WO2024089718A1

WO2024089718A1 - Modular plant pot system

Info

Publication number: WO2024089718A1
Application number: PCT/IT2023/050235
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carlo Meda
Original assignee: Automaton S.R.L.
Priority date: 2022-10-26
Filing date: 2023-10-20
Publication date: 2024-05-02

Abstract

Described is a modular plant pot system, consisting of at least one module (1), (2) from a series of modules (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) appropriately connected to cover the longitudinal extent of a balcony or similar structure's railing or balustrade. This at least one module (1), (2) of a plurality of modules (1), (2), (3) comprises at least one mounting bracket (6) projecting transversally with respect to the railing or balustrade of a balcony or of a similar structure, a shell (7) adapted to be able to slide with respect to the at least one mounting bracket (6) through at least one connecting element (8) in a grooved guide (9).

Description

MODULAR PLANT POT SYSTEM

Field of Application

This invention pertains to a modular plant pot system.

In general, this invention relates to cultivation in containers, frameworks, or greenhouses.

Specifically, this invention concerns containers, e.g., planters or boxes, plant pot holders, or containers for planters.

State of the Art

US Patent 6,209,260 B1 concerns a cemetery planter comprising a box with a first and a second box portion, each having a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, and an open end. The open end of the first box portion is received by the open end of the second box portion during sliding engagement between them. The planter includes a plurality of substantially parallel, longitudinally spaced U-shaped brackets that substantially conform to the front, rear, and bottom walls of the box portions. Each U-shaped bracket has one end defining a first hook portion directed inward to engage an upper front edge of the box and an opposite end defining a second hook portion directed inward to engage an upper rear edge of the box. The first and second hook portions are shaped to receive pairs of overlapping front and rear wall portions of the first and second box portions engaged in a sliding manner.

A mounting mechanism facilitates the attachment of the box to a supporting surface. The sliding engagement allows for the adjustment of the box's length, while the first and second hook portions provide stability and guidance.

The prior art is represented by the following patents: US 2005/0193625 A1; DE 19 47 290 A1; US 6 109 462 A.

Presentation of the Invention Technical Problem

There are many models of balcony plant pot holders available on the market, made of steel, plastic, but they are generally individual elements that can be placed side by side, not integrated into a modular system.

Hanging plant baskets, also known as "balconettes," are known to be displayed on a balcony or similar structure, designed to contain and support pots and similar items while offering a pleasing aesthetic and adequate safety features when protruding from a balcony or similar structure onto a garden or areas frequented by pedestrians.

Many of these steel or plastic plant pot holders, or those made from a combination of both materials, lack adjustability in the attachment hook, often resulting in the container pot leaning excessively outward from the balcony or similar structure. This creates unfavorable conditions for the growth of cultivated plants, poses a risk of water loss during watering, and increases the likelihood of the pot tipping over and falling.

Traditional plant pots placed in these holders often have a tray for holding excess watering water, which can overflow.

Another drawback of the plant pot holders available in the market is their rigid width and length dimensions, limiting the ability to simultaneously display pots of various sizes.

Aesthetically, the result is often disappointing, with balconies featuring confusing combinations of plant pot holders that, beyond the beauty of their floral content, provide the impression of something unpleasantly disorganized.

In many cases, apartment buildings prohibit displaying pots on the outer side of a balcony, so the pots and their respective holders need to be turned inward, creating a condition of greater safety at the expense of aesthetic appeal.

Solution to the Problem

The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned issues in prior art by providing a system adaptable to a variety of configurations mounted on the most common existing balcony railings.

Another objective is to maintain a consistent aesthetic appearance even as different configurations are mounted.

An additional aim is to establish dual adjustments for the supporting arms to adapt the plant pot holders to most railings without sacrificing the proper horizontal positioning of the contained pots.

A further objective is to include an additional reservoir for water collection.

One more goal is to enable easy internal placement within the balcony by easily rotating the plant pot holder by 180 degrees.

Another objective is to utilize a shield covering the side opposite the plant pot shell to conceal the support elements, thereby enhancing the aesthetic aspect.

These and other objectives and advantages of the invention, as will become apparent from the following description, are achieved with a modular plant pot system as described in claim 1. Preferred embodiments and non-trivial variations of this invention constitute the subject of the dependent claims.

It is understood that all attached claims are an integral part of this description.

It will be immediately evident that numerous variations and modifications (e.g., related to shape, size, arrangements, and parts with equivalent functionality) can be made to what has been described without departing from the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the attached claims.

Advantageous Effects of the Invention

A modular system for creating plant pot holders for balconies or similar structures is designed to be assembled in various combinations according to taste or necessity. Its distinct aesthetic features also make it a pleasing element of urban and outdoor decor.

The modular system can be sold as an assembly kit due to the compact packaging dimensions in comparison to the fully assembled product.

