CA2280141A1 - Plastic flower box - Google Patents
Plastic flower box Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2280141A1 CA2280141A1 CA 2280141 CA2280141A CA2280141A1 CA 2280141 A1 CA2280141 A1 CA 2280141A1 CA 2280141 CA2280141 CA 2280141 CA 2280141 A CA2280141 A CA 2280141A CA 2280141 A1 CA2280141 A1 CA 2280141A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- flower box
- plastic flower
- plastic
- supporting
- areas
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
- A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a plastic flower box that can be mounted by means of flower box holders that each incorporate a mounting bracket and a supporting strap that is joined to this so as to be releasable, the supporting straps (17) being embedded in at least one of the side walls (11, 12) and the bottom (15) or arranged so as to lie against the innermost sides.
Description
Plastic Flower Box The present invention relates to a plastic flower box that can be hung on flower box holders, each of said holders comprising a mounting bracket and a supporting strap connected thereto.
Many kinds of plastic flower boxes are known. These are mounted on the top rail of a balcony railing or a guard rail. The number of flower box holders used for a plastic flower box will depend on the length of the plastic flower box. Each mounting bracket of a flower box holder fits over the top rail of a balcony railing or a guard rail. The supporting strap fits around the outside of the plastic flower box; however, its free arm that is remote from the mounting bracket ends at a distance away from the upper edge of the side wall of the flower box.
The flower box holder can also be fitted with a safety bracket that is screwed to the supporting strap and the mounting bracket.
In this long-familiar flower box holder, it is a disadvantage that the flower box holder must first be attached to the plastic flower box. To this end, the mounting bracket or, if so required, the safety bracket and the supporting strap must be positioned correctly on the plastic flower box and then screwed together. This work is particularly tiresome. In addition, it may happen that the surface coating becomes damaged, so that the effects of the weather can cause the supporting strap to rust.
It is the objective of the present invention to so configure a plastic flower box of the kind described above in a simple matter, such that the plastic flower box can be mounted on a balcony railing, a guard rail, or the like in a much simpler way.
This objective has been achieved in that the supporting strap is embedded in at least one of the two side walls and in the bottom, or is arranged so as to the adjacent to the innermost sides. Since the supporting straps are thus joined securely to the plastic flower box, the mounting hooks can be connected to the supporting straps in a an extremely simple way, for example by being screwed to them. Once this has been done, the plastic flower box is ready to be installed.
Around their top edges, which are remote from the bottom, plastic flower boxes usually have a continuous reinforcing channels that is turned outward and open at the bottom. Provision is then made such that each supporting strap extends from one supporting channel on a long side, through the two side walls and the bottom, to the other reinforcing channel at the top of the other side wall, or else that the supporting strap lies adjacent to the inside surfaces of the two side walls and the bottom. Thus, the mounting bracket can be associated with a reinforcing channel, or with the opposite supporting channel, as desired. It is advisable that the end areas of the supporting strap be bent outward and reach right into the reinforcing channel. This provides sufficient contact surface for joining the mounting brackets to the supporting straps.
Then, it is particularly useful that the reinforcing channel extend outward in the area of the metal supporting strap as compared to the remaining areas, particularly if it does so in curve. This further increases the amount of contact surface. In order to ensure that the mounting bracket cannot turn or twist when it is being joined to the supporting strap, guide bars are moulded into the upper surface of the reinforcing channel, these guide bars abutting against the sides of the mounting brackets.
A plastic flower box that is mounted, for example, on the top rail of a balcony railing normally hangs at a slant because the lower part of the plastic flower box rests against the balusters or balcony facing. In order that the plastic flower box hangs straight, i.e., in order to ensure that the bottom is horizontal, or nearly so, provision is made such that in the area of at least one supporting strap that is associated with the bottom, there is at least one adjusting bracket. This adjusting bracket can be displaced transversely to the plastic flower box, so that precise alignment is possible. Since it can happen that this adjusting bracket is between two balusters, in a further development provision is made such that a pivotable tab is arranged at the unattached end of the adjusting bracket. This tab is parallel to and at a distance from the associated side wall.
The connection between the mounting bracket and, if so required, the adjusting bracket, can be made in the simplest way if threaded bores for screwing on the mounting bracket or the adjusting bracket are provided in the area of the strap that is associated with the bottom of the plastic flower box and in the upper end area of the strap that is bent outward.
