SE1350522A1

SE1350522A1 - Device for supporting a plant

Info

Publication number: SE1350522A1
Application number: SE1350522A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Henrik Bergquist
Original assignee: Henrik Bergquist
Priority date: 2013-04-29
Filing date: 2013-04-29
Publication date: 2014-10-30
Also published as: SE538513C2; WO2014178786A1

Abstract

66504 16 ABSTRACT The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for supporting a plant, comprising awater reservoir (2), a first part (3) configured to carry the plant and comprising aplurality of first rest surfaces (4'), a second part (5) comprising a plurality of secondrest surfaces (6, 7, 8, 9) for supporting the rest surfaces of the first part. The restsurfaces (4', 6, 7, 8, 9) are configured such that the position of the first part relativeto the water reservoir may be shifted between a plurality of rest positions by arotation of the first part relative to the second part, comprising a first immersed restposition wherein the plant is at least partially immersed in water in the reservoir,and a second elevated rest position wherein the plant is supported above the water in the water reservoir. (Fig. 1)

Description

ARRANGEMENT FOR SUPPORTING A PLANT Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an arrangement for supportinga plant, such as an orchid.

Background art

[0002] When watering plants it is important that the amount of water over time isenough to avoid the plant suffering from dehydration. However it may also beimportant not to over water plants, since the root system of the plants may beharmed. Some plants, such as various kinds of orchids, are particularly sensitiveto over watering. On the other hand they may also suffer from dehydration due to a dry indoor climate, since they are normally grown in humid environments.

[0003] Thus it is sought to provide arrangements to facilitate watering of a plant, such as an orchid, while minimizing the risk of harmful over watering.

[0004] ln DE 102007044313 B3, an arrangement for supporting a plant isshown, provided with foldable supports to hold the plant in an immersed and an elevated position in relation to a water reservoir.

[0005] This arrangement however has some shortcomings, e.g. in that eachsupport has to be folded during shifting of position of the plant in the pot. This iscumbersome since the plant has to be removed from the pot, since both handshave to be used and since the folding needs space around the pot. Another aspectis that the folding supports are visible in the normally elevated position, whichresults in a poor appearance. The arrangement is also limited to two supportedpositions, and is not very stable in the elevated position.

Summary of invention

[0006] An object of the invention is to provide an arrangement for supporting aplant, which may facilitate watering of the plant. lt is also an object to reduce theshortcomings of prior art as discussed above. ln particular it is an object to provide 66504 an arrangement for supporting a plant, where the plant in one simple operation may be immersed in water in a water reservoir.

[0007] Hence, the invention provides an arrangement for supporting a plant,comprising a water reservoir, a first part configured to carry the plant andcomprising a plurality of first rest surfaces, a second part comprising a plurality ofsecond rest surfaces for supporting the rest surfaces of the first part, wherein therest surfaces are configured such that the position of the first part relative to thewater reservoir may be shifted between a plurality of rest positions by a rotation ofthe first part relative to the second part, comprising a first immersed rest positionwherein the plant is at least partially immersed in water in the reservoir, and asecond elevated rest position wherein the plant is supported above the water in the water reservoir.

[0008] Thus watering of the plant may be facilitated since the position of theplant may be shifted between the immersed rest position and the elevated restposition in one simple operation by rotating the first part holding the plant relativeto the second part.

[0009] Advantages of the arrangement also include providing a humidenvironment for the plant supported by the arrangement, while limiting the risk ofoverwatering of the plant.

[0010] The rest surfaces may be configured such that the position of the firstpart relative to the water reservoir may be shifted in discrete steps between theplurality of rest positions by a rotation of the first part relative to the second part.Thereby the position of the plant relative to the water reservoir may be welldefined, and at least in a first immersed rest position wherein the plant is at leastpartially immersed in water in the reservoir, and a second elevated rest position wherein the plant is supported above the water in the water reservoir.

