WO2014178786A1

WO2014178786A1 - Arrangement for supporting a plant

Info

Publication number: WO2014178786A1
Application number: PCT/SE2014/050524
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henrik Bergquist
Original assignee: Henrik Bergquist
Priority date: 2013-04-29
Filing date: 2014-04-29
Publication date: 2014-11-06
Also published as: SE538513C2; SE1350522A1

Abstract

The invention relates to 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 first rest surfaces (4'), a second part (5) comprising a plurality of second rest surfaces (6, 7, 8, 9) for supporting the rest surfaces of the first part. The rest surfaces (4', 6, 7, 8, 9) are configured such that the position of the first part relative to the water reservoir may be shifted between a plurality of rest positions by a rotation of the first part relative to the second part, comprising a first immersed rest position 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.

Description

ARRANGEMENT FOR SUPPORTING A PLANT

Technical field

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

Background art

[0002] When watering plants it is important that the amount of water over time is enough to avoid the plant suffering from dehydration. However it may also be important not to over water plants, since the root system of the plants may be harmed. Some plants, such as various kinds of orchids, are particularly sensitive to 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] In DE 102007044313 B3, an arrangement for supporting a plant is shown, 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 each support has to be folded during shifting of position of the plant in the pot. This is cumbersome since the plant has to be removed from the pot, since both hands have to be used and since the folding needs space around the pot. Another aspect is that the folding supports are visible in the normally elevated position, which results in a poor appearance. The arrangement is also limited to two supported positions, 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 a plant, which may facilitate watering of the plant. It is also an object to reduce the shortcomings of prior art as discussed above. In particular it is an object to provide 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 and comprising a plurality of first rest surfaces, a second part comprising a plurality of second rest surfaces for supporting the rest surfaces of the first part, wherein the rest surfaces are configured such that the position of the first part relative to the water reservoir may be shifted between a plurality of rest positions by a rotation of the first part relative to the second part, comprising a first immersed rest position 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.

[0008] Thus watering of the plant may be facilitated since the position of the plant may be shifted between 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.

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

[0010] The rest surfaces may be configured such that the position of the first part relative to the water reservoir may be shifted in discrete steps between the plurality 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 well defined, and at least in a first immersed rest position 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.

[001 1 ] The plurality of first rest surfaces or each of the plurality of second rest surfaces may be provided with a concave shape such that the first part needs to be lifted from the supported rest position and rotated to displace the first part from the 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 well defined rest positions.

[0012] The second part may comprise supporting portions which are configured such that a rotation of the first part relative to the second part results in a continuous displacement of the rest position relative to the water reservoir.

Thereby the arrangement may be configured to provide a continuous degree of immersion 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 an upper portion of the first part as referred to the normal orientation of the plant carried by the first part, such that the arrangement is more stable when the first part is placed in a rest position. Alternatively, the plurality of first rest surfaces of the first part may be arranged at an intermediate or lower portion of the first part as referred to the normal orientation of the plant carried by the first part. Thereby the first part may be supported at a more elevated position with respect to the second part, 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 may comprise a flange, a shelf or a shoulder extending towards the other one of the first and second parts. The plurality of rest surfaces of one of the first and second parts may be formed by a plurality of protrusions or rods extending towards the other 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, a shelf or a shoulder extending towards the first part, and the first part may comprise a 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. Thus the first part may be supported by the second part and may be rotated in relation to the second part.

[0016] The plurality of rest surfaces of one of the first and second parts may be formed by a continuous circumferential flange, shelf or shoulder extending towards the other one of the first and second parts, and circumventing the part. Thus several rest positions may be defined by the shape of the circumferential flange, shelf or shoulder, such that the arrangement may be shifted between the rest positions by a rotation of the first and second parts with respect to each other.

[0017] At least one of the plurality rest surfaces of one of the first and second parts may be formed by an upper rim of the part. Thus the rest surfaces of the other one of the first and second parts may be arranged to be supported by the upper 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 arrangement may be shifted between the plurality of rest positions along the axis by a rotation.

