Flower tables, stands or hangers with means for automatically rotating the plant pot

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)
  • Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

There is provided a novel rotating plant holder comprising a fixed base member having associated therewith at least one solar energy cell, a motor energized by said solar cell, and an upper platform member rotatably attached to said base member and driven to rotate by said motor.

Description

This invention relates to the area of rotating plant holders.
It is frequently the case when growing plants that it is very difficult to achieve symmetrical growth. There is a pronounced tendency in some cases for the entire plant to bend toward the light source. In other cases the side of the plant facing the light source develops much more quickly. AgainJ the colours of the plant can be dramatically effected by an uneven llght source. These are proble~s which are difficult of solution to the average householder who does not want to devote a disproportionate amount of time to plant care.
The problems are magnified in the case of hobbyists and others who have an interest over and above the general attractiveness of the plant. Thus, for example, for those entering plant shows, symmetry is often a condition precedent to success, since it is frequently one of the specifled attributes on which awards are based.
Similarly, florists and plant growers are able to benefit greatly through increased sales where their plants get off to a good start in terms of symmetry.
It is therefore clear that plant symmetry is an important goal in decorative plant growing. Furthermore, it is clear that the achievement of symmetry depends on the presence of an even light source on all sides of the plant. The solution to the problem must therefore be aimed at provision of such an even light source.
It is most frequently the case that plant growers simply rely on a regular turning of the plant manually to attempt to ensure equal light to all sides of the plant. This is frequently combined I 1 6~645 with a system of special lighting. This procedure has little to recommend it. It requires regular attendance at the growing site, the most obvious drawback. Where combined with a special lighting arrangement the whole set-up is often very unattractive, thus destroying the decorative value of the plants.
Such procedures are really only useful for those whose only interest in the plants is for show purposes.
PRIOR ART
It is known to provide a motorized platform upon which to place a plant pot for rotation. Thus, for example, U.S. Patent 3,360,885 granted January 2, 1968, to St. Clair describes such a rotating arrangement. In the past these devices have generally been powered by electriclty from the household circuits. The disadvantages of such a system are numerous and obvious. For example, the electrical supply cord to the household outlet is unsightly and interferes with cleaning, etc. This factor is worsened where there is no conveniently located outlet and the use of an extension cord is required. An additional difficulty arising out of the use of a household outlet is that an outlet would have to be taken up by each such plant holder used, and there are in most residences a limited number of outlets available.
A further difficulty with the usual electrical type rotator is that the unit must be activated and deactivated at the beginning and end of each day. Otherwise, the unit is simply wasting elec-tricity during hours of darkness. This problem is magnified during holidays or vacation times when there is likely to be no one available I ~ 676~5 ~t the appropriate times ~or activating and deactivating the mechanism.
It is therefore evident that a number of the problems associated with ~anual turning of plants are also present in the electrical units powered by household circuits.
The present invention overcomes these difficulties by pro-viding a rotating plant holder powered by one or more solar energy cells. The unit is thus simply placed in a window or other preferred location, and the incident light on the cells causes the unit to rotate.
Thus the invention provides a rotating plant holder com-prising a fixed base member containing at least one solar energy cell, a motor energized by said solar cell, and an upper platform member rotatably attached to said base member and driven by said motor.
The preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of the plant rotator of the invention, and Figure 2 shows the motor and gear reducer combination.
The base member 2 is illustrated as being of cylindrical shape. Tllis is the preferred shape, although clearly many other shapes could be used as desired. The side of the cylinder 4 contains solar energy cells 6. These are standard silicon type solar cells generating, for example, 0.5 volts*. These cells can be fitted to the base in any convenient manner. Preferably the base is hollow, tlle cells are seL into the wall of tlle base, and the electrical connections are by means of wires within the hollow base. Thus the leads ~ from * known per se and commercially available C