[0011] The plurality of first rest surfaces or each of the plurality of second restsurfaces may be provided with a concave shape such that the first part needs to 66504 be lifted from the supported rest position and rotated to displace the first part fromthe rest position, the shape preferably comprising a U-shape or a V-shape.Thereby the positioning of the first part is more stable and further providing welldefined rest positions.

[0012] The second part may comprise supporting portions which are configuredsuch that a rotation of the first part re|ative to the second part results in acontinuous disp|acement of the rest position re|ative to the water reservoir.Thereby the arrangement may be configured to provide a continuous degree ofimmersion of the plant into the water reservoir, depending on the needs of the plant, and also depending on the level of water in the water reservoir.

[0013] The plurality of first rest surfaces of the first part may be arranged at anupper portion of the first part as referred to the normal orientation of the plantcarried by the first part, such that the arrangement is more stable when the firstpart is placed in a rest position. Alternatively, the plurality of first rest surfaces ofthe first part may be arranged at an intermediate or lower portion of the first part asreferred to the normal orientation of the plant carried by the first part. Thereby thefirst part may be supported at a more elevated position with respect to the secondpart, whereby ventilation and illumination of the roots of the plant may be improved.

[0014] The plurality of rest surfaces of one of the first and second parts maycomprise a ﬂange, a shelf or a shoulder extending towards the other one of thefirst and second parts. The plurality of rest surfaces of one of the first and secondparts may be formed by a plurality of protrusions or rods extending towards theother one of the first and second parts, preferably in a radial direction.

[0015] The plurality of rest surfaces of the second part may comprise a flange, ashelf or a shoulder extending towards the first part, and the first part may comprisea plurality of protrusions or rods extending towards the second part, such that the protrusions or rods are configured to be supported by the flange, shelf or shoulder. 66504 Thus the first part may be supported by the second part and may be rotated in relation to the second part.

[0016] The p|ura|ity of rest surfaces of one of the first and second parts may beformed by a continuous circumferential flange, shelf or shou|der extending towardsthe other one of the first and second parts, and circumventing the part. Thusseveral rest positions may be defined by the shape of the circumferential flange,shelf or shou|der, such that the arrangement may be shifted between the restpositions by a rotation of the first and second parts with respect to each other.

[0017] At least one of the p|ura|ity rest surfaces of one of the first and secondparts may be formed by an upper rim of the part. Thus the rest surfaces of theother one of the first and second parts may be arranged to be supported by theupper rim. The upper rim may preferably be an upper rim of the second part.

[0018] The first and second parts may be arranged coaxially along an axis,wherein the rest positions are distributed along the axis. Thus the arrangementmay be shifted between the p|ura|ity of rest positions along the axis by a rotation.

[0019] The second part may have a cross-section in a plane perpendicular tothe axis, and wherein the cross-section has a generally circular shape, or whereinthe cross-section has a generally polygonal shape. The shape may be triangular,quadratic, etc. Thus the upper rim of the second part may be provided with such across-sectional shape. The shape may be such that the first part is supported bythe rim at a first rotational position of the first part relative to the second part, andsuch that the other part is not supported by the rim at a second rotational positionof the first part relative to the second part. The shape may e.g. be a quadraticshape, such that a rotation of the first part relative to the second part at 45degrees may result in a shift of rest position between an immersed rest position and an elevated rest position.

[0020] The first and second parts may be rotational symmetric, wherein therotation symmetry is n-fold, where n is in the range of 2 to 8, preferably threefold 66504 or fourfold. Thus the first and second parts are supported at a plurality ofrotationally symmetrical positions. A threefold or fourfold rotational symmetry isadvantageous due to an increased stability of the arrangement. A fourfoldrotational symmetry is advantageous due to a simpler production of thearrangement, such as during molding of the first and second parts.

[0021] The second part may comprise the water reservoir. The first part may befitted in the second part. The first and second parts may further be arranged suchthat the water reservoir may be refi||ed while the first and second parts are in at least one of the rest positions. Thus a space may be formed between the first and second parts to allow for refilling of the water in any one of the rest positions.