Frequently, plastic flower boxes are also made as so-called water-reservoir boxes with an intermediate bottom.
Beneath this intermediate bottom there is a water reservoir. It is then necessary, in particular in such a version, that the threaded bores be sealed off. To this end, the bottom of the plastic flower box with the threaded bores is provided with recessed areas that cover the threaded bores of the supporting strap. In addition, the protruding lengths of the screws also extend into these recessed areas. In the case of a plastic flower box in which the supporting straps are embedded in the side walls and in the bottom, provision is made such that the side walls and the bottom of the plastic flower box are made thicker in the vicinity of the supporting strap, compared to the other areas; and that the bottom is provided with outward-facing projections that are matched to these thicker areas. If the plastic flower box is in the form of a water-reservoir box, provision is made such that at least one overflow outlet that is open to the outside is moulded onto the bottom. Because of the integrated supporting strap, the whole height of this is used, since it extends over the water area and the earth area.
The supporting strap should be of material that can support sufficiently large loads, for example, steel or glass-y fibre reinforced plastic. If it is of steel, stainless steel should be used. One alternative that is possible is a composite metal.
The present invention will be described in greater detail below on the basis of the drawings appended hereto. These drawings show the following:
Figure 1: a perspective drawing of a plastic flower box according to the present invention;
Figure 2: a plastic flower box as in Figure 1, in cross section, through an embedded metal supporting strap;
Figure 3: the plastic flower box as in Figure l, in cross section, but showing only one end area.
The plastic flower box 10 shown in Figure 1 consists essentially of the two side walls 11, 12, the two end walls 13, 14, and the bottom 15. These elements form the carcass of the box.
In the embodiment shown, there is a continuous reinfor-sing channel moulded onto the upper edge of the plastic flower box, and this is open below, facing the bottom 16 of the plastic flower box. As can be seen particularly clearly in Figure 2 and Figure 3, this reinforcing channel is of U-shaped cross section.
Many kinds of plastic flower boxes are known. These are mounted on the top rail of a balcony railing or a guard rail. The number of flower box holders used for a plastic flower box will depend on the length of the plastic flower box. Each mounting bracket of a flower box holder fits over the top rail of a balcony railing or a guard rail. The supporting strap fits around the outside of the plastic flower box; however, its free arm that is remote from the mounting bracket ends at a distance away from the upper edge of the side wall of the flower box.
The flower box holder can also be fitted with a safety bracket that is screwed to the supporting strap and the mounting bracket.
In this long-familiar flower box holder, it is a disadvantage that the flower box holder must first be attached to the plastic flower box. To this end, the mounting bracket or, if so required, the safety bracket and the supporting strap must be positioned correctly on the plastic flower box and then screwed together. This work is particularly tiresome. In addition, it may happen that the surface coating becomes damaged, so that the effects of the weather can cause the supporting strap to rust.
It is the objective of the present invention to so configure a plastic flower box of the kind described above in a simple matter, such that the plastic flower box can be mounted on a balcony railing, a guard rail, or the like in a much simpler way.
This objective has been achieved in that the supporting strap is embedded in at least one of the two side walls and in the bottom, or is arranged so as to the adjacent to the innermost sides. Since the supporting straps are thus joined securely to the plastic flower box, the mounting hooks can be connected to the supporting straps in a an extremely simple way, for example by being screwed to them. Once this has been done, the plastic flower box is ready to be installed.
Around their top edges, which are remote from the bottom, plastic flower boxes usually have a continuous reinforcing channels that is turned outward and open at the bottom. Provision is then made such that each supporting strap extends from one supporting channel on a long side, through the two side walls and the bottom, to the other reinforcing channel at the top of the other side wall, or else that the supporting strap lies adjacent to the inside surfaces of the two side walls and the bottom. Thus, the mounting bracket can be associated with a reinforcing channel, or with the opposite supporting channel, as desired. It is advisable that the end areas of the supporting strap be bent outward and reach right into the reinforcing channel. This provides sufficient contact surface for joining the mounting brackets to the supporting straps.
Then, it is particularly useful that the reinforcing channel extend outward in the area of the metal supporting strap as compared to the remaining areas, particularly if it does so in curve. This further increases the amount of contact surface. In order to ensure that the mounting bracket cannot turn or twist when it is being joined to the supporting strap, guide bars are moulded into the upper surface of the reinforcing channel, these guide bars abutting against the sides of the mounting brackets.