[0019] The second part may have a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the axis, and wherein the cross-section has a generally circular shape, or wherein the 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 a cross-sectional shape. The shape may be such that the first part is supported by the rim at a first rotational position of the first part relative to the second part, and such that the other part is not supported by the rim at a second rotational position of the first part relative to the second part. The shape may e.g. be a quadratic shape, such that a rotation of the first part relative to the second part at 45 degrees 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 the rotation symmetry is n-fold, where n is in the range of 2 to 8, preferably threefold or fourfold. Thus the first and second parts are supported at a plurality of rotationally symmetrical positions. A threefold or fourfold rotational symmetry is advantageous due to an increased stability of the arrangement. A fourfold rotational symmetry is advantageous due to a simpler production of the

arrangement, such as during molding of the first and second parts.

[0021 ] The second part may comprise the water reservoir. The first part may be fitted in the second part. The first and second parts may further be arranged such that the water reservoir may be refilled 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 pot may 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 an outer pot for a plant. Thus the arrangement may be positioned and used in an existing outer pot for a plant.

[0024] The second part may be transparent, at least in part. Thus the level of water in the water reservoir may be monitored from the outside of the

arrangement. Also the first part may be transparent, to improve the illumination of the 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 to improve 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 plurality of first rest surfaces may be integrated with the inner pot of the plant to facilitate production of the arrangement. [0028] The first part may comprise a holder for an inner pot for the plant. Thus an existing inner pot of a plant may be used in the arrangement, and the inner pot of the plant may be positioned in relation to the water reservoir. The holder may e.g. be ring shaped to accept an inner pot for the plant, thereby efficiently supporting the inner pot.

Brief description of drawings

[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 an elevated rest position.

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

[0034] Fig. 5a and 5b show two views of a first part of an embodiment of an arrangement 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 an

arrangement for supporting a plant in two rest positions.

Description of embodiments

[0037] In the following, a detailed description of embodiments of an

arrangement for supporting a plant is disclosed. In Fig. 1 , one example of an arrangement 1 for supporting a plant is shown. The arrangement comprises an outer pot 1 1 and an inner pot 12 for a plant. A plant (not shown) is to be carried by the inner pot 12 together with any kind of potting material. The arrangement comprises a water reservoir 2, formed by a lower portion of the outer pot. It should be noted that in the description of the arrangement, top and bottom, upper and lower, 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 carry the plant, and the outer pot forms a second part 5 of the arrangement. The first part is arranged inside and coaxially with the second part, along a common axis x. In the example shown the first and second parts are circular cylindrical, but they may have other shapes, e.g. cylindrical shapes with other cross-sections, partly conical etc. The first and/or second parts may have a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the axis x, having a generally circular shape. Thus the second part 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 rest surfaces 4', formed by a plurality of rod-shaped protrusions 4 extending from an upper portion of the first part and radially outwardly towards the second part. In the example show the number of protrusions, and thus the number of first rest surfaces 4' is four, distributed around the first part. The second part 5 comprises a plurality of second rest surfaces 6, 7, 8 and 9 arranged for supporting the rest surfaces of the first part. In the example shown, the rest surfaces 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the second part are provided at different positions A, B, C and D along the common axis x of the arrangement. The arrangement shown has a fourfold rotational symmetry, but only part of the arrangement is visible in the cut-away view. In this respect, the configuration of the rest surfaces of the second part is similar to the example shown in Fig. 2.

[0040] The rest surfaces 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the second part are configured such that the position of the first part relative to the water reservoir may be shifted between a plurality of rest positions by a rotation of the first part relative to the second 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 in water in the reservoir, and a second elevated rest position, corresponding to rest surface 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 be shifted between 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. This will be further shown in relation to Fig. 3 and 4 below.

