Plant Support Fixture

Abstract

A decorative plant support fixture having a receptacle for holding flower stems, plants, or other foliage. The support fixture has a main support unit, which may have one or more support arm members protruding from the main support unit at various heights and radial angles around the main support unit. Flowers and plants are supported by support arm members which may be coil shaped on one end, and of different sizes, so as to accommodate flowers and plants of different sizes and stages of growth. The plant support fixture may also include flat feet members for placing the fixture on any substantially flat indoor or outdoor surface. The plant support fixture may also include spike-shaped feet members which can penetrate the soil and anchor the fixture to the ground. Support fixture may also include an attachment means for securing fixture to any substantially vertical surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/592,438 filed Jul. 30, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a plant support system and, more particularly, a plant support fixture that provides support for potted plants as well as freshly cut, dried or artificial, flowers and plants.

Plant support systems have been produced in the past. For example, one plant support system well known in the field involves the use of wooden or metal stakes. Long wooden or metal stakes are inserted into the ground near the base of the plant and the stems of the plant are tied to the stake with string or twine. However, the use of stakes is unattractive due to the unnatural appearance of straight wooden or metal stakes embedded into the soil and the artificial, man-made look of having the stems of the plant fixed to the stake with string or twine. In addition, the use of stakes is time consuming because securing the stems of the plant to the stake requires a significant amount of time and labor. Furthermore, maintaining the stake system requires additional time and labor because the ties and stake may need to be repositioned or replaced periodically as the plant grows. In addition, typical stake support systems are inherently poor at providing adequate support for plants. The standard stake system is flawed because the stakes are only inserted into the soil near the base of the plant and are not attached to the base of the pot containing the plant, resulting in the plant not being fully supported. Gravity causes the stakes to lose their vertical orientation due to gravity the stakes have a tendency to lose their vertical orientation, which in turn reduces the effectiveness of the support.

Wooden stakes also have a tendency to bend over time because wood deteriorates in the sun's ultraviolet rays and loses its structural integrity. In addition, if a wooden stake is left in wet soil or water, then the wood will begin to swell and break down or rot, leaving the plant unsupported. In lieu of wooden stakes, metal stakes made from iron or steel can be used. However, if the stake is made out of iron or steel, then it will have a tendency to rust after exposure to water, wet soil, or the atmosphere over extended periods of time, thus making the stakes look unappealing and potentially dangerous to handle.

An additional drawback to a conventional plant support system, such as a stake or trellis, is that it is unable to supply the needed water or soil to a freshly cut plant or a living plant with roots growing in a pot or receptacle. In a typical plant support fixture, the roots of the plant are embedded in the soil of a pot or receptacle. The support fixture is inserted into the soil near the base of the plant and the stems of the plant are tied to the support structure. With an arrangement as such, the support fixture functions only to support the plant and does not provide the plant with needed water or soil. In addition, the support fixture does not provide any drainage channels in the pot or receptacle through which excess water can drain away from the roots of the plant.

There is a need in the art, therefore, for a plant support fixture that provides a stable support for potted plants, freshly cut, dried or artificial, flowers and plants. A need exists for a plant support fixture that maintains a substantially vertical position over time, even if exposed to water, wet soil, or the atmosphere. In addition, a need exists for a plant support fixture that is aesthetically pleasing and that does not appear unnatural or artificial. A need also exists for a plant support fixture that does not require substantial time and labor to setup or maintain. A further need exists for a plant support fixture that provides a means for a freshly cut plant or a living plant with roots to be supplied with the needed water or soil and a means for excess water to drain away from the roots of the plant.

Accordingly, it is a principle object of the present invention to provide a plant support fixture capable of maintaining a substantially vertical position, even after long periods of time exposed to water, wet soil, or the atmosphere.

In addition, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a plant support fixture that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and that compliments the natural appearance of flowers and plants.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a plant support fixture that does not require substantial time or labor to setup or maintain.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a plant support fixture that supplies a freshly cut plant or a living plant with water or soil.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a plant support fixture that allows excess water to drain away from the roots of the plant.