[0022] The second part may form an outer pot for the plant. Thus the outer potmay support the first part of the arrangement. The outer pot may further comprise the water reservoir. Thus a simple arrangement is achieved.

[0023] The second part may form a supporting structure for placement in anouter pot for a plant. Thus the arrangement may be positioned and used in anexisting outer pot for a plant.

[0024] The second part may be transparent, at least in part. Thus the level ofwater in the water reservoir may be monitored from the outside of thearrangement. Also the first part may be transparent, to improve the illumination ofthe roots of the plant.

[0025] The first part may be provided with grips on an upper portion of the part, to facilitate positioning and rotation of the first part with respect to the second part.

[0026] The first part may be provided with a plurality of holes or perforations toimprove ventilation and transportation of water in and out from the first part.

[0027] The first part may comprise an inner pot for the plant. Thus the pluralityof first rest surfaces may be integrated with the inner pot of the plant to facilitateproduction of the arrangement. 66504

[0028] The first part may comprise a holder for an inner pot for the plant. Thusan existing inner pot of a plant may be used in the arrangement, and the inner potof the plant may be positioned in relation to the water reservoir. The holder maye.g. be ring shaped to accept an inner pot for the plant, thereby efficientlysupporting the inner pot.

Brief description of drawinqs

[0029] The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Fig. 1 shows one embodiment of an arrangement for supporting a plant,in a partly cut-away perspective view.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a second part of an embodiment of an arrangement for supporting a plant.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a side view of an arrangement for supporting a plant in anelevated rest position.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a side view of an arrangement for supporting a plant in animmersed rest position.

[0034] Fig. 5a and 5b show two views of a first part of an embodiment of anarrangement for supporting a plant

[0035] Fig. 6a and 6b show side views of another embodiment of an arrangement for supporting a plant in an immersed and elevated rest position.

[0036] Fig. 7a and 7b shows a top view of another embodiment of anarrangement for supporting a plant in two rest positions.

Description of embodiments

[0037] ln the following, a detailed description of embodiments of anarrangement for supporting a plant is disclosed. ln Fig. 1, one example of an 66504 arrangement 1 for supporting a plant is shown. The arrangement comprises anouter pot 11 and an inner pot 12 for a plant. A plant (not shown) is to be carried bythe inner pot 12 together with any kind of potting material. The arrangementcomprises a water reservoir 2, formed by a lower portion of the outer pot. lt shouldbe noted that in the description of the arrangement, top and bottom, upper andlower, above and below relate to the orientation of the arrangement during normal use, i.e. when used for carrying and supporting a plant.

[0038] The inner pot forms a first part 3 of the arrangement, configured to carrythe plant, and the outer pot forms a second part 5 of the arrangement. The firstpart is arranged inside and coaxially with the second part, along a common axis x.ln the example shown the first and second parts are circular cylindrical, but theymay have other shapes, e.g. cylindrical shapes with other cross-sections, partlyconical etc. The first and/or second parts may have a cross-section in a planeperpendicular to the axis x, having a generally circular shape. Thus the secondpart may be comprised by, and formed on the inside of the outer pot.

[0039] The first part of the arrangement comprises a plurality of first restsurfaces 4', formed by a plurality of rod-shaped protrusions 4 extending from anupper portion of the first part and radially outwardly towards the second part. ln theexample show the number of protrusions, and thus the number of first restsurfaces 4' is four, distributed around the first part. The second part 5 comprises aplurality of second rest surfaces 6, 7, 8 and 9 arranged for supporting the restsurfaces of the first part. ln the example shown, the rest surfaces 6, 7, 8 and 9 ofthe second part are provided at different positions A, B, C and D along thecommon axis x of the arrangement. The arrangement shown has a fourfoldrotational symmetry, but only part of the arrangement is visible in the cut-awayview. ln this respect, the configuration of the rest surfaces of the second part issimilar to the example shown in Fig. 2.

