GB2291772A - Window planter - Google Patents

Abstract

A window planter comprises a window frame (12) and an integral window box (13) in the form of a trough for the containment of plants. The frame (12) may have an opening panel (14) so that the window box is accessible from inside a building in which the window planter is installed. The opening panel (14) is spaced from the window box (13) by a fixed panel (15) so that plants can be viewed from inside the building through the fixed panel and the opening panel can be opened or shut without interference from plants in the window box. The window box may be backed by a feature panel (16) which is visible from inside a building in which the window planter is installed. <IMAGE>

Description

Title: WINDOW PLANER This invention relates to window planters.

A planter, sometimes referred to as a window box, is frequently added to a window by independent means as an accessory to the window and for the containment of plants. The fixing of an independent planter is not always possible. An independent planter is often difficult to tend due to the style of window to which it is adjacent giving no access. Frequently a ladder has to be employed to gain access to a planter.

Independent planters are often not strong enough to withstand weather conditions over a number of years unlike modern window materials and methods of construction.

Independent planters rely on brackets or some other method of fixing for their stability. Planters are very popular in the United Kingdom and other European countries but suffer a high failure rate owing to poor construction and inaccessibility. Planters fastened to window ledges create dirt traps between the window ledge and planter and often look unsightly from inside the building.

Some planters so installed prevent windows from opening.

The present invention aims to provide a window planter which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

According to the present invention, there is provided a window planter comprising a window frame and an integral window box in the form of a trough for the containment of plants, the frame having at least one fixed panel which is located above the window box in such a position that plants in the window box can be viewed through the said fixed panel.

Preferably, the window frame comprises at least one opening panel and a fixed panel whereby the window box is accessible from inside a building in which the window planter is intended to be installed. The or each opening panel is desirably spaced from the window box by the fixed panel.

The window box may be backed by a feature panel which is intended to be visible from inside a building in which the window planter is installed.

Alternatively, the window box may be designed to be located below the opening in a building wall in which the window planter is intended to be installed.

Preferably, the window box is provided with drainage means.

The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a window planter according to the invention viewed from the outside of a building; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the window planter shown in Figure 1 but viewed from the inside of a building; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a window planter according to the invention shown installed in à building aperture and viewed from the outside of the building; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the window planter shown in Figure 3 but viewed from the inside; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a window planter according to the invention shown as a flush fitting to a building where the planter is suspended below the fixing aperture; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the window planter shown in Figure 5 but viewed from the inside of the building.

In the drawings, like parts are denoted by like reference numerals.

Reference will first be made to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings in which a window frame 12 is provided at its lower portion with a window box 13. Preferably two panels for the reception of glass panes 14 and 15 are provided, the pane 15 being of sufficient height to allow plants growing in the window box 13 to be viewed through the pane from the inside of the building and to permit the pane 14 to be opened and closed without interference from the plants.

The window planter may consist of any design of window which incorporates as an integral part of it a window box and Figures 1 and 2 show only one example in which the window frame 12 and window box 13 are preferably formed and manufactured as a single integral unit for installation using conventional window manufacturing techniques and materials e.g. uPVC.

The window box 13 is manufactured as an integral part of the window in the same way that a sill is manufactured as an integral part of a window.

In Figures 1 and 2 the window frame 12 contains two glazed parts. The upper part 14 is an opening light enabling access for easy cleaning of the same and for easy cleaning of the lower window pane 15. The lower window pane gives visibility to the plants within the window box from inside the premises to which the window planter is installed. The lower window is of sufficient height to protect small plants from the opening light above whilst at the same time allowing easy access over the lower pane to tend the window box 13.

The window box 13 incorporates a suitable method of drainage to allow the escape of water which arises within the said window box and from water running from the glazed window frame 12.

The face of the planter which is internal to the building to which the window planter is installed takes the form of a feature panel 16 and is aesthetically pleasing to the overall design of the whole window planter unit.

The window box 13 is accessible from inside the building to which the window planter is installed by access through the opening light 14 and over the window pane 15. The plants in the window box 13 can be seen through the window pane 15 from inside the building to which the window planter is installed.

The window planter shown in Figures 3 and 4 comprises a window frame 17 which has three glazed parts 15, 18, 18. Two opening lights 18 give access to cleaning of the three glazed parts. The lower window pane 15 is fixed. The opening lights 18 also give access to the planter 13 which is situated below the fixed pane 15 and is an integral part of the whole window planter unit. The planter 13 is a trough for containing plants and is an integral part of the whole window planter unit. Again, the face of the planter which is internal to the building to which the window planter is installed may take the form of a feature panel 16. The opening lights 18 can be arranged to open outwards or inwards into the building in which the window planter is installed.

The window planter illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 is an example of a flush fitted unit whereby the window frame 19 is fitted into the aperture 20 of the building and the planter 13 which is an integral part of the whole window planter unit is suspended below the aperture of the building in which it is installed.

It will be seen that a window planter according to the invention which has an integral window box is less prone to failure than an independent planter because it is easily accessible.

A window box which is integral to a window frame is sturdy, firm, secure and as durable as the window frame of which it is a part.

An integral planter compliments its window and is neat and tidy. The planter cannot gather trapped dirt between itself and the window.

The invention is not restricted to the above described embodiments but modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims (7)

1. A window planter comprising a window frame and an integral window box in the form of a trough for the containment of plants, the frame having at least one fixed panel which is located above the window box in such a position that plants in the window box can be viewed through the said fixed panel.

2. A window planter according to claim 1, wherein the window frame comprises at least one opening panel and a fixed panel whereby the window box is accessible from inside a building in which the window planter is intended to be installed.

3. A window planter according to claim 2, wherein the or each opening panel is spaced from the window box by the fixed panel.

4. A window planter according to any preceding claim, wherein the window box is backed by a feature panel which is intended to be visible from inside a building in which the window planter is installed.

5. A window planter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the window box is designed to be located below the opening in a building wall in which the window planter is intended to be installed.

6. A window planter according to any preceding claim, wherein the window box is provided with drainage means.

7. A window planter substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.