Further objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention solve the problems and address the drawbacks of the approaches in the above description. An embodiment of the present invention comprises an improved decorative plant support fixture that provides a stable, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing support structure for easily and rapidly securing and supporting flower or plant stems and providing them with water or soil. The support fixture is comprised of a pot or receptacle having a bottom and side walls, and a main support unit. The side walls of the receptacle are substantially vertical and have a top surface. The bottom and side walls of the receptacle define the outer shape of the receptacle and also define the boundaries of the inner central cavity of the receptacle. Flowers or plants can be placed in the central cavity of the receptacle and the remainder of the central cavity can be filled with the desired amount of water or soil. The receptacle may be fashioned in a variety of different shapes including, but not limited to, a cube, a rectangular polyhedron, a cylinder, or a concave dish. The receptacle can be made of different materials including, but not limited to, ceramic, wood, porcelain, plastic, glass, iron, steel, pewter, stone, or concrete. In addition, the receptacle may be fashioned to have a simple design with little or no ornamentation or it may have a more decorative, ornamental design on its outer surface.

The main support unit extends vertically from the receptacle and has a proximal and a distal end. The proximal end is the end nearest (and point of attachment) to the receptacle. The distal end is the end away (free end) from the receptacle. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the proximal end of the main support unit is slidably inserted into a complimentarily sized hole slot in the top surface of the side wall, such that the main support unit is securely held in a substantially vertical position.

One or more support arm members may be attached to and may extend radially from the main support unit. The main support unit and the support arm members may be formed as a single unit or alternatively, the support arm members may be removeably attached to the main support unit. Depending on the complexity of the design, the plant support fixture may have one support arm member or more than one support arm member. The support arm members may extend away from the main support unit at various radial angles, such that the support arm members are fanned out in an array to allow for a number of flowers and plant stems to be supported. The support arm members may be of differing lengths and may attach to the main support unit at varying heights around the main support unit, so as to accommodate a variety of different flower and plant stems and to present them in an aesthetically pleasing manner. In addition, the support arm members may be formed into an open coil shape, which allows the flower and plant stems to be inserted into the support arm members easily and rapidly while being held into place without the need for extraneous string or twine ties. Moreover, the support arm members may be comprised of open coil shapes of varying outside diameters, so as to accommodate one or more flower or plant stems per support arm member or to accommodate flower or plant stems of varying diameters. The main support unit and the support arm members may be made from a variety of different materials including, but not limited to, steel, iron, or aluminum.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the plant support fixture may further comprise feet members attached to the bottom of the receptacle. The feet members may be removeably attached to the bottom of the receptacle, allowing different types of feet members to be interchanged with the same receptacle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the feet members may have a flat contact surface with the ground. A plant support fixture equipped with flat feet members is suitable for use either indoors or outdoors. In alternative embodiments, the feet members may have a contact surface with the ground that is spike-shaped. The spike-shaped, contact surface may taper to a substantially pointed tip. The spike-shaped feet members are configured to form into shapes such as, but not limited to, an inverted cone or an inverted pyramid, which are suitable for penetrating into soil, sand or grass. The spike-shaped feet members, may allow the plant support fixture to be securely anchored to the ground by pressing the fixture into the ground, such that the spike-shaped feet members penetrate the earth and become embedded into the ground. This provides stability to the plant support fixture when used outdoors on uneven surfaces.

A further embodiment may include feet members that have a hollow interior with holes on the surface for allowing the plant roots to absorb water and/or fertilizer from the surrounding soil. Further, the holes may also allow excess water to drain away from the central cavity of the support fixture.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the plant support fixture may further include a central distribution unit, which may attach to the distal end of the main support unit. One or more support arm members may protrude from the central distribution unit at various radial angles around the central distribution unit. The plant support fixture may further include at least two radial support members, which may attach the main support unit to the receptacle. Furthermore, the main support unit may be positioned above the center point of the receptacle, raised above the soil or water in the central cavity, such that flowers and plants may be arranged circumferentially around the main support unit.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the plant support fixture may further comprise an attachment means for securing the main support unit to a wall or any substantially vertical surface.