[0040] The rest surfaces 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the second part are configured suchthat the position of the first part relative to the water reservoir may be shifted 66504 between a plurality of rest positions by a rotation of the first part relative to thesecond part. The rest positions comprises at least a first immersed rest position,corresponding to rest surface 9, wherein the plant is at least partially immersed inwater in the reservoir, and a second elevated rest position, corresponding to restsurface 6, wherein the plant is supported above the water in the water reservoir.Thus watering of the plant may be facilitated since the position of the plant may beshifted between the immersed rest position and the elevated rest position in onesimple operation by rotating the first part holding the plant relative to the secondpart. This will be further shown in relation to Fig. 3 and 4 below.

[0041] ln Fig. 1, the rest surfaces of the second part are formed such that theposition of the first part relative to the water reservoir may be shifted in discretesteps, in this case four steps, corresponding to the rest surfaces 6, 7, 8 and 9.Further, each of the rest surfaces 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the second part are be providedwith a concave shape, corresponding to a shallow U-shape. Thus the first partneeds to be lifted somewhat from the supported rest position and rotated todisplace the first part from the rest position. Thus the arrangement shown providesa plurality of stable and well-defined rest positions.

[0042] The rest surfaces of the second part are formed as a continuouscircumferential flange or shoulder extending from the outer pot towards the firstpart. The rest positions are thus defined by the shape of the circumferential flangeor shoulder. ln the example shown, the flange or shoulder is integrated in the wallof the outer pot. The rod-like protrusions of the first part are configured to extendtowards the second part in such a way that they may rest on the circumferentialflange or shoulder of the second part.

[0043] The inner pot and the rod like protrusions of the first part are arranged inthe outer pot such that the water reservoir may be refilled while the first part issupported by the second part in any one of the plurality of rest positions, by meansof a space formed between the plurality of protrusions, the inner pot and the outerpot. 66504

[0044] ln the example shown in Fig. 1 the first and second parts are berotational symmetric, wherein the rotation symmetry is fourfold. Thus the first andsecond parts are supported at four rotationally symmetrical positions. Thisarrangement is advantageous due to an increased stability and due to a simplerproduction of the arrangement, such as during molding of the parts.

[0045] The parts of the arrangement may be formed by plastics, glass,ceramics, metal and the like. ln one embodiment, the outer pot comprising thewater reservoir may be formed, at least in part, by a transparent or translucentmaterial such that the level of water in the water reservoir is easily monitored fromthe outside. This may be achieved e.g. by the outer pot as a whole being formed ina transparent material such as a transparent plastic material or glass. Alternativelyit may be achieved by the outer pot comprising a transparent window to indicate the level of water in the reservoir.

[0046] ln Fig. 2 the second part 5 of an arrangement according to anotherembodiment is shown. The rest surfaces of the part shown is similar to the oneshown in Fig. 1, but the part may e.g. be provided as a supporting structure forplacement in an outer pot for a plant, together with a first part as disclosed herein.The arrangement may thus be positioned and used in an existing outer pot for aplant. The second part 5 comprises a plurality of second rest surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c,6d, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d arranged for supporting therest surfaces of the first part. ln the example shown, the rest surfaces of thesecond part are provided at different positions A, B, C and D along the commonaxis x of the arrangement. The rest surfaces are formed by the upper rim 10 of theshown structure. The water reservoir 2 may be formed by the second part itself, orby an outer pot in which the second part is positioned. The arrangement is otherwise configured as disclosed in relation to Fig. 1.

[0047] ln Fig. 3, an arrangement is for supporting a plant is shown in anelevated rest position A. ln this rest position, the rest surfaces 4' formed by theprotrusions 4 of the first part 3 rest on the supporting rest surfaces 6 of the second 66504 part 5. Thus the first part 3 (forming an inner pot of the plant) is held at an elevatedrest position, wherein the plant is supported above the water in the water reservoir2. ln this rest position, any surplus water in the inner pot of the plant may flow down to the water reservoir.