Description of the Drawings

The present invention will be better described by some preferred embodiments, provided for exemplary purposes and not limited, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

, , shows a perspective view of a configuration, whole / partial, of an embodiment of the modular plant pot system according to the present invention;

, , shows a perspective view of another configuration, whole / partial, of an embodiment of the modular plant pot system according to the present invention;

shows a first module of the modular plant pot system according to the present invention;

shows a second module of the modular plant pot system according to the present invention;

shows a third module of the modular plant pot system according to the present invention;

shows a fourth module of the modular plant pot system according to the present invention;

shows a fifth module of the modular plant pot system according to the present invention;

shows a side view of the module in ;

shows a front view of the module in ;

shows a sectional view along line X-X of the preceding figure;

shows a first relevant element of the modular plant pot system according to the present invention;

shows another relevant element of the modular plant pot system according to the present invention;

shows a third relevant element of the modular plant pot system according to the present invention;

shows a fourth relevant element of the modular plant pot system according to the present invention;

shows a fifth relevant element of the modular plant pot system according to the present invention;

and show a variant of the element of ;

shows a sixth relevant element of the modular plant pot system according to the present invention; and

shows an example of assembling the relevant element from the previous figure.

Referring to the figures, it can be noted that a modular plant pot system is composed of at least one module 1, 2 from a series of modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 properly connected to cover, in part or in full, the longitudinal extent of a balcony railing or balustrade or a similar structure, and to occupy either the external or internal side of the balcony or similar structure interchangeably.

Advantageously, at least one module 1, 2 from this series of modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 can adjust its extension concerning the balcony railing or balustrade of a balcony or a similar structure.

This at least one module 1, 2 from a plurality of modules 1, 2, 3 comprises at least one shelf 6 projecting transversely with respect to the balcony railing or balustrade of a balcony or a similar structure, a shell 7 designed to slide with respect to this at least one shelf 6 through at least one connecting element 8 in a grooved guide 9.

The shell 7 is affixed to a handle 10 designed to facilitate the precise positioning of the shell 7 concerning this at least one shelf 6.

The shell 7 and the handle 10 are fastened using this at least one connecting element 8.

A liquid collection trough 11 is attached to the shell 7.

A shield 12 is snap-fitted to this at least one shelf 6.

At least one decorative element is applied to the shell 7 and/or the shield 12 through printing or bas-relief.

At least one head module 4 is equipped with a head edge 13.

At least one tail module 5 is equipped with a tail edge 14.

The head module 4 and tail module 5 are connected to their respective shell 7.

The shell 7 is provided with an additional head edge 15 and an additional tail edge 16.

The additional head edge 15 and the additional tail edge 16 are suitably shaped to allow the shell 7 to engage with both the head module 4 and the tail module 5, as well as with the shell 7 of an adjacent module 1, as well as with the module 2, 3.

At least one curved module 3 enables the connection of two modules 1 on two intersecting non-orthogonal lines.

The shell 7 is capable of positioning itself in relation to at least one shelf 6 by means of at least one connecting element 8 in a hole of a plurality of holes 17.

At least one bridge 18 is designed to ensure a correct and rigid connection between two adjacent shells 7.

The bridge 18 is snap-fitted to each of the two adjacent shells 7.

Examples

The modular plant pot system is composed of several basic components. Firstly, there are the support elements made of galvanized or stainless steel, depending on the version, with adjustable features to fit the dimensions of the balcony or similar structure. There is a main plastic shell, underneath which a plastic gutter is located to collect excess water. This gutter can be laterally adjusted to accommodate the existing space on the balcony or similar structure. An aesthetic shield covers the steel elements and the inner part of the pot system. Finally, a pair of plastic side cheeks with interlocking mounting devices securely enclose the main element of the modular pot system.

The system allows for installation both internally and externally without any structural modifications, as shown in and .

An angular module, constructed from high-strength plastic with interlocking mounting devices, shown in , can be used for configurations with the plant pots placed externally, providing structural and aesthetic continuity to the design.

displays an angular module constructed from steel and plastic parts with interlocking mounting devices, used for configurations with the plant pots placed internally, also ensuring structural and aesthetic continuity.

and show the closing elements, or terminals, made of high-strength plastic, with snap-on mounting systems. They represent the final elements in the various possible configurations. In a configuration that includes 4 plant pots, only 2 terminals, one left and one right, are needed to close the setup. The decision to place the terminals only at the end of the composition ensures that no partition is created between one pot element and another, allowing for free placement of pots along the entire length of the design.

displays the main plastic shell, made from high-strength plastic, produced by molding and equipped with seatings for inserting the shelf, which is clamped with screws and washers.

shows the shelf with two long slots for proper adjustment of the pot's placement in its designated housing.

The raised side edges of the shell prevent excess water from flowing out, ensuring it is collected in the gutter. These raised edges also serve as interlocking seats for the lateral closing elements.

The shelf, available in two pieces, serves as the necessary anchor for the pot, made of galvanized or stainless steel, with a hook shape that can have a round, square, or rectangular cross-section. It has two important notches for adjusting the projection required for the correct positioning on the supporting structure. The shelf fits into the designated seats in the shell and is secured with screws and washers, available in galvanized or stainless steel, using a clamping system with the handle in .