These and other embodiments of the present invention are further made apparent, in the remainder of the present document, to those of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more fully describe embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, FIGS. 1-6. These drawings are not to be considered limitations in the scope of the invention, but are merely illustrative.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a plant support fixture, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a plant support fixture having two support arm members fixed to the main support unit and spiked foot members attached to the bottom of the receptacle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the plant support fixture having various support arm members that are rigidly attached at unequal heights and unequal radial angles around the main support unit.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a plant support fixture having a single support arm member fixed to the main support unit and flat foot members attached to the bottom of the receptacle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a simple plant support fixture having a means for attaching the fixture to a wall or substantially vertical surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a plant support fixture having a central distribution unit attached to the distal end of the main support unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The description above and below and the drawings of the present document focus on one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention and also describe some exemplary optional features and/or alternative embodiments. The description and drawings are for the purpose of illustration and not limitation. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize variations, modifications, and alternatives. Such variations, modifications, and alternatives are also within the scope of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention includes a decorative plant support fixture 20, as shown in FIG. 1. Decorative plant support fixture 20 is comprised of a decorative pot, planter, or receptacle 6 having a bottom and side walls 7, a main support unit 2, and one or more foliage and plant support arm members 4. The bottom and side walls 7 of receptacle 6 define the outer shape of receptacle 6 and also are configured to form an enclosed inner central cavity 10. Flowers and plants may be placed in central cavity 10 along with the appropriate amount of water or soil. Receptacle 6 may be fashioned in a variety of different shapes and sizes including, but not limited to, a cube, a rectangular polyhedron, a cylinder, or a concave dish. Receptacle 6 may be made from various materials including, but not limited to, ceramic, wood, porcelain, plastic, glass, iron, steel, pewter, stone, or concrete. Further, receptacle 6 may be fashioned to have a simple design with little or no ornamentation or it may have a more decorative, ornamental design on its outer surface, as shown in FIG. 1.

Main support unit 2 has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is the end nearest to the receptacle and the distal end is the end away from the receptacle. A hole slot is located on a top surface of side wall 7 for slideably receiving the proximal end of main support unit 2. Main support unit 2 is secured to receptacle 6 and is held in a substantially vertical position. One or more support arm members 4 are rigidly attached to main support unit 2. Alternatively, support arm members 4 can be removeably attached to main support unit 2. Support arm members 4 extend away from main support unit 2 at various radial angles, such that support arm members 4 are fanned out in an array to allow for a number of flowers and plant stems to be supported. Support arm members 4 may be of differing lengths and may attach to main support unit 2 at varying heights around main support unit 2, so as to accommodate a variety of different flower and plant stems and to present them in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Main support unit 2 and support arm members 4 may be made from a variety of different materials including, but not limited to, steel, iron, or aluminum.

Decorative plant support fixture 20 further includes a plurality of foot members 8 attached to the bottom of receptacle 6. Foot member 8 may have a contact surface that is flat 12 (“flat foot member”), as shown in FIG. 3, or shaped like a spike (“spike-shaped foot member”), as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. Foot member 8 may be removeably attached to the bottom of receptacle 6, allowing different types of foot members 8 to be interchanged with the same receptacle 6. Spike-shaped foot member 8 may penetrate the soil, sand or grass to anchor plant support fixture 20 into the ground, thus providing stability to plant support fixture 20 when used outdoors and on uneven surfaces. Foot member 8 has a hollow interior. The outer surface of foot member 8 has a plurality of holes or cutouts 9 for allowing the flowers or plants contained in central cavity 10 to absorb water and/or fertilizer from the surrounding soil. Holes 9 further allow excess water in central cavity 10 to drain away from the flowers and plants.

Referring now to FIG. 4 is a support fixture 40, showing support arm members 4 protruding radially around main support unit 2 at various angles to give support arm members 4 a fanned-out appearance. Support arm members 4 may be of varying lengths and are shown protruding from main support unit 2 at various heights, so as to give a more natural, unconventional appearance to the flowers and plants displayed in receptacle 6. Furthermore, the arrangement of support arm members 4 at various heights, lengths, and radial angles around main support unit 2 accommodates the display of multiple stages of growth and different heights of foliage.

FIG. 2, illustrates a main support unit 2 having two support arm members 4, which allows for the flowers and plants to be grouped in a bunch for a bouquet arrangement, rather than spread out among a plurality of support arm members 4.

Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, is a plant support fixture 50 having a central distribution unit 16 attached to the distal end of main support unit 2. Central distribution unit 16 may be attached to main support unit 2 by attachment means including, but not limited to, one or more screws or by being welded to main support unit 2. In this embodiment, support arm members 4 protrude from central distribution unit 16 rather than from main support unit 2. Support arm members 4 may be arranged radially and at various angles around central distribution unit 16. An additional feature of this embodiment is that main support unit 2 may be supported above the central cavity 10 of receptacle 6 by radial support members 14. One end of radial support members 14 attach to the proximal end of main support unit 2. A second end of radial support members 14 attach to receptacle 6 so that main support unit 2 is raised and not touching the soil or water in receptacle 6. Furthermore, main support unit 2 is positioned above the center point of receptacle 6, which allows for the flowers and plants to be placed circumferentially around main support unit 2.

Referring now to FIG. 6, is a plant support fixture 20 having an attachment means 22 for attaching main support unit 2 to any substantially vertical surface. Attachment means 22 comprises of inserting a fastener into a hole in support arm member 4. The fastener may be a screw or nail. The fastener is then secured into a wall or other substantially vertical surface. To support larger plant support fixtures, a plurality of attachment means 22 may be provided.

Throughout the description and drawings, example embodiments are given with reference to specific configurations. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms. Those of ordinary skill in the art would be able to practice such other embodiments without undue experimentation. The scope of the present invention, for the purpose of the present patent document, is not limited merely to the specific example embodiments of the foregoing description, but rather is indicated by the appended claims. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents within the claims are intended to be considered as being embraced within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A plant support fixture comprising:

a receptacle comprising a top, a bottom, a plurality of side walls, and a hole slot located on a top edge of the side wall, the side walls are configured to form an enclosed central cavity, wherein the receptacle has an inner surface facing towards the central cavity and an outer surface facing away from the central cavity; and

a main support unit comprising one or more support arm members, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is inserted into the hole slot and the main support unit extends in a substantially vertical direction relative to the receptacle, and the one or more support arm members have a first end and a second end, the first end is rigidly attached to the main support unit, and the second end supports a plant growth.

2. The support fixture of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of foot members attached to the bottom of the receptacle, the foot members comprising a plurality of side walls configured to form an enclosed hollow interior.

3. The support fixture of claim 2, wherein the foot members are removeably attached to the bottom of the receptacle.

4. The support fixture of claim 2, wherein the foot members further comprising a contact surface, that tapers to a substantially pointed tip, and the side walls having a plurality of holes.

5. The support fixture of claim 2, wherein the foot members further comprising a contact surface that is flat, and the side walls having a plurality of holes.

6. The support fixture of claim 1, wherein the one or more support arm members are curved into an open shaped coil configuration for supporting plant growth.

7. The support fixture of claim 6, wherein the plant growth that is supported by the one or more support arm members is selected from the group consisting of plant stem, fresh cut flower, artificial flower, and assorted foliage.

8. The support fixture of claim 1, wherein the one or more support arm members are curved to form a plurality of open shaped coils, the coils having unequal outside diameters.

9. The support fixture of claim 1, wherein the one or more support arm members are rigidly attached at unequal heights and unequal radial angles around the main support unit.

10. A plant support fixture comprising:

a receptacle configure to form an enclosed central cavity, wherein the receptacle has an inner surface facing towards the central cavity and an outer surface facing away from the central cavity; and

a main support unit comprising one or more support arm members, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is rigidly attached to a top edge of the receptacle, wherein the main support unit extends substantially vertically from the receptacle, and the one or more support arm members have a first end and a second end, the first end is rigidly attached to the main support unit, and the second end supports a plant growth.

11. The support fixture of claim 10, wherein the receptacle is configured to form a cube.

12. The support fixture of claim 10, wherein the receptacle is configured to form a rectangular polyhedron.

13. The support fixture of claim 10, wherein the receptacle is configured to form a cylinder.

14. The support fixture of claim 10, wherein the receptacle is configured to form a concave dish.

15. The support fixture of claim 10, further comprising a fastening means for attaching the support fixture to a wall or substantially vertical surface.

16. A plant support fixture comprising:

a receptacle configure to form an enclosed central cavity, wherein the receptacle has an inner surface facing towards the central cavity and an outer surface facing away from the central cavity;

a main support unit comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end is rigidly attached to a first end of a radial support member and a second end of the radial support member is rigidly attached to the receptacle; and

a central distribution unit attached to the distal end wherein one or more support members are radially attached to the central distribution unit.