[0048] ln Fig. 4, an arrangement is for supporting a plant is shown in animmersed rest position D. ln this rest position, the rest surfaces 4' formed by theprotrusions 4 of the first part 3 rest on the supporting rest surfaces 9 of the secondpart 5. Thus the first part 3 (forming an inner pot of the plant) is held at animmersed rest position, wherein the plant is at least partially immersed in water inthe reservoir 2. ln this rest position, water in the water reservoir may flow into theinner pot of the plant and wet any potting material in the inner pot. Preferably alarge portion of the roots of the plant carried by the first part is immersed in waterin the immersed rest position. The dimensions of the first and second parts, andthe position of the rest positions, are adapted such that, in the immersed position,the water level in the water reservoir rises to a level where a suitable portion of theroots of the plant carried by the first part is immersed in the water. The second partmay be provided with a shape to minimize the risk of water overflowing when the first part is in the immersed position, e.g. an upwardly opening funnel shape.

[0049] By means of the disclosed arrangement for supporting a plant, wateringof the plant may be facilitated since the position of the plant may be shiftedbetween the immersed rest position and the elevated rest position in one simple operation by rotating the first part holding the plant relative to the second part.

[0050] ln Fig 5, a first part 5 according to an alternative embodiment is shown.The part is shown in a first view from above in Fig. 5a and from the side in 5b. Thefirst part comprises a ring-shaped holder 13 for accepting and holding an inner pot12 for a plant. lt further comprises a plurality of protrusions 4a, 4b, 4c and 4dforming corresponding rest surfaces 4' of the part. Thus an existing inner pot of aplant may be used, and the inner pot of the plant may be positioned in relation to a 66504 11 water reservoir, supported by a second part of the arrangement as disclosed herein (not shown).

[0051] lt should be noted that the arrangements described in relation to Fig. 1-5may equally well be provided in an upside-down configuration with a first part forcarrying the plant, comprising the circumferential flange, shoulder or rim, forming aplurality of rest surfaces. The second part may then comprise a plurality ofprotrusions forming second rest surfaces for supporting the first rest surfaces ofthe first part. The arrangements described in relation to Fig. 1-5 may however be advantageous due to a better stability of the arrangement.

[0052] Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of an arrangement 1 for supporting aplant in an elevated rest position (Fig. 6a) and an immersed rest position (Fig. 6b).The arrangement comprises a first 3 and a second part 5, wherein the first part isprovided with rod-like protrusions forming rest surfaces and extending towards thesecond part. The second part comprises a plurality of second rest surfaces 6, 9formed as a thread on the inner wall of the second part. The rest surfaces are thusconfigured such that a rotation of the first part relative to the second part results ina continuous displacement of the rest position relative to the water reservoir 2.Thus the position of the first part 3 relative to the water reservoir 2 may be shiftedcontinuously between a plurality of rest positions by a rotation of the first partrelative to the second part, comprising a first immersed rest position (Fig. 6b)wherein the plant is at least partially immersed in water in the reservoir, and asecond elevated rest position (Fig. 6a) wherein the plant is supported above the water in the water reservoir.

[0053] lt should be noted that the arrangement described in relation to Fig. 6may equally well be provided with a first part for carrying the plant, forming athread, and a second part forming a plurality of protrusions for engagement withthe thread, such that the rest surfaces of the first part (surfaces of the thread) aresupported by the rest surfaces of the second part (surfaces of the protrusions. 66504 12 Alternatively, both parts are provided with a thread for engagement with the thread of the other part.