[0041 ] In Fig. 1 , the rest surfaces of the second part are formed such that the position of the first part relative to the water reservoir may be shifted in discrete steps, 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 provided with a concave shape, corresponding to a shallow U-shape. Thus the first part needs to be lifted somewhat from the supported rest position and rotated to displace the first part from the rest position. Thus the arrangement shown provides a plurality of stable and well-defined rest positions.

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

[0043] The inner pot and the rod like protrusions of the first part are arranged in the outer pot such that the water reservoir may be refilled while the first part is supported by the second part in any one of the plurality of rest positions, by means of a space formed between the plurality of protrusions, the inner pot and the outer pot. [0044] In the example shown in Fig. 1 the first and second parts are be rotational symmetric, wherein the rotation symmetry is fourfold. Thus the first and second parts are supported at four rotationally symmetrical positions. This arrangement is advantageous due to an increased stability and due to a simpler production 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. In one embodiment, the outer pot comprising the water reservoir may be formed, at least in part, by a transparent or translucent material such that the level of water in the water reservoir is easily monitored from the outside. This may be achieved e.g. by the outer pot as a whole being formed in a transparent material such as a transparent plastic material or glass. Alternatively it may be achieved by the outer pot comprising a transparent window to indicate the level of water in the reservoir.

[0046] In Fig. 2 the second part 5 of an arrangement according to another embodiment is shown. The rest surfaces of the part shown is similar to the one shown in Fig. 1 , but the part may e.g. be provided as a supporting structure for placement 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 a plant. 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 the rest surfaces of the first part. In the example shown, the rest surfaces of the second part are provided at different positions A, B, C and D along the common axis x of the arrangement. The rest surfaces are formed by the upper rim 10 of the shown structure. The water reservoir 2 may be formed by the second part itself, or by an outer pot in which the second part is positioned. The arrangement is otherwise configured as disclosed in relation to Fig. 1.

[0047] In Fig. 3, an arrangement is for supporting a plant is shown in an elevated rest position A. In this rest position, the rest surfaces 4' formed by the protrusions 4 of the first part 3 rest on the supporting rest surfaces 6 of the second part 5. Thus the first part 3 (forming an inner pot of the plant) is held at an elevated rest position, wherein the plant is supported above the water in the water reservoir 2. In this rest position, any surplus water in the inner pot of the plant may flow down to the water reservoir.

[0048] In Fig. 4, an arrangement is for supporting a plant is shown in an immersed rest position D. In this rest position, the rest surfaces 4' formed by the protrusions 4 of the first part 3 rest on the supporting rest surfaces 9 of the second part 5. Thus the first part 3 (forming an inner pot of the plant) is held at an immersed rest position, wherein the plant is at least partially immersed in water in the reservoir 2. In this rest position, water in the water reservoir may flow into the inner pot of the plant and wet any potting material in the inner pot. Preferably a large portion of the roots of the plant carried by the first part is immersed in water in the immersed rest position. The dimensions of the first and second parts, and the 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 the roots of the plant carried by the first part is immersed in the water. The second part may 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, watering of the plant may be facilitated since the position of the plant may be shifted between 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] In 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. The first part comprises a ring-shaped holder 13 for accepting and holding an inner pot 12 for a plant. It further comprises a plurality of protrusions 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d forming corresponding rest surfaces 4' of the part. Thus an existing inner pot of a plant may be used, and the inner pot of the plant may be positioned in relation to a water reservoir, supported by a second part of the arrangement as disclosed herein (not shown).

[0051 ] It should be noted that the arrangements described in relation to Fig. 1 -5 may equally well be provided in an upside-down configuration with a first part for carrying the plant, comprising the circumferential flange, shoulder or rim, forming a plurality of rest surfaces. The second part may then comprise a plurality of protrusions forming second rest surfaces for supporting the first rest surfaces of the 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 a plant 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 is provided with rod-like protrusions forming rest surfaces and extending towards the second part. The second part comprises a plurality of second rest surfaces 6, 9 formed as a thread on the inner wall of the second part. The rest surfaces are thus configured such that a rotation of the first part relative to the second part results in a 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 shifted continuously between a plurality of rest positions by a rotation of the first part relative 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 a second elevated rest position (Fig. 6a) wherein the plant is supported above the water in the water reservoir.