cells 6 terminate at the terminals 10.
The motor 12 is fixed to the base 2 and is connected electrically by leads 14 to the terminals 10. Motor 12 is functional at .3S to 1.5 volts at 25 mA current. Electrical energy to drive the motor is thus supplied by cells 6 via the terminals 10. Obviously a relatively very low rate of rotation is required at the final output.
It is therefore necessary to introduce a gear reduction mechanism between the motor 12 and the final output.
Thus the gear reducer unit 16 is attached to the motor shaft and transmits power from the motor to a main gear 18 via the gear 2~
incorporated into the shaft 22 of the gear reducer 16. &ear reducer 16 has a step down ratio of, for example, 1/1000 to 1.
The centre shaft 24 is fixed in the base 2. Bearing support 26 is incorporated into the centre shaft 24. The inner race 28 of the bearing 30 is fixed to the bear~ng support 26~ The outer race 32 is ree to rotate on the ball bearings.
The main gear 18 is fixed to the ollter race 32 of the bearing 30, preferably by friction fit. Similarly, centre cap 34 of upper platform 36 is fixed to the outer race 32 of the bearlng 30, again preferably by friction fit.
Thus when power is transmitted from shaft 22 of gear reducer 16 to the main gear 18, the upper platform 36 is free to rotate with the outer race 32 of the bearing 30.
The upper platform 36 has a top surface which is preferably flat. Combined with the supports 38 extending from centre cap 34, thLs confi~uration concentrates tlle mass toward the centre cap 34, and thus reduces ~or4ue required of the motor 12. Suppor~s 38 extend outwardly and u?wardly from the cap 34 to meet the lower surface of platform 36, * known per se and commercially available C

1 ~ 67645 this construction assisting to reduce the effects of off-centre loading of the platform during rotation.
The preferred cylindrical configùration for the base has the advantage that a series of solar cells placed around a portion of the side will allow for more direct sunlight to strike one or other of the cells in the series throughout a larger portion of the day.
The advantages arising from the use of the above described device are readily apparent. It is not necessary to utilize scarce utility supplied energy for a merely decorative use. Further, there is no requirement to turn the system "on" or "off", once it is positioned.
Apart from the labour and energy saving features noted, the invention has the additional advantages that the motor can be controlled to rotate the plant more quickly when there is a high light incidence and more slowly when le~s light is available. Thus the device tends not only to give the plant even directional exposure, but also more even exposure in terms of quantity of light.
While the invention has been described in detail in respect of the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (9)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION FOR WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A rotating plant holder comprising:
a fixed base member having associated therewith at least one solar energy cell, a motor energized by said solar cell, an upper platform member rotatably attached to said base member and driven to rotate by said motor, and a speed reducing gear mechanism operatively connected to the motor to drive the upper platform member.
2. The rotating plant holder of claim 1 wherein said platform is attached to said base through a bearing on a central shaft.
3. The plant holder of claim 1 wherein said base member is in the form of a cylinder and said motor is affixed to said cylinder.
4. The plant holder of claim 1 wherein said base member is in the form of a cylinder and said at least one solar cell is affixed to the side of the said cylinder.
5. The plant holder of claim 1 wherein said base member contains a plurality of said solar cells connected in series.
6. The plant holder of claim 3 wherein said upper platform member has a hollow cylindrical or hollow frusto conical configuration closed at the top end and open at the bottom end and a radius at the bottom end approximately equal to that of said base member; and wherein the bottom end of the platform member is in proximity to the top of the base member.
7. The plant holder of claim 6 wherein said motor and gear reducing mechanism is fixed to the top of said disc and is enclosed by the said upper platform.
8. The plant holder of claim 6 wherein the top surface of said platform is of flat configuration and is provided with a central cap and a series of radial stiffeners.
9. A rotating plant holder comprising:
a fixed base member having associated therewith at least one solar energy cell, said base member comprising a cylinder having a vertical axis and a side surface having said at least one cell affixed to the side thereof, a motor energized by said at least one such solar energy cell, an upper platform member rotatably attached to said base member and driven to rotate by said motor, said upper platform having a hollow cylindrical or frusto conical configuration closed at the upper end and open at the lower end, a radius at said lower end approximately equal to that of said base member and a side surface of a height such that the lower edge of the said side surface is positioned adjacent the upper edge of the side surface of said base member, and a speed reducing gear mechanism operatively connected to the motor to drive the upper platform member.
CA000344254A 1980-01-23 1980-01-23 Rotorplant Expired CA1167645A (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA000344254A CA1167645A (en) 1980-01-23 1980-01-23 Rotorplant
GB8100316A GB2067837A (en) 1980-01-23 1981-01-07 Solar powered rotating stand
DE19818100924U DE8100924U1 (en) 1980-01-23 1981-01-16 ROTATING PLANT FOR PLANTS
DE19813101249 DE3101249A1 (en) 1980-01-23 1981-01-16 ROTATING BASE FOR PLANTS
JP733381A JPS56109523A (en) 1980-01-23 1981-01-22 Rotary plant holder
KR1019810000201A KR830004767A (en) 1980-01-23 1981-01-23 Rotary Plant Pedestal