[0054] Fig. 7 shows yet another embodiment of an arrangement 1 for supportinga plant. The arrangement comprises a first part 3 for carrying the plant, in the formof an inner pot or a holder for an inner pot. The first part comprises protrusions 4a,4b, 4c and 4d forming a plurality of first rest surfaces. The second part is providedwith a quadratic shape, e.g. a quadratic outer pot, forming a plurality of secondrest surfaces on the upper rim 10. Due to the shape of the second part, a rotationof the first and second parts in relation to each other, in this case of about 45degrees, may result in a shift in the position of the first part relative to the waterreservoir (formed at the bottom of the second part) between a first immersed restposition wherein the plant is at least partially immersed in water in the reservoir,and a second elevated rest position wherein the plant is supported above thewater in the water reservoir by the rim and the protrusions. As an alternative to theprotrusions, the first part may be provided with a flange extending towards thesecond part and having a shape (e.g. a quadratic shape) such that the flange issupported by the rim of the second part at one rotational position (an elevated restposition) and that the first part is arranged inside the second part at a secondrotational position (an immersed rest position), e.g supported by a bottom of thesecond part forming a water reservoir, or supported by a flange or shoulder formedon the inside of the second part. Similar arrangements may be made having other shapes of the second part, e.g. triangular, oval, rectangular etc.

[0055] lt should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise.

[0056] lt is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particularembodiments shown here. The examples are provided for illustrative purposesand are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by theappended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An arrangement (1) for supporting a plant, comprising a water reservoir (2), a first part (3) configured to carry the plant and comprising a plurality of firstrest surfaces (4', 4a', 4b', 4c', 4d'), a second part (5) comprising a plurality of second rest surfaces (6, 6a, 6b,6c, 6d, 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) for supportingthe rest surfaces of the first part, wherein the rest surfaces (4', 4a', 4b', 4c', 4d', 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 7, 7a, 7b,7c, 7d, 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) are configured such that theposition of the first part relative to the water reservoir may be shiftedbetween a plurality of rest positions by a rotation of the first part relative tothe second part, comprising a first immersed rest position wherein the plantis at least partially immersed in water in the reservoir, and a secondelevated rest position wherein the plant is supported above the water in the water reservoir. The arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the rest surfaces areconfigured such that the position of the first part relative to the waterreservoir may be shifted in discrete steps between the plurality of restpositions (6, 7, 8, 9) by a rotation of the first part relative to the second part. The arrangement according to claim 2 wherein each of the plurality of firstrest surfaces or each of the plurality of second rest surfaces are providedwith a concave shape such that the first part needs to be lifted from thesupported rest position and rotated to displace the first part from the restposition, the shape preferably comprising a U-shape or a V-shape. The arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the second part comprisesrest surfaces (6, 7, 8, 9) which are configured such that a rotation of the first part relative to the second part results in a continuous displacement of the 66504 10. 11. 14 rest position relative to the water reservoir. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein theplurality of rest surfaces of one of the first and second parts comprises aflange, a shelf or a shoulder (10) extending towards the other one of the firstand second parts. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein theplurality of rest surfaces of one of the first and second parts are formed by aplurality of protrusions or rods (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) extending towards theother one of the first and second parts, preferably in a radia| direction. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein theplurality of rest surfaces of one of the first and second parts are formed by acontinuous circumferential flange, shelf or shoulder (10) extending towards the other one of the first and second parts, and circumventing the part. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein theplurality of rest surfaces of one of the first and second parts are formed byan upper rim (10) of the part. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein thefirst and second parts are arranged coaxially along an axis (x), and whereinthe rest positions are distributed along the axis. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein thesecond part has a cross-section in a p|ane perpendicu|ar to the axis, andwherein the cross-section has a generally circular shape, or wherein thecross-section has a generally polygonal shape. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein thefirst and second parts are rotational symmetric, and wherein the rotationsymmetry is n-fold, where n is in the range of 2 to 8, preferably threefold orfourfold. 66504 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second part comprises the water reservoir. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein thefirst part is fitted in the second part. The arrangement according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the second partforms an outer pot (1 1) for the plant. The arrangement according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the second partforms a supporting structure for placement in an outer pot for a plant. The arrangement according to any one of claims 12-15 wherein the secondpart is transparent, at least in part, such that the level of water in the water reservoir may be monitored from the outside. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein thefirst part comprises an inner pot (12) for the plant. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein thefirst part comprises a holder for an inner pot (12) for the plant. The arrangement according to claim 18 wherein the holder is ring shaped toaccept an inner pot for the plant.