The elongated U-shaped handle is the adjustment element that, in combination with the shelf and using screws and washers, ensures a secure fastening of the pot to the balcony or similar structure, as well as correct positioning. Proper housing seats are provided within the shell, and it can be produced in galvanized or stainless steel, with a round, square, or rectangular cross-section.

The connecting elements are the clamping means that join and fasten the shelf, shell, and handle together, and can be made of galvanized or stainless steel.

The design of the modular plant pot system represents an excellent solution that addresses the need for a secure clamping of the elements using a clamp system with an easy adjustment solution to adapt the plant pot to the chosen structure, without compromising the product's aesthetics. This sets it apart from other solutions in the market that offer a similar clamping system but remain visible and are not equally aesthetically pleasing.

The overflow water collection trough is made from high-strength plastic material and is in the shape of a semicircular tray with two protrusions perpendicular to it, in a cylindrical form, designed to be advantageously inserted into the main shell through the provided seats. The connection is of a movable type to allow for the lateral adjustment of the position of the overflow trough relative to the main shell to ensure proper positioning of the trough at the end of the plant pot installation phase in its designated location.

The head module and tail module serve as the closing elements, the terminals, of the modular plant pot system. In various possible combinations, they represent the closing components of the composition. Made from high-strength plastic material, they feature special fins that enable interlocking assembly into the designated seats on the main shell.

illustrates the shield mounted on the opposite side of the main shell. It is produced from high-strength plastic material and features specific protrusions on the inner side to facilitate interlocking mounting onto the brackets.

In an arrangement with multiple plant pot elements, not depicted, the saucers and corresponding pots can be freely placed one after the other, without considering their relative lengths. For instance, pots of varying lengths, such as 60 cm, 40 cm, or 70 cm, can be arranged consecutively, as there are no dividers interrupting the sequence of modular plant pots. Varying depths are also allowed, as long as they do not exceed the internal width of the plant pot module.

displays a configuration where the plant pots are arranged externally along the perimeter of a balcony or similar structure. In addition to the above-mentioned elements, this configuration includes two identical corner elements from , which provide continuity throughout the composition. The corner element connects to the other components through interlocking figures.

demonstrates a configuration covering the entire perimeter of a balcony or similar structure. In addition to the above-mentioned elements, this configuration includes two identical corner elements from , which ensure continuity throughout the composition.

The elements of the modular plant pot system are easily assembled, requiring only a single tool to tighten the screws to the handle, while other elements interlock with fins and slots already provided in the molded components.

The modular plant pot system is presented as a valuable element to enhance the urban aesthetics of houses and buildings in urban centers. It offers an integrated solution, improving the current appearance of balconies and terraces. In addition to providing a proper containment for displayed pots, it also contributes to the beautification of urban decor.

The modular plant pot system is designed with great versatility, allowing for numerous configurations and the ability to modify it into different and incremental setups in the future.

Furthermore, the modular plant pot system represents just one example of the appearance it can take. Many other forms, combined with different colorations, can be produced. All materials used are recyclable, with some plastics derived partly or entirely from the recycled plastic supply chain.

Claims

Modular plant pot system, consisting of at least one module (1), (2) of a series of modules (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) suitably connected to partially or fully cover the longitudinal extension of the railing or balustrade of a balcony or of a similar structure, and to occupy indifferently the external or internal side of the balcony or of a similar structure, characterized in that said at least one module (1), (2) of a plurality of modules (1), (2), (3) comprises at least one mounting bracket (6) projecting transversally with respect to the railing or balustrade of a balcony or of a similar structure, a shell (7) adapted to be able to slide with respect to said at least one mounting bracket (6) through at least one connecting element (8) in a grooved guide (9).
System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the shell (7) is secured to a handle (10) adapted to facilitate the precise positioning of the shell (7) with respect to said at least one mounting bracket (6).
System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the shell (7) and the handle (10) are secured by means of said at least one connecting element (8).
System according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises a gutter (11) attached to the shell (7) for collecting liquids.
System according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises a snap-fastened shield (12) to said at least one mounting bracket (6).
System according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one head module (4) equipped with a leading edge (13) and at least one tail module (5) equipped with a tail edge ( 14), said head (4) and tail (5) modules each connected to its respective shell (7), said shell (7) being provided with a further head edge (15) and a further tail edge (16), said further head edge (15) and said further tail edge (16) suitably shaped to allow the shell (7) to hook with both said head module (4) and said tail module (5), as well as with both said shell (7) of an adjacent module (1) and said module (2), (3).
System according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one bent module (3) suitable for connecting two modules (1) on two intersecting non-orthogonal lines.
System according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the shell (7) is capable of positioning itself in relation to said at least one shelf (6) by means of at least one connecting element (8) in a hole of a plurality of holes (17).
System according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one bridge (18) designed to ensure a correct and rigid connection between two adjacent shells (7).
System according to the previous claim, characterized in that the bridge (18) is snap-fitted to each of the two adjacent shells (7).