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA000344254A CA1167645A (en) 1980-01-23 1980-01-23 Rotorplant

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1167645A true CA1167645A (en) 1984-05-22

Family

ID=4116090

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA000344254A Expired CA1167645A (en) 1980-01-23 1980-01-23 Rotorplant

Country Status (5)

Country Link
JP (1) JPS56109523A (en)
KR (1) KR830004767A (en)
CA (1) CA1167645A (en)
DE (2) DE3101249A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2067837A (en)

Families Citing this family (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5898020A (en) * 1981-12-07 1983-06-10 松下電器産業株式会社 Flower stand
GB2119499A (en) * 1982-03-12 1983-11-16 Solar Ventilation Limited Solar ventilator and solar powered air modifier
JPS6432045U (en) * 1987-08-19 1989-02-28
US5152099A (en) * 1988-04-25 1992-10-06 Nilssen Ole K Plant rejuvenator system
US4969290A (en) * 1989-05-09 1990-11-13 Rudolph Skoretz Apparatus for even exposure of plants to sunlight
FR2647326A1 (en) * 1989-05-29 1990-11-30 Jammet Jean Display unit with turntable
US5109989A (en) * 1990-12-11 1992-05-05 K-2 Industries, Inc. Rotary display
KR950007072Y1 (en) * 1992-05-13 1995-08-28 황학영 Rotary tray
US5546698A (en) * 1995-04-24 1996-08-20 Rock; Terry R. Self-rotating hanging plant support
GB2305117B (en) * 1995-09-15 1998-11-11 Doreen Franklin Device for rotating objects
US5896699A (en) * 1997-01-21 1999-04-27 Home Gardener Manufacturing Co. Solar powered rotating plant supports device
FR2762198B3 (en) * 1997-04-22 1999-03-12 Louis Limousin Rotating display stand for plants
US5921022A (en) * 1997-06-12 1999-07-13 Baker; John A Rotating tree stand system
KR19990073451A (en) * 1999-07-13 1999-10-05 황의성 Rotated flowerpot table by sun light
HU227583B1 (en) * 2008-02-22 2011-08-29 B B I P Szellemi Tulajdonjog Hasznosito Es Vagyonkezeloe Korlatolt Feleloessegue Tarsasag Rotary stand for supporting weight
US8132359B1 (en) * 2008-05-28 2012-03-13 George Hudak Revolving solar powered flower pot saucer
ITBO20130017A1 (en) * 2013-01-17 2014-07-18 Domenico Benaglio DEVICE FOR CONTAINMENT AND GROWTH OF PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
CN109527879B (en) * 2019-01-22 2024-06-18 广东金石卖场建设有限公司 Rotary display stand
CN111543213B (en) * 2020-06-30 2023-01-10 蒋维强 Intelligence rack cultivated in a pot
CN113728839A (en) * 2021-09-22 2021-12-03 无锡职业技术学院 Basin fixing base is cultivateed to crops

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR830004767A (en) 1983-07-20
DE8100924U1 (en) 1984-09-20
GB2067837A (en) 1981-07-30
DE3101249A1 (en) 1981-12-17
JPS56109523A (en) 1981-08-31

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