A plastic flower box that is mounted, for example, on the top rail of a balcony railing normally hangs at a slant because the lower part of the plastic flower box rests against the balusters or balcony facing. In order that the plastic flower box hangs straight, i.e., in order to ensure that the bottom is horizontal, or nearly so, provision is made such that in the area of at least one supporting strap that is associated with the bottom, there is at least one adjusting bracket. This adjusting bracket can be displaced transversely to the plastic flower box, so that precise alignment is possible. Since it can happen that this adjusting bracket is between two balusters, in a further development provision is made such that a pivotable tab is arranged at the unattached end of the adjusting bracket. This tab is parallel to and at a distance from the associated side wall.
The connection between the mounting bracket and, if so required, the adjusting bracket, can be made in the simplest way if threaded bores for screwing on the mounting bracket or the adjusting bracket are provided in the area of the strap that is associated with the bottom of the plastic flower box and in the upper end area of the strap that is bent outward.
Frequently, plastic flower boxes are also made as so-called water-reservoir boxes with an intermediate bottom.
Beneath this intermediate bottom there is a water reservoir. It is then necessary, in particular in such a version, that the threaded bores be sealed off. To this end, the bottom of the plastic flower box with the threaded bores is provided with recessed areas that cover the threaded bores of the supporting strap. In addition, the protruding lengths of the screws also extend into these recessed areas. In the case of a plastic flower box in which the supporting straps are embedded in the side walls and in the bottom, provision is made such that the side walls and the bottom of the plastic flower box are made thicker in the vicinity of the supporting strap, compared to the other areas; and that the bottom is provided with outward-facing projections that are matched to these thicker areas. If the plastic flower box is in the form of a water-reservoir box, provision is made such that at least one overflow outlet that is open to the outside is moulded onto the bottom. Because of the integrated supporting strap, the whole height of this is used, since it extends over the water area and the earth area.
The supporting strap should be of material that can support sufficiently large loads, for example, steel or glass-y fibre reinforced plastic. If it is of steel, stainless steel should be used. One alternative that is possible is a composite metal.
The present invention will be described in greater detail below on the basis of the drawings appended hereto. These drawings show the following:
Figure 1: a perspective drawing of a plastic flower box according to the present invention;
Figure 2: a plastic flower box as in Figure 1, in cross section, through an embedded metal supporting strap;
Figure 3: the plastic flower box as in Figure l, in cross section, but showing only one end area.
The plastic flower box 10 shown in Figure 1 consists essentially of the two side walls 11, 12, the two end walls 13, 14, and the bottom 15. These elements form the carcass of the box.
In the embodiment shown, there is a continuous reinfor-sing channel moulded onto the upper edge of the plastic flower box, and this is open below, facing the bottom 16 of the plastic flower box. As can be seen particularly clearly in Figure 2 and Figure 3, this reinforcing channel is of U-shaped cross section.
In addition, in the embodiment shown, the plastic flower box 10 has three supporting straps 17 that are located within the two side walls 11, 12 and the bottom 15. These supporting straps 17 are bent outward in the areas of the upper edges of the two side walls 11, 12, and consequently they extend right into the reinforcing channel 16. These supporting straps 17 are completely enclosed by plastic material, so that they are not exposed to the effects of the weather. The number of supporting straps 17 integrated into the plastic flower box will depend on the length of the box. The distance between the individual supporting straps 17 is approximately twice the distance between the outermost supporting straps and the end walls 13, 14. In contrast to the embodiment shown, the supporting straps 17 could also be arranged so as to be adjacent to the inside surfaces of the side walls 11, 12 and the bottom 15. A mounting bracket 18 that is oriented outward is secured to each supporting strap 17 by a screw. When the plastic flower box 10 is installed, these mounting brackets fit over the top rail of a balcony railing, for example, or over a guard rail. An adjusting bracket 21 is screwed to the area of the middle supporting strap 17 that is associated with the bottom 15. This adjusting bracket 21 can be moved transversely to the plastic flower box 10 so that the flower box hangs straight. Since this adjusting bracket 21 could be between two balusters, for example, provision is made such that on the unattached bent-up arm there is a tab 22 that can be pivoted. This tab 22 can be so turned that is rests against a baluster.