[0053] It should be noted that the arrangement described in relation to Fig. 6 may equally well be provided with a first part for carrying the plant, forming a thread, and a second part forming a plurality of protrusions for engagement with the thread, such that the rest surfaces of the first part (surfaces of the thread) are supported by the rest surfaces of the second part (surfaces of the protrusions. 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 supporting a plant. The arrangement comprises a first part 3 for carrying the plant, in the form of 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 provided with a quadratic shape, e.g. a quadratic outer pot, forming a plurality of second rest surfaces on the upper rim 10. Due to the shape of the second part, a rotation of the first and second parts in relation to each other, in this case of about 45 degrees, may result in a shift in the position of the first part relative to the water reservoir (formed at the bottom of the second part) between a first immersed rest position 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 by the rim and the protrusions. As an alternative to the protrusions, the first part may be provided with a flange extending towards the second part and having a shape (e.g. a quadratic shape) such that the flange is supported by the rim of the second part at one rotational position (an elevated rest position) and that the first part is arranged inside the second part at a second rotational position (an immersed rest position), e.g supported by a bottom of the second part forming a water reservoir, or supported by a flange or shoulder formed on 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] It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0056] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments shown here. The examples are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended 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 first rest 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 supporting the 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 the position of the first part relative to the water reservoir may be shifted between a plurality of rest positions by a rotation of the first part relative to the second part, comprising a first immersed rest position 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.

2. The arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the rest surfaces are

configured such that the position of the first part relative to the water reservoir may be shifted in discrete steps between the plurality of rest positions (6, 7, 8, 9) by a rotation of the first part relative to the second part.

3. The arrangement according to claim 2 wherein each of the plurality of first rest surfaces or each of the plurality of second rest surfaces are provided with a concave shape such that the first part needs to be lifted from the supported rest position and rotated to displace the first part from the rest position, the shape preferably comprising a U-shape or a V-shape.

4. The arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the second part comprises rest 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 rest position relative to the water reservoir.

5. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the plurality of rest surfaces of one of the first and second parts comprises a flange, a shelf or a shoulder (10) extending towards the other one of the first and second parts.

6. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the plurality of rest surfaces of one of the first and second parts are formed by a plurality of protrusions or rods (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) extending towards the other one of the first and second parts, preferably in a radial direction.

7. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the plurality of rest surfaces of one of the first and second parts are formed by a continuous circumferential flange, shelf or shoulder (10) extending towards the other one of the first and second parts, and circumventing the part.

8. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the plurality of rest surfaces of one of the first and second parts are formed by an upper rim (10) of the part.

9. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second parts are arranged coaxially along an axis (x), and wherein the rest positions are distributed along the axis.

10. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second part has a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the axis, and wherein the cross-section has a generally circular shape, or wherein the cross-section has a generally polygonal shape.

1 1 . The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second parts are rotational symmetric, and wherein the rotation symmetry is n-fold, where n is in the range of 2 to 8, preferably threefold or fourfold.

12. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second part comprises the water reservoir.

13. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first part is fitted in the second part.

14. The arrangement according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the second part forms an outer pot (1 1 ) for the plant.

15. The arrangement according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the second part forms a supporting structure for placement in an outer pot for a plant.

16. The arrangement according to any one of claims 12-15 wherein the second part is transparent, at least in part, such that the level of water in the water reservoir may be monitored from the outside.

17. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first part comprises an inner pot (12) for the plant.

18. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first part comprises a holder for an inner pot (12) for the plant.

19. The arrangement according to claim 18 wherein the holder is ring shaped to accept an inner pot for the plant.