In can be seen, particularly from Figure 1, that guide bars 23, 24 are moulded onto the upper surfaces of the reinforcing channel 16 so as to be adjacent to the sides of the mounting brackets 18, so that a particular mounting bracket 18 cannot turn or twist when the plastic flower box is being installed.
As is show, in particular, in Figures 2 and 3, the plastic flower box 10 that is shown is a water-reservoir flower box that incorporates an intermediate bottom (not shown herein).
In order that water contained in the lower part of the plastic flower box 10 cannot get into the areas where the adjusting bracket 21 is screwed to the supporting strap 17, the bottom 15 incorporates two inward-facing recessed areas 19, so that the threaded bores are covered. In addition, the projecting parts of the screw used to join the supporting strap to the adjusting bracket 21 fit into these recesses. In the area of the supporting strap 17, the side walls 11, 12 and the bottom 15 are made thicker as compared to the remaining elements. These thicker areas are eliminated if--in contrast to the embodiment shown--the supporting straps 17 rest against the inside surfaces of the side walls 11, 12, and of the bottom 15. Since it is usual to place a plastic flower box of this kind on a wall or a floor, it would then be supported only in the areas of the supporting straps 17. In order to provide additional support, _7_ the bottom 15 of the plastic flower box 10 is also provided with additional projections 20 that face outward.
In order that the level of water within the plastic flower box 10 is restricted, an overflow pipe that is open to the outside is moulded onto the inside of the bottom 15. In order to simplify the drawing, the plastic flower box 10 that is shown is only provided with one mounting bracket 18. It is to be understood that mounting brackets 18 are also attached to the two outermost supporting straps 17, which cannot be seen in this drawing. In addition, the plastic flower box 10 could also be provided with two or three adjusting brackets. The supporting straps 17 are of a material that can support the appropriate loads, for example, metal or glass-reinforced plastic. If it is of steel, it should be stainless steel. The same applies to the mounting brackets 18 and the adjusting brackets 21.
The present invention is not confined to the embodiments shown herein. The supporting straps 17 that can withstand the appropriate loads and that are integrated into or lie against the side walls 11, 12 and the bottom 15 are critical; the outermost ends of these supporting straps are bent inward or outward in order to permit the mounting brackets to be screwed to them.
_g_
In can be seen, particularly from Figure 1, that guide bars 23, 24 are moulded onto the upper surfaces of the reinforcing channel 16 so as to be adjacent to the sides of the mounting brackets 18, so that a particular mounting bracket 18 cannot turn or twist when the plastic flower box is being installed.
As is show, in particular, in Figures 2 and 3, the plastic flower box 10 that is shown is a water-reservoir flower box that incorporates an intermediate bottom (not shown herein).
In order that water contained in the lower part of the plastic flower box 10 cannot get into the areas where the adjusting bracket 21 is screwed to the supporting strap 17, the bottom 15 incorporates two inward-facing recessed areas 19, so that the threaded bores are covered. In addition, the projecting parts of the screw used to join the supporting strap to the adjusting bracket 21 fit into these recesses. In the area of the supporting strap 17, the side walls 11, 12 and the bottom 15 are made thicker as compared to the remaining elements. These thicker areas are eliminated if--in contrast to the embodiment shown--the supporting straps 17 rest against the inside surfaces of the side walls 11, 12, and of the bottom 15. Since it is usual to place a plastic flower box of this kind on a wall or a floor, it would then be supported only in the areas of the supporting straps 17. In order to provide additional support, _7_ the bottom 15 of the plastic flower box 10 is also provided with additional projections 20 that face outward.
In order that the level of water within the plastic flower box 10 is restricted, an overflow pipe that is open to the outside is moulded onto the inside of the bottom 15. In order to simplify the drawing, the plastic flower box 10 that is shown is only provided with one mounting bracket 18. It is to be understood that mounting brackets 18 are also attached to the two outermost supporting straps 17, which cannot be seen in this drawing. In addition, the plastic flower box 10 could also be provided with two or three adjusting brackets. The supporting straps 17 are of a material that can support the appropriate loads, for example, metal or glass-reinforced plastic. If it is of steel, it should be stainless steel. The same applies to the mounting brackets 18 and the adjusting brackets 21.
The present invention is not confined to the embodiments shown herein. The supporting straps 17 that can withstand the appropriate loads and that are integrated into or lie against the side walls 11, 12 and the bottom 15 are critical; the outermost ends of these supporting straps are bent inward or outward in order to permit the mounting brackets to be screwed to them.
_g_
Claims (11)
1. Plastic flower box that can be mounted by means of flower box brackets that each incorporate a mounting bracket and a supporting strap that can be attached thereto so as to be releasable, characterized in that the supporting straps (17) are embedded in at least one of the two side walls (11, 12) and the bottom (15) of the plastic flower box (10) or can be arranged so as lie against the innermost sides.
2. Plastic flower box, on the upper edge of which is moulded a reinforcing channel, which is preferably continuous and which faces outward and is open at the bottom, characterized in that each supporting strap (17) extends from the reinforcing channel (16) on one long side, through both side walls (11, 12) and the bottom (15), right into the reinforcing channel (16) on the other long side, or which is arranged to lie against the inside surfaces of the two side walls (11, 12) and the inside surface of the bottom; and in that the unattached end areas of each supporting strap (17) are bent either inward or outward.
3. Plastic flower box as defined in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that an adjusting bracket (21) is secured on the area of at least one supporting strap (17) that is associated with the bottom (15).
4. Plastic flower box as defined in Claim 3, characterized in that the adjusting bracket (21) is provided with a tab (22) that is parallel to and spaced apart from the associated side wall (11) or (12) of the plastic flower box (10).
5. Plastic flower box as defined in one or more of the preceding Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that guide bars (23, 24) are moulded into the upper surfaces of the reinforcing channels (16) so as to be adjacent to the sides of the mounting brackets (18).
6. Plastic flower box as defined in one or more of the preceding Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in the area of the supporting straps (17), the reinforcing channel (16) juts outward, preferably in a curve, as compared to the adjacent areas.
7. Plastic flower box as defined in one or more of the preceding Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in the areas of the supporting straps (17) that are associated with the bottom (15) of the plastic flower box (10) and in the upper end areas that are bent outward or inward, there are threaded bores for screwing on the mounting brackets (18) and, if required, the adjusting brackets (21).
8. Plastic flower box as defined in Claim 7, characterized in that the bottom (15) of the plastic flower box (10) is provided with recessed areas that face inward and cover the threaded bores of the supporting straps (17).
9. Plastic flower box as defined in one or more of the preceding Claims 1 to 8, in which the supporting straps (17) are embedded in at least one side wall (11, 12) and in the bottom (15), characterized in that the side walls (11, 12) and the bottom (15) of the plastic flower box (10) are made thicker in the area of the supporting straps (17) compared to the adjacent areas; and in that the bottom (15) is provided with projections (20) that match the thicker areas and face outward.
10. Plastic flower box as defined in one or more of the preceding Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an overflow pipe (25) that is open to the outside is moulded onto the inside of the bottom (15) of the plastic flower box (10).
11. Plastic flower box as defined in one or more of the preceding Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least the supporting straps (17) are manufactured from a non-rusting material, for example, stainless steel or a glass fibre reinforced plastic.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE29815422U DE29815422U1 (en) | 1998-08-28 | 1998-08-28 | Plastic flower box |
| DE29815422.6 | 1998-08-28 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2280141A1 true CA2280141A1 (en) | 2000-02-28 |
Family
ID=8061880
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2280141 Abandoned CA2280141A1 (en) | 1998-08-28 | 1999-08-12 | Plastic flower box |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0981949A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2280141A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE29815422U1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR1124791A (en) * | 1954-08-16 | 1956-10-17 | Planter for flower pots | |
| CA1175031A (en) * | 1983-06-24 | 1984-09-25 | James W. Logie | Cantilever support bracket |
| DE3607935A1 (en) * | 1986-03-11 | 1987-09-17 | Helmut Fuchs | Holder for flower boxes, shelves and the like |
| US5368267A (en) * | 1993-05-10 | 1994-11-29 | Howard; Check | No-sag flowerbox brackets |
| FR2753340B1 (en) * | 1996-09-17 | 1999-01-22 | Sistac Sa B | DEVICE FOR CONTAINING AND SUSPENDING A LOAD OF A MATERIAL, FOR EXAMPLE FLOWER POT |
-
1998
- 1998-08-28 DE DE29815422U patent/DE29815422U1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1999
- 1999-07-05 EP EP99112915A patent/EP0981949A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-08-12 CA CA 2280141 patent/CA2280141A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0981949A1 (en) | 2000-03-01 |
| DE29815422U1 (en) | 1998-